Just found a Sharp VHS from 1979

[waltchan]

Originally Posted by Eric H

Now it's still somewhat balky but it'll play a tape, the picture is snowy on half the screen because there isn't enough tension on the feed reel to keep it snug against the head, if I put a little drag on the tape with my finger I can get the picture to come in clear, I'm guessing another gummy lever somewhere keeping it from working right.

Do not adjust the tension band yet. Clean the video head prior to adjusting. It was adjusted at its best from the factory when it was new in 1979. I had this same problem.