So this is an old camcorder, records to VHS. It hasn't been used in years because we couldn't get a picture to show in the viewfinder (thought the battery was the problem, and never got a new battery). I have it plugged into an AC adapter right now and there's still no picture in the viewfinder. It stays black and it won't record anything, I've checked. Doesn't pick up sound either. But when I switch it over to Video mode and plug in headphones I can hear the movie playing (tried it with Small Soldiers).

I also downloaded the owner's manual for this camcorder, and the troubleshooting just says to take the lens cap off (it is) and to make sure it's powered on. So that's no help. It's too old to have a warranty, and too old to take it in for repairs somewhere. I'm trying to revive the thing myself. Google isn't helping much either.

Can anybody here tell me what I could do to fix this? Thanks.