Hi Cliff,
You've apparently changed your desiderata since your first post, which also mentioned VHS, Betamax, therefore cassette machines.
With your new requirement, i.e. an open reel VTR, i scanned all the German sections and found nothing worth even giving you the link to.
In consumer, there are thousands of VHS machines, more than 100 S-VHS, etc.
In the professionnal Broadcasting section, everything is way too modern, except for a few beat-up old U-Matic machines.
France, same thing, UK also.
Saw a couple of Akai 1/4 inch portable VTRs. They are cute for static display, but hopeless to work properly. 99% of them have shot video heads and the special 1/4" videotape is impossible to find. Using audio tape guarantees head destruction within minutes.
I think your best chance to acquire a decent 625/50 Euro machine, would be to post a request on 1) a UK forum, 2) a French forum.
Can you give more precise data on what you want, for instance 1/2 inch tape or 1 inch?
Brands? Major suppliers were Sony, Matshushita, Hitachi, Toshiba, & IVC (1")
Now, if you want to post, write me a text via PM. I will translate it in French & post on our RadioFil 2500 member forum in the TV section:
http://retro-forum.com/viewforum.php...020e1cd34ceb52
I will give you the link to the post, then you can watch yourself. If the "fish bites" i will help you with language issues.
Info about what you require concerning machine condition, accessories & how much you want to spend are all helpful.
Remember that AC powered EIAJ type machines are quite heavy and you will have to bear the shipping cost to your US location.
As a recent example, i've looked up prices for France --> US shipping of CRTs, for 25 lbs it came out to 130.00 Euros.
A cassette VCR would be much lighter to ship!
For the UK, you can post yourself as there is no language barrier. You have to inscribe yourself to post (it's free):
http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/f...splay.php?f=37
This is the most read British forum and many follow AK also.
Best Regards
jhalphen
Paris/France