Help in watching VHS-C secam tapes on PAL equp.

[Out_In_The_Cold]

Hi, completey out in the old on this one.

My french wife as been given 40 odd old vhs-c tapes in Secam format from when she was very young, we tried watching via a Vhs - C cassette adapter on PAL VHS player with no joy - no sound only scrambled images.
She would like to view them, to know which ones to get proffessionally put onto DVD.

What's the simplest, cheapest (of course) and DIY'est way to see them at least in B/W before selecting?
We've asked friends in France if thaey still have camcorders or VCR in secam without joy. Is they a way on any PAL equipement?
Any suggestions greatly apreciated.

[Quint]

I remember, that airings from the former GDR and also French ones could be easily seen in PAL-tvs, just without color, only black & white, I am 100% sure with this. So maybe there is another problem with your equipment, I fear.

[DB83]

Yes. From other forum topics a SECAM vhs should play in B&W in a PAL vcr


The issue could be the adapter. There are two types - motorised or not. Do a forum search for more info on these.