Zenith VRD500ST Stereo VCR
 

I acquired an example of this stereo model from a thrift shop yesterday for $5. It has hardly any cosmetic damage and works perfectly. It is black (as opposed to silver) with white button text.
I looked up the model number of this deck and found that most search results for it were service manuals, with one defunct eBay listing being the only one on the first page of results that wasn't a service manual.
How lucky did I actually get in finding this perfectly working deck? Is it rare at all, seeing its relative obscurity?

I still have a side loaded Zenith VCR that is low miles & works
perfect. It was built by JVC. Zenith VCR's started with Sony
built Betamax machines. Later they switched to JVC VHS machines
& sales went through the roof. About 4 yrs later they switched to
Gold Star ( LG ) VCR's. Looking at the model number I think yours is
a GS.
The rarity does not translate into its value. The best thing is it still
works & looks good. Your $5 was not wasted. If nothing else
you can show off some "old hi tech":thmbsp: A cool piece of history.
OH dont run it into the ground. IMHO most old tapes are losing the
coatings & can clog up heads. Its kinda like an antique car that you take
out for a parade but not to go on a cross country trip.

73 Zeno:smoke:
LFOD !

As of now, it is the only VCR in my possession, and I have it hooked up to my Dish Network. I've already made recordings on it (and have Maxell Epitaxial cassettes coming) and have a stack of tapes to make captures from. Nonetheless, I'll try to use it pretty sparingly.

Does this apply to newer tapes, or only very old tapes?