Drum bum this is doable;
For example in my studio I use the fostex E-16/w 4050 auto-locator, then either the DA-38 or an alesis recorder.
Simply explained: the 4050 stripes a time code on trk 16 on the E-16 open reel.
the 4050 then reads the time code and converts it to a signal and sends it out on another cable to the MMC or whatever you choose to use to the DA-38.
The DA chases to the time code on the open reel thus you can have to different formats working together.
Always have the weaker format be the one thats chased.
digital always does a better job chasing than analogue.
This is not easy to do, but its not impossible either.
one must follow the instructions to the letter on the 4050, then instructions for the digi-whatever you are using.
No way is this a complete answer for you, because you must research the equipment that YOU have and see if its possible, In my case this was accidental by chance.
All I did was prime the pump for ya.....
da MUTT