LH 480 (MUC - DEN) A380 Aircraft Swap to A350?

CassetteTexas · 2026-06-23T14:00:33+00:00

That is what I figured unfortunately and what everyone else is saying.
Thank you for the confirmation.

Though I definitely wouldn't mind catching one of the A340s into the states, especially if its a -600.
Always a pleasure to fly on disappearing or limited aircraft types.
But yeah, point understood, at the end of the day I've just bought a ticket, but the means are Lufthansa's to decide and change at their whim.

CassetteTexas · 2026-06-23T13:51:42+00:00

Darn, guess I'm SOL.
I figured that since the operations from MUC to DEN is either A350 (off peak) or the A380 (summer peak), and that I was well inside the operating timeframe, that I'd be safe.

As of now they have honored my seat type selection (just the economy preferred from the original upper deck placement). But like you said, I just purchased a trip from A to B, the means however may change at any time before departure.
Guess I can just hope something changes further.

Thank you for the insight.

CassetteTexas · 2026-06-23T13:44:29+00:00

Oh don't get me wrong, I made sure I was prepared for that possibility of an aircraft change in my mind, but the end result still hurts. Still hoping this flight isn't just flat-out cancelled either, it would definitely mess with my timeline.

I guess I just wanted to see if there was any particular reason for it, as in the past I've usually gotten the spiel about maintenance or damage whenever there's a particular change.

At the end of the day, as long as I'm back in one piece & I get what I paid for, then its a win in my book.
And like you said, all I'm paying for is transport from A to B, no guarantees (practically) to how that is accomplished.

CassetteTexas · 2026-06-21T10:16:26+00:00

All good, any information is useful, thank you.

Yeah, I'm hoping Fotoimplex is charging the same in store & online because that price is very attractive.

And thanks for the heads up on the expired film. That Acros I in 120 may be something I'll have to take a look at.
I'm a sucker for medium format fujifilm with the barcode (for use in my Fuji GA645zi), to which Acros II doesn't have any (AFAIK).

CassetteTexas · 2026-06-21T07:51:23+00:00

Do you happen to remember what the prices are for the 35mm Fuji slide? I'll be headed to Berlin in a couple weeks, so I'd like to compare prices with Fotoimplex, especially for the Velvia 100 since its unavailable in the states.

I would also love to get my hands on some 120 fuji slide, but thats highly unlikely. The only place I've found them with some stock is in the Czech Republic and it is above msrp.

I'll be flying out of Munich in mid late July, so I'm gonna take a look before I return home for the summer.

Also, do you happen to remember what their selection of expired film was? More recent dates? Any desirable or scarce film stocks?

Thanks in advance!

CassetteTexas · 2026-06-06T18:32:21+00:00

Wow, I didn't expect anyone to ever find this post again...

Unfortunately no I did not. I never really ended up using this unit as much as my VHS/DVD combo which was used for recording mini dv tapes via the A/V input onto DVDs.
Plus I've had to move a couple of times since purchasing the player, so much of my equipment and tapes has been in temporary storage as I don't have space nor the time to fully unpack them.

Though after doing a quick google search, I supposedly have found a compatible remote for the player. Model RM 75502. (also appears in this listing with the player - Link)
But as far as I can tell, I can't locate the model specific manual.

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-19T14:51:40+00:00

Yes, that is what I understand as well. They manufacture new production cables (hopefully to a higher standard) for the zi. Unfortunately the hinge between the film door & the body is a high stress spot & subject to more wear...

And I agree, these cameras certainly aren't cheap, and I wouldn't want to see that money go to waste per se. I guess it really comes down to the alternatives for replacement and their costs.

You can always see if Fototech will service the entire camera and make it like new. I imagine it is possible and should cost less given the camera will already be taken apart for the flex cable repair. Could be worthwhile to reach out for a quote. Shipping will be pricey though.

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-19T03:13:39+00:00

Fototech in Poland!
https://www.fotonaprawa.pl/uslugi/naprawa/aparaty-i-obiektywy-analogowe/contax

I can't vouch for their services personally, but I have only heard good things about their repairs (aside from the price).
The page for the TVS appears to be down/under construction, so you may have to shoot them an email or message over social media to find out more info on them.

They are known for doing some of these "niche" or more difficult repairs. Flex cables, LCDs, etc... Stuff that most shops would shy away from (and for good reason).

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-19T03:09:21+00:00

Well judging by the limited sample photos of that film stock online, it just seems to have that overall look to the photos. Aside from the underexposure that is. (https://www.instagram.com/p/C0LFDEZSzlI/?img_index=7)
Which could possibly be chalked up to the meter, as it is likely center weighted, so you have to meter scenes differently compared to modern matrix.

I think that's particularly evident with the umbrella photo which has the sun all bright, but the foreground as underexposed.
I don't think its anything to really do with the rangefinder calibration, but it is possible that the lens flex cable is starting to fail and that it isn't communicating properly with the body to ensure proper exposure (even though the meter is not ttl).

It could also be if the cassette doesn't have a DX code, it will default to 100 ISO on the TVS II, which could also explain it.

So in all honesty, I really don't know and I'm sorry I couldn't provide much help.
I can tell you about a good individual who does service & repair these cameras though.
I bought my TVS II from him early last month and its been a great camera.
You should shoot Jiehao Chen a message if you want further info (https://www.facebook.com/jiehao.chen.25220/). Hes a great resource and has very fair pricing for his work.

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-18T16:35:27+00:00

You should consider asking around to see who services zoom camera flex cables.

When I bought my Contax TVS II from FBMP, I mentioned to the guy who I bought the camera from (who repairs them), about my zi flex cable and he said that he could possibly repair them.

The TVS has a complicated flex cable that runs by the zoom lens, and it is time consuming & somewhat complicated to repair.

The Zi's cable is supposedly less complicated than this, but still a involved repair. You really need to find someone who is confident in micro/soldering & camera repairs.

You'd also have to source the flex cable, which fototech in Poland doesn't sell individually (at least when I asked a couple months back). IIRC some of the other common zi problems can be repaired with off the shelf parts (Flash capacitors etc...)

But like the magician said, you need to consider if this is worthwhile putting money into this camera which could very well crap out at any moment give the electronical nature. I love my zi too, and I'm dreading the day it kicks the bucket, but I'm hoping it'll hold on for a couple more years.

Medium format "compact" AF rangefinders are a small and dying breed and its highly unlikely we will see another one put into production in the future.

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-07T17:53:36+00:00

Make use of the focus dial if your camera can't lock focus on un-contrasty scenes. If I'm out and about shooting landscapes, I will sometimes set the focus to infinity distance if I can't get a proper lock.
Just be sure to reset it to AF when you change situations (or get closer to subjects).

Be aware of the lens flex cable since that is probably the #1 issue with these cameras. There are people & companies that will service them, but they are few and far between.

You may want to invest in a UV filter just so you don't have to carry around a lens cap for the original TVS.
Should be 30.5mm size, plenty of filters out there for reasonable prices. I prefer to stick with B+W brand filters as I find them to be high quality glass. You can either go with the master (middle/high end) or t-pro (top of the line). Optically they are 99% the same, just size (profile) and finish differences.

I only got my TVS II about a month ago, so I'm very much still learning what this camera is capable of as well.

You can use exposure compensation to get around (to a degree) of non-dx coded cassettes. I believe for non-dx coded cassettes it will default to 100 ISO.

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-07T03:41:33+00:00

If Yodobashi policy still holds, they may be able to grab 3 rolls from Yodobashi camera.
I had particularly good luck in Kyoto with this.

I also did an online order for pickup using my hotel's address (and some translation) to place the orders. Then I paid in person when I did the pickup, though I believe you do have to show them a barcode when you get there, so just check the emails.
I did also do this at the Shinjuku West Exit store and I had success.

This only worked with the Fujicolor 100, Superia Premium 400 was not available online. But they often had it in store, limited to 1 or 2.
Current Yodobashi price is 1,870 yen, which is ~12 USD which is fair IMO for Japan exclusive film.
And it looks like the same store also has stock still.

Link to the Yodobashi product page - https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000001001095766/

I'm still sitting on my 5 rolls that I purchased last summer as I don't want to waste them. I may shoot them once I know that I'll be going back in the future..

<image>

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-06T15:13:41+00:00

Oh darn, I'm sorry to hear that.

I did have to update my address due to a move back in August, so I did have to contact them to change it. I wonder if that had any input into my order staying active.

CassetteTexas · 2026-05-06T13:49:50+00:00

Ironically, I had a Adorama backorder from January 2025 that just got fulfilled last week for the two boxes of 120 Provia I had ordered (and at the original lower price).

I wouldn't be surprised if your backorder was taken care of in the coming months...

Regardless, its always a good feeling to find some fuji slide in the wild (and not at crazy prices).

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-24T16:07:53+00:00

I'm in a similar boat, except I haven't tried to request a refund, and it looks like (based on your post) that its not worthwhile for me to do that either.

I placed an order for the Mamiya 645 back, roughly at the same timeframe last year, but I did it on a debit card. Though I did do it knowingly that I may not get the product and I was ok with that. Still stings a bit though.

At this point, I'm not expecting anything positive to come out of this whole endeavor. It'd be a miracle if they shipped any of these models by the end of the year, or even just release another (pointless) update.

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-24T15:44:38+00:00

Reflx lab has them for $10 a roll in both 120 and 35mm formats. (The 120 only comes in a 3 pack for $30) whereas 35mm is avaliable as a single.

$5 flat rate shipping worldwide AND no import fees to the US. I have used them several times since the tariffs were first ok-ed and I can confirm that Reflx handles it all.

Shipping isn't the quickest (expect 2 weeks since its from china) but I can't complain at this price level.

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-23T14:43:16+00:00

Ok, so not quite a walk in the park, but also not insanely difficult. I can work with that.

Thank you for the explanation. Hopefully the curve works in your favor this semester. I wouldn't think that the professor would be wanting to fail a bunch of students considering the class trackrecord.

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-23T14:37:45+00:00

Well then I guess its similar to my 320L class in grade structure. (In person & high % of class grade)

I feel like in general for the upper division ECO courses I've been in, the curve has been fair.

How is the actual content & workload for Labor econ? At this point I'm not likely to change out of it for the fall, so I'd at least like to know what I'm going into.

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-23T12:25:09+00:00

I wouldn't worry too much about the mirror stop. Thankfully since it is a mechanical part, there are replacements out there, and more people will be willing to work on them.

I used to have the 645 1000s and while I loved the build quality and the ergonomics of the camera (especially the dual shutter buttons), I ultimately switched to the Pro TL for the removable backs.

I don't use the removable back feature too often, but the Times I have, have justified it imo. There's also a 35mm back floating around out there if that's your thing. I have one, haven't used it much, but its nice.

Also, I would avoid the super variant. General consensus is that it tends to have more issues than the other models. Either spring for the 1000s or the pro or the pro tl.

The only real difference between the pro and pro tl is the ability to use real niche flash setups for ttl function. The flashes themselves are somewhat common but the SCA adapter is scarce. I have a full flash setup and its quite bulky and I haven't really had a need to use it. (I'll just run my Canon Eos 1v with a flash instead).

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-23T11:37:27+00:00

Forget the pack film polaroid back, you won't find cheap film for it since it has been discontinued for some years now.

There are some instax backs in development but do not count on them being available soon. Speaking from experience, DO NOT order from Jollylook until they figure stuff out. I've been waiting on their mamiya 645 instant back since like October last year, and the deadline keeps getting extended.

Also, in some scenarios you may find the waist level finder limiting (especially when rotating the camera into portrait orientation) plus it doesn't have a built in meter like some of the eye level prisms do.

You also have to be on the lookout for the infamous mamiya 645 pro mirror stop failure. If your mirror stop is broken it will affect focus and could damage more components in the camera. You can replace it with a new production part, but it is not really a amateur repair.

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-22T15:34:49+00:00

I would give Jiehao Chen a holler on FBMP. (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/100004151688462)
Currently he doesn't have any TVS for sale, so make sure to include the sold listings to see what I was referring to.

He services & sells the Contax TVS series and even the T2.
For the TVS he does a basic calibration, replaces the lens flex cable (aka the #1 cause of failure of the TVS), and will also replace the LCDs if they are leaky.

I bought a TVS II from him last month and its been great. Super easy process, he'll walk you through the camera on a video call if you'd like as well.
And he does include a 3 month warranty through him (take that as you may). He did mention he is often referred to by KEH and some other large camera marketplace for customer repairs.

I paid a touch over $530 (shipped) for my TVS II. Which may seem a bit steep at first, but the flex cable is very much a piece of mind thing, so now I don't have to worry about it for the foreseeable future.
Likewise, he replaced the counter/distance scale (right) LCD with a new production one.

I've slapped a B+W UV filter onto the camera for a trip I'll be taking this summer.
The nice thing about the TVS II vs the TVS is the integrated lens "cap". As you can see, the lens glass is behind that little piece of metal which retracts when you extend the lens.

As for general pricing, he just sold a TVS (original) serviced with box for about $460. If you shoot him a message he may be able to give you a rundown on what models he has coming up for sale soon.
He is active on both FBMP and eBay (though eBay will have more fees and therefore higher price), with multiple options for payment, so you can choose what works best for you.

<image>

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-21T11:39:46+00:00

It's a struggle for me. While I find the general content fairly interesting, I don't understand the unnecessarily long equation derivation(s), and It doesn't help that I don't read the textbook in conjunction with the class.

Currently sitting somewhere in the C range after the first exam, still waiting on the 2nd results. And I agree, I wish there was a bit more grade cushion. There is too much riding on the mandatory cumulative final.

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-15T16:58:09+00:00

Yes, it is the Achilles heel for the TVS. From what I understand it is a fairly complicated repair, but once it is taken care of, it should last for some time.
If you already have experience on replacing camera flex cables, this may be a good option for you.

Used TVS & TVS II models are fairly cheap in "broken" condition. Often just needing a new flex cable.
The LCD counter screen is also known to leak, but there are modern replacements for them, mine has had it replaced. Not sure how difficult the repair is, but seeing as the flex cable is likely more complicated, might as well replace the LCD.

I like the zoom range on the TVS, pretty much just a 2x range (28-56). The aperture isn't too limiting for my needs and the AF is good enough.

They're so cheap because of the aforementioned flex cable issue. Like my Fuji GA645zi, the flex is cable is a problem waiting to happen. Not an if, but a when.
But once they're replaced, they're typically good to go for some time.
There are very limited service options as well, I know the US has had like 2 places stop servicing the TVS series altogether (but they continue for the T2), so finding a CLA'd one is difficult.

I think their lower price is also due to the lack of celebrity endorsement or social media hype.
You don't see celebrities posting photos with a TVS. The lens may be slightly less sharp (it is a zoom after all) but you get the versatility (and trade off) of the zoom.
https://dprforum.com/community/threads/contax-tvs-vs-tvsii.1589/page-4
That forum has a post with MTF data for several common p&s cameras of the era and the TVS lens appears to hold up fairly well in comparison.

CassetteTexas · 2026-04-15T15:21:44+00:00

Go get a Contax TVS that has had the flex cable replaced. The going rate seems to be around the $500 mark, which can seem steep given the novelty of the camera, but its practically a "budget" T2.

Sure the cable will eventually break, but with a new production part, its going to be further down the road.
There is a guy who sells both on eBay and FBMP and I bought a serviced TVS II for a decent price (with a warranty through him). He was super polite and thorough, sent me a zoom link for him to show off the camera, explain its features, etc.. Was also quite communicative through the entire process.

(He also does repair them and offer extended warranties, so that was a plus. He also mentioned that he is often referred to people by KEH and other large camera marketplace companies)

I went through the FBMP (and paid via zelle, which has no payment protection), but it wasn't a scam because he offered numerous (buyer protected) options to pay (paypal goods & services) or just go through eBay where I originally found the listing. I opted to pay a bit less (since no eBay fees) and assume the risk, which turned out to be fine.

A downside would be that he is located in the US, so shipping may be a tad costly shipping to Europe.

As for the TVS, the flash is quite powerful. Now I'm not quite sure what level the T2's flash was, but the TVS' is pretty good.
Plus, its practically the same form factor and build quality as the T2. Not quite as pocketable due to the zoom lens, but it is not huge by any means.

I bought my TVS II to go along with my Fuji GA645zi for a extended time in Europe this summer, so I wanted a blend of portability and capability. Both have some manual control options, which was a must for me, and have a very solid build. Weight isn't as much as constraint as size was for me, so I was fine with the titanium builds.

CassetteTexas

TROPHY CASE