Pentax 645 issues

Joeturner11

Joeturner11

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Just picked up a Pentax 645 & 75mm f/2.8 outfit, got at a very good price to say the least, personally bit of a novice on the medium format film stuff always shot 35mm before.

Having put some batteries in it I realized the mirror was stuck up and regardless of the on/off switch with batteries in its always on, so used the manual rewind and got it back down, shot a shot (with the film back off only way it fired) and it has stuck up, then manual wind to bring it back down again. I have not loaded a film yet because of this but have read it could be similar to the Nikon F4 it wont fire properly without a film loaded, not sure if this is normal behavior or I have an underlying issue with the mirror sticking up/not turning off?

Any help guidance will be much appreciated
 
Well the obvious first question from a bystander unfamiliar with a P645 is......does the camera have a mirror up function, and if it does, does it toggle on/off..:)
 
I had a similar issue with my 645n. After much panic, I loaded a film, pressed the shutter and everything went back to normal.

I recall that the 645n does not like being used without film in it.
 
Harlequin565 said:
I had a similar issue with my 645n. After much panic, I loaded a film, pressed the shutter and everything went back to normal.

I recall that the 645n does not like being used without film in it.
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Noted hopefully in the same boat, I'll load a roll in Monday when the 120 stuff gets here and hopefully it cures any worries, I have seen online a few things about they hate being dry fired
 
Joeturner11 said:
Just picked up a Pentax 645 & 75mm f/2.8 outfit, got at a very good price to say the least, personally bit of a novice on the medium format film stuff always shot 35mm before.

Having put some batteries in it I realized the mirror was stuck up and regardless of the on/off switch with batteries in its always on, so used the manual rewind and got it back down, shot a shot (with the film back off only way it fired) and it has stuck up, then manual wind to bring it back down again. I have not loaded a film yet because of this but have read it could be similar to the Nikon F4 it wont fire properly without a film loaded, not sure if this is normal behavior or I have an underlying issue with the mirror sticking up/not turning off?

Any help guidance will be much appreciated
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It's also worth checking the instruction manual to confirm any very specific battery requirements. For instance, I think it was my Bronica SQ-A that required PX28 batteries that were silver oxide specifically with the manual advising against the lithium or alkaline versions (or something to this effect).
 
I haven't used an early 645 but have two 645Ns and haven't had the issues you describe, but as others have said it they need film in to fire properly. I think a test roll is in order. Can you check with the original owner? You said it was cheap, but what is the history of the camera? The camera will be quite old, IIRC the 645 was made between 1984 and 1997 when the 645N was introduced. Long term lack of use can have an impact. A CLA might sort out if it has issues
 
Finding someone to do a CLA on a 645 is not easy. I've got one that needs it, and my usual go-to Pentax man doesn't do MF (Robin Gowing).
 
lindsay said:
Finding someone to do a CLA on a 645 is not easy. I've got one that needs it, and my usual go-to Pentax man doesn't do MF (Robin Gowing).
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A CLA maybe well in order indeed, as you say its just finding someone, I've found a few companies online I'll give them a ring around tomorrow and see if anyone will touch it for me, I use to use Miles Whitehead but like many hes time repairing has come to an end
 
I guess you read page 14 of the manual.
It says the film back should be removed.

Other than that, I've never owned a Pentax.
 
lindsay said:
Finding someone to do a CLA on a 645 is not easy. I've got one that needs it, and my usual go-to Pentax man doesn't do MF (Robin Gowing).
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I use Asahi Photo in Brentford to service my Pentax gear, they're Pentax trained and I've been very happy with the quality of their work.

Asahi Photo – Pentax Repair and Service

www.asahiphoto.co.uk www.asahiphoto.co.uk
 
Thanks Nick. I'll contact them about my own 645
 
Joeturner11 said:
Sadly they won’t touch the 645 had a email back from them just saying they won’t/can’t service the camera
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That's a real shame, they're spot on with my 67 gear.
 
Yes, a shame, it was the same answer from Robin Gowing.
 
Joeturner11 said:
Sadly they won’t touch the 645 had a email back from them just saying they won’t/can’t service the camera
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That's a worry, a Pentax 645 has been on my (fortunately low level) GAS list for eons!
 
Please update us on the outcome and how this repairer worked out, I'm very interested
 
@lindsay

How's the large format thing going.
I'm looking at that right now.
 
@soupdragon I processed my first couple of negatives, and had cocked up the use of the film holders, double exposing them, but at least I had a bit of practice and a learning experience. I've been waiting for a combination of time and weather for another go, which would have been ideally last week but the weather has been unremittingly sh*te! Very frustrating, I have a number of film projects on the go never mind some digital cameras needing exercise.
I've got a Pentax 645 that needs attention, hence the interest in Joe's experiences; that's another potential project!
 
lindsay said:
@soupdragon I processed my first couple of negatives, and had cocked up the use of the film holders, double exposing them, but at least I had a bit of practice and a learning experience. I've been waiting for a combination of time and weather for another go, which would have been ideally last week but the weather has been unremittingly sh*te! Very frustrating, I have a number of film projects on the go never mind some digital cameras needing exercise.
I've got a Pentax 645 that needs attention, hence the interest in Joe's experiences; that's another potential project!
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I hear you on the weather front, it's been abysmal.
I have two Hasselblads and a new lens standing idle at the moment.
 
That's very disappointing all round. Maybe worth a follow up phone call?
 
Joeturner11 said:
no fix cant be done and to no explanation why this has changed
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I guess that's because it's an electronic fault. I have an issue with my 645n where shutter priority doesn't work. The 1st photo is fine, but the lens stops down to that aperture and stays on it. The next photo meters all wrong because of the stopped down aperture and things just go from bad to worse. Thankfully, manual and aperture priority are fine. I think I spoke to every repair centre I could find, and none of them would look at it as it was an "electronic issue".
 
I am by no means an expert but I was looking into the 645 as an entry into medium format. When looking into issues etc I kept coming across issues with failures and no repairs. Commonly it was because of circuitry which was irrepairable and needed a replacement. Perhaps TCS can give you some kind of confirmation on that though.
 
Joeturner11 said:
I will do for sure and let you know, camera has already been returned to me, shame really the hunt continues for a repairer!
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It’s going to be a pain to ship to them but contact Amsterdam Camera Repairs.

They’ve shown some extensive repair work on their social media before.
 
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