Dead RF645, any suggestions or resources?

[Robin Harrison]

My RF645 appears dead. I haven't shot with it for probably a year (criminal, I know), and picking it up a few weeks ago I could get nothing from it (nothing in the VF). I've since installed fresh batteries, and even loaded some film in an attempt to see if that would trigger some action. Nothing. No shutter, no VF lights, nothing.

Any common electrical faults that might cause this? I've googled but haven't found a similar problem described. Any resources I might have missed that deal with similar problems?

I'm guessing that a fix would not be cheap, if possible.

 

[FrankS]

This is my greatest fear with electronic cameras. Unexpected, unexplained death. I hope a resolution can be found. Good luck.

 

[Robin Harrison]

I know, Frank. And with so few clues to go on. And with such a lovely lump of glass out front that is rendered useless without the current from the body. My meter batteries died in my MP while in Florence a few weeks back. Careless of me to let it happen, but so what?

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

My memory is sketchy, but i think the same thing happened to mine. Something electrical, anyway. I think i had to send it back to KEH because it was draining batteries even when switched off. It was at KEH forever, and then they couldn't fix it so they sent it to Tamron... and then i never saw it again. I don't know if Tamron gave up or if they lost it. I would call Tamron about it first, before going to any local repairman.

Really unfortunate. I liked that camera.

 

[oftheherd]

I'm guessing you have done the obvious of cleaning the battery contacts?

 

[Robin Harrison]

I'm guessing you have done the obvious of cleaning the battery contacts?

Umm...no. I did think of that, but there was no sign of corrosion or battery leaks. Will give it a go anyway, thanks.

 

[KenR]

I hate to say "I told you so", but have I posted several times that I thought the RF645 was a dog. Great lenses betrayed by a shoddy body. Sell it and get another camera!

 

[Jack Conrad]

Umm...no. I did think of that, but there was no sign of corrosion or battery leaks. Will give it a go anyway, thanks.

I just recently had a Nikon FE that was dead dead dead.
The battery compartment looked perfectly clean as well.

Well, mostly because I didn't know what else to do, I cleaned all around the compartment including the area around the screw threads that contacted the body.

Bingo. It lit up and worked like a new camera.

Here's hoping for ya! 😱