Mamiya 645 1000s Shutter problems

[AlanJones]

Has any member out there had any experience of problems with the shutter on this model of camera?

My problem is that the shutter will cock and fire but the film is not being exposed. So I guess the problem lies with the blind or curtain which ever they call it. The last three frames of a film came out blank. I ran another film through to test and that too came out blank when I pulled it out the fixer. There was a new battery in the camera, the voltage is still good, I was using a prism viewfinder, all TTL metering functions were working, so I don't think the problem is electrical, but may be wrong.

I am wondering if this is a frequently occurring fault with these old cameras and if it is fixed, it won't recur. I would also like to ask if it is a job that I might tackle myself rather than find a repairer and spares availability if needed. My thoughts are really can it be fixed for a reasonable price or shall I bin the camera.

I will be most grateful for any help on this.

 

[nikon_sam]

You can fire the shutter without film to see if the curtains are opening...
Remove the lens and prism, pull the film insert, keep the back open, switch to "Multi"...
Wind shutter and watch if the curtains are opening...try it without the Prism then with it to help eliminate where the problem lies...
Don't forget to take the switch back from the "Multi" mode after testing...

You can pick up another body in decent shape for about $100US ...compare that to what sending it in will cost ya...

 

[Spanik]

How new is the M645 to you? I have the impression that it is the first time you use it. Or not?

Check the camera as described above. If the curtains don't move, try again with a new battery, fresh from the shop with a good date on it. I got a 645J that came with a battery that looked good but also failed to make the camera work. If the curtains move and the camera is new to you, then check that you put in the film the right way. You can put the fim in with the paper facing the lens and that doesn't work very well.

 

[sevo]

First of all, set it to Multi, and test without film (and insert), or it will take ages to figure out whether and when the shutter works.

Without battery, the shutter is supposed to open (and stay open) when pressing the release on all time settings, and will not close until pressing the battery test button. So a permanently shut shutter is no matter of lacking power. If it does not behave as described when you remove the battery, there will be something wrong with the shutter mechanics (second curtain catch failed or both curtains stuck together).

If it passes that test, and opens at manually set (long) speeds, but fails on the short ones, it is capping (i.e. the second curtain is overtaking the first on its travel) and the camera may need cleaning and relubrication. Check first whether there is no piece of paper stuck in the shutter rails - a common issue on FP shutter 120 cameras.

And try without the TTL prism attached - the prism or contacts might be be flawed as well.

 

[AlanJones]

My Mamiya 645 problems:

My Mamiya 645 problems:

Thanks to all who responded.

Sorry for the late reply as I was ill over the holiday period and had to go to hospital.

Tonight I have managed to feel composed enough to tackling the camera and have worked through your responses and I am happy to say it now appears to be working fine now. I cleaned out the inside and pulled some film roll backing paper out. Since I do my own developing, I have noticed that there is some heavy creasing on one side of the backing paper edge, but no tears, so this must be from the previous owner. Other films there was no creasing. I will have to watch this closely.

I have now loaded a roll of B&W and hopefully can get out in the week and develop the film at the weekend. This will be my fifth film through this camera so I am not too experienced in using it, but the results were excellent before the problems. Before my entry into medium format, I use Olympus OM cameras.

Thanks again, I am very grateful for your help.

 

[wblynch]

I have a pair of M645/500's and one PD prism has loose connections. I would advise trying it with the waist level viewfinder and use the shutter control on the body. At least that would eliminate the prism as the source of the problem.

If you are using the CDS prism, make sure it has a new battery as well, since that one does not take power from the body.

 

[AlanJones]

Mamiya 645 Shutter problems:

Mamiya 645 Shutter problems:

Thanks very much for that last reply.

I am halfway through my first film after cleaning out the cameras inside. I have not been out much, still recovering since my hospital procedure and temperatures have dipped as low as -12 C on Monday.

Yesterday, I took seven shots of the snow covered trees with the Sekor C 80 and 45mm lenses. I noticed a line, like a very fine but straight hair going from left to right in the prism finder about a third of the way down from the top. First time I noticed it. You have definitely go me thinking now. I have now fixed my waist level finder on the camera and don't see this line anymore.

Over the weekend, we are forecast sunny spells and positive temperatures so will get out and use up the film and develop it.

I have had the camera instruction manual out and the prism finder S manual and can not find an exploded diagram. I am wondering what and where it is that needs to be tightened? Can you give any help with this please?

 

[nikon_sam]

Alan, The line is on the mirror in the prism...if you read up on these cameras you'll come across this problem...

Check out this site...read the third post from the top...
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/887962

I also have a Metered Prism but have yet to see this problem...I prefer the WLF anyway...

 

[sevo]

I noticed a line, like a very fine but straight hair going from left to right in the prism finder about a third of the way down from the top. First time I noticed it.

If you look carefully enough you'll find that ALL pentaprisms have them - their image folding edges are in the centre of their field of vision. It is more easily visible on medium format cameras, probably due to them having bigger prisms whose edges are often a bit worn and de-silvered as they are subject to more mechanical strain.

 

[AlanJones]

I have now developed my trial film after the shutter problem and I am pleased to say that the camera is now working fine with both WLF and the Prism finder.

Again, thank very much for the practical help that you have offered in fixing the problem. I am delighted to have a viable camera again.