Mamiya 645 Shutter

JADoss23 · Jan 19, 2018

Hey gang,

Recently bought a Mamiya 645 in very good cosmetic condition and replaced the battery upon acquiring in which I shot a roll of film with no issue. Barely over a week alter without using the camera and only shooting one roll on the brand new battery I go to use the camera and seems as if the battery is already dead. is this a common issue? any idea what could be going on? thanks!

MattKing · Jan 19, 2018

What type of battery - alkaline or silver oxide?
How are the battery contacts?
That camera is at least 40 years old - do you know if it has been checked and serviced in the last few years?

JADoss23 · Jan 20, 2018

Used a brand new Duracell Alkaline battery. It seemed as if the battery contacts are good but not sure. I do not know If it's been serviced. thanks

Cloudy 8 · Jan 20, 2018

Does the lamp illuminate when you press the red battery check button at the upper side of the camera?

Are you using a metered prism? In case you were shooting with the AE prism, you might have forgotten to switch off the meter after use.
The Cd/CdS prism has its own battery, so it shouldn't affect the camera battery. The Pd/PdS prism draws power from the camera, but will switch off the meter automatically after a few seconds.

MattKing · Jan 20, 2018

JADoss23 said:
Used a brand new Duracell Alkaline battery. It seemed as if the battery contacts are good but not sure. I do not know If it's been serviced. thanks

I have encountered apparently "new" batteries that were essentially dead when the package is opened - try another.
The camera is compatible with the Alkaline version batteries, but the more expensive and harder to find silver oxide versions give much longer service.
And the finders can definitely affect battery life.
I can't remember whether there is a shutter lock setting on your camera, but if there is, make a point of setting it between shooting sessions. If you don't, and something in your bag bumps into the shutter release button, it can discharge the battery quite quickly - sort of like leaving the headlights on after you park your car (for those who have cars that permit that).

JADoss23 · Jan 20, 2018

I have a prism meter. not sure which one but I don't believe it has it's own battery so that is probably the case. Thanks for the help! In between shoots should I just take the battery out?

Cloudy 8 · Jan 20, 2018

Check Google Image Search for "mamiya 645 prisms" and compare with the one you have.
Cd/CdS prism has a combined shutter speed/ASA dial on the side, as well as an on/off switch.
AE prism has ASA dial and on/off dial (with white AE lock button in the center).
Pd/PdS prism has separate ASA and shutter speed dials as well as a white push button that enables the meter (for 15 seconds).

No need to take the battery out, unless there is an electrical problem. Camera and meter shouldn't draw current when switched off.

shutterfinger · Jan 20, 2018

You can likely download the instruction manual and accessories guide for your 645 at MamiyaLeaf.com documentation
http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/documentation.html
There are several 645 listed so I won't hazard a guess as to which you have based on the limited information in this thread.
An alternative source is http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya.htm

Wallendo · Jan 21, 2018

I own a M645 1000s and it apparently has some sort of slow leak. If I leave a battery in overnight, it will be dead by the next day. I manage this by taking the battery out immediately after use. I probably should get it serviced at some point. I have also read several anecdotal reports if similar problems, but have never found a solution other than to have camera serviced.

Willyekerslike · Jan 21, 2018

Wallendo said:
I own a M645 1000s and it apparently has some sort of slow leak. If I leave a battery in overnight, it will be dead by the next day.

I had the same problem, it was solved when I realised I was putting the battery in the wrong way round. For some reason it would work ok with the battery the wrong way round but it would go flat overnight. I have a pro TL as well and use that most of the time and the +,-, terminals are the oposite way round on that model to the 1000s. It was only when I was cleaning the contacts on the 1000s that I saw my mistake. Gave myself a good talking to but have never understood why it will work for a short period with the battery the wrong way round.

JADoss23 · Jan 24, 2018

You guys were right about the battery. Replaced the battery and working fine again. I have the PD meter prism so that could be a small part of it.
Anyone have any advice on opening the battery door latch? I got it open the other day but it's nearly impossible to open. My version has the little knob like opener next to the latch door. I have an m645. Not the 1000s model thanks for all the help.

Cloudy 8 · Jan 24, 2018

The battery door on my 1000s also has the tiny knob next to the battery door, and the mechanism is indeed a bit flimsy.
The knob is not part of the door, you have to pull it away from the door, which should then flip open. I suppose it's the same on the original M645.

JADoss23 · Jan 24, 2018

Cloudy 8 said:
The battery door on my 1000s also has the tiny knob next to the battery door, and the mechanism is indeed a bit flimsy.
The knob is not part of the door, you have to pull it away from the door, which should then flip open. I suppose it's the same on the original M645.

It's different from the 1000s. it's a little locking turn dial. Can't even get it to work at this point. Very difficult.

Mamiya 645 Shutter

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