I've disassembled and reassembled multiple RZ lenses, electrically they are not overly complex, and pretty similar in how they work (from the electrical standpoint). There's nothing really unique about the 65 M/L-A in this regard. Did you try changing batteries in the camera? I'd start with that, even though it doesn't seem like that would be the case. It sounds like something may have shorted inside the lens itself, or is not returning the correct info to the camera.