Pentax 645 Batteries?

[jamusu]

I had not used my Pentax 645 in quite some time and did not remove the batteries from the battery pack and they leaked and corroded. I have cleaned the contacts with rubbing alcohol three times. On two separate occasions, I loaded the camera with brand new batteries and within a couple of days they were drained. I used Energizer + Alkaline batteries.

My question is what brand batteries do you all use for your Pentax 645? Are the Energizer + Alkaline batteries strong enough? If no, what brand would you recommend I use? I ask these questions because I fear the camera may be damaged due to my negligence, which is why the new batteries drain so quickly.

Thank you,
Jamusu.

 

[frdrx]

If the Energizers were fresh, I'm afraid you are probably right that your camera drained them unnaturally quickly. You might want to give your battery holder and grip a more thorough cleaning. The problem could reside in the camera itself, though, but I don't think this would have been caused by the leak. I normally use Eneloop and Recyko+ rechargeable NiMH cells in my P645, but I once used cheap zinc-carbon disposables that lasted me for two weeks of shooting and playing with the newly acquired toy.

 

[Vonder]

Definitely something wrong. I have had a set of Duracell alkaline batteries in my 645 for a year or more now, and it still works absolutely fine. I shoot maybe 1 roll with it every other month.

 

[jamusu]

I neglected to mention that I dropped the camera moments after ealizing that the batteries had leaked. The camera bag that I was using malfunctioned. The bottom fell out and the camera fell at least two feet and crashed face first onto concrete steps. The 75mm lens was attached and the lens cap was cracked.

It did not work after I put the first set of new batteries in, but after cleaning it a couple of times it worked. A day later the batteries were drained. I cleaned it again and put in another fresh set of batteries and once again the batteies have drained. I am at a loss. I do not know if it is malfuctioning because of the leakage, because of the camera being dropped, or a due to combination of both.

What are your opinions?
Jamusu.

 

[frdrx]

I neglected to mention that I dropped the camera moments after ealizing that the batteries had leaked. The camera bag that I was using malfunctioned. The bottom fell out and the camera fell at least two feet and crashed face first onto concrete steps. The 75mm lens was attached and the lens cap was cracked.

It did not work after I put the first set of new batteries in, but after cleaning it a couple of times it worked. A day later the batteries were drained. I cleaned it again and put in another fresh set of batteries and once again the batteies have drained. I am at a loss. I do not know if it is malfuctioning because of the leakage, because of the camera being dropped, or a due to combination of both.

What are your opinions?
Jamusu.

Oh dear. It would require exploratory surgery to find out exactly. There might be a short circuit somewhere in the camera as a result of the impact. Is the exterior cracked or does it have a dent somewhere? Can you hear a rattling sound when you (gently) shake the camera or turn it upside down? Does it seem to work normally? Before taking it to a repairman, try and clean the battery compartment as best as you can and try a set of fresh batteries or try another grip.

 

[jamusu]

Oh dear. It would require exploratory surgery to find out exactly. There might be a short circuit somewhere in the camera as a result of the impact. Is the exterior cracked or does it have a dent somewhere? Can you hear a rattling sound when you (gently) shake the camera or turn it upside down? Does it seem to work normally? Before taking it to a repairman, try and clean the battery compartment as best as you can and try a set of fresh batteries or try another grip.

No.

There is no rattling sound at all, I have cleaned the contacts three times, and have used two sets of fresh batteries. I was thinking of buying a new battery pack though.

Jamusu.

 

[Pupfish]

Sounds like your camera has a short circuit (you might confirm whether it is the battery holder or the camera using a multimeter, by testing the resistance).

A broken 645 might be more easily and inexpensively replaced than repaired, these days. (Trying to repair a camera so old that it is no longer supported by the manufacturer can be frustrating and time consuming, too.)

The P645N would be my replacement, without a doubt. (Still can be serviced.)

 

[jamusu]

Sounds like your camera has a short circuit (you might confirm whether it is the battery holder or the camera using a multimeter, by testing the resistance).

A broken 645 might be more easily and inexpensively replaced than repaired, these days. (Trying to repair a camera so old that it is no longer supported by the manufacturer can be frustrating and time consuming, too.)

The P645N would be my replacement, without a doubt. (Still can be serviced.)

I believe it may have something to do with the battery holder because when the batteries are charged, I have to press tightly on the battery holder for the shutter to fire. If I don't, the LED screen does not light up and it will not fire.

Jamusu.

 

[frdrx]

I believe it may have something to do with the battery holder because when the batteries are charged, I have to press tightly on the battery holder for the shutter to fire. If I don't, the LED screen does not light up and it will not fire.

Jamusu.

The grip can be taken apart easily and it's very simple to reassemble. I've done this myself when I tore out the trigger button by using an inappropriately hefty cable release. It's basically just a plastic case with a button, a switch a few wires in it. If you don't want to attempt a repair yourself, take it to any camera repair shop or ask a friend.

Even if the short circuit is in the body, I believe any experienced repair person should be able to mend it for a reasonable charge if your only problem is battery drain, provided that it isn't caused by a cracked circuit board.

 

[jamusu]

The grip can be taken apart easily and it's very simple to reassemble. I've done this myself when I tore out the trigger button by using an inappropriately hefty cable release. It's basically just a plastic case with a button, a switch a few wires in it. If you don't want to attempt a repair yourself, take it to any camera repair shop or ask a friend.

Even if the short circuit is in the body, I believe any experienced repair person should be able to mend it for a reasonable charge if your only problem is battery drain, provided that it isn't caused by a cracked circuit board.

I know a local camera guy who works on my Pentax K1000's, but he is normally so far booked in advance that it may be months before he can take a look at it. I will give him a call though.

Jamusu.

 

[jamusu]

I am thinking of purchasing a new camera grip. Do you guy's think it is worth a shot?

Jamusu.