Rear Catch hook broke off: Mamiya 645 AFD ii

[Photo Chemist]

Hi All!
I'm totally new here! I've hear a ton about you guys. I logged in for some alternative process information, but saddly now need some camera rapair help.

Last week, my Mamiya 645 AFD II fell out of the back seat of my car. The film back detached from the body and bent the rear catch hooks. Today, sadly, one of those hooks broke off. I can get a replacement part for the rear catch hooks, but I'm not sure if it's worth attempting to fix it by myself or not (the part itself is less than $8).

Has anybody attempted this?
Thanks so much!

 

[shutterfinger]

Get the replacement part, service shops mark them up significantly on average.
The factory instruction manual is here: http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/assets/files/documentation/645AFDII_Manual_Eng.pdf
A service manual for the m645 is available here: http://www.suaudeau.eu/memo/Manuels/Mamiya_M645_Service_Manual.pdf
or you can download a cleaner copy here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/35453483/Mamiya-M645-Service-Manual
The body is basically the same between the different models. Study the service manual to decide if you want to replace the part.
I would be concerned that other parts of the optical system were not knocked out of alignment.

 

[spijker]

@shutterfinger: the M645 (the 1st model from 1975) and the 645ADFII (autofocus model from 2005) are totally different. The M645 does not have a detachable back. But the link to the site with service manuals is interesting. I've bookmarked it. Thanks.

@Photo Chemist: I have the AFD iii and had a quick look at the back plate. It's attached with only 2 screw on the left side but maybe there are another 2 underneath the rubber of the grip. If you're going to attempt to open it up, get a proper screwdriver. The cheap small screwdrivers from the hardware store won't fit properly and you'll likely ruin the screws. The Wiha PH000 screwdriver fits well.

If a DIY repair looks too complicated, you may want to give Capture Integration or KEH (both in Atlanta) a call. They might be able to give you a rough estimate on a repair job.

Good luck!

 

[bernard_L]

I second spijker's caution against cheap screwdrivers and recommendation for Wiha screwdrivers. I have not seen your back plate latch, but would be surprised if the correct screwdriver size would be 000, more likely 0 or maybe 00. IMO, one should use the largest screwdriver size that will squarely fit into the screw head; visually the screwdriver head will look larger than the screw head cross pattern, but that is deceptive.

 

[Photo Chemist]

@shutterfinger: the M645 (the 1st model from 1975) and the 645ADFII (autofocus model from 2005) are totally different. The M645 does not have a detachable back. But the link to the site with service manuals is interesting. I've bookmarked it. Thanks.

@Photo Chemist: I have the AFD iii and had a quick look at the back plate. It's attached with only 2 screw on the left side but maybe there are another 2 underneath the rubber of the grip. If you're going to attempt to open it up, get a proper screwdriver. The cheap small screwdrivers from the hardware store won't fit properly and you'll likely ruin the screws. The Wiha PH000 screwdriver fits well.

If a DIY repair looks too complicated, you may want to give Capture Integration or KEH (both in Atlanta) a call. They might be able to give you a rough estimate on a repair job.

Good luck!

Thanks! I contacted Phase One, who directed me to their "Partner List," which the directed me to Capture Integration. I called them yesterday (spoke to Steve). They don't do repairs (anymore) and referred me to a shop in Skokie, IL (PrecisionCameraWorks.com). When I asked if they were reputable, he said yes. That they send their "hopeless" cases (my words) there. I"m going to wait for the part and see if the 4 screws (mine has 4) will get me to where I can put the part in. If not, I'll call for an estimate at PrecisionCW.com . I look at KEH and their estimate was around $280 or so. Oh well...Lesson learned. I'll see how it acts - the fall may have mid-aligned some things.

Thanks again!
Dominique

 

[Photo Chemist]

I second spijker's caution against cheap screwdrivers and recommendation for Wiha screwdrivers. I have not seen your back plate latch, but would be surprised if the correct screwdriver size would be 000, more likely 0 or maybe 00. IMO, one should use the largest screwdriver size that will squarely fit into the screw head; visually the screwdriver head will look larger than the screw head cross pattern, but that is deceptive.

Thank you! I will look into the screwdriver. I was working on a Polaroid Land camera not too long ago and broke one of those little ones! So, I totally understand about quality.

thanks!
Dominique

 

[Photo Chemist]

Get the replacement part, service shops mark them up significantly on average.
The factory instruction manual is here: http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/assets/files/documentation/645AFDII_Manual_Eng.pdf
A service manual for the m645 is available here: http://www.suaudeau.eu/memo/Manuels/Mamiya_M645_Service_Manual.pdf
or you can download a cleaner copy here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/35453483/Mamiya-M645-Service-Manual
The body is basically the same between the different models. Study the service manual to decide if you want to replace the part.
I would be concerned that other parts of the optical system were not knocked out of alignment.

Thanks! The m645 service manual will come in handy for my 645E. But sadly the 645 afd ii has a detachable film back and it's the hooks that connect the two that are broken for which I need a repair manual.

Yes, I totally agree about the optical system. That's why I'm kind of wavering back and forth, wondering if I should bother looking at it or if I should just send it in.

Thanks for those links.
Dominique

 

[shutterfinger]

I"m going to wait for the part and see if the 4 screws (mine has 4) will get me to where I can put the part in.

I would replace the part myself. Once replaced mount the camera on a tripod and point at a target with target center at lens center, measure from the target to the film plane on both sides of the camera adjusting until they are the same, and level the camera in all directions. Make exposures in both auto focus and manual focus with the lens wide open.
For this type of testing I use a Berlebach Report with a leveling head (prevent vibrations) and test targets printed on an Epson 2200 photo at its highest resolution on glossy paper (the sharpest) attached to a 1/4 inch thick foam core 20" x 30".
http://www.graphics.cornell.edu/~westin/misc/res-chart.html
https://jimdoty.com/learn/lenses/usaf_test/usaf_test.html
http://www.normankoren.com/Tutorials/MTF5.html (excellent charts)
https://www.google.com/search?q=tes...GswJLaAhVM02MKHT4yBaIQsAQINw&biw=1920&bih=966

They can be scaled in printing (I use PS to print them) and multiple copies put on the foam core or artist canvas.
The target should just fill the frame. It will tell you if the viewfinder image is in focus with the film plane and if the film plane is perpendicular to the lens center.