Pentax 645NII User Manual

OPERATING MANUAL

Welcome to the Fantastic World of Pentax Autofocus Multi-Mode Medium Format Photography

The Pentax 645

, our latest development in the area of the medium format SLR, promises a superior 6 x 4.5cm result with 120, 220, or 70mm film.

Made possible through our vast experience and technology accumulated over the years, the new autofocus multi-mode 645

assures pinsharp focus accuracy with AF Spot and AF Wide selection, and the 6-segment multi-pattern metering allows precise exposure control under widely varying conditions. Unsurpassed versatility is assured through the utilizing of a full range of exposure modes (Programmed AE, Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE, Metered Manual and TTL auto flash control), an exposure compensation control and auto-bracketing mode and a new user-set Pentax Function to customize the 645

to meet the for user’s

shooting preferences.

With a 645 A- or FA lens attached, the 645N imprints relevant information (frame number, shutter speed, aperture setting, exposure control and auto-bracketing mode. The Pentax 645

is a professional camera possessing a number of highly sophisticated features: built-in automated film wind, an external LCD information panel and clearly visible LCD information in the viewfinder.

Lenses and accessories produced by other manufacturers are not made to our precise specifications and therefore may cause difficulties with or actual damage to your Pentax camera. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for difficulties resulting from the use of lenses and accessories made by other manufacturers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LCD panel indication..............................................3

Viewfinder indication..............................................3

Names of working parts.....................................4, 5

Safe use of your camera........................................6

Precautions for your camera..................................8

Precautions for battery usage ................................9

I. BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION) ...10 - 28

Attaching the camera strap..................................11

Loading the batteries ...........................................12

Turning on the power ...........................................14

• When the batteries are exhausted................15

Attaching the lens ................................................16

Attaching/Detaching the film holder 645..............18

Depressing the shutter release button.................20

Film loading..........................................................20

Setting the film speed (ISO) ...............................24

Unloading the film................................................25

Unloading the film in mid-roll ...............................26

Installing the eyecup............................................27

Adjusting the viewfinder diopter ...........................28

II. BASIC OPERATION (SHOOTING) ........29 - 37

Using the Programmed AE Mode........................30

Using the Multi (6) - segment metering mode.....31

Using the autofocus mode...................................32

Using the Single AF Mode...................................33

Using the 3-point AF mode..................................34

Using the Single-Frame Drive Mode....................34

Holding the camera..............................................35

Taking a picture....................................................36

III. ADVANCED OPERATION ......................38 - 83

Selecting a Drive Mode........................................38

• Consecutive - Frame Mode...........................38

• Self-Timer Mode............................................39

Taking multi-exposure pictures ............................40

Selecting an Exposure Mode ...............................42

• Using the Programmed AE Mode.................42

• Using the Aperture-Priority AE Mode............44

• Using the Shutter-Priority AE Mode..............46

• Using the Metered Manual Mode..................48

• Using the Bulb Exposure Mode ....................50

About Exposure Compensation...........................52

Using the Auto Bracketing Mode.........................53

Switching the Metering Mode ..............................55

• Center-weighted Metering Mode...................55

• Spot Metering Mode......................................56

Using the AE Lock...............................................57

Setting the focus mode in the Continuous

position. ...............................................................58

Using the Spot AF Mode......................................59

Focus Lock Function............................................60

Manual focusing ...................................................61

Imprinting the exposure data on the negative .....64

Using a Pentax Dedicated External Flash...........68

Daylight-sync shooting .........................................72

Slow-speed-sync shooting...................................73

Using the preview lever .......................................74

Mirror lock-up.......................................................75

Pentax Function...................................................76

Accessories (Optional) ........................................83

• Interchangeable focusing screens ................84

IV. OTHERS..................................................86 - 92

Troubleshooting ...................................................86

Specifications.......................................................88

Warranty policy....................................................90

LCD PANEL INDICATION VIEWFINDER INDICATION

ISO

: Frame Counter (p.22) : Film Speed Information (p.24)

ISO : Film Status Information (p.24)

: Battery Exhaustion Warning (p.15) : Imprinting Exposure Data Information (p.64)

LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display)

When the LCD is exposed to high temperatures over approximately 60°C it may blacken, but when the temperature normalizes, it should return to normal.

: 3-point AF Frame (p.34) : Spot Metering / Focusing Area (p.56, 59) : Shutter Speed (p.42, 45, 47, 49) : Aperture Value (p.42, 45, 47, 49) : Flash Status Information (p.68) : In-Focus Indicator (p.36) : Exposure Compensation (p.52) : Bar Graph (p.49, 52) : AE lock (p.57)

NAMES OF WORKING PARTS

q AF mode selector (p.33, 58) w Exposure compensation dial (p.52) e Exposure compensation dial release button

(p.52)

r Auto bracketing selector (p.53) t Hotshoe (p.68) y Shutter speed dial release button u Lens information contacts i Lens unlock button (p.16) o Preview lever (p.74) !0 Drive mode selector (p.34, 38, 39) !1 Shutter release button (p.20) !2 Release socket (p.51) !3 Up / down buttons !4 AE lock button (p.57) !5 Main Switch (p.14) !6 LCD panel (p.3) !7 Metering mode selector (p.31, 55, 56) !8 AF frame selector (p.34, 59) !9 Diopter adjustment ring (p.28) @0 Shutter speed dial

NAMES OF WORKING PARTS

@1 Battery holder release knob @2 External power supply socket (p.13) @3 Tripod socket (p.35) @4 Vertical tripod socket (p.35) @5 Multi-exposure switch (p.40) @6 X-sync socket @7 Strap lug (p.11) @8 Film holder (p.18) @9 Film holder release knob (p.18) #0 Mid-roll wind-up button (p.26) #1 Electronic cable release socket (p.51) #2 Battery holder (p.12)

Although we have carefully designed this camera for safe operation, please be sure to follow precautions given on this page.

FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA

WARNING This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in

serious injury to the operator.

CAUTION This mark indicates precautions that, if not followed, could result in

minor or medium injury to the operator or damage to the equipment.

WARNING

• Wrapping the strap around your neck is dangerous. Make sure that small children do not get the strap caught around their neck.

• Do not look directly at the sun through the camera, as viewing the sun for an extended period may damage your eyes.

CAUTION

• Never try to disassemble, short or recharge the battery. Also, do not dispose of the battery in fire, as it may explode.

• Remove the batteries from the camera immediately if they become hot or begin to smoke. Be careful not to burn yourself during removal.

PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR CAMERA

Your Pentax camera is a high-precision mechanism. Handle it with great care.

Precautions when taking pictures

• Do not use the camera where it may come in contact with rain, water, or any other liquid, because the camera is not weather, water, or liquid resistant. Should the camera get wet from rain, splashing water, or any other liquid wipe it off immediately with a dry soft cloth.

• Do not drop the camera or allow it to hit solid objects. If the camera suffers a shock or impact, take it to a Pentax service center for inspection.

• Be careful not to subject the camera to strong vibrations, shock or pressure. Use a cushion to protect the camera when carrying it in a motorcycle, car, boat, etc.

• Condensation on the interior or exterior of the camera may be extremely harmful to the camera mechanism as it may cause rust. Furthermore, if the camera is taken from warm temperature to a subfreezing one or vice versa, the formation of ice crystals may cause damage. In such a case, put the camera into a case or plastic bag so that any changes in temperature difference is minimized. Do not remove it from the bag until temperature has stabilized.

• Regular size color prints may cut off what appears on the extreme edges of the film frame. Compose your picture with a margin of safety at the edges.

Precautions for storage

• Avoid leaving the camera for extended periods in places where the humidity and temperature are very high, such as in a car.

• Do not store the camera in a closet with mothballs or in an area where chemicals are handled. Store it in a place with good dry air circulation to prevent the growth of fungus.

Precautions for proper care

• Never touch the shutter curtain or mirror with your finger or any other object.

• Use a blower and lens brush to remove dust accumulated on the lens or viewfinder.

• Never use solvents such as paint thinner, alcohol or benzene to clean the camera.

• Electrical problems may often be caused by water, dirt or dust at points of electrical contact. Also check for battery leakage, traces of dirt or grease, or corrosion due to salinity or gas. If you cannot correct the problems, have your camera inspected at a Pentax service center. Repairs of this nature are not covered under the terms of the warranty and charges may be assessed.

Other precautions

• The temperature range at which this camera functions properly is 50°C to -10°C (122°F to 14°F).

• A camera which has been submerged in water usually cannot be repaired. If such an accident should occur, it is advisable to contact a Pentax Service Center immediately.

• To maintain optimum performance, it is recommended that the camera be inspected every one or two years. If the camera has not been used for an extended period, or is being prepared for an important photographic session, it is recommended that you have the camera inspected or test shoot with it.

• Repairs deemed necessary due to usage of this product in an industrial or commercial application may not be covered under the terms of the Pentax warranty.

• The PENTAX warranty provides only for the repair of defects in materials or workmanship. Damage of any kind cannot be repaired at no charge under the terms of the warranty. If the difficulty is caused as a direct result of the product being used in conditions as outlined in the “Precautions for Your Camera” section or any other operation contrary to the instructions outlined in this manual, charges will be assessed and a repair quotation will be provided.

PRECAUTIONS FOR BATTERY USAGE

• Use six 1.5V AA size alkaline, or lithium batteries.

• Misuse of the battery can cause hazards such as leakage, overheating, explosion, etc. The battery should be inserted with the “+” and “-” sides facing correctly.

• Battery performance may be temporarily hindered in low temperatures, but will recover in normal temperatures.

• Keep a spare battery on hand for replacement convenience when shooting outdoors or while traveling.

• Replace the batteries at the same time. Do not mix battery brands, type or an old battery with a new one. As this

may cause explosion or overheating.

Icon indicators used in this manual

Operation direction

Attention

Lamp blinking

I. BASIC OPERATION

(PREPARATION)

ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP

1.Using a coin or similar object slide the clasp in the direction of the arrow.

2.Put the clasp onto the strap lug of the camera with the arrow indication facing out, and slide the lock plate back to the original position.

3.To remove the strap, repeat step 1.

• Adjust the length of the strap with the buckle.

• After fitting the strap and adjusting the length, pull

the strap hard to confirm that the strap has securely attached to the camera.

• There is a pocket on the strap so you can store a small accessory.

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

LOADING THE BATTERIES

123

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

1. To remove the battery holder, lift the battery holder release knob and turn it in the direction of the arrow.

2.Load six 1.5V AA-size batteries in the battery

holder in accordance with the diagram located in the battery holder.

3.To secure the battery holder, turn the battery holder release knob in the direction of the arrow.

• This camera requires battery power for operation. Always use six 1.5V AA size batteries.

• The ISO film speed and number of exposed frames are unchanged if the batteries are replaced.

• Keep spare batteries on hand when shooting out doors or while traveling.

• Use of the optional Remote Battery Pack 645 and Power Cord 645 is recommended when the camera is

to be under the extremely low temperatures.

• Replace all the batteries at the same time. Do not mix battery brands, types or old batteries with new.

• Remove batteries when not using the camera for long periods of time as the batteries may leak after time.

Battery Life

[20°C/68°F]

Alkaline Battery Lithium Battery 120 film holder: about 130 rolls about 320 rolls 220 film holder: about 100 rolls about 250 rolls Bulb exposure time about 8 hours about 12 hours

• The batteries were used under Pentax testing conditions. Actual battery life and performance may vary drastically depending on external conditions such as temperature and freshness of the battery.

• Battery performance may be temporarily hindered in low temperatures, but should recover in normal temperatures.

Battery Life

[–10°C/14°F]

120 film holder: 220 film holder: Bulb exposure time

Alkaline Battery

about 7 rolls about 5 rolls about 6 hours

Lithium Battery about 120 rolls about 90 rolls about 10 hours

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

TURNING THE POWER ON

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

1.Set the main switch to [ ON ]

• When the camera is not in use, make sure that the main switch is OFF to prevent battery drain if the shutter release button is accidentally depressed.

2.With the main switch set to [ ], an audible PCV signal is heard for one of the following conditions.

• When the subject comes into focus.

• When the film is left only one frame.

• With the mirror lock-up function set.

* Low Battery Warning

When the batteries are nearly exhausted, the battery symbol [ ] appears on the LCD panel as a warning. Replace the batteries as soon as possible. See page 12 for replacing the batteries.

• Even if the low-battery symbol appears, exposure

will be correct as long as the shutter can be released. It is recommended to replace the batteries as soon as possible.

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

ATTACHING THE LENS

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

5.6

1. Remove the body mount cap while depressing the lens unlock button.

2. Align the red dots on the camera and lens mount, attach the lens to the camera body, and turn it fully to the right until you hear a click.

5.6

2.8

3.To remove the front lens cap, squeeze the tabs on both sides in the direction of the arrow.

• With a non-autofocus lens attached, all available

functions in this camera operate except autofocus operation.

• We assume no responsibility nor liability for dam-

ages resulting from the use of lenses made by other manufacturers.

• The camera body and lens mount incorporate lens

information contacts and an AF coupler. Dirt, dust, or corrosion may cause damage to the electrical system. Clean the contacts with a soft, dry cloth.

5.6

2.8

* How to remove To remove the lens, turn it to the left while depressing the lens unlock button.

• To protect the contacts and AF coupler of the lens against damage after removal, be sure to set the lens down with the mount side facing upward.

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

ATTACHING/DETACHING FILM HOLDER 645

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

Detaching

1.Raise the film holder knob and turn until the red dot markings align and a click is heard. Continue to turn the film holder knob to the end of the red line; the locking mechanism will release and the film holder is now detached from the camera body.

Attaching

2.Align the red dots on the film holder knob and film holder, then insert the film holder into the camera chamber. Depress both sides of the film holder until you hear a click.

3.Turn the film holder knob 90° to the right. After attaching the film holder to the camera, fold the film holder knob into its original position.

• When inserting the film holder into the camera body, be sure that the film holder is inserted the right way up in order to avoid any serious damage.

• The same precaution is required when attaching the 220 film holder.

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

Not pressed pressed halfway

down

(first position)

pressed fully

down

(second position)

PRESSING THE SHUTTER RELEASE BUTTON

LOADING FILM

The shutter release button has two positions. Pressing it down halfway (first position) turns

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

on the exposure meter and autofocus system. Pressing it fully (second position) releases the shutter. When taking a picture, press the shutter release button gently to prevent camera shake.

• Before loading a roll of film, slowly press the shutter release button to learn where the first position is.

• The LCD indication stays on for about 10 seconds after the button is released from the halfway position.

• The LCD indication timer duration can be changed from the initial 10 seconds to 20 or 30 seconds with Pentax Function No.2. See page 78.

Spool retainer (p.21)

Film wind gear (p.21)

Pressure plate

Start mark (p.22)

After loading the film, be sure to set the proper film speed. See page 24 for setting the film speed.

12 34

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

1.Install the emptied spool to the spool retainer

as illustrated.

2. Tear off the tape and install the spool to the

film holder so that the black inner side of the leading must face outwards.

3.Draw the leader from the film roll, and insert the leader paper tip into the take-up spool’s slit.

4.Slowly rotate the film winding gear in the direction of the arrow while lightly holding the leader paper.

56 78

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

5. Wind the leader paper to the take-up spool until arrow marking on the leader paper aligns with the holder’s start mark S and the red line.

6.Attach the film holder into the camera body.

7.Set the main switch to [ON]. Release the shutter. The film automatically advances to the first frame. [ ] is displayed on the LCD panel.

8.If the [ ] appears, indicating that the film is not properly loaded. Detach the film holder from the camera and load the film once again.

• Always load or unload a film in the shade or by using your body to shade the film holder.

• We suggest that you first operate the camera without film to become familiar with its operations.

• The film counter indication advances one each time the shutter is released.

• With a 220 film loaded, the dot marks appear before the arrow marking. If the dot marks align with the start mark on the film holder, the first 3 frames will not be exposed.

• The film counter indication can be set either advance with each frame or count down each frame with Pentax Function No.7.

• If the leader paper is wound far beyond the start mark S or the red line, you may lose the last frame(s) on the roll.

• The film holder cannot be changed or removed when the film is in mid-roll.

• 15 pictures are taken with the 120 roll film and 32 pictures are taken with the 220 roll film. The number of taken pictures can be changed with a Pentax function No.9.

• With the main switch set [ ], the PCV signal beeps for two second when the film is left only one frame for film depleting warning.

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

SETTING THE FILM SPEED (ISO)

123

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

1. Set the exposure compensation dial to the ISO position.

• Turn the exposure compensation dial while holding

down the exposure compensation dial release button.

• The shutter cannot be released with the exposure com-

pensation dial set at [ ISO ].

2. Press the up/down button. To set the ISO for to a higher film speed, press the [▲] button repeatedly until the desired ISO appears on the LCD panel. To change ISO for a lower film speed, press the [▼] button repeatedly until the desired film speed appears on the LCD panel.

3. After the desired film speed is set, turn the exposure compensation dial to the [ 0 ] position.

• The film speed setting range is ISO 6 to 6400 in 1/3 EV

step increments.

• You can tear off the end cover of the film package indi-

cating the type of film and speed and insert it into the memo holder provided on the film holder to remind you of the film type/speed that you are using.

• [ ISO ] and film speed are always displayed on the LCD

panel with the main switch set to the ON position.

UNLOADING FILM

123

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

1.After the last frame of the roll is exposed, the camera will automatically wind the film and stops winding as soon as the back of the leader paper is wound to the take-up spool. [ ] on the LCD panel is displayed.

2.Detach the film holder from the camera.

3.While firmly holding the wound film roll, affix the paper seal securely on the back of the paper leader to prevent from accidental unwinding of the exposed roll.

• Remove the film in the shade or by using your body to shade the camera.

• The number of exposed frames on the LCD panel disappears from the LCD panel.

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

UNLOADING THE FILM IN MID-ROLL

412 3

If you wish to remove the film before exposing all the frames, use this function.

1.Set the main switch to [ ON ].

2.Press the mid-roll wind-up button fully with a fine-pointed object. The film will wind completely.

3. Before detaching the film holder, check that [ ] is displayed on the LCD panel.

4.While firmly holding the wound film roll, affix the paper seal securely on the back of the paper leader to prevent from accidental unwinding of the exposed roll.

• The number of exposed frames on the LCD panel

disappears from the LCD panel.

• When removing the film from the camera, protect

it from exposure to direct sun light.

INSTALLING THE EYECUP

123

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

Two types of eyecups, a standard and a larger are provided as accessories; they may be utilized according to a given situation. The larger is constructed of rubber and designed to fit close to the face for easy shooting.

To install

1.The standard eyecup may be easily removed from the viewfinder by rotating the cup to the left.

2.To install the larger eyecup: match the eyecup pin with fitting eyepiece hole.

3. Turn the fixing screw by turning to the right with a coin or similar object.

• When using accessories such as the Refconverter 645, remove the eyecup first.

• When turning the fixing screw with a coin, a large diameter coin is recommended to use. A small diameter coin touches the glass part of the eyepiece and causes scratching the eyepiece glass.

ADJUSTING THE VIEWFINDER DIOPTER

BASIC OPERATION (PREPARATION)

Aim the camera at a bright subject. While looking through the viewfinder, turn the diopter adjustment ring to the left or right until the autofocus frame [ ] appears in the sharpest focus.

• The diopter adjustment range is +1.0D to -3.5m (per meter).

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