Pentax Bracket 645 User manual

PENTAX
OPERATING MANUAL

Welcome to the Fantastic World of
Pentax Multi-mode Photography with
Medium Picture Format!
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
multi-mode 645 camera allows accurate exposure
control utilizing the full range of available modes;
Programmed AE, Aperture-priority AE and Shutter-
priority AE, Metered manual mode and TTL auto
flash control.
The Pentax 645 is a professional camera possessing
a number of highly sophisticated features; a built-in
automated film wind along with digital indications
of various photographic information through LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) viewed from the outside
of the camera, and clearly visible LED (Light
Emitting Diode) indications within the viewfinder.
To obtain optimum results, it is recommended
that this manual be thoroughly read and understood
prior to actual use of the Pentax 645.

CONTENTS
Description of parts.2~5
Inserting batteries.6~7
Attaching/removal of Grip 645.8 ~9
Lens mounting/interchange.10—11
Attaching Shoulder Strap.12
Film Holders 645 and attaching/detaching.13
Shutter release without film in camera.14
Problems and remedial solutions.15—16
Loading/unloading.18—19
C/S Switch, Main Switch and Shutter
Release Button.20
LCD indication for exposure count.21
Operation panel and LCD Window.22—23
Film speed adjustment and Memo Holder.24—25
Viewfinder display.26
LED mode warnings in viewfinder.27
Eyecup 645/diopter adjustment.28—29
Focusing procedure/recommended camera
holding positions.30-31
Switching to "A" (auto) and setting
photographic mode.32—33
Photographic mode with the aperture set
at "A" (auto).34
Programmed AE mode.34—35
Aperture-priority AE mode.36—37
Shutter-priority AE mode.38—39
Photographic modes with the aperture
set at appropriate f/stops.40
Aperture-priority AE mode.40—41
Metered manual mode.42—43
Utilizing60 (1/60sec.) and B (Bulb) position...44-45
Utilizing Pentax dedicated flash units.46-47
TTL auto flash operation.48
External auto flash operation.49
Dedicated flash precautions.50
Using ordinary flash units.51
Programmed AE diagram, meter coupling and
shutter/aperture coupling range.52-53
Exposure compensation.54-55
Depth-of-field.56—57
Depth-of-field preview.
Multiple exposure.
Tripod support.
Infrared index mark.
Interchanging focusing screens..
Interchangeable focusing screens
Manual film wind.
Maintenance
66-67
Specifications..
Warranty policy
68-69
70-71
1

DESCRIPTION OF PARTS

5

BASIC PREPARATION
Use six AA batteries of the types mentioned below
in accordance with the instructions on the battery
case;
• Manganese batteries
• Alkaline batteries
• Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries (a charger needed)
(New batteries are packed at the time of
shipment, but because of inherent self-
discharging, performance gradually
deteriorates as time goes by. In such a
case, replace the packed batteries with
brand-new ones.)
INSERTING BATTERIES (GRIP 645)
1 2
1. Prior to placing of the batteries into the grip
section, turn off the main switch located on the
grip. Then remove the battery holder by pushing
battery holder release button in direction of the
arrow.
2. Install six 1.5V "AA" batteries in accordance
with the diagram located in the battery chamber.
Make sure proper battery polarity (+ and -) is
maintained. Angle the batteries into the holder,
placing the battery onto the spring plate
(contact) first, then push the other end into
position. The batteries are easily removed by
pressing the battery in the oval cutouts on both
sides of the battery holder.
6

3. As shown in the illustration, battery holder
should be inserted into the grip; depressing the
same will insure firm locking. Confirm that the
unit is securely locked into position.
4. Once batteries are properly in place within the
grip, the LCD indicator will appear in the LCD
window as illustrated. Should the LCD fail to
appear, batteries are exhausted or are improperly
inserted or the grip is not securely attached to
the body.
5. A common battery source is used for LCD
display and motor drive. For battery check,
confirm the motor drive function which is
affected earlier than that of LCD display.
Precautions
• Make sure that polarities of all the batteries
are properly aligned. Incorrect polarity
alignment may cause unexpected damage to
your equipment.
• Replace all batteries at the same time. Do not
mix battery brands, types or old batteries with
new ones.
• Remove batteries when not using your equipment
for a long time. Batteries may tend to leak if left
too long in your equipment and may cause
serious damage.
• Never throw used batteries into fire since they
may explode, causing unexpected damage or
injury to you.
• Store batteries in a cool place, and out of reach
of children.
• Batteries are very sensitive to cold and
performance tends to deteriorate at temperatures
near freezing point. Performance is restored as
soon as batteries are brought back to room
temperature. Keep a set of batteries in a warm
pocket when shooting in cold weather to
substitute if the others no longer perform well.
Be sure to turn off the main switch to avoid
unexpected battery drain, when putting your
camera into a bag.
7

ATTACHING/REMOVAL OF GRIP 646
1
Confirm that the main switch located on the grip
has been turned to OFF position.
Removal:
1. Using a coin or similar tool, completely
loosen the grip lock screw by turning the same
In the directiory opposite to the "LOCK" arrow
designation.
2. While simultaneously depressing the grip lock
screw, carefully pull the grip down, and
withdraw the same out to the side. The grip will
come away from the camera body.
8

Attaching;
1. Loosen the grip lock screw. As indicated in the
photographic illustration, align grip holes on the
grip with the corresponding pins on the side of
the camera.
2. Push up the grip until it engages with an audible,
click, signifying correct contact.
3. T urn the grip locking screw located on the
bottom, in the direction of the "LOCK" arrow
designation, using a coin or a similar tool.
9

LENS MOUNTING/INTERCHANGE 1
1
1. Depress the lens release button and turn the
body mount cap to remove It.
10
) over these instructions since this process will
required also when lens is already mounted )
2. To mount the lens, align red dot (A) found on
the camera body with red dot (B) on the lens
unit, then seat the lens mount into the camera
mounting. Turn clockwise until the lens locks
with a click.
The procedure (C) illustrated is recommended in
mounting lenses in a dimly lit area since the lens
may be easily mounted by touch alone.

4
5
3. To remove/attach the lens cap, depress notches
at both sides inward.
4. To remove the lens, depress the lens release
button, and rotate the lens unit to the left. It will
come out easily.
5. Following lens removal, the front and rear mount
protective caps must be fitted to prevent foreign
bodies and finger marks from accidentally
gathering on the lens itself.
Note: Particular care must be taken in preventing
damage or staining of the electrical contact points
on the mount surface of the lens. A clean, dry
cloth should be used to immediately wipe off any
grease or accidental stains.

ATTACHING SHOULDER STRAP
For carrying convenience, a shoulder strap can be
attached to the camera by the lugs provided.
1. As Illustrated, release lock by depressing the
lock plate of the fastner in the direction of the
arrow, using a coin.
2. Fit the strap lug into the opening of the fastner
with its arrow facing out, and return the locking
plate to the original position. It will securely
attach to the strap.
To remove the strap, depress the lock plate in
the same manner, and withdraw it from the lug.
3. T o adjust the length of the strap, use the strap
clasp.
After fitting the strap and adjusting the length,
pull the strap hard on trial to see if the strap
has securely engaged with the camera.
12

FILM HOLDERS 646 AND ATTACHING/DETACHiNG
The following film holders are available, depending
upon your photographic requirements; each
provided with its own exclusive case for carrying
convenience and protective purposes.
• 120 film holder: For 120 film (15 frames per roll)
• 220 film holder: For 220 film (30 frames per roll)
• 70mm film holder: For 70mm film (approx. 90
frames per roll)
• Attaching / detaching of 120/220 film holders
When inserting the film holder into the camera body,
be careful not to make its upside down to avoid any
serious damage.
1. Align the red dots on the film holder and film
holder key as shown, then insert the film holder
into the camera chamber. Make sure that two tabs,
lock in place with a film click when the film holder
is inserted.
2. Lock it by rotating the film holder key 90* to
the right while simultaneously depressing the
key. After locking, the film holder key should be
folded into its original position.
3. Raise the film holder key and rotate until the red
dot markings are aligned. Continue to rotate the
key counterclockwise up to the end of the red
line; the locking mechanism will release with an
audible click, permitting the film holder to be
removed from the camera body.
Refer to the 70mm film holder operating manual
for its use.
13

SHUTTER RELEASE WITHOUT FILM IN CAMERA
To release the shutter without film In the camera,
remove the film holder or fix the rear body cap.
The lens can be removed without affecting shutter
release operation. However, such operation is not
possible if the film holder without film is attached.
1. W h e n releasing the shutter without the film
holder, turn the main switch ON and then press
the shutter button to operate the shutter.
Be sure to set the C/S Switch to "S"'. Setting it
to "C" may cause erroneous operation and/or
functional problems.
Avoid releasing the shutter with the pin (indicated
in the photo by the " " mark) being pressed,
which may cause erroneous operations and/or
functional problems.
2. With the film holder removed, the available
shutter speed is 1/1000 sec. only if the aperture
ring is set to A (auto). Meanwhile, when the
aperture is shifted to any of respective f/stops,the
shutter can be operated at 1/1000 sec., 1/60 sec.
or B (bulb). For details, see the pages 32 and 33.
3. When Rear Body Cap 645 is attached in place of
the film holder removed, release the shutter once.
Then the selection of each photographic mode,
shutter speed and f-stop will become possible.
14

PROBLEMS AND REMEDIAL SOLUTIONS
• Under thtf following conditions, the shutter
release action will not be possible even though
the shutter release button is depressed.
1. Main switch is not turned ON.
2. Batteries in the grip are depleted; no batteries
in the glip; or the batteries incorrectly loaded.
3. Film holder without a film has been installed in
the camera's film chamber.
4. The available film frames have been
completely exposed.
5. During photographic operations.
• Should the exposure counter not register "1" or
should a non-A lens be used even if the film be
loaded in the camera, any photographic mode
setting, or shutter speed and/or f/stop
adjustments will not function. When an A lens is
not set at "A", the photographic modes available
at "A” (auto) position will be prevented.
Also refer to Item 3 on the previous page.
• Film holder exchange is not possible in mid-roll.
When the film holder is removed from the camera
in mid-roll, the properly exposed film may be
totally damaged and the LCD exposure count
display returns to the starting position (no
indication).
15

• Should dust, foreign bodies or film residues
collect on the film holder or within the film holder
chamber of the camera body, they may
inadvertently register photographically; clean
them off carefully to prevent problems. Should
film residue or dust collect at the contact point
Ifor film detection) located on the pressure plate
side of the film holder, the motor will continue to
rotate idly after all remaining frames have been
exposed. However, in approximately 30 secs., the
motor will stop turning. When the motor
stops and the ON-OFF operation of the main
switch is repeated, the motor will again be
activated in idle rotation; however, avoid doing
this, since it may cause problems with the film
winding mechanism. After switching off, remove
the film holder and clean the contact point of
the pressure plate.
• Should the film winding operation stop before all
available frames have been exposed, recheck the
batteries in order to locate the possible cause of the
problem
• When using accessories without information
contacts, set the aperture ring to the appropriate
f/stops, with the exception of the "A" (auto)
position which cannot be used under this
situation.
16
Keep it clean!

LOADING/UNLOADING FILM
1 _ 2
Always load or unload the film In a shady spot, or
shield the camera and film from direct sunlight with
your body. Insert the film and the empty take-up
spool into the film holder, as indicated inside the
holder.
• When exchanging the film, be sure to do it with
the grip's batteries or power source (cord for
remote-control operation) connected with the
camera body. If the power source connection is
done after the film exchange, the camera's
shooting functions work properly, but the
exposure counter does not automatically reset.
18
1. To transfer the emptied spool to the opposite
side, push the spool retainer outward, and the
hole of the spool should be set into the key
(holder) so that both are engaged firmly. The
retainer should then be returned to its original
position.
2. A new film is to be positioned according to
the film marking indicated, in the similar
manner of the empty spool moving/setting; it
is then secured with the spool retainer. [While
loading a roll of film, securely hold onto the
roll to prevent the backing (paper) from
loosening. Carefully tear off the tape holding
the paper leader.]
The black inner side of the leading paper must
face outwards.