I have given up on the 645, now on to a troublesome MX.
Anyone heard of a camera that can drain it's batteries in a a couple of weeks?
What's wrong with it?
And the camera repair guy says it is NOT the switchy thing in the base.
Any ideas. I'm crushed.

Actually I was wrong, It was Pentax that created the file.
I had talked to Asahi and they said they couldn't get parts for this camera anymore.
Maybe it doesn't need parts. I will call them and beg that they at least look at it.
Thanks Everyone!!!

Asahi photo: They created a record in the computer when I called yesterday.
Should I call again to arrange a repair, or just send it to them?

I paid 140.00 for that lens, and that was a real stretch for me. I had to close my eyes when I pushed the button.....

I don't think the lens is stuck. I can see when the LS is active and it moves smoothly when the shutter is fired. Now that the set up is on focal plane shutter, I can see through the viewfinder and all.
Camera has new batteries.
I will try rhe contacts thing.
Thanks so much for trying to help me out guys, it really is a bit of a mystery.
sarah

I am using a "SMC Pentax 645 L.S 1:2.8 75mm" lens

According to the lens manual if you want to use the 'focal plane shutter' (which I presumed meant the shutter in the camera) you match up the solid dot and the empty dot on the barrel of the lens. Which is how I have it.

The lens seems to be functioning. Although I admit I can't get an f/stop to show in the viewfinder.

The link gart gave is the same I used where the guy didn't even know Pentax made a '645', and I had to show him the picture.
Tearing my hair out...

I don't think it is the camera you are thinking of. I bought it in March and it took a while for me to find a lens I could afford. So it stayed in the mailing box box for a while. Then when I did get a lens I started to play with it and got this response, or lack of it. Yes the light does light up when I trigger the shutter. At least that is going well.
I am going to New. Mexico and Colorado this summer and really wanted to try my hand at MF.

Thanks for the heads up on the repair places. I couldn't believe it when Pentax said they didn't even know of the camera/. I had to steer them to a website with a picture. It was sad. Digital has certainly taken over...

I will call those places and let you know. I did see Harrow on the web, but it says they don't do 645s. Maybe they do but don't advertise it?
s.

Thanks, gart. et al.
Anyway, Yes the film is loaded and done right. It takes a picture (or at least acts like it does( and the film counter will advance. It is now on frame 2.
I do not have another lens. But it acted the same way without the lens. I do have it's manual and I have it set on focal plane shutter.
I do have a body back, and I tried it with only that. Still the same.
The o button does NOT light up the panel, and the LED button has no effect either, on anything.
I do get a 60 and F-- in the viewfinder. Or on Leaf Shutter, I get a LS and a F--.
It seems as if the up and down buttons are not working because the 60 in the panel will flash when I push the Mode or ISO button, but pushing the up or down button has no effect. The display just goes on flashing.
( When I push the IS0 button 100 flashes, and when I push the MODE button 60 flashes.)
Oh and the EF does nothing either.

Essex camera in N.J. said they would try to fix it, but that means shipping it to the US, (I am in the UK). And it will cost me 220.00 dollars to boot. I can't find anyone in the UK to touch it, even the man at Pentax. In fact he didn't even know such a camera existed!
Any ideas?
This was to be my path into Medium Format at what was a pretty big expense to me. Now I am stuck with 35mm and a lot less money than before. I think I am going to cry!!!!

P645:
I have a lens (LS) on the camera, as well as film in a 120 film back. Brand new AA batteries in the grip. Shutter fires great.
However, When I push the iso button or the mode button and then push the up or down buttons, nothing happens. The up and down buttons don't seem to work at all and I cannot change settings. The number flashes as it says in the manual, but I cannot change them.
I am stuck on 60 shutter speed, and 100 ISO, and I have no idea which mode I am in. The LED and o buttons have no effect at all. They seem to not be working as well.
I am a beginner with this camera. I got this camera off ebay and I am told it was working when it was shipped.
Is it broken, or need a new lithium battery? Or maybe I am doing something wrong?
Thanks'