Mamiya 645J Problem

[Bawbee]

Hi Folks,

I recently bought a Mamiya 645J kit on here and I have discovered a problem that I would appeciate assisting with.

I cannot get the waist-level finder to connect securely to the camera body. There appears to be two connectors inside the finder and I can't release them so that they will connect to the hooks on the camera body. Any assistance will be appreciated.

BTW - This is no way a criticism of the seller.

 

[Knikki]

Do you have a manual?

If not the Click link to manual and on page 20 it shows how to attach the viewfinder, looks there is lock on the back of it.

 

[Musicman]

If not the Click link to manual and on page 20 it shows how to attach the viewfinder, looks there is lock on the back of it.

Yep. That explains it well - engage the rear and then drop the front end down.

You don't need to mess with the lock to put the finder back on, only to remove it.

If you're still having trouble tomorrow I can have a look at mine to try to explain further.

 

[Bawbee]

Nick,

Thanks, I do have the manual and followed the instructions but it would appear that the two connectors do not mate with the hooks on the camera body.

Rob,

It would be good to see an image of the under-side of the finder, or some further advice.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Musicman]

Some pics

underside of the WLF

topside of the body

In practice it doesn't make much difference whether you engage the front or rear first, as long as the locating pins at the front are in the right place.

Here, I started with the front

drop the rear down

and it clicks home with very little effort

If they're operating correctly, the catch hooks in the finder should slide toward the rear easily with a little finger pressure when it's off the camera.

If they're stuck fast, I suspect the locking mechanism has jammed. The hooks on the top of the body are fixed.

Edit: you can test the locking mechanism by turning the knob so the white dots line up and then push it in. The hooks should then move backward together.

 

[Musicman]

Did you get anywhere with this?

 

[Bawbee]

Hi Rob,

Apologies for the delay, busy weekend and start to week at work

Anyway, the fopllowing are some shots of the finder. They do look very similar but I still cannot get the finder to lock-on to the body hooks; which is exactly the same as your shots, no matter whether from the back or the front. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and look for another finder on the used market - the seller has not yet responded to my PM for assistance.

 

[Raj_p]

Bawbee, looking at your pics, there appears to be some damage where it hooks to the body and also the lugs on the finder appear the be out of line with each other.... maybe this is whats causing the issue. See if you can strighten it up

 

[Bawbee]

Hi Raj,

I can move them by hand, with the one furthest away in #4 being the easiest to move, the nearest one is a wee bit harder. It just appears that they won't come out of the slot to mate with the body hooks.

Thanks,
Bob