manual focus on a FA645 45-85mm w/ 645z

md0724 · 12-19-2014, 10:19 AM

HI, new to the forum and an excited owner of a 645z. Just trying to get everything sorted out and not sure if what I'm encountering is user error or a defect.

Just got a used FA645 45-85mm lens off ebay and I'm having trouble getting it to manually focus. The manual focus ring will not turn while on the camera. I know this is a screw motor driven lens and normally with other DSLRs like a d800, there is a switch on the camera to disengage the screw and allow manual focus. However there does not appear to be any switch of this sort of anything in the user manual I could find that might be in the menus. Can someone tell me how manual focus of FA (not DFA) lenses typically works on a 645z? Does the ring just turn freely as-is or you need to disengage the motor somehow?

The other strange part is that taking the lens off the camera, I still cannot turn the focus ring at all. Is this normal? I know with my Nikon AF lenses I can turn the focus rings on them once they're off the camera. I think this may be lens damage, but want to make sure before contacting the seller. The package arrived in terrible condition, looked like it had tire marks on it as if it was literally run over by a truck!

Thanks!

itshimitis · 12-19-2014, 11:10 AM

You have to actually pull the focus ring towards the rear of the lens which will make the AUTO FOCUS words disappear. This will then allow the lens to move freely. To revert to AF simply push the ring back again.

md0724 · 12-19-2014, 11:16 AM

Thank you! That did it...

mikeSF · 12-19-2014, 12:40 PM - **1 Like**

we've all been there. good to hear it wasn't a problem with the lens.

GarethC7 · 12-19-2014, 01:30 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mikeSF

we've all been there. good to hear it wasn't a problem with the lens.

Mike, that suggests that at some point we stop doing it

12-19-2014, 10:19 AM	#1
md0724 New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 3	manual focus on a FA645 45-85mm w/ 645z HI, new to the forum and an excited owner of a 645z. Just trying to get everything sorted out and not sure if what I'm encountering is user error or a defect. Just got a used FA645 45-85mm lens off ebay and I'm having trouble getting it to manually focus. The manual focus ring will not turn while on the camera. I know this is a screw motor driven lens and normally with other DSLRs like a d800, there is a switch on the camera to disengage the screw and allow manual focus. However there does not appear to be any switch of this sort of anything in the user manual I could find that might be in the menus. Can someone tell me how manual focus of FA (not DFA) lenses typically works on a 645z? Does the ring just turn freely as-is or you need to disengage the motor somehow? The other strange part is that taking the lens off the camera, I still cannot turn the focus ring at all. Is this normal? I know with my Nikon AF lenses I can turn the focus rings on them once they're off the camera. I think this may be lens damage, but want to make sure before contacting the seller. The package arrived in terrible condition, looked like it had tire marks on it as if it was literally run over by a truck! Thanks!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[First Look] Pentax 645Z with HD FA645 90mm F2.8 Marco AW SR	AspireNews	Pentax Medium Format	6	07-16-2014 12:09 AM
For Sale - Sold: Sigma 90mm f/2.8 macro (manual focus) w/ A contacts	vonBaloney	Sold Items	6	07-13-2014 03:02 PM
Focus Ring on DA 35 macro makes a clicking noise; manual focus ... this normal?	eadrian75	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	04-12-2011 12:51 AM
540 flash w/k10d and manual lens w/o A position on aper ring	qksilver	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	10-29-2007 09:18 AM

12-19-2014, 11:10 AM	#2
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	You have to actually pull the focus ring towards the rear of the lens which will make the AUTO FOCUS words disappear. This will then allow the lens to move freely. To revert to AF simply push the ring back again.

12-19-2014, 11:16 AM	#3
md0724 New Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 3 Original Poster	Thank you! That did it...

12-19-2014, 12:40 PM - 1 Like	#4
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	we've all been there. good to hear it wasn't a problem with the lens.

12-19-2014, 01:30 PM - 1 Like	#5
GarethC7 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 139	Originally posted by mikeSF we've all been there. good to hear it wasn't a problem with the lens. Mike, that suggests that at some point we stop doing it