Is my 645nii really a 645n?

Sebarod · 02-19-2021, 10:42 PM

Hi! First time post, but it might be an interesting story.

Recently traded some gear for a 645nii. Which aesthetically is all a 645nii should be, however could it be possible that the internals are a 645n? Let me explain. First, the camera doesn’t recognize the D, DF or ISO dials on the right side knob - however, interestingly enough for you to set up the Data information on the actual film the configuration is similar to a 645n (hold back the depth preview and up/down to turn on/off the Data)

Second, the AE-L button, doesn’t actually lock AutoExposure settings, instead it “Memory” as indicated by the asterisk inside the camera. And third, the focus indicator is a hexagon (645n) vs. a circle (645nii). There is also seem to be an issue from this, as it doesn’t hit 16 frames, it usually goes for 15. (Which is how I ended up searching for the DF features, since that would allow to change the setting from 15 to 16)

Something leads me to believe that (a) this could be a 645nii (physically) but at some point, received a donor electronically piece or (b) that it’s a 645n repackaged into the body of a 645nii (is this even a common practice?)

Would love to know your thoughts? I’m unaware of whether at some point perhaps Pentax fabricated some of these 645nii/645n crossovers or if this is a common practice from repairs. Was hoping someone here would be able to help me?

**Pål Jensen** · 02-20-2021, 05:15 AM

I'm pretty sure that the 645N and NII are basically the same camera underneath.I don't remember the differences anymore except that the NII had custom function that could be set by the user - not only at service as N. The N had 16 shots per 120 roll. The NII 16 or 15 set by custom function. 15 shots avoid any film flatness issues.
If I remember correctly the N did not have mirror lock. The NII has. If your camera has mirror lock it is almost certainly an NII.
I do not have 6 AA batteries so that I can check the focus indicator symbol in mine.....

**kaseki** · 02-20-2021, 09:19 AM

Both the N and NII Operating Guides are available on the WWW for download. (If you can't find them perhaps this site allows me to attach files to messages.) I would suggest reviewing both guides for differences and then mapping the results to your camera.

Sebarod · 02-20-2021, 07:36 PM

I went through most of the manuals and realize that the top part of the camera is a 645nii meanwhile all the functions and features are an N. When looking at the exterior this is super clear in the body itself - for example, the top (645nii portion) has a different texture than the bottom (645n).

And all the features that are 645nii (MLU, DF, etc) do not map into any of the buttons. Basically although it looks like a 645nii it is a 645n.

Here is the texture piece I mentioned above:

Seems that at some point someone fixed together the 645n with the top part of a 645nii.

**Pål Jensen** · 02-21-2021, 04:05 AM

The camera house material of the N is glossy and textured on the NII.

Sandy Hancock · 02-21-2021, 04:08 AM

It seems you have scored a Franke645n. Enjoy it if you can

**yurihuta** · 02-22-2021, 07:25 PM

I found out recently that there are two variants of the 645N (no, not 645NII, but its predecessor 645N) - I sent in three bodies for repair and the fellow doing the work (has serviced many 645N bodies) said that one of my 645N was second generation body. He noted that the 645N second version had upgraded some components that in his experience were weak point in the first version of the 645N.

As to your 645NII... don't know.

**Ed Hurst** · 02-22-2021, 10:14 PM

All I know is that a good friend of mine had a 645n and kept having issues with film flatness (due to the frame spacing to allow for 16 frames per roll of 120 film - something he couldn't change) and, when he replaced it with a 645nii, which allowed him to choose a setting to space frames further apart (15 frames per roll of 120 film), the problem went away.

**Pål Jensen** · 02-23-2021, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by Ed Hurst

All I know is that a good friend of mine had a 645n and kept having issues with film flatness (due to the frame spacing to allow for 16 frames per roll of 120 film - something he couldn't change) and, when he replaced it with a 645nii, which allowed him to choose a setting to space frames further apart (15 frames per roll of 120 film), the problem went away.

I had exactly the same experience...

02-19-2021, 10:42 PM	#1
Sebarod New Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 2	Is my 645nii really a 645n? Hi! First time post, but it might be an interesting story. Recently traded some gear for a 645nii. Which aesthetically is all a 645nii should be, however could it be possible that the internals are a 645n? Let me explain. First, the camera doesn’t recognize the D, DF or ISO dials on the right side knob - however, interestingly enough for you to set up the Data information on the actual film the configuration is similar to a 645n (hold back the depth preview and up/down to turn on/off the Data) Second, the AE-L button, doesn’t actually lock AutoExposure settings, instead it “Memory” as indicated by the asterisk inside the camera. And third, the focus indicator is a hexagon (645n) vs. a circle (645nii). There is also seem to be an issue from this, as it doesn’t hit 16 frames, it usually goes for 15. (Which is how I ended up searching for the DF features, since that would allow to change the setting from 15 to 16) Something leads me to believe that (a) this could be a 645nii (physically) but at some point, received a donor electronically piece or (b) that it’s a 645n repackaged into the body of a 645nii (is this even a common practice?) Would love to know your thoughts? I’m unaware of whether at some point perhaps Pentax fabricated some of these 645nii/645n crossovers or if this is a common practice from repairs. Was hoping someone here would be able to help me?

02-22-2021, 10:14 PM	#8
Ed Hurst Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,657	All I know is that a good friend of mine had a 645n and kept having issues with film flatness (due to the frame spacing to allow for 16 frames per roll of 120 film - something he couldn't change) and, when he replaced it with a 645nii, which allowed him to choose a setting to space frames further apart (15 frames per roll of 120 film), the problem went away. Last edited by Ed Hurst; 02-23-2021 at 12:15 AM.

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02-20-2021, 05:15 AM	#2
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	I'm pretty sure that the 645N and NII are basically the same camera underneath.I don't remember the differences anymore except that the NII had custom function that could be set by the user - not only at service as N. The N had 16 shots per 120 roll. The NII 16 or 15 set by custom function. 15 shots avoid any film flatness issues. If I remember correctly the N did not have mirror lock. The NII has. If your camera has mirror lock it is almost certainly an NII. I do not have 6 AA batteries so that I can check the focus indicator symbol in mine.....

02-20-2021, 09:19 AM	#3
kaseki Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,138	Both the N and NII Operating Guides are available on the WWW for download. (If you can't find them perhaps this site allows me to attach files to messages.) I would suggest reviewing both guides for differences and then mapping the results to your camera.

02-20-2021, 07:36 PM	#4
Sebarod New Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 2 Original Poster	I went through most of the manuals and realize that the top part of the camera is a 645nii meanwhile all the functions and features are an N. When looking at the exterior this is super clear in the body itself - for example, the top (645nii portion) has a different texture than the bottom (645n). And all the features that are 645nii (MLU, DF, etc) do not map into any of the buttons. Basically although it looks like a 645nii it is a 645n. Here is the texture piece I mentioned above: Seems that at some point someone fixed together the 645n with the top part of a 645nii.

02-21-2021, 04:05 AM	#5
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	The camera house material of the N is glossy and textured on the NII.

02-21-2021, 04:08 AM	#6
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	It seems you have scored a Franke645n. Enjoy it if you can

02-22-2021, 07:25 PM	#7
yurihuta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Washington DC, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 632	I found out recently that there are two variants of the 645N (no, not 645NII, but its predecessor 645N) - I sent in three bodies for repair and the fellow doing the work (has serviced many 645N bodies) said that one of my 645N was second generation body. He noted that the 645N second version had upgraded some components that in his experience were weak point in the first version of the 645N. As to your 645NII... don't know.

02-23-2021, 04:14 AM	#9
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by Ed Hurst All I know is that a good friend of mine had a 645n and kept having issues with film flatness (due to the frame spacing to allow for 16 frames per roll of 120 film - something he couldn't change) and, when he replaced it with a 645nii, which allowed him to choose a setting to space frames further apart (15 frames per roll of 120 film), the problem went away. I had exactly the same experience...