Pentax 645Z shutter noise and drag

Sasha Maslov · 12-15-2016, 04:36 PM

Hey guys,

I am little baffled with this, can't find a solution - probably hardware and will need to send it in for repair, but wanted to ask if anyone had an issue similar to mine. Doesn't seem like it's a common problem, but maybe someone had this experience.

So, when I click on the button the shutter makes this god awful scratchy noise, like, it's struggling and then finally it releases the shutter and I am able to take a picture but sometimes it gets stuck for a good half of a second and the releases, or sometimes it works normally. Obviously something is wrong. Any ideas?

mikeSF · 12-15-2016, 05:54 PM - **1 Like**

Can you post a phone video of the issue? Maybe even look in there and shoot a few to see if you can identify something that is dragging.

photoptimist · 12-15-2016, 06:13 PM - **1 Like**

There's three mechanical subsystems in the 645Z that could be having trouble:

1. The shutter
2. The mirror
3. The aperture actuator (and attached lens)

First, is there any chance it a problem with the lens? Do all your lenses have this trouble?

Second, what happens if you fire the shutter with no lens. Does the mirror seem to take a long time to rise? Does the sound happen AFTER the mirror flips up?

Sasha Maslov · 12-15-2016, 07:30 PM

Thank you for responding!

Unfortunately, the issue is not with the lens. Here is the video of this heartbreaking sound and mirror getting stuck.

You Tube

**Kerrowdown** · 12-16-2016, 12:43 AM

Welcome to the forum, sounds like a visit to the friendly Pentax repair person.

Adam · 12-16-2016, 01:56 AM

Indeed, unfortunately that sounds like it's in need of repair.

**BigMackCam** · 12-18-2016, 03:21 AM

Hello, Sasha, and welcome to the forums. I've moved this thread to the troubleshooting section

Sasha Maslov · 12-20-2016, 09:39 PM

Thank you guys!

Yes, will send it to Precision camera. Couldn't find anyone else in New York Area who deals with Pentax.

larkis · 06-05-2022, 08:29 PM

Did you get this issue repaired ? There is a good chance I'm having the same issue.

12-15-2016, 04:36 PM	#1
Sasha Maslov New Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 5	Pentax 645Z shutter noise and drag Hey guys, I am little baffled with this, can't find a solution - probably hardware and will need to send it in for repair, but wanted to ask if anyone had an issue similar to mine. Doesn't seem like it's a common problem, but maybe someone had this experience. So, when I click on the button the shutter makes this god awful scratchy noise, like, it's struggling and then finally it releases the shutter and I am able to take a picture but sometimes it gets stuck for a good half of a second and the releases, or sometimes it works normally. Obviously something is wrong. Any ideas?

12-16-2016, 01:56 AM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Indeed, unfortunately that sounds like it's in need of repair. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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12-15-2016, 05:54 PM - 1 Like	#2
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,622	Can you post a phone video of the issue? Maybe even look in there and shoot a few to see if you can identify something that is dragging.

12-15-2016, 06:13 PM - 1 Like	#3
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,129	There's three mechanical subsystems in the 645Z that could be having trouble: 1. The shutter 2. The mirror 3. The aperture actuator (and attached lens) First, is there any chance it a problem with the lens? Do all your lenses have this trouble? Second, what happens if you fire the shutter with no lens. Does the mirror seem to take a long time to rise? Does the sound happen AFTER the mirror flips up?

12-16-2016, 12:43 AM	#5
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Welcome to the forum, sounds like a visit to the friendly Pentax repair person.

12-18-2016, 03:21 AM	#7
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,706	Hello, Sasha, and welcome to the forums. I've moved this thread to the troubleshooting section

12-20-2016, 09:39 PM	#8
Sasha Maslov New Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thank you guys! Yes, will send it to Precision camera. Couldn't find anyone else in New York Area who deals with Pentax.

06-05-2022, 08:29 PM	#9
larkis Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 130	Did you get this issue repaired ? There is a good chance I'm having the same issue.