pentax 645n custom functions

[joseph_ho]

i am intrested in setting the custom functions to my 645n. i am aware

that i am supposed to send in the camera a pay a fine to have it done

for me but that is ubsurd to me.

 

i want to know any and all information possible about how it might be

done. is there a website that shows how to do it myself? is it in the

repair manual if i can get my hands on one?

 

i have heard that ppl have brought their cameras to the service center

in person to have these set on the spot. if you have done this, how

long did it take? did they do it infront of you?

 

more importantly, was it a sequence of keystrokes? did the camera have

to be interfaced with a computer? was there disassembly involved?

 

i think 45 dollars is ubsurd to set functions on my camera that cost

what it did. especially since i want to be able to change them based

on what i'm doing with my camera any day of the week. i have run a

search and not found any instructions on how to do it. now i am

starting this thread to compile as much information on the subject as

possible for 645n users and myself.

 

thanks for any info you can share.

[keith_merrill]

Joseph,

I am sorry I can't help you with a procedure, I own the 645nII which has user changeable functions, but try to find the pentax mail list and post this question there, they may be of help, plus you can email pentax. Who knows, maybe they will give you some helpful advice. Great cameras.

[ron_huff1]

Joseph,

 

I had Pentax change the custom functions on my "N". I think it took a week or so- not long. I have no idea how to do it- I think it is worth it to have them do it. I believe they told me that a computer interface is needed.

 

I love the functions I got changed. When I autobracket (which I do a lot), I can set it to bracket in 1/2 stops,as well as 1/3 stops and 2/3. Bracketing 1/2 is perfect for me. I shoot landscape on mostly Velvia.

 

I also had the AE lock time lengthened from 10 seconds to 30 or more seconds. This gives me more time after I've metered and locked in the base exposure to putz around making sure everything is perfect before exposing the film.

 

One other thing I had them do was to access the two buttons for use when shooting on manual so that the buttons move the shutter speed up and down 1/2 stops. I actually use this very little as I love shooting using the stepless Aperture Priority with AE lock and autobracketing. When using autobracketing on still, tripoded shots just make sure you give the camera a few seconds for any vibrations to settle down from the first exposure before firing off the second, and then the third.

 

Pentax is right up the road from me in Englewood (Denver) Colorado. They seem to be good people to work with. And they will correct any errors they make quickly and for free.

 

I think the P645 N + Nii series are fantastic machines. The hassle of film when quality digital is so available makes me stop now and then- until I see those gorgeous slides on the light table. Digital can't give me that experience.

 

Ron Huff