Asia Werbel , Jun 27, 2009; 09:49 p.m.
I bought my mamiya 645AFD at Focus, NEC from a reputable outlet in Feb 2009. There was a sealed pack of batteries with it which I installed approx 3 weeks later.I have shot 3/4 rolls of 120.Last time I used it was 3 weeks ago and it worked fine.Today I couldn't get any display on the LCD.I opened up the battery compartment to change the batteries thinking they'd expired and to my horror found that one of them has leaked.I cleaned up the battery holder and inserted brand new batteries to test the camera.still nothing.Has anyone else had this problem and can anyone advise me what I should do/who do I contact etc?
Bruce Muir , Jun 27, 2009; 11:44 p.m.
Try cleaning the all metal battery contacts with baking soda and a tooth brush.
Asia Werbel , Jun 28, 2009; 11:46 a.m.
OK....I did what you suggested Bruce. And when it was bone dry I tried again with new batteries.Still no display when switched on.I need some advice....do I ring the company who sold it to me, or get in touch with Johnsons Photopia who have after sales customer service, or do I ring the company who made the batteries.What would your first port of call be?
Bruce Muir , Jun 28, 2009; 11:56 a.m.
Asia,
Sorry to hear this.
My next move would be to find a small file and rough up the contacts a bit so you can see some shiny metal.
I doubt you have any recourse considering it's the batteries fault not the camera seller.
The battery manufacturer will claim no liability or say you stored them improperly.
I've had luck cleaning leaked batteries in a few Vivitar 283 flashes with this method but it all depends on the extent of the damage from the battery acid/leak.
Asia Werbel , Jun 28, 2009; 12:07 p.m.
Thanks Bruce i'll try that next. I was also wondering about getting hold of a new battery compartment to check if it is the cause.Anybody have one I can test in the Stratford-upon-Avon area?
Asia Werbel , Jun 28, 2009; 12:09 p.m.
Thanks Bruce i'll try that next. I was also wondering about getting hold of a new battery compartment to check if it is the cause.Anybody have one I can test in the Stratford-upon-Avon area?
Jack Fisher , Jun 28, 2009; 02:07 p.m.
After the baking soda that Bruce mentioned, I use a pencil sized fiberglass brush. I also have an old pencil sized "typewriter eraser." Since typewriters are scarce these days, finding such an eraser might be difficult. Try a stationery store. I find either method usually rough enough to polish the contacts. If that doesn't do the trick, then a file would be in order.
Asia Werbel , Jun 28, 2009; 03:34 p.m.
Thankyou Jack, I'll have a try. I'll try anything!
Asia Werbel , Jun 28, 2009; 04:22 p.m.
How likely is it that the leak has damaged not just the battery holder? and can anyone recommend a UK outlet which would sell replacement battery holders? I have googled and not really getting any joy - one is in hong kong and another in the USA.
Bruce Muir , Jun 28, 2009; 04:41 p.m.
Asia, I don't know how you feel about the auction site but that is one option. Finding that particular piece/part might not be too easy? ? ?
