mamiya 645E help!!?

Question

I just purchased a Mamiya 645e as entrance to the world of medium format photography. I was shooting my second roll of film and on the 14th frame the shutter stuck open and won't close. Why is this? how can i retrieve the roll if i can't wind it? I'm sure its not the mirror lock up switch...is there a manual online for this camera? b/c i can't find one...
thanks!

Answer 1

Well, I don't know why it stuck, but you can get your film out in a darkroom. If you don't have a dark enough space to do that, then take the camera to a pro lab and ask them to get the film out. Then have the camera checked over to see what the problem is.

I checked Mamiya's site. They have some manuals for download, and they mentioned the 645 but not the 645E. However, if you go to Order Form, they do have 645E listed there. Here's the link:
http://www.mamiya.com/customerservice1.asp?id=3&id2=115
You might try emailing them also to ask for assistance.

I found this in their FAQ regarding your camera model. Not sure if this applies in your case, but it might be the problem.

Q. May I use 120 film on a 220 insert and vice-versa?

A. Do this only in an emergency. The pressure plates of the two inserts are slightly different to allow for the presence/lack of paper backing on the film. The difference in the film plane may cause focus problems at wide apertures. Squeezing 120 film and paper through 220 rollers (designed for film only) will strain the back’s advance mechanism. Also, the 120 insert will cause the back’s counter will release after exposure #15 and waste the second half of a 220 roll. The 220 insert will cause the back’s counter will continue past #15, running the risk of shooting on the leader paper if strict attention is not paid to the counter.

Answer 2

Could it be a dead battery?

You can also google Magic Lantern and see if they have a Guide for your camera. Their Guides are usually better illustrated with step by step examples.