Nikon MD12 question

[brianentz]

I'm looking at picking up a MD12 motor drive for my Nikon FE2 and FA. The seller says that he doesn't have a camera to mate it with but with batteries in and you turn it on it does nothing. Is that normal for an MD12? Will it only do something if it's attached to a camera body or should a properly functioning one actuate even without being attached to a body.

[Les Sarile]

That's correct. Unless it is attached to a body, there will be no indication of functionality.

[cjbecker]

If your in the states i will sell you one that i know works. Pm if interested.

[jochen]

Hello,
if the batteries are in the MD-12, put the switch to "ON" and short-circuit the golden contact pins to the camera body by a coin. Then the motor will work and you can see if it is o.k.

[BrianShaw]

Hello,
if the batteries are in the MD-12, put the switch to "ON" and short-circuit the golden contact pins to the camera body by a coin. Then the motor will work and you can see if it is o.k.

This is a good trick to remember... because it is often needed to properly synchronize the MD with the camera.

[elekm]

The motor drive adds a significant amount of weight (and noise) to the camera. I felt that it really eliminated one of the camera's advantages of being smaller and lighter in weight.

[BrianShaw]

Maybe so, but for me (at least) the convenience is well worth it.

[LJSLATER]

With its round grip, I think the MD-12 is one of the more comfortable motors. It's very easy on the hands, unlike the square grips of other motors. MD-12s are indeed very loud; they make a typewriter-like clacking noise.

As for the OP's question, my MD-12 does react when I press the trigger without the camera attached. Doing this makes the gears jam though--the motor won't react again until you reset the gears by twisting the coupling prongs by hand. The coin trick works too.

[rich815]

It does indeed add weight and noise but after many years of never using one I finally get one at a great price and attached it to my FM2. Kaachee-Kaachee-Kaachee-snap! Love it. Sounds so solid and professional. And feels so good in the hand.

[rwreich]

I love using the MD-12 with my FM2n because of the extra grip... My MD can cause problems at the end of the roll, though. Sometimes, it is difficult to rewind the film because the MD won't properly release the tension.

The other issue I have with the MD is that it is difficult to operate the shutter speed dial while the manual film advance is in the off position (which is the only position in which the MD works).