Nikon MD-4 - User Manual

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Summary

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Components

Primary Controls and Mode Settings

Details the trigger button, S-C mode selector, and battery check button for operation.

Battery and Film Rewind Mechanisms

Explains the battery chamber, rewind slides, and rewind button pin for power and film handling.

Camera Attachment and Interface Points

Covers coupling prong, electrical contacts, and positioning pin for camera connection.

Ergonomics and External Connectivity

Describes the anatomical grip, tripod socket, external power, and remote terminals.

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Foreword

Introduction to the MD-4 Motor Drive

Introduces the MD-4 as an accessory for automatic film advance and highlights its features.

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Setup and Use

Battery Installation and Drive Attachment

Step-by-step guide to installing batteries, checking power, and mounting the motor drive on the camera.

Film Loading and Shooting Process

Instructions for loading film, setting frame counter, selecting shooting mode, and taking pictures.

Automatic Film Rewinding and Storage

Details automatic film rewinding, handling the cartridge, and securing the drive with the lock setting.

Nikon MD-4 Detailed Control Functions

Anatomical Grip Design

Explains the ergonomic benefits of the anatomical grip for comfortable shooting.

S-C Mode Selector Operation

Details the Single (S), Continuous (C), and Lock (L) settings of the mode selector.

Trigger Button and Metering

Covers the trigger button's dual function for firing the shutter and activating the camera meter.

Frame Counter Functionality

Describes the subtractive frame counter, its normal use, and specialized settings for cold weather.

Rewind Slides R1 and R2

Explains the operation of rewind slides R1 and R2 for automatic film rewinding.

Battery Chamber and Power Management

Details the built-in battery chamber and its capacity for powering the motor drive.

Battery Check and LED Indicators

Explains how to use the battery check button and interpret the LED indicators for power status.

Electrical Terminals for Connectivity

Details the magazine back, external power, and remote terminals for accessory connection.

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Accessories

Power Accessories for Extended Use

Describes optional battery units and chargers for high-speed shooting and cold weather conditions.

Convenient Accessories for Handling

Details accessories like the MF-6 Camera Back and Pistol Grip for improved operation and ergonomics.

Remote Control and Time-Lapse Accessories

Lists various remote control systems and intervalometers for automated and time-lapse shooting.

Nikon MD-4 Technical Specifications

Camera Fitment and Shooting Modes

Specifies compatibility with Nikon F3 and available shooting modes including Single, Continuous, and Lock.

Performance Metrics: Firing Rate and Rewind

Details firing rates with different batteries, automatic film rewind, and winding stop features.

Physical Characteristics: Dimensions and Weight

Provides the physical dimensions and weight of the Nikon MD-4 motor drive.

Nikon MD-4 Battery Care and Performance

Battery Handling and Storage Recommendations

Offers essential tips on selecting, using, storing, and disposing of batteries for optimal performance.

Summary

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Components

Primary Controls and Mode Settings

Details the trigger button, S-C mode selector, and battery check button for operation.

Battery and Film Rewind Mechanisms

Explains the battery chamber, rewind slides, and rewind button pin for power and film handling.

Camera Attachment and Interface Points

Covers coupling prong, electrical contacts, and positioning pin for camera connection.

Ergonomics and External Connectivity

Describes the anatomical grip, tripod socket, external power, and remote terminals.

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Foreword

Introduction to the MD-4 Motor Drive

Introduces the MD-4 as an accessory for automatic film advance and highlights its features.

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Setup and Use

Battery Installation and Drive Attachment

Step-by-step guide to installing batteries, checking power, and mounting the motor drive on the camera.

Film Loading and Shooting Process

Instructions for loading film, setting frame counter, selecting shooting mode, and taking pictures.

Automatic Film Rewinding and Storage

Details automatic film rewinding, handling the cartridge, and securing the drive with the lock setting.

Nikon MD-4 Detailed Control Functions

Anatomical Grip Design

Explains the ergonomic benefits of the anatomical grip for comfortable shooting.

S-C Mode Selector Operation

Details the Single (S), Continuous (C), and Lock (L) settings of the mode selector.

Trigger Button and Metering

Covers the trigger button's dual function for firing the shutter and activating the camera meter.

Frame Counter Functionality

Describes the subtractive frame counter, its normal use, and specialized settings for cold weather.

Rewind Slides R1 and R2

Explains the operation of rewind slides R1 and R2 for automatic film rewinding.

Battery Chamber and Power Management

Details the built-in battery chamber and its capacity for powering the motor drive.

Battery Check and LED Indicators

Explains how to use the battery check button and interpret the LED indicators for power status.

Electrical Terminals for Connectivity

Details the magazine back, external power, and remote terminals for accessory connection.

Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive Accessories

Power Accessories for Extended Use

Describes optional battery units and chargers for high-speed shooting and cold weather conditions.

Convenient Accessories for Handling

Details accessories like the MF-6 Camera Back and Pistol Grip for improved operation and ergonomics.

Remote Control and Time-Lapse Accessories

Lists various remote control systems and intervalometers for automated and time-lapse shooting.

Nikon MD-4 Technical Specifications

Camera Fitment and Shooting Modes

Specifies compatibility with Nikon F3 and available shooting modes including Single, Continuous, and Lock.

Performance Metrics: Firing Rate and Rewind

Details firing rates with different batteries, automatic film rewind, and winding stop features.

Physical Characteristics: Dimensions and Weight

Provides the physical dimensions and weight of the Nikon MD-4 motor drive.

Nikon MD-4 Battery Care and Performance

Battery Handling and Storage Recommendations

Offers essential tips on selecting, using, storing, and disposing of batteries for optimal performance.

The Nikon MD-4 Motor Drive is an accessory designed to automatically advance film through the Nikon F3 camera. It offers both "Single" (S) and "Continuous" (C) shooting modes, as well as automatic film rewind.

Function Description:

The MD-4 Motor Drive attaches to the Nikon F3 camera body, providing automatic film advance and rewind capabilities. In "Single" mode, the film advances to the next frame after each picture is taken. In "Continuous" mode, the film advances rapidly in succession as long as the trigger button is held down. The firing rate in continuous mode varies depending on the power source and shutter speed. The MD-4 also features an anatomical grip for comfortable horizontal or vertical shooting. It includes a subtractive-type frame counter that can be set for normal shooting or to a specific number of frames to prevent film damage in cold temperatures. Automatic film rewind is initiated by depressing a lock button and pushing two rewind slides, and it stops when the film leader is fully rewound into the cartridge. The device also offers a battery check function with LED indicators to show battery status.

Important Technical Specifications:

Camera Fitting: Nikon F3
Shooting Modes: Single-frame (S), Continuous (C), and Lock (L) positions via the S-C mode selector.
Shutter Release: Electromagnetic trigger button, also activates the camera meter for 16 seconds when depressed halfway.
Firing Rate:
- Up to 6 frames per second (fps) with the optional MN-2 NiCd Battery Unit.
- Up to 4 fps with 8 penlight AA-type batteries.
- Firing rates decrease at shutter speeds slower than 1/125 sec.
- Guaranteed firing rate: approximately 60 rolls of 36-exposure film with all battery types.
- Slower rates (still usable): approximately 70 rolls with MN-2 NiCd Battery Unit, 100 rolls with zinc-carbon batteries, and 140 rolls with alkaline-manganese batteries.
Automatic Film Rewind:
- 4.5 seconds with MN-2 NiCd Battery Unit for 36-exposure film.
- 8 seconds with AA-type penlight batteries for 36-exposure film.
- Automatic film rewind stop with optional MF-6 Camera Back.
Shutter Speeds: 8 to 1/2000 sec., including "X" (1/80 sec.).
Dimensions: 146.5mm (W) x 115.0mm (H) x 71.0mm (D).
Weight: 480g.
Power Source: 8 AA-type penlight batteries (zinc-carbon or alkaline-manganese) or optional MN-2 NiCd Battery Unit.
External Power: MA-4 AC/DC Converter (15V DC constant current) via the external power terminal.
Delay Time (Time-lapse exposures):
- Mirror locked-up: 30 milliseconds.
- Mirror operating: 40 milliseconds.

Usage Features:

Anatomical Grip (18): Designed for comfortable horizontal or vertical shooting. The grip allows for quick transitions between shooting orientations.
S-C Mode Selector (15): Concentric with the trigger button, this dial allows selection between "Single" (S), "Continuous" (C), and "Lock" (L) modes. In "L" mode, the trigger button is locked, preventing accidental operation, though the camera's shutter release can still be used manually.
Trigger Button (14): An electromagnetic release that functions identically to the camera's shutter release button. Depressing it halfway activates the camera's meter and LCD exposure information in the viewfinder. The meter automatically turns off after 16 seconds to conserve battery power.
Frame Counter (4): A subtractive counter that can be set to an orange dot for automatic stop at film end, or to a specific number of frames (e.g., 36, 24, 20, 12) to prevent film damage in cold temperatures. An LED lights up when the counter reaches "0" or when the film tension increases at the end of the roll.
Rewind Slides 1 (R1) (12) and 2 (R2) (5): Used for automatic film rewinding. Depress R1's lock button, push R1 to the left, then push R2 up to start rewinding. Push R2 down to stop.
Battery Chamber (13): Integrated into the motor drive, it accepts 8 AA-type penlight batteries or the optional MN-2 NiCd Battery Unit. The camera draws power directly from the motor drive's batteries.
Battery Check Button (1) and LED Indicators (9): Depressing the button illuminates LEDs to indicate battery power. Two LEDs mean full power, one LED means reduced power, and no LEDs mean dead batteries or incorrect loading. LEDs also indicate film advance, film end, frame counter reaching "0", and auto-rewind stop with the MF-6 Camera Back.
Electrical Terminals:
- Magazine Back Terminal (19): For connecting a magazine back to the MD-4's electrical system.
- External Power Terminal (23): For connecting the MA-4 AC/DC Converter for extended studio shooting.
- Remote Terminal (24): For attaching various remote control devices (e.g., MC-12 Remote Cord, MW-1 Radio Control Set, ML-1 Modulite Remote Control Set, MR-2 Terminal Release).
Multiple Exposures: Possible in "Continuous" mode by holding the multiple exposure lever in position while firing a short burst. A blank shot (with lens cap) is recommended afterward to advance film without adding another exposure.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Management:
- Purchase fresh batteries, checking manufacturing dates.
- Battery life is affected by temperature; spare batteries are recommended for cold conditions.
- Continuous use drains batteries faster than intermittent use.
- Remove batteries when not in use to prevent leakage and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Do not mix battery brands or old and new batteries to ensure proper performance and prevent leakage.
- Dispose of batteries properly; do not burn or disassemble them.
- Observe correct polarity when installing batteries to prevent leakage. If leakage occurs, clean the MD-4 or take it to a dealer.
Film Handling:
- Do not detach the motor drive from the camera while it is loaded with film unless in a darkroom, as film may be exposed to light.
- In cold climates, set the frame counter to a number less than the actual frames (e.g., 35 for a 36-exposure roll) to prevent film from becoming brittle and tearing.
- When rewinding film in cold weather, push R1 to the left and rewind slowly by hand with the camera's film rewind crank to prevent static electricity charges that can cause lightning-like exposures on the film.