Nikon Motor Drive MD-11 Instruction Manual

Foreword

The Nikon MD-11 Motor Drive, while supplied as an accessory for the Nikon FM and FE compact cameras, was a significant design feature. It enhances camera operation, making it considerably easier. Consider the MD-11 a standard complement to your Nikon compact camera, representing a major advance in camera handling technique. Read this manual carefully before use for best results and keep it handy for quick reference to avoid costly mistakes.

Nomenclature

The Nikon MD-11 features the following components:

• Attachment screw
• Battery chamber lid
• Camera electrical contacts
• Drive shaft coupling
• Pilot lamp
• Power switch
• Remote control socket
• Rewind button extension
• Rewind slide
• S-C selector
• S-C selector lock
• Shutter release pin
• Tripod socket
• Trigger button
• Attachment thumb wheels

Loading the Batteries

The MD-11 is powered by eight 1.5V penlight (AA size) batteries housed in the unit's battery chamber. To load or replace batteries, turn the coin-slotted locking screw on the battery chamber lid counterclockwise. Remove the lid and battery clip. Ensure batteries are inserted correctly, observing the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals as indicated on the clip. Incorrect insertion can deplete batteries and potentially damage the motor drive. Once batteries are correctly positioned, replace the clip, push the lid down gently until it seats correctly, and tighten the locking screw with a coin or similar object.

Attaching the Motor Drive

Mounting the MD-11 is simple and can be done with or without film in the camera. Ensure the power switch is OFF before attaching. Position the motor drive on the camera's bottom plate, aligning its handgrip with the film advance lever. Ensure the raised ring around the drive shaft seats correctly inside the camera's film advance coupling. Fasten the attachment screw clockwise using the thumb wheels. Ensure there is no gap between the motor drive and camera body, then tighten the screw firmly. For the Nikon FM, set the mode selector switch to "M" (motor). For the Nikon FE, the switchover from manual to motor drive is automatic when the power is turned ON. Turn the motor drive's power switch to "ON." If the film was not advanced before attachment, the motor drive will advance it and cock the shutter upon power-up. The pilot lamp will extinguish after advancing one frame.

Operation

The camera/MD-11 combination operates similarly to the camera alone. Refer to your camera's manual for details. Keep the film advance lever flush with the camera body when the MD-11 is attached. The motor drive's power switch also turns on the camera's meter. All exposures should be made via the trigger button on the motor drive grip. The S-C selector allows for single-frame (S) or continuous (C) shooting. Depress the lock and turn the selector to the desired setting.

Single-frame shooting:

Pressing the trigger fires the shutter. Releasing the button advances the film one frame and cocks the shutter. You can release the button before the exposure is complete due to an electronic interlock. Usable shutter speeds for the FM in "S" mode are 1 second to 1/1000 second. For the FE, in addition to AUTO, speeds up to M90 can be used. The "B" setting is not usable.

Continuous shooting:

The motor drive automatically triggers the shutter and advances film as long as the button is depressed. Framing rate depends on shutter speed, with a maximum of approximately 3.5 frames per second (fps) at speeds faster than 1/125 sec. Continuous shooting at 3.5 fps will expose a 36-exposure roll in under 11 seconds. For sequence photography, many photographers lift their finger off the trigger immediately after exposure. Usable shutter speeds for the FM in "C" mode are 1/2 second to 1/1000 second. For the FE, AUTO and speeds up to M90 are usable. The "B" setting is not usable.

Important Note: Turn the motor drive OFF after shooting to prevent battery drain from the camera's metering circuit. The MD-11 is designed for various climatic conditions, but extreme cold can affect performance. For continuous shooting in cold conditions, avoid shutter speeds below 1/30 sec. If necessary, switch to single-frame shooting.

Film Rewinding

When a roll of film is fully exposed, the MD-11 motor stops, releasing film tension, with the pilot lamp remaining lit. Turn the power switch OFF. Push the rewind slide on the motor drive up to rewind the film normally. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for details.

Manual Film Advance

To manually advance film without removing the MD-11, turn the motor drive's power switch OFF after it has finished advancing the film. For the FM, turn the mode selector switch so the indicator line aligns with the camera body's line. For the FE, manual advance is automatic when the motor drive is switched OFF.

Double/Multiple Exposures

Your camera has a built-in multiple exposure feature. Depressing the multi-exposure button or lever allows superimposing multiple pictures on the same frame. This function works with the motor drive attached, offering creative possibilities. When the motor drive S-C selector is set to "S," use the motor drive's trigger button to initiate the exposure. Depress and hold the multi-exposure button/lever with your left hand before releasing the trigger button. On the "C" setting, holding the multi-exposure button/lever while triggering the release button produces multiple images on the same frame, creating effects from subject motion or camera movement. Release the multi-exposure button/lever just before the last exposure to prepare for the next sequence. If the camera is not ready for the next shot, make one "blank" exposure.

Simultaneous Operation

Two or more cameras can be fired simultaneously for single-frame or continuous operation. An MC-4 cord is required to connect each camera to the trigger circuit. Use a trigger circuit similar to the one illustrated.

Diagram showing three cameras connected via MC-4 cords to a central switch for simultaneous firing.

Time Lapse

Time lapse photography, capturing a series of photos over time from a fixed position, is easily achieved with the MD-11 and a timing device like the Nikon MT-1 intervalometer. These devices typically have controls for pulse duration (triggering pulse length) and interval time (time between pulses). The MD-11's S-C selector allows for single shots or bursts. With the S-C selector set to "S," one exposure is made per pulse, with automatic film winding. Set the interval time as desired, ensuring the trigger pulse is not longer than the interval time to avoid erratic operation. With the S-C selector set to "C," if the triggering pulse duration exceeds the shutter speed setting (e.g., 0.25 sec.), bursts of exposures will occur at each interval. For time lapse, setting the S-C selector to "S" and the trigger pulse duration between 0.1 and 0.25 sec. is generally recommended. Time lapse photography is not possible with the shutter speed dial set to "B." Doing so may cause the camera's mirror to lock up and the shutter to remain open. To reset, move the shutter speed dial away from "B."

Accessories

MC-4 Remote Cord

Provides a convenient means of connecting remote-control triggering circuits to the MD-11. It features a standard plug for Nikon motor drive remote control sockets and two "banana" plugs for custom triggering circuits. The cable can be extended, provided circuit resistance does not exceed 1Ω. For long-distance operation, Modulite or Radio Control systems are more convenient.

Pistol Grip Model 2

Screws into the tripod socket of the lens or motor drive, serving as support and a motor triggering means for long telephoto lenses. An MC-3 connecting cord is needed for electrical connection to the motor drive's remote control socket.

MT-1 Intervalometer

A precision digital timing unit for slow sequence shooting. It requires four AA penlight batteries, making it convenient for location use. Connection to an MD-11 equipped camera is made via the supplied MC-5 cord. Exposure intervals up to eight minutes can be set.

ML-1 Modulite Remote Control Set

Allows remote control triggering of MD-11 equipped cameras up to 60 meters. It uses Nikon's modulated light system for reliable operation over moderate distances. Its lightweight and compact size, powered by a 9V battery, make it ideal for field and studio use. Connection is via the MC-5 connecting cord.

MW-1 Radio Control Set

Provides wireless remote control triggering for MD-11 equipped Nikon FM or FE cameras. It can operate up to three cameras simultaneously or individually at ranges up to 0.7 km. Battery powered, compact, and lightweight, it is ideal for field use. Connection is made to the MD-11's remote control socket via the MC-5 cord.

Troubleshooting

The MD-11 is designed for simple, trouble-free operation. Minor issues may arise from incorrect operation or misunderstanding. If the motor drive "jams," it usually indicates incorrect control operation or a disengaged coupling mechanism. Turn the MD-11's power switch OFF, make one exposure with the camera's shutter release button (switching to manual film advance on the FM if necessary). If the film was not fully advanced, complete it with the camera's film advance lever, then press the shutter release. Do not advance the film. Switch the motor drive back ON (and to motor drive mode on the FM). The motor drive should advance the film for the next exposure. If the issue persists or the film advance lever is stuck, turn the motor drive OFF, remove it from the camera to release film advance tension, advance the film manually, and make one exposure. Reattach the motor drive and switch it ON. If the shutter speed dial is set to "B," the mirror may lock up with the shutter open. Move the dial away from "B" to restore normal operation.

During motor drive operation, the film advance lever should remain flush with the camera back. If it is moved to its stand-off position, the motor drive will stop. Returning the lever to its flush position will restart the motor drive.

Battery Performance

Battery performance varies with type, age, and operating conditions, including temperature. While the number of rolls per battery set is not precisely predictable, alkaline-manganese batteries can typically expose over a hundred 36-exposure rolls. Battery performance diminishes in cold temperatures, leading to slower shooting speeds and reduced film transport capacity. Alkaline-manganese batteries are particularly affected at temperatures below 0°C.

Specifications

• Camera fitting: Nikon FM, Nikon FE
• Shooting speed: 3.5 fps approx. maximum (at shutter speeds faster than 1/125 sec.)
• Shooting modes: Single frame (S), Continuous (C)
• Usable shutter speeds:
  • At "S" setting: FM 1 sec. to 1/1000 sec.; FE 8 sec. to 1/1000 sec., Auto, M90
  • At "C" setting: FM 1/2 sec. to 1/1000 sec.; FE 1/8 sec. to 1/1000 sec., Auto, M90
• Pilot lamp: LED lights up when in operation
• Power switch: On/off switch (also acts as meter on/off switch)
• Remote control: Standard Nikon 3-pin connector
• Power source: Eight 1.5V penlight batteries (AA size), in integral battery chamber
• Weight: 410g approx. (without batteries)
• Dimensions: Approx. 114 x 36 x 42mm; approx. 144 x 68.5 x 109.5mm (including the grip)