Electrical Terminals The MD-4 is provided with three separate electrical terminals: 1) Magazine back terminal: Located at the bottom of the motor drive's grip, the magazine back terminal allows a magazine back to be connected to the MD-4's electrical system.

2) External power terminal: The smaller of the two terminals on the front of the motor drive's base, the external power terminal allows the MA-4 AC/DC Converter to be connected to the MD-4 for extended studio shooting. 3) Remote terminal The larger of the two, the remote terminal allows a variety of remote control devices to be attached.

Power Accessories

MN-2 NiCd Battery Unit and MH-2 Quick Charger Optional battery unit and companion charger for the fastest firing rate. Also recommended when using the MD-4 under extremely cold weather conditions. Three to four hour recharging is possible.

MA-4 AC/DC Converter and MC-11 External Power Cord Especially recommended when using the MD-4 for extended studio sessions. Supplies a constant 1.5V DC current to the motor drive. The new MC-11 Cord plugs into the external power terminal of the MD-4. Note: the motor drive MD-4 cannot be fired by using the release button on the MA-4 AC/DC Converter.

Convenient Accessories MF-6 Camera Back Attached to the F3 in place of the standard camera back, the MF-6 provides automatic film rewind-stop with the film leader left outside the cartridge for ease in darkroom handling. Nikon has a few options available: The MF-18 comes with data imprinting features. While the bulk film databack MF-17 also with similar feature as well.

Pistol Grip Model 2 and MC-3 Connecting Cord

A seldom used accessory. It can be screwed into either the camera's tripod socket or the tripod mounting collar of a super telephoto lens to provide more stable handheld shooting. The MC-3 Cord plugs into the MD-4's remote terminal.

AH-2/AH-3 Tripod Adapter

A plate screwing into the bottom of the MD-4 repositions the tripod socket in the middle. AH-2 is a simple device, while the AH-3 has multiple holes and sockets to cater for various combination. I think the AH-3 has replaced the AH-2 now.

The MK-1, in particular was designed as an easy and economical accessory that performs quite a number of special tasks to address some apparent slight weaknesses present in the F3/MD-4 combination.

The MK-1 is handy and easy to use. It attaches to the base of the MD-4, contains a trigger button for use in vertical format shooting. Besides, it has additional function to provide three firing rates of either, 1, 2 or 3 frames per second or unrestricted speed as determine by the motor operation (subject to strength of the battery condition and type of battery used). Lastly, it resolves the MD-4's off-center tripod socket back to the central location to provide a more firmer and secure lock when used with a tripod for critical focus or vibration free photography. If you have used the MD-4 on a tripod or with a attachment, you would certainly appreciate such effort. Note: Not usable with the Nikon F3H with MD-4H combination. Credit: This lovely image of the Nikon F3/MD-4 with MK-1 combination courtesy of Dr. Chuon-Szen Ong® <szennyboy@nikonians.org>. Image copyright © 2004. All rights reserved. Also see Nikon F3-P section.

Update: John Laughlin <xxxx@blarg.net> Subject: Nikon MK-1 Firing Rate Converter... I thought I'd let you know, that firstly, I really enjoy your site and have discovered many interesting tidbits about my F2 and my F3, as well as my Nikkormats over the years... The main reason why I emailed you was to say that with the MK-1 attached to the MD-4, you can balance a F3 with a 200f4 Nikkor AI or AIS. It will stay upright, instead of taking a nosedive as it would if the MK-1 was not attached. Discovered this after I purchased a MK-1 for myself today. Paid $10.00 U.S. for it. Still rather amazed at how little I got it for... -John Duvall, WA, USA

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Remote Control Accessories

		MC-12, MC-12A and MC-12B Remote Control with Button Release
MC-12A	MC-12B

For remote control up to 3 meters away, the MC-12 has a hand grip and trigger release button for convenient operation. Depressing the button halfway turns on the camera's exposure meter; depressing it further releases the shutter. After finger pressure is removed, the meter stays on for 16 sec., automatically turning itself off to conserve battery power.

MW-1/MW-2 Radio Control Set and MC-5 Connecting Cord

Provides interference-free remote control up to 0.7km. Three separate channels allow three motor-driven cameras to be operated automatically. Easy to handle. MC-S Cord plugs into the MD-4's remote terminal.

ML-1 Modulite Remote Control Set and MC-B Connecting Cord Utilizes modulated light to control up to two motor-driven cameras automatically. Compact and easy to handle. Can be used up to 60 meters away. MC-8 Cord plugs into motor drive's remote terminal.

MR-2/MR-3 Terminal Release Allows the MD-4 to be triggered with the AR-2 Cable Release. Does not provide viewfinder display of the shutter speed when depressed halfway.

Simultaneous and Time Lag Shooting Accessories

MC-4 Remote Cord

With plus and minus banana plugs, the MC-4 Cord can be used to fire up to three motor-driven F3s simultaneously. Follow the diagram for proper connection.

Note: For proper operation, the common electrical leads (indicated by bold lines in the diagram) should be kept as short as possible.

MT-1/MT-2 Intervalometer and MC-5 Connecting Cord

Provides time lag shooting with the F3.

Time-lapse exposures

You can trigger the motor drive for time-lapse exposures by connecting an intervalometer or similar device to the trigger circuit in place of the ON/OFF switch. In this case, there will be a slight time delay between the moment the trigger circuit is closed and the shutter is released.

Delay time: Mirror locked-up - 30 milliseconds; Mirror operating - 40 milliseconds

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