Nikon MF-12 Databack -Specifications

Modern Classic SLRs Series
Nikon FE/FM/FA Series Model(s) - Shared Accessories
- MF-12 Databack -Specifications -

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Technical Specifications of MF-12 Databack

Usable cameras: Nikon FE, FM, FM2, FM2n, FA*

Attachment method: Used in place of regular camera back

Usable film speed settings: ASA/ISO 100-400 for B&W films ASA/ISO 25-400 for color films

Film speed adjustment: By 3-position, click-stopped dial

Data imprint type: By 7-segment, 6-digit red LEDs exposure time controlled by film speed selector
Imprint data: Year/Month/Day, Day/Hour/ Minute or any 1- or 2-digit number; automatically programmed until the year 2100 and adjusted for leap years.

Imprinted area: Lower right-hand corner of picture frame

Imprinted area size: 9.5mm(high) x 6.6mrn(width) when all 6 figures appear

Data imprint decision: By data imprint ON/OFF switch

Data adjustment: By pushing ADJUST/R button year, month, day, hour and minute are separately set. Through camera body sync terminal; data cannot be imprinted while the ADJUST/R button is being pushed.

Imprint signal: Red LED lamp at the upper center of the MF-12 blinks when data is imprinted

Data imprint check: LED blinks to confirm

Data display: By 7-segment, 6-digit LCD

Power source: Two 1.55V silver-oxide (SR-44 type) batteries, also, optionally available Battery Holder DB-3 holding two 1.5V AAA-type batteries

Battery life: 1.55V batteries - approx. 2 years (in normal temperatures) 1.5V AAA-type batteries with Battery Holder DB3 - more than 2 years (in normal temperatures) - Built-in 24-hour type clock starts from 0 00, January 1, 1980 every time fresh batteries are inserted.

Clock: Built-in, 24-hour type

Timing accuracy: Within +15 seconds a month (normal temperatures)

Temperature: -10°C + 40°C in use -20°C + 55°C in storage

Usable motor drive: Nikon Motor Drive MD-11 and MD-12

Dimensions (WxHxD): Approx. 118mmx46mmx7mm

Weight: Approx. 759 (without batteries)

* Someone mailed and confirmed it can be used, I am not so sure, but was based on such knowledge to publish. You may mail and share your experience.

In July 1981, Nikon in its technical manual reported "The MF-12 fails to imprint data when using the Nikon FE at shutter speed of 1/1000 sec". The Nikon factory indicates that the Databack MF-12 sometimes fails to imprint data when using the FE manufactured at a certain stage * with a shutter speed setting of 1 /1000 sec..

* Serial number of models involved: 3810000 - 3853000 - Chrome; 3710000 - 3752000 - Black

Details of Condition:

The X-contact device of Shutter has been changed as shown below since November 1980 and, at a setting of shutter speed 1/1000, the ON-duration of X-contact--has been made shorter from 1 ms to nearly zero. Thus, the X-contact signal will not be provided for the MF-12's imprinting operation when releasing shutter at a speed of 1/1000 sec. This, of cause is minor problem.

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Index Page Special Application lenses:
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Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
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Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

W A R N I N G: The New G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have no aperture ring on the lens, they CANNOT ADJUST APERTURES with any of these manual focus Nikon FE series SLR camera models; please ignore some portion of the content contained herein this site where it relates.

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about this photographic web site

Home - Photography in Malaysia

A contributing effort to Michael C Liu's Classic Nikon Site.

Credit: Chuck Hester for some of his beautiful images used in this site; Ted Wengelaar®, Holland for his continuous flow of input; Lars Holst Hansen, Danish 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion; Mr Poon from Poon photo for their input; Ms Miss Rissa (Sales Manager) & members of the Technical Service dept. of Shriro Malaysia, local distributor of Nikon cameras in Malaysia & Singapore, in providing so many useful input to make this site possible. Special thanks to Mr MC Lau, who has helped with his images of the MF-12 databack. Michael Tan, Pertama Photo (603-2926505) for lending his original Titanium Shutter Display Unit. Dave Hoyt who has prepared the introductory page and offer some images of his FE2 in this site.. Hiura Shinsaku, Nikomat ML, Japan for his contribution on all the various images; A contributing site to a long lost friend on the Net. Note: Certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their own work to publish in this site based on educational merits. The creator of this site will not be responsible for any discrepancies that may arise from such possible dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Made witha PowerMac.

Usable cameras:	Nikon FE, FM, FM2, FM2n, FA*
Attachment method:	Used in place of regular camera back
Usable film speed settings:	ASA/ISO 100-400 for B&W films ASA/ISO 25-400 for color films
Film speed adjustment:	By 3-position, click-stopped dial
Data imprint type:	By 7-segment, 6-digit red LEDs exposure time controlled by film speed selector Imprint data: Year/Month/Day, Day/Hour/ Minute or any 1- or 2-digit number; automatically programmed until the year 2100 and adjusted for leap years.
Imprinted area:	Lower right-hand corner of picture frame
Imprinted area size:	9.5mm(high) x 6.6mrn(width) when all 6 figures appear
Data imprint decision:	By data imprint ON/OFF switch
Data adjustment:	By pushing ADJUST/R button year, month, day, hour and minute are separately set. Through camera body sync terminal; data cannot be imprinted while the ADJUST/R button is being pushed.
Imprint signal:	Red LED lamp at the upper center of the MF-12 blinks when data is imprinted
Data imprint check:	LED blinks to confirm
Data display:	By 7-segment, 6-digit LCD
Power source:	Two 1.55V silver-oxide (SR-44 type) batteries, also, optionally available Battery Holder DB-3 holding two 1.5V AAA-type batteries
Battery life:	1.55V batteries - approx. 2 years (in normal temperatures) 1.5V AAA-type batteries with Battery Holder DB3 - more than 2 years (in normal temperatures) - Built-in 24-hour type clock starts from 0 00, January 1, 1980 every time fresh batteries are inserted.
Clock:	Built-in, 24-hour type
Timing accuracy:	Within +15 seconds a month (normal temperatures)
Temperature:	-10°C + 40°C in use -20°C + 55°C in storage
Usable motor drive:	Nikon Motor Drive MD-11 and MD-12
Dimensions (WxHxD):	Approx. 118mmx46mmx7mm
Weight:	Approx. 759 (without batteries)