Data download from Nikon F100 in 2014?

markaudacity · Jun 11, 2014

Are there any software/hardware options to connect your F100 to a computer to download shoot data besides getting an ancient version of Windows and the official Nikon software (Photo Secretary?)
It seems like the kind of thing there would be an open-source app or a DIY solution for developed in the 15 years since the camera was new.

We got computers in our pockets now, surely we can get a few kilobytes of data over a serial connection, right?

Ricardo Miranda · Jun 12, 2014

Yes, there is. But it is an old software. It should be usable in Windows 7 32-bit version and it is for the F90, F100 and F5.

Here: http://www.cocoon-creations.com/COCOON-NiCommSoftTALK-Download.shtml

What I can't find or make is the cable to connect the camera to a PC.

Vonder · Jun 12, 2014

Minolta was the only company to get this sort of thing right, from the standpoint you can actually use it today. Both Canon and Nikon had cameras with the ability but you can't find the hardware or software any more. If you want to download data easily, the Minolta Maxxum 9 data back uses a memory card. Smartmedia cards, which are still available cheaply, as is a card reader you can read them with.

Chan Tran · Jun 12, 2014

Wolfeye said:
Minolta was the only company to get this sort of thing right, from the standpoint you can actually use it today. Both Canon and Nikon had cameras with the ability but you can't find the hardware or software any more. If you want to download data easily, the Minolta Maxxum 9 data back uses a memory card. Smartmedia cards, which are still available cheaply, as is a card reader you can read them with.

Nikon just didn't want to give it to you. The communication protocol on the cameras is not that difficult just that they don't publish it. They should now that they don't make any money selling the software so that user can develop their own software.

Henning Serger · Jun 12, 2014

markaudacity said:
Are there any software/hardware options to connect your F100 to a computer to download shoot data besides getting an ancient version of Windows and the official Nikon software (Photo Secretary?)

Well yes, there is a very good, easy handling option by using the dedicated Nikon MV-1 datareader.
The MV-1 datareader is still made new, as it is offered as accessory to the Nikon F6 (which is also still in production).
The MV-1 can be used with the F100, F5 and F6. It works best with the F6 (full features), but also very good with the F100 and F5 (in combination with the F100 and F5 you have a little bit less functions compared the F6).
The MV-1 is better than all the former software options.

The MV-1 works with a normal CF-card: You download the data from the camera to the CF-card in the MV-1, and then you can transfer the data from the CF-card to the computer.

I am using the MV-1 in combination with my F6 and I am very satiesfied. An excellent tool.

Best regards,
Henning

Barry S · Jun 12, 2014

I have the complete Hartalk cable system for data transfer from the F100/F90. I no longer shoot 35mm, so if anyone is interested in buying for a reasonable price, please PM me.

F4user · Jun 12, 2014

Better ?
http://www.holymoose.com/ccstart.html

markaudacity · Jun 12, 2014

Thanks for the responses, y'all.
Looks like the MV-1 costs more than the camera I'm gonna use it with, so that's out.

SoftTALK is now free, so that's probably the front runner. Buy a cheap Chinese 10-pin remote and solder my own MC-33 clone.

markaudacity · Jun 12, 2014

Minolta always did seem to be ahead of the game with digital integration. Too bad they didn't market aggressively enough.

Janelectro · Jun 13, 2014

I'm using the cable of a GPS-Tagger to connect my F100 to my computer. Software is Softtalk, works quite well. I don't remember the product code, but it's from Dawntech and I was able to buy the cable adapter without having to purchase the GPS unit.

removed-user-1 · Jun 13, 2014

This thread piqued my curiosity, so I looked up that MV-1 card reader... Wow, is that overpriced! A little searching on Google led me to http://www.amedesign.ro/F100.htm, where there are plans for making your own data cable (far beyond my skills).

F4user · Jun 13, 2014

rthomas said:
This thread piqued my curiosity, so I looked up that MV-1 card reader... Wow, is that overpriced! A little searching on Google led me to http://www.amedesign.ro/F100.htm, where there are plans for making your own data cable (far beyond my skills).

Good Romanian hacker

Looking at the schematics it look like level adapter from RS232 TTL level to RS232C.
There is more adapters like this or usb variant in the wild, like old Nokia phone or Nokia Premicell ( have many ) or something exotic like GPS "camera trafic" warning device.
Need only wiring adapter to Nikon 10 pin socket.

If someone want Barry S cable start say "YES" now.
I will pay for it tomorrow because I developed chronic laziness syndrome.
I will do extreme effort to adapt for myself several existing variants i own if someone want Barry's cable.

Ricardo Miranda · Jun 13, 2014

I would say Yes, but I can't because a) I'm unemployed and B) I live in the UK.
Thanks Barry for the offer anyway!

F4user · Jun 13, 2014

Ricardo Miranda said:
I would say Yes, but I can't because a) I'm unemployed and B) I live in the UK.
Thanks Barry for the offer anyway!

Unemployed status is the only problem.
Barry will ship worldwide if you pay the shipping.
I can't pay now, my bank make software update or something.
I can't make online payments. I will see for anybody call until tomorrow when i expect a f..unctional bank.

Anyway impressive list of cameras, congrats.

markaudacity · Jun 13, 2014

Hmm, so it's not just a straight-through cable. Still, a TTL->RS232 level shifter is a pretty trivial circuit. One IC and a couple resistors should do it. I could probably knock out a board design and have it fabbed, if there's enough interest. I don't know how many people are still shooting F90/F5/F100 and care about shoot data, it might just be a tiny handful!

I'll look into the Nokia adapters, F4user. Do you have any guidance on what model(s) of cable I might be looking for, or which phones had TTL serial connections?

F4user · Jun 13, 2014

Some tests & research need to be made avoiding fry the camera.
at least afw-3 is cmos-rs232 to rs232c and operation must be verified. I don't know if F100 will work with cmos levels. cmos level won't fry the camera but can prevent succesful communication.

another found is
http://jorygen.wordpress.com/2012/08/12/pin-out-of-the-usb-rs232-cable/

for support my claims.
Google have more.

markaudacity · Jun 13, 2014

Excellent. A test with a multimeter will protect from harming the camera, as long as it doesn't see 12v I think it will be fine.

moranjr · Jun 14, 2015

There is a new device, "Meta35", that downloads data and sets custom functions for Nikons and Canons
www.meta35.com

Data download from Nikon F100 in 2014?

removed-user-1

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