Nikon MD-12 not working correctly - any suggestions?

zk-cessnaguy · Sep 3, 2013

I've just acquired an MD-12 for my FM-2n. The issue is as follows: when mounted to the camera, the motor whirrs and the red LED comes on but it doesn't advance the film or release the shutter. I've done internet searches and have tested it by shorting the 4 pins. When I do this, the motor whirrs but the the film advance drive dog does not turn. The shutter release pin is retracted. Does anyone have a suggestion to get it going again?

BMbikerider · Sep 3, 2013

It sounds as if something has gone wrong with the internal gearing. It's a make or break decision. MD12 drives are not that expensive nowadays so should be easy to replace, or try to open up the works yourself and see what is wrong and if it can be repaired. It would probably cost more to repair professionally than replace.

Xmas · Sep 3, 2013

down load the manual the operation is not intuitive.

the pin you reference is the rewind pin...

BrianShaw · Sep 3, 2013

Noel... FWIW: the pin near the film advance dog is, indeed, the shutter release pin.

SchwinnParamount · Sep 3, 2013

I get this once in a while with my MD-12. I haven't *exactly* nailed it down, but I believe it has something to do with synchronization. That is, the camera shutter is not cocked and film is not advanced when you attach the motor drive. Out of sync means that the motor drive *remembers* that the last thing it did was advance the film and cock the shutter. So now, it won't do its job because it thinks the camera is already cocked.
When this happens to me, I manually cock the shutter so that the camera is in the state that the motor drive believes it should be in. The reverse is also possible. That is, the shutter is cocked when the motor drive state says it should not be. I know, this sounds like hocus pocus... but by fiddling with the camera with the drive disconnected, I can get it to work.
I would love to hear if you can get your drive to work by this kind of fiddling. That would prove I am not nuts.

Xmas · Sep 4, 2013

SchwinnParamount said:
I get this once in a while with my MD-12. I haven't *exactly* nailed it down, but I believe it has something to do with synchronization. That is, the camera shutter is not cocked and film is not advanced when you attach the motor drive. Out of sync means that the motor drive *remembers* that the last thing it did was advance the film and cock the shutter. So now, it won't do its job because it thinks the camera is already cocked.
When this happens to me, I manually cock the shutter so that the camera is in the state that the motor drive believes it should be in. The reverse is also possible. That is, the shutter is cocked when the motor drive state says it should not be. I know, this sounds like hocus pocus... but by fiddling with the camera with the drive disconnected, I can get it to work.
I would love to hear if you can get your drive to work by this kind of fiddling. That would prove I am not nuts.

the first page of the manual says read me or damage your new toy

the symptoms you have are not hocus pocus

some of the operation is dependent on the serial number of your camera

the down load from the free manual site is free a repair costs money

I can't post a link from my phone

Xmas · Sep 4, 2013

BrianShaw said:
Noel... FWIW: the pin near the film advance dog is, indeed, the shutter release pin.

correct but see previous post

Ricardo Miranda · Sep 4, 2013

The manual is here: http://www.cameramanuals.org/nikon_pdf/nikon_md-12.pdf

benjiboy · Sep 4, 2013

I suggest you take it to a camera repairer, having the repair manual and being able to repair the equipment are two different things, repair manuals are intended for professional repairers.

Xmas · Sep 4, 2013

@Ricardo Thanks

@Ben the link is to user manual that came with the new cardboard box

as well as a serial number dependency the drive is dependent on leaving the wind on lever in fully parked position, there is a page on unjamming it after any rule transgression...

BrianShaw · Sep 4, 2013

Setting up a MD-11/12 isn't intuitive but the manual makes it possible every time (unless the MD is broken). Pay careful attention to the details because there are many interacting rules to transgress.

benjiboy · Sep 4, 2013

Xmas said:
@Ricardo Thanks

@Ben the link is to user manual that came with the new cardboard box

as well as a serial number dependency the drive is dependent on leaving the wind on lever in fully parked position, there is a page on unjamming it after any rule transgression...

I appreciated that, I just wanted to point out in principal that there's a difference in having a repair manual and having the training, skill, knowledge, experience and test equipment to carry out a repair.

zk-cessnaguy · Sep 8, 2013

All fixed. A bit of benign neglect then a fiddle and it went 'click' and is now purring like a kitten

John Koehrer · Sep 8, 2013

zk-cessnaguy said:
All fixed. A bit of benign neglect then a fiddle and it went 'click' and is now purring like a kitten

Well, It had to be somethin'. Prob'ly weren't holding your lips right.

Xmas · Sep 9, 2013

It is easier to load a Barnack than getting the motor to work. Nikon goofed.

zk-cessnaguy · Sep 9, 2013

John Koehrer said:
Well, It had to be somethin'. Prob'ly weren't holding your lips right.

Maybe taking it into the garage and showing it the bench saw, drill press and BFH had something to do with it...

SafetyBob · Sep 9, 2013

Maybe that's what I need to do with some other stuff around here too. My FE got out of sync once a long time ago with my MD-12. I have snagged that link to the manual. I can't believe I didn't go there and look at it.

From the same era, my FA and MD-15 also lost sync just once......well maybe twice, it's been awhile. I am paranoid now about being anal with my FA and FE and motor drives. Same way, everyday, no variation in anything I do.....which by the way is exactly how the manual says you should operate the thing......I know, read the manual.

Good information and reminder though!!

Bob E.

Nikon MD-12 not working correctly - any suggestions?

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