MD-14 Motor Drive

MD-14 & MF-15 for Nikon FG, 1982
Nikon Super Compact Bodies EM, FG & FG-20

File Size: HTML Page (22k) Loading ..

MD-14 Motor Drive for the Nikon super compact models.

Whenever I read something relating to motor drive, it always remind me about what Nikon didn't do for their MD-12. The MD-14, in this case was developed specifically for the Nikon FG, but since the EM,and FG-20 share the same dimension and was provide with a motor drive coupling at the base of the camera, you can just attach the MD-14 to any of these models. Up to 3.2 frames per second (fps) on high or 2.0 fps on low was its speed rate.The base of the Nikon FG show the motor coupling. It is not as sophisticated as compared with the FM/FE series. The button cells need to be in placed because unlike motor drive like the MD-4 for the F3 or the MD-15 designed for the Nikon FA, MD-14 motor drive is not capable of powering the camera operation. Anyway, other than these two automatic film advance devices, none of the drive were designed to power the camera.

Shown at the left is also the Battery chamber with clip. This accepts the FG's standard battery(ies) as well as the DB-2 Anti-Cold Battery Holder for use in cold temperatures. It is relatively easy to attach and operate, the MD-14 - or its more compact companion, the 1.5 fps MD-E Motor Drive - goes along with the FG at every mode and shutter speed, from 'P' to 'A' to manual, but you can only use the FG's shutter button acting as the motor drive trigger (But still it is more sturdy than the handleless MD-E).

With its handy grip for firm handling, it provides a sure, steady operation and power efficiency is a impressive 50 rolls at normal temperature per fresh battery set (when used with the alkaline-manganese batteries). Like any of the mid range motor drive design in AW-1 winder, MD-11, MD-12, MD-15 or the MD-E for the EM, the MD-14 is not provided with a auto film rewind feature.

Note: The electronic EL series of EL-W and EL-2 can use with a 2 fps Winder AW-1.

All are made possible with the design at the base with various electrical contacts and motor drive coupling for the attachment of an automatic film advance device. Generally speaking, it is more luxurious than those days of the Nikkormat, where non of the mechanical version of the series enjoy the benefit of such an accessory.

Technical Specifications of Nikon MD-14

Framing speed: 2 steps changeover; H: 3.2 fps, L: 2.0 fps (at 1/125sec. or faster)
Usable shutter speed: Any speed from 1 to 1/1000 sec.
Shooting control: Camera's shutter release button Automatic winding stop Motor shuts off at film's end with LED indication
Number of 36 exp. rolls: More than 50 at normal temperature per fresh battery set (when used with the alkaline-manganese batteries).
Power source: Eight 1.5 V AA-type batteries
Dimension: 140mm(W) x 91.5mm(H) x 64mm(D) (including grip)
Weight: Approx. 350 g (excluding batteries)

Credit: Photo of MD-14 above with courtesy of "Sandy, Eric, John" <colscamr@infinet.com>

Note: The MD-14 is compatible with the Nikon EM, and the MD-E, the original Winder designed for the EM is also workable with the Nikon FG.

MF-15 (Data Back for the Nikon FG) For those who may be demanding a recording device with the FG, Nikon has a dedicated Data Back designed for the Nikon FG. I am not so sure whether it fits on the EM, but I was told it fits nicely on the scale down FG version in 1984, the FG-20.

The MF-15, fitting neatly with no synchro cord needed (The MF-12 for the FM/FE requires a sync cord to work, but the current MF-16 model is cordless) in place of the FG's regular back, the slim, lightweight MF-15 offers three different modes: year/month/day, day/hour/minute, or picture counter numerals, displayed on the data back in clear LCDs and printed, if you choose, on your photo in unobtrusive red color LED numerals. And with a quartz timer incorporated, the MF-15 even doubles as timepiece with alarm, nice to have on hand when you're traveling or away from home.

Note: Don't worry about the Year 2000 problem with the MF-12. It is programmed to work up to 2100 A.D. If I can still recall the MF-12 works until 2019.

Technical Specifications of Nikon MF-15 Camera usable: Nikon FG
Usable film speed: ASA/ISO 25-400 for color films; ASA/ISO 100-400 for B&W films
Data imprint type: By 7-segment, 6-digit red LEDs
Imprint data: Year/month/day (up to 2100 A.D.), day/hour/minute, or picture counter (up to 2000)
Data imprint: ON/OFF switch provided
Built in clock: Quartz-controlled type
Audio alarm: Alarm sound continues for 20 sec. at the time set

Imprint signal: Via direct contacts of the camera body
Data display: By LCD (liquid crystal display)
Power source: Two 1.55Vsilver-oxidebatteries
Dimension: 136mm(W) x 53.5mm(H) x 26.5mm(D)
Weight: Approx. 85g (excluding batteries)

Caution: Lens Compatibility: Nikon FG accepts virtually ALL AI-spec Nikkor lenses for all its camera operations. This includes the AI-S and the AF lenses (With no confirmation on the AF-S/AF-I). Yhe AI-not applicable lenses, bellows attachments, or K ring set cannot be used on P mode. Other than some lenses, most AI converted lenses are usable with the Nikon FG. However, the following lenses are either limited in use, require modification before using, or cannot be used at all with the FG.

(1) P mode not recommended, A and manual mode use possible: Al converted Nikkor lenses 85mm f/1.8, Micro 105mm f/4, Zoom 85-250mm f/4, Al Nikkor lenses (early models): 50mm f/1.2, Noct 58mm f/1.2, Zoom 50-300mm f /4.5 ED (2) Early lenses which need to be modified before mount: PC 35mm f/2.8, PC 28mm f/4, Reflex l000 mm f/11 Reflex 2000mm f/11, (3) AI converted lenses produced before 1977 which are impossible to mount: 55mm f/1.2 (No. 184711-970110), 28mm f/3.5 (No. 625611- 999999), 35 mm f /1.4 (No. 385001 - 400000).

Download a free instruction manual in PDF (4.2MB), courtesy of Mr. Jim/ lensinc.ltd. pls send a thank you note on my behalf.
Alternate Source Instruction Manual for Nikon FG in PDF (External Link @ butkus.org) CLICK HERE

| Previous | Back to Index Page |

Page One | Page Two | Page Three | Page Four | Page Five | Spec

Quality of the User Manual is is less desirable, but still - it is a Manual in PDF format. Instruction Manual for Nikon FG (Extenal link) 4.1MB in PDF

| Back to Nikon FG's Index Page |

| Nikon EM, 1979 | | Nikon FG, 1982 | | Nikon FG20, 1984 |

Specifications : Nikon EM, Nikon FG, Nikon FG-20
Additional info available on : MD-14 | MD-E | SB-15 | SB-E | MF-15 Databack

| Message Board | for your favourite Nikon SLR models Questions, issues & Answer(s)
| Message Board | for your Nikon Optics in a shared environment
| Message Board | Specifically for Dispose or Looking for Nikon/Nikkor Photographic Equipment

| Back | to Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs

The Eyes of Nikon:-
Nippon Kogaku KK Rangefinder RF-Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Auto Focus AF-Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual Focus MF-Nikkor lenses- Main Index Page

Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm 15mm 18mm 20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm 28mm 35mm |
Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm 105mm 135mm 180mm & 200mm |
Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |
Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm
Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm 35mm 50mm 100mm 135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm 75~150mm 70~210mm
MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm |
35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm |
100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat |
Nikon FM | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models

MIR Supports for Photographic Community: Various Message Boards/Community Forums
Nikon F-series| Nikon F2-series| Nikon F3-series| Nikon F4-series| Nikon F5-series|Nikkormat/Nikomat-series
Nikon FM-series|Nikon FE-series|Nikon FA|Nikon Digital SLR series|Various Nikon Models|Nikkor Optic -shared

Others:- Free Trade Zone - Photography| Free Trade Zone - Business Community |Free To Zouk - Photographic Community
Apple's Mac Public Community Message Board | Windows based PC & Apple/Mac Public Community Trade Exchange Centre

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

About this photographic site.

HOME - Photography in Malaysia

Copyright © 2000. leofoo ®. MIR Web Development Team.

Credit: My nephew, EeWynwho has helped to convert the Owner's Manual of Nikon EM into HTML format. Also to a smart friend of mine who has just spent US60-00 for a EM body. A contributing site to a long lost friend on the Net. Made witha PowerMac


\| Nikon EM, 1979 \|	\| Nikon FG, 1982 \|	\| Nikon FG20, 1984 \|