Problem with MD-4 and batteries

Purchased a used MD-4 several months ago. Have tried to get to work

on several occassions. A friend informed me about making sure the

orange dot was centered in the frame counter. Things worked well for

one roll of film. Did not use camera w/motor drive for several

weeks. When I tried again nothing happened. Checked the batteries

and no LED lights. So I purchased new batteries and installed them,

making sure they were installed with correct polarity. Pressed the

button and no LED lights. What should I try next?

You need to check the terminals inside the MD-4 and in the battery clip itself for signs of corrosion (and hopefully NOT) battery leakage. A pencil eraser is the easiest way to clean corrosion off the terminals.

I dont know if this is chronic with MD4's but they seem to be the MD that dies the most with batt issues!As suggested clean the contacts carefully,oxidized material on batt ends or terminals can short you out!

I bought a used MD 4.. and it was represented as the battery check light being inoperable. I used it and it was fine, but it must have had a short as it would eat batteries while in storage. I returned it for a better quality MD 4 (still used) and this has let me down in a most embarassing way (ppl coming down the Aisle for wedding ceremony in the church).

 

since then I cleaned the contacts but, like Steve, I too wonder if the MD 4 is not a chronic problem. BTW it was tested b4 the aisle walk and then just QUIT. Now it has been fine.. but how can I ever ever trust this thing again?

 

Have others had a problem with this unit letting them down mid stride like this? I had the beast set right. I have the owners manual and this I read and followed the instructions on.

The problem buying used is that you have no idea if battery leakage occured and was "fixed up", at least from the outside. The battery fluid works its way into the PCBs and wires inside and corrodes the metal.

 

The MD-4 is generally regarded as the finest MD ever made by Nikon. Always remove the batteries when you aren't using it.