MC-10 Cord With MD-12 Motor: What Activates The Light Meter?

<em>When the MC-10 cord is connected to the MD-12s remote

control socket, the cameras meter is switched on as soon as

your turn on the motor drives power switch. --Nikon MD-12

Instruction Manual.<br>

</em><br>

Do you know precisely what inside the MC-10 remote cord activates

the meter? Im guessing its pretty simple.<br>

<br>

I have a modified MC-12 (modified by me) and Ill be damned,

it does not turn on the meter for my FE2(s). I opened it up and

there is a circuit board missing?? If my memory serves me at all

I think I modified it for use with the FM2 and MD-12 where

activating the meter is not a priority. When I tried to use an MC-12A

with the FE2 and MD-12 the MC-12A trips the shutter when pressed

half way. This would be a clue as to why I removed the circuit

board from the MC-12.<br>

<br>

Id like to setup an MC-12 or MC-12A that will activate the

meter for the FE2 and MD-12 when the MC-12(A) is pressed half way.

Im sure this is feasible but I dont want to buy an MC-10

to find out whats inside as they sell for $30.00 to $40.00.

<br>

<br>

Thank you for considering this.<br>

<br>

Dave.

Dave -

 

Don't take it as 'gospel', but I think what activates the meter on an MC-12 is a 'diode drop'. When you half-press, you're placing a diode across the two contacts, maybe a 0.7v difference. When you 'full-press', it's like placing a dead short across the contacts.

 

I have not seen the MC-10 in a while, so I can't remember how it is set up.

Todd,

 

If I understand what a diode drop is then I believe you are correct and that it used 3 diodes. I probably have the circuit boards for two MC-12(s). Finding them would be the trick. I�m guessing the MC-10 would be a bit more crude since it just turns the meter on if the motor is switched on.

 

I install a small screw as a backlash adjustment on the underside of the release button and some thin washers on one shaft inside so the distance from "set to fire" is about 0.7mm. The first time I used the MC-12B I shot a full 36 exposure roll. I immediately blocked the switch lock with a piece of Dymo Label tape. Once all the modifications are done it�s a sweet device.

 

Thanks,

 

Dave.

The solution presents itself. The MC-14 banana plug cord has no electronics so and they turn on the light meter so the switch must be on the MD-12 and it is. It's a pin inside the remote control socket. I drilled a small hole in my modified MC-12 release's plug so that the meter would not be active with a Nikon FM2. After filling the hold the modified MC-12 is again an MC-10.