gilbert_hertz Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 Just got an MD-12 motor drive. It's a very good accessory to my FE2 camera. I can hold it much more comfortable when I have a big heavy zoom lens. However, after I tried the MD-12, I found it is a little noisy. The sound is crisp, though. I guess it just sounds like this. Can anyone confirm me? And how do you guys like it? Thanks a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd thacker Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 In a large, quiet room it sounds like a <i>rifle shot</i>. But it works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_tan Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 Like you, I don't know if it is okay but mine sounded loud and raspy on my FM3A. It still winds the film on S and C though. Can be embarrassing at times when all is quiet and there you go pressing that release. Though I like the grip and convenience, I wouldn't use the MD-12 at a wedding ceremony in church though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rschilli Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 It makes a sharp CLICK at shutter release folloewd by a queeking sound as the fiolm is advanved. Anyhow it sounds smoothly, but I have to admit it is quite noisy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_h._hartman Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 My MD-12(s) aren�t quiet but I�m glad they aren�t as loud as Doug�s :) I agree with Al they are too loud for a wedding ceremony. "The sound is crisp, though." --GH. I can agree with that. I use Energizer L91 lithium batteries in the MD-12. This cuts the weight of a Nikon FE with AN-B4 strap and MD-12 from 1186g to 1083g. I have not used alkaline batteries since Ellis Vener had new alkalines leak in his F5. The L91(s) have a resealable vent and are advertised to be more resistant to leaking. In the US you can get them at Home Depot or Wal-Mart for $9.98 in packs of four. I love the MD-12 except for the sound level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilbert_hertz Posted October 29, 2003 Author Share Posted October 29, 2003 Thanks for you guys' response. It seems the MD-12 does sound like that. As a grip, I like it a lot. But as a winder, not that much. The Lithium battery pack may be a good choice for me, except that it is a little expensive. Can I use NiMh batteries? I guess so, even if the output voltage is only 1.2V. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex_jenkins Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 Mine sounds like Richard's description - kinda like a muffled ray gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_tan Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 Dave, I assume the battery life on your MD-12 is longer with lithiums as compared to alkalines. If so, by how much? I'd like to see if the longer battery life and lighter weight is worht the extra cost. Thanks, Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam_portera Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 Mine anounces my presence to all within 20 feet or so. Its heavy and LOUD but I can handle the FM musch better with it attached. I don't do well with light plastic cameras. The FM with MD12 and 85 F1.8 or 80-200 F2.8 is perfect for portraits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jose f. Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 Mine gets used mostly for railroads and automobile races. Can't hear a thing. If you listen to 'photographers' in movie and TV sound tracks, you're most likely listening to an MD-3 or an MD-12 no matter what is on the screen. Foley artists must keep them in their bag of tricks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex_jenkins Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Yup, what Josef said. I recently saw a movie in which a Pentax K1000 sounded exactly like my FM2N with MD-12. Odd, since the "photographer" kept using the thumb winder despite the muffled ray gun sound of the MD-12. But if Britney Spears can get away with lip synching her way through a career, I suppose cameras can do the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopher_cline1 Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Just Curious... Is the MD11 ant quieter? Or louder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham_line Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 The MD-11 makes pretty much the same sound. The MD-12 has a couple casting revisions that make it a hair more durable, and it's smart enough to turn itself off when it isn't being used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelvin_lau1 Posted October 31, 2003 Share Posted October 31, 2003 A few years ago I did some reportage shots in a hospital with an F90x over a period of 3 weeks. One day I decided to use an FM2 instead just for a change. After two shots with the MD12 on I removed it - you could hear it from the other side of the ward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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