Power saving modification for Nikon MD-12

- by Lars Holst Hansen

MD-12 is improved compared to the MD-11 as it will turn off the meter of the camera after approx. 50 s IF there is no remote cord plug in the remote control socket!

If there is a remote or connecting cord plug in the remote control socket the MD-12 will behave as an MD-11 and keep the meter powered as long as the MD-12 is turned on!

This is due to a little switch in the remote control socket. To the left of the two connectors there is a black plastic pin. This pin is spring loaded and will short a connection when a remote or connecting cord plug pushes it in (see Fig. 4). This is probably very convenient for macro work etc. but if a power dependent camera (like FE, FE2 or FA) is set up for unmanned photography this is very inconvenient since the battery might be drained before the actual shot is taken.

The MD-12 can be modified rather easy so the meter will only be switched on by the trigger button or instantaneously when the remote control connectors are shorted. This is done by opening the top base plate (held by five black screws) and disconnecting one (of two) cable(s). In the old version the yellow or the orange cable coming up from a hole (together with two black, a blue and a  red) is an option.

Fig. 1 Older MD-12 with yellow and orange cords to the remote socket on-off switch

It is advisable to wrap the loose end with a little piece of tape after soldering it off to keep it from shorting. You can always solder it back in place if you regret the new power saving functioning.

Fig. 2 Older MD-12 with yellow cord to the remote socket on-off switch detached and isolated with tape

On the newer version there is a gray, a blue, two blacks, an orange and a red cable coming up from this hole. In this case either the blue or the orange should be disconnected.

Fig. 3 Newer MD-12 with blue and orange cords to the remote socket on-off switch

Fig. 4 Newer MD-12 with blue and orange cords to the remote socket on-off switch
 
 

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