Recent craigslist purchase, one problem.

pentax_sam · 08-24-2013, 07:04 PM

Hey everyone,
I've been quietly watching my local Craigslist for quite some time now, hoping to score on some nice SLRs... well, long story short, today I found some! I purchased the following together for $75 (good deal?):

Nikon FA (Black)
Nikon FG (Silver)
MD-12 Motor Drive grip
MD-14 Motor Drive grip
Nikon E 26-72mm 1:3.5 zoom lens

Everything seems good, needs some basic cleanup; I had to clean the battery contacts on the FG since they were corroded, it seems to be the dirtier camera overall. No mirror lockup or any issues on either SLR. MD-12 works wonderfully, very loud and proud at driving the film. The lens has virtually no fungus or internal dust, although scratched up on the mounting area (no biggie).

However, I ran into a rather important issue. On the MD-14 motor grip, the moment I snapped the battery tray into place after loading it with 8 AAs (all correctly put in), I heard a slight *pop* and, lo and behold, magical red smoke comes out of the grip area!!! Now I'm not really sure what to do about the grip, of course, I immediately took the batteries out (they were fine too, they weren't the source of the smoke) and I haven't tried putting them back in. What could have happened? Are motor drives relatively easy to open up and repair on my own? I've never heard of this happening before.

Adam · 08-24-2013, 07:47 PM

Smoke is usually caused by excess heat or voltage. Perhaps the wiring was messed up somehow, causing a short?

Not a Number · 08-24-2013, 10:07 PM - **1 Like**

It could have been a capacitor. Electrolytic capacitors often dry out or leak with age. If it is and you can still read the values on the capacitor it should be a simple matter to replace it (soldering).

pentax_sam · 08-24-2013, 11:05 PM

To be honest, I believe it's probably a capacitor as well. I'll see what I can do.

08-24-2013, 07:04 PM	#1
pentax_sam Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 66	Recent craigslist purchase, one problem. Hey everyone, I've been quietly watching my local Craigslist for quite some time now, hoping to score on some nice SLRs... well, long story short, today I found some! I purchased the following together for $75 (good deal?): Nikon FA (Black) Nikon FG (Silver) MD-12 Motor Drive grip MD-14 Motor Drive grip Nikon E 26-72mm 1:3.5 zoom lens Everything seems good, needs some basic cleanup; I had to clean the battery contacts on the FG since they were corroded, it seems to be the dirtier camera overall. No mirror lockup or any issues on either SLR. MD-12 works wonderfully, very loud and proud at driving the film. The lens has virtually no fungus or internal dust, although scratched up on the mounting area (no biggie). However, I ran into a rather important issue. On the MD-14 motor grip, the moment I snapped the battery tray into place after loading it with 8 AAs (all correctly put in), I heard a slight pop and, lo and behold, magical red smoke comes out of the grip area!!! Now I'm not really sure what to do about the grip, of course, I immediately took the batteries out (they were fine too, they weren't the source of the smoke) and I haven't tried putting them back in. What could have happened? Are motor drives relatively easy to open up and repair on my own? I've never heard of this happening before.

08-24-2013, 07:47 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Smoke is usually caused by excess heat or voltage. Perhaps the wiring was messed up somehow, causing a short? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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08-24-2013, 10:07 PM - 1 Like	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	It could have been a capacitor. Electrolytic capacitors often dry out or leak with age. If it is and you can still read the values on the capacitor it should be a simple matter to replace it (soldering).

08-24-2013, 11:05 PM	#4
pentax_sam Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 66 Original Poster	To be honest, I believe it's probably a capacitor as well. I'll see what I can do.