Should an R4 Drive function when off the camera, and it is actuated? I have been given One and am loath to try it on My newly CLA'd R4 in case it pulls the transport mechanism apart. Sorry to ask such an uninteresting question of the group, but I just want to make sure! Pete

-- Pete Harvey (nnn0lmt@worldnet.att.net), December 06, 2001

Answers

You could theoretically actuate it by shorting the contacts but you might short it out, too. I've never heard of a MD R4 fouling the transport gears in an R4--though the R4 transport isn't the beefiest around and use of a motor-drive could conceivably hasten its demise more than slow, gentle thumb-winding and just burning less film. If someone gave it to you, maybe its worth having a repairman check it out for a few bucks.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), December 06, 2001.

Pete

I don't think it works until it is connected to the camera. The inbuilt release button is only activated when the metering switch is "on", so the whole thing is "dead" off the camera. I doubt it will damage the camera.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), December 06, 2001.

I almost always use the thin, silver batteries. I find the newer black, fat, aspherical batteries to be too contrasty!

-- Thomas (therbert@miami.edu), December 07, 2001.