Why use a motor drive attachment?

[Keith]

I grip/motor wind most of my cameras If I can - simply because I like the feel of a gripped body.



Only with the electric shutter, the mechanical shutter is limited to 5fps .

I think you missed my point! That difference between film and digital capability is pretty obvious, what I was referring to was the sudden development of cameras that could fire of a succession of exposures which really changed action photography and now culminating in something that can do it at the rate of the A9.

 

[gavinlg]

I think you missed my point! That difference between film and digital capability is pretty obvious, what I was referring to was the sudden development of cameras that could fire of a succession of exposures which really changed action photography and now culminating in something that can do it at the rate of the A9.

Gotcha :angel:

And very true!

 

[Kenomatic]

I had an Olympus OM-1 in the 1980's (still have it). I bought the auto winder for it, which was less expensive than the continuous-shot motor drive. The OM bodies are so compact that it's hard to balance them with a big zoom lens. Also, I am a left eyed shooter as well, which requires me to pull a film camera away from my head to manually wind it. And anyways, auto winders and motor drives just sound cool 🙂

Save​

 

[Tim Murphy]

Because I'm a ham handed galoot?

Because I'm a ham handed galoot?

Dear Arbitrarium,

That's the easy answer.

The thoughtful answer is that I shoot mostly wildlife and birds. A motor drive does a great job of providing additional leverage when working with a long lens.

To be honest my digital cameras are all "gripped" for the same reason even though my big lenses have IS/OS/VR.

I need all the help I can get and if a motor drive helps me I'll get it.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[oftheherd]

Never had a motor drive. But I did get a winder for my Contax 139Q. I felt so empowered! That pro sound when I shot photos, wow. That all lasted about 10-14 days. I didn't like the sound, I didn't like the balance, and I didn't like the weight. I stopped using it and haven't looked back. That was around 1982. Now the Contax dedicated flash, another matter altogether.

I never had a problem with using it or my Fujica ST 901 one-handed. I even hung out the ramp of a Chinook helicopter, one hand of the Chinook and one hand on the camera. No problem. I did use a monkey strap. But I never had to take it from my eye to wind. I just made it work. YMMV

EDIT: Oh, I do have a Contax 167mt. I like it very much, but not so happy with the built in winder. It is lighter and a little quieter, I have sort of gotten used to it.

 

[Godfrey]

I liked to use a motor drive (or winder) simply because it meant the camera was always wound and ready without my having to remember to wind on the film. I would often forget and miss a shot...

Now, it no longer matters. If I'm shooting in a situation where "missing a shot" is an issue, I'm not using film anymore. Most of my film photography is with Polaroid or 6x6 in situations where the speed of being 'ready' isn't at issue.

I have cameras that can shoot at 11fps now. I've almost never used the capability anymore ... I tend to shoot digital the same way I shoot with 6x6 and the Hasselblad. Getting old, I guess. 🙂


G

 

[farlymac]

As in golf, everyone needs a set of drivers in their bag.


Canon A-1 by P F McFarland, on Flickr



Nikon F2S with MD-3 Drive and MB-2 Battery Pack by P F McFarland, on Flickr



Nikon F3 Motorized by P F McFarland, on Flickr

And first class grips, too.


Leica R7 by P F McFarland, on Flickr



Nikon N80 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

PF