Nikon MV-1 Data Reader - for F6, F5 & F100 Cameras USA

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

This has been a God send for my F100 and F6.
There are things you simply can't do with a F100 that are only enabled with the MV-1. Same goes for the F5.
The F6 is not as dependent, but then again the MV-1 retrieves a LOT more information than the F6 can print between frames.
I find it absolutely indispensable: the files it produces go together with my scanned images and a little utility that extracts the info from the file and slaps it on the scanned image as exif: all it needs is a convention for suffixing the scanned images so I can track them back to the file.
Works like a charm and has made it a lot easier to document my scans.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

I use both an F5 and an F100, so getting this device makes keeping track of shooting data a breeze! I should have gotten one a long time ago, finally bit the bullet and ordered it -- it has simplified my record keeping immensely.[...] great product from Nikon.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

I bought this for my F100, at first I had no idea how to operate the MV1, as it's not very intuitive, apart from plugging it in, but after referring to the manual it thankfully worked. You need to program the F100 through selecting an command file embedded in the MV1, but I will leave you to work that out in your time. The product is great, I wish I had it years ago, as it may have delayed my digital camera purchase till full frame sensors came about, thought I doubt that. It makes for more sense than the Nikon Photo secretary from a few years back. I admit that this is more or less a novelty purchase having recently revived my interest in film again, but I have tried carrying around a pocket book to record data, but I am way too busy in the moment and undisciplined, especially after the convenience of digital. There are programs out there, that I can plug the efix data into an write it back onto a scanned image and then work with film seamlessly (though much slower) along side my digital workflow. This is not a product I would take a chance on buying second hand, if money is not an issue, buy it, otherwise its back to the note book for you.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

My only regret in purchasing the MV-1 is that I waited so long. It took a while to convince myself the need for EXIF data on 35mm film shots was enough to spend so much for what looked like a glorified CF card reader/dumper. When I opened the box and saw its size, how it was packed, what came with it, etc. I wasn't filled with regret for having purchased it -but for the 78 rolls worth of data lost in the overflowing buffer while I was busy dragging my feet.

The unit is simple to use right out of the box. Though it's completely plastic, the cable which attaches to the camera feels as though it's durable enough to hold up, as is the attachment point. Overall one comes to expect typical Nikon quality and isn't disappointed when opening the MV-1 packaging.

Mine came with a 128Mb CF card - a welcome surprise after reading only an 8Mb card would be supplied. The text files accumulate numerically as you'd expect, allowing the card to simply accrue data over time (not erase after import), serving as suitable backup.

Having only used it with the F6 I can't speak to other camera models supported - namely the F5 and F100. The instruction booklet seems amply appointed to instruct users of those cameras, however.

It's a beautiful thing to be able to reference EXIF on every frame of film made - with minimal effort & fuss. Yet another brilliant moment for the Nikon F6. I'm glad I didn't stall to the point when the MV-1 is no longer available, or the cost is even more exorbitant. If you shoot an F6, F5 or F100 and want to get the most out the fine Nikon engineering, the MV-1 should be at the top of your accessories list.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

It's really great to be able to read metadata from a film camera, makes keeping records of your shooting super simple. It's quite expensive for what it is, but given that it's a low-volume item without any real competition, it's not too badly priced. And the convenience of having that data is invaluable to me.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

This device enables you to download and utilize the data captured by the F6. Simply plug in, push button, upload recorded data to computer, convert to Excel file, done.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

This data reader sure isn't an essential accessory but it's really great to be able to save on a PC something rather equivalent to EXIF datas. Easy to use, reliable, ... Only the price and the size are overmuch.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

But need use the old software (Photo Secretary (AC-1WE/AC-2WE)to start the camera boby to record data once.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

This accessory is a must have for anyone using a Nikon F100, F5 or F6 camera.

It lets folks capture the shooting data for use in, for example, EXIF data for scanned images.

And in the case of the F100, the recording is actually controlled by the MV-1 itself and which files are presented to the camera.

The accessory is incredibly simple to operate. It creates the necessary files and directories itself and is operated by a simple on button.

Highly recommended for anyone with a hybrid workflow.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

The F6 saves much more information about each picture you take than it can print out between the frames or in frame 1. All that additional data is only accessible through use of the MV-1, which allows you to transfer that data to your computer and then print out the information for all the frames on a roll on one sheet of paper which can be stored with the negatives or contact sheets. Very well thought out and VERY useful.

Comments about Nikon MV-1 Data Reader:

The question you have to ask yourself before buying this item is: "Would I rather have an MV-1 or a notepad, pencil, and $180?"

That said, this device works as advertised, allowing shooting information to be copied off of the F6, F5, and F100 cameras to a text file on the CF card. It is lightweight and relatively compact, but feels somewhat flimsy compared to other Nikon gear.

Would I recommend this? Well, I'm not entirely sure I would, but it can be very useful for those who want detailed shooting information, but don't like to (or, like me, forget to) write down shooting notes.

And it's a good way to recycle all of those too old, too slow, or too small CF cards collected over the years...