Hi--

>I have had the strangest thing happening with my F3. Mid roll sometimes
>the camera goes dead, no meter display. I have a MD4 motor on it and
>when I am using the SB16A flash the flash ready light will shine in the
>viewfinder display but I can't trip the shutter or activate the meter.
>When I open the battery compartment and rub the batteries and replace
>them it seems to resolve the problem temporarily. Needless to say having
>to do this light tight to prevent exposure while drive is off is a pain
>in the a#$.
>Do I need new batteries, or does the contact have to be replaced?
> kgreenspan@doctor4U.com

It does sound like a contact problem. Try cleaning the battery contacts
in the motor and on the battery insert with a Q-Tip and alcohol. Also
take the motor off, and use a clean Q-Tip with alcohol and rotate it on
the motor and body electrical contacts (the ones that mate when the motor
is installed). If at least one of the two LED's light when the battery
test button is pushed (when the camera power fails), it is most likely
a problem with the motor to body contacts. Good luck.
David Ruether