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DIY Nikon F100 DataCable-2 by Avi

by Updated: Sep 19, 2025diy-photography2 comments

F100 4 featured

Nikon F100

Building MC-33 DataCable-2 by Avi

DISCLAIMER – Important!

Click to read
As I already mentioned, after I published my DataCable1 design, I got many requests
from photographers all over the world to build this cable since it had been discontinued. Requests also asked for a cable to be compatible to N90s / F100 / F5 and without the interface cable that was made in DataCable1.
So, with this in mind I built the new DataCable2 to meet the following:
1. Direct camera-computer cable (no interface cable)
Compatible to Nikon MC-33 MC33 / MC-31 MC31 cables
2. Length of ~8′ (2.5m) for ease of use. Much more than MC-33
3. Work with N90(s) / F90(x) / F100 / F5
4. Work with major data collecting software
5. Batteries FREE. Power is received from camera
I am NOT compromising on quality and in DataCable2 I used:
1. Smaller electronics box,
2. Professionally custom made PCB according Avi’s design including a protective solder mask layer.
3. High quality components
4. Cable ends are secured to box with high quality Strain Relief and most important,
5. GENUINE Nikon 10 pin connector
Using genuine Nikon 10 pin connector is VERY important because it is the only connector that ensures:
1. Safe and reliable attachment to camera using a threaded metal locking ring.
2. High quality and precise mechanical and electrical contacts.
3. Correct orientation to camera without a possibility for wrong attachment that might damage your camera/computer. It has mating slides to guide the attachment process.
4. Mating strength since ALL 10 pins are presented.
5. Industry standard quality of pins to internal wires connection.

I could have used a cheaper connector like those offered by others and saved about $30 but I decided not to compromise on this critical component.

When it comes to quality and protecting your expensive camera, my decision was to build a professional cable, no matter what it costs.
Avi's made PCB
PCB, professionally made with solder mask layer to protect it
Genuine Nikon 10 pin connector
10 pin connector – a Genuine Nikon connector with threaded locking ring
DataCable-2 cable

General view of DataCable2

DataCable-2 with N90s

DataCable2 connected to N90s

DataCable-2 with F100

DataCable2 connected to F100

DataCable-2 with F5

DataCable2 connected to F5

exclaim2 Note: the project is obsolete since June 2008.
You may visit the old BUY page here

Next: DIY MC-30 cable

Avi’s Nikon F100 cables project posts:

My concept | DIY Interface cable | DIY DataCable-1 | DIY DataCable-2
DIY MC-30 | BUY DataCable2

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2 Comments

  1. Adrian
    Adrian on May 31, 2025 at 02:44

    Hello Avi!

    Is there any chance you will share the schematics for the PCB used in your version of the Data Cable? I’m interested in building one for myself, and it would help seeing how you tackled the problem.

    Many thanks,
    Adrian

    Reply
    • Avi Schneor
      Avi Schneor on June 2, 2025 at 08:12

      Dear Adrian, as mentioned this project is obsolete long ago.
      You can find information on it in the following page, follow the links in the first paragraph and alter the schematics to your wish.
      This is the best I can do after so many years.
      Good luck

      Reply

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Disclaimer

1. Nikon cameras contains electronics.

Any modification made to your Nikon camera may cause damage to your equipment and harm to yourself or to others. 
Any modification made to your Nikon cameras AND/OR to a 3rd party attached accessories will void manufacturer warranty.
None of the following steps is recommended by me nor by the manufacturer, Nikon. 
This post show only my personal experience and know-how.
If you follow any of the steps, you do it on your own risk and responsibility.

2. Copyright © 2003 Avi. All rights reserved. 

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