Optional MB-N12 Power Battery Packs

Parts of the MB-N12: Names and Functions

The name and function of each of the MB-N12’s parts is listed below.

8	Holder-chamber cover
1	Contact cap	Protects the MB-N12’s power and signal contacts.
2	Signal contacts	—
3	Power contacts	—
4	Multi selector for vertical shooting	Performs the same role as the multi selector on the camera. The roles performed by pressing the center during shooting can be chosen using Custom Settings f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] and g2 [Custom controls] in the camera menus.
5	AF‑ON button for vertical shooting	Performs the roles assigned using Custom Settings f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] and g2 [Custom controls] in the camera menus.
6	Main command dial for vertical shooting	Performs the same role as the matching control on the camera.
7	Holder-chamber latch	See “Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12” (0 Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12) and “If the Holder-Chamber Cover Detaches” (0 If the Holder-Chamber Cover Detaches).

10	Charging connector
9	Charging connector cover	For use with optional EH‑7P charging AC adapters and EH‑8P AC adapters (the latter connected via a UC‑E25 USB cable), which can be used to charge the batteries or power the camera.
11	Charge lamp (×2)	Light while batteries are charging.
12	Mounting screw	Use when attaching the MB-N12 to the camera.
13	Attachment wheel	Use when attaching the MB-N12 to the camera.
14	Battery-holder chamber	Where the battery holder is inserted.
15	Battery-holder latch	Locks the battery holder in place after insertion.
16	Power connector cover	For use with optional EP‑5B power connectors.
17	Tripod socket	—

18	Battery-chamber cover holder	Holds the camera battery-chamber cover while it is removed from the camera.
19	Sub-command dial for vertical shooting	Performs the same role as the matching control on the camera.
20	Control lock	Locks the controls on the MB-N12 to prevent accidental operation. The control lock is not a power switch. Use the power switch on the camera to turn the camera on or off.
21	Shutter-release button for vertical shooting	Performs the same role as the matching control on the camera.
22	Fn button for vertical shooting	Performs the roles assigned using Custom Settings f2 [Custom controls (shooting)], f3 [Custom controls (playback)], and g2 [Custom controls] in the camera menus.

23	Battery chamber A	Holds one EN‑EL15c rechargeable Li-ion battery.
24	Battery power terminals (×2)	See “Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12” (0 Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12).
25	Battery chamber B	Holds one EN‑EL15c rechargeable Li-ion battery.
26	Battery holder power terminals	See “Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12” (0 Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12).
27	Battery latch	Locks the battery in Chamber A in place after insertion.
28	Battery holder	See “Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12” (0 Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12).

Attaching the MB-N12

Before attaching the MB-N12, turn the camera off. To prevent unintended operation while attachment is in progress, leave the control lock on the MB-N12 in the L (locked) position until the process is complete.

Remove the contact cap from the battery pack.

Keep the contact cap in a safe place.
Remove the battery-chamber cover from the bottom of the camera and place it in the battery-chamber cover holder on the MB-N12.

If a battery is inserted in the camera, remove it.
Attach the MB-N12 to the camera.

Rotate the attachment wheel in the direction shown by the FLOCK arrow to secure the battery pack in place. Secure the MB-N12 in place by tightening the attachment wheel until it will turn no further.
- A warning may appear in the camera shooting display if the MB-N12 is not securely attached. Securing the MB-N12 in place by tightening the attachment wheel until it will turn no further may resolve the issue.

Removing the MB-N12

To remove the MB-N12, turn the camera off, then loosen the attachment wheel by turning it in the direction opposite to that used to attach it. After removing the MB-N12, remove the battery-chamber cover from the battery-chamber cover holder and reattach it to the camera.

Reattach the contact cap to the MB-N12 when the battery pack is not in use.

Inserting Batteries in the MB-N12

The MB-N12 can be used with up to two EN‑EL15c rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Before inserting the batteries, turn the camera off. To prevent unintended operation while the batteries are being exchanged, you will also need to leave the control lock on the MB-N12 in the L (locked) position until the exchange is complete.

Keeping the holder-chamber latch pressed, slide the holder-chamber cover to the side and then swing it open.
Press the battery-holder latch in the direction shown and remove the battery holder.
Insert the batteries in the battery holder.

Insert the batteries in the orientations shown. The battery latch will click into place when the battery in Chamber A is fully inserted.
Insert the battery holder terminals-first.

Using the bottom of the battery holder to depress the battery-holder latch, slide the battery holder into the chamber terminals-first. Stop when the latch clicks back into place.
Close the holder-chamber cover and latch it by pressing and sliding it in the direction shown.

Removing the Batteries

Remove the holder and then remove the batteries as shown.

Exchanging the Battery in Chamber A

The battery in Chamber A can be exchanged without removing the battery holder. Insert the battery as shown, stopping when the latch clicks into place.
The battery in Chamber A can be removed by pressing the latch as shown and sliding the battery from the holder.

Exchanging Batteries While Shooting

When two batteries are inserted, you can replace the battery in Chamber A without turning the camera off. You may find this useful when using the camera continuously for extended periods. Be careful not to press the battery-holder latch and remove the battery holder while exchanging batteries.

Battery Order

If you are using only one battery, it can be inserted in either chamber.
When two batteries are inserted, the battery in Chamber A will be used first. The camera will switch to the battery in Chamber B when the battery in Chamber A is exhausted.

Compatible Batteries

EN‑EL15b and EN‑EL15a batteries can be used in place of the EN‑EL15c. Note, however, that fewer pictures can be taken on a single charge than with the EN‑EL15c.

Charging Batteries Using an Optional EH‑7P Charging AC Adapter or EH‑8P AC Adapter

Batteries inserted in the MB‑N12 can be charged using an optional EH‑7P charging AC adapter or EH‑8P AC adapter. The batteries can be charged even when the MB‑N12 is removed from the camera.

Connect an EH‑7P charging AC adapter or EH‑8P AC adapter to the charging connector on the MB‑N12.

EH‑7P: Connect the EH‑7P to the charging connector on the MB‑N12.

EH‑8P: Connect one end of an optional UC‑E25 USB cable (featuring Type C connectors at both ends) to the EH‑8P AC adapter and the other to the charging connector on the MB‑N12.
Plug the EH‑7P or EH‑8P into a household power outlet.

EH-7P

EH‑8P
- The batteries charge while the camera is off. They also charge when the standby timer is off.
- The charge lamp for the battery that is currently charging will light while charging is in progress. The charge lamp turns off when charging is complete.
- The time needed to charge two fully-exhausted batteries is about 5 hours.
- If two batteries are inserted, the battery in Chamber B will charge first.
- The shape of the plug varies with the country or region of purchase.
When charging is complete, unplug the EH‑7P or EH‑8P and disconnect it from the MB-N12.

Cautions: Charging Batteries

The batteries will not charge if the cable is connected to the camera USB Power Delivery connector while the MB‑N12 is attached. Connect the cable to the charging connector on the MB‑N12.
The EH‑7P and EH‑8P can be used to charge EN‑EL15c and EN‑EL15b batteries only. They cannot be used to charge EN‑EL15a batteries. Use an MH‑25a battery charger instead.
Charging errors caused by, for example, the battery pack overheating or attempts to charge an EN‑EL15a are indicated by the charge lamp flashing rapidly for about 30 seconds before turning off.
When charging batteries with the MB‑N12 removed from the camera, be sure to attach the contact cap to the MB‑N12.

Using an Optional EH‑7P Charging AC Adapter or EH‑8P AC Adapter as a Power Source

Optional EH‑7P charging AC adapters and EH‑8P AC adapters can power the camera while connected to the MB‑N12’s charging connector.

Cautions: Power Supply

Power will be supplied to the camera only if a battery is inserted in one or both of Chambers A and B. The EH‑7P and EH‑8P will supply power when EN‑EL15c, EN‑EL15b, or EN‑EL15a batteries are inserted.
The batteries in the battery pack will not charge while the camera is powered by an outside power source. For more information, see “‘Power Delivery’ Versus ‘Charging’” (0 ‘Power Delivery’ Versus ‘Charging’).

After confirming that the camera is off, connect an EH‑7P charging AC adapter or EH‑8P AC adapter to the charging connector on the MB‑N12.

EH‑7P: Connect the EH‑7P to the charging connector on the MB‑N12.

EH‑8P: Connect one end of an optional UC‑E25 USB cable (featuring Type C connectors at both ends) to the EH‑8P AC adapter and the other to the charging connector on the MB‑N12.
Plug the EH‑7P or EH‑8P into a household power outlet.

EH-7P

EH‑8P

The shape of the plug varies with the country or region of purchase.
To begin the supply of power to the camera, turn the camera on and select [ON] for [USB power delivery] in the setup menu.
To end the supply of power to the camera, unplug the EH‑7P or EH‑8P and disconnect it from the MB-N12.

Using an Optional EH‑5d AC Adapter and EP‑5B Power Connector

The optional EH‑5d AC adapter and EP‑5B power connector provide a steady supply of power when the camera must be left on for extended periods. When using the EH‑5d with the MB-N12, insert the EP‑5B in Chamber A before connecting it to the EH‑5d.

EH‑5c and EH‑5b AC adapters can be used in place of the EH‑5d.
The EP‑5B can be inserted only in Chamber A.
After connecting the EP‑5B, open the power connector cover on the MB-N12, position the power connector cable so that it passes through the power connector slot and close the holder-chamber cover.
There is no need to insert a battery in Chamber B. Batteries inserted in Chamber B are not used while the camera is being powered by an EH‑5d and EP‑5B.
The EH‑7P and EH‑8P cannot be used to charge the battery or supply power to the camera when the EP‑5B is inserted.

Checking the Level of the Batteries in the MB-N12

When the MB-N12 is connected, the level of the battery currently providing power to the camera is shown in the shooting display and control panel while the camera is on (0 Battery Level).

The chamber containing the battery currently in use is indicated by an icon next to the battery level in the shooting display.
Additional information, including the battery age and precise battery level, can be viewed using the [Battery info] item in the setup menu.

Precautions for Use

Observe the following precautions when using the MB-N12.

Touching the power/signal contacts with metal objects could cause a short-circuit; reattach the contact cap before storing or transporting the battery pack or charging the batteries with the pack not attached to the camera.
A warning may appear in the camera shooting display if the MB-N12 is not securely attached. Securing the MB-N12 in place by tightening the attachment wheel until it will turn no further may resolve the issue.
The camera memory card access lamp may light when the MB-N12 is attached to or removed from the camera.
When using the camera with both the MB-N12 and an optional FTZ mount adapter attached, connect tripods to the tripod mount on either the lens or the MB-N12, not to the tripod mount on the FTZ.

Lens

MB-N12

FTZ
The MB-N12 is not equipped with a power switch. Use the camera power switch to turn the camera on and off.

Camera Warning Messages

If the camera displays one of the following messages, take the steps described below.

If the camera displays the message [Shutter release disabled. Recharge battery.], insert a spare battery. Turn the camera off before proceeding if the battery in question is inserted in Chamber B or if there is only one battery in the holder and it is inserted in Chamber A.
If the camera displays the message [Error. Press shutter-release button to reset.], press the shutter-release button. If the problem persists or recurs frequently, consult a Nikon-authorized service representative.

If the Holder-Chamber Cover Detaches

In order to protect the holder-chamber cover from damage, it may detach if force is applied while it is open. The holder-chamber cover can be re-attached as shown.

Before re-attaching the holder-chamber cover, slide the cover so that the hinge is visible.

Specifications

Power source	Up to two EN‑EL15c rechargeable Li-ion batteries^* EN‑EL15b/EN‑EL15a batteries can also be used, but note that battery endurance (the number of pictures that can be taken or length of video footage that can be recorded on a single charge) is less than with the EN‑EL15c.
Charging time	Approx. 5 hours This is the time required to charge two EN‑EL15c batteries using an optional EH‑7P charging AC adapter or EH‑8P AC adapter. It assumes an ambient temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) and that the batteries are exhausted.
Charging connector	USB Type C. Can be used to connect optional EH‑7P charging AC adapters or UC‑E25 USB cables connected to EH‑8P AC adapters^* and not for uploading pictures or other purposes. The EH‑7P and EH‑8P can be used to charge EN‑EL15c and EN‑EL15b batteries only.
Operating temperature	−10 °C– 40 °C (+14 °F – 104 °F)
Dimensions (W × H × D)	Approx. 138.5 × 113.5 × 76 mm (5.5 × 4.5 × 3 in.), excluding projections
Weight	Approx. 455 g/1 lb 0.1 oz (with two EN‑EL15c batteries) Approx. 295 g/10.5 oz (without batteries)

Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance, specifications, and performance of this product at any time and without prior notice.

Low Ambient Temperatures

The camera may not function at low temperatures (approximately 10 °C/50 °F or below) when powered by partially-charged batteries. In cold weather, charge one set of batteries before use and keep another in a warm place, ready to be exchanged as necessary. Once warmed, cold batteries may recover some of their charge.

Battery Endurance with a Battery Pack

Attaching an optional battery pack with two fully-charged EN‑EL15c batteries increases the number of shots and length of video footage that can be recorded (battery endurance) by approximately 1.8 times over the amount that can be shot with the camera alone.