For remote-control photography up to 3m (9.8 ft) away, the MC-12A has a hand grip, trigger release button and trigger lock lever that make operation convenient. Depressing the MC-12A halfway turns on the camera's exposure meter; depressing fully releases the shutter.

This handy accessory also works with other Nikon bodies such as older MF Nikon F3/MD-4, Nikon MD-12 for the Nikon FM/FE/FA series and even AF bodies such as F801, F801sm F601 and others.