Canon New F-1 And Motor Drive

Here is something I discovered.  My point of reference is the Nikon FE and F5.  Though it probably isn't an apt comparison considering they are really vastly different cameras.

I think the F-1's motor drive connection is a bit convoluted.  And sort of a disaster waiting to happen.  You really have to plan ahead and decide at least a roll of film ahead whether you want to shoot with a motor drive or not because you just can't change your mind in mid-roll.  Why?  Because, at the bottom of the camera plate there are three coupling holes (what am I talking about?), you need to remove the three small coupling (love the word) covers before you can attach the motor drive to the camera.  One of those holes (love the word) provide the motor drive's access to the film cartridge for film rewind and if left exposed or un-covered it would fog the film.  Hence you really can't take out the motor drive in mid roll or attach a motor drive in mid-roll.  Not a great idea.  Those tiny covers you need to use a coin, say a quarter to screw (love the word) in and out (love the allusion), and they are prone to just disappear--of the three covers, the AE coupling cover was lost before I got the camera.  They are supposed to be screwed back in on the motor drive but if you were to lose the film rewind coupling cover, then you can't really shoot sans motor drive as the hole would expose the film--you are screwed big time.  What a stupid design.  My FE and its MD-12 don't have this problem, no small covers to remove and sure no rewind either.  But I can attach or remove the motor drive in a whim anytime I like.  The F5 comes with the the built-in motor drive.  I don't have the Nikon F3 and its massive MD-4 motor drive for comparison.  I guess the professionals always shoot the F-1 with its motor drive always attached--I know the prior owner does.  So they don't have this problem.

Notes:
Canon AE MOTOR DRIVE FN.  This guy is coin operated.  You can't attach the thingy by just turning the camera attachment knob, you really need a coin, say a quarter to screw or unscrew (especially unscrew) it.  Minor pain in the butt.
Canon BATTERY PACK FN.  Without it (or other power sources) the motor drive isn't really going to anywhere except acting as a grip.  Surprise.  Again this guy is coin operated.  You need to attach this puppy to the motor drive.  Plus this is where the vertical shutter release button is.  The chamber takes twelve AA batteries.  Twelve, that's right.  The battery compartment is unlocked by just sliding a locking lever called the battery magazine release lever, no need to use a coin, Wow.  This puppy lets you rip through a roll in 5 frames a second.  Wow.