Lexar CF problems with continuous shooting mode?

[KerryPierce]

First, a little background. Since obtaining the d70, I've blown up 2 Lexar 1 gig cards. The first one, a 40x, went within a month. I replaced it with an 80x card that I just blew up last week. In both instances, I got the CHA error and couldn't read or format the cards in the camera or on the computer. Lexar replaced the first one, after jumping through all the hoops.

The 80x card was giving me intermittent CHA errors before it died completely. It usually happened when I'd shoot a burst of shots in continuous shooting mode. I used that card a lot, shooting a lot of bursts, for months, so I'm pretty sure that it's not a camera problem.

Now, I'm using one of my original 1gig, 40x Lexar cards and I'm seeing the same pattern of CHA errors when shooting continuous mode shots. I lost about 40 shots at the dog show, because of it.

I haven't had the opportunity to contact Lexar about the 80x card yet, so dunno what they're gonna do about it.

But, the point of this long-winded post is to see if any of you guys have had similar experiences with Lexar or any other brand.

Thanks!

[sirhc55]

Kerry - no problems so far but I am not using Lexar, just Sandisk and Kingston 1Gb cards. Hope you work it out.

[SoCal Steve]

Yikes! Your making me very nervous. I haven't had any problems yet but I have one of their 1Gb 80X cards and four of the 512Mb 80X cards. I'll be following this thread closely.

Did you have any luck at all with Lexar's included rescue software?
I once saved a card from oblivion with it.

[KerryPierce]

Thanks for the well wishes, Chris.

Yikes! Your making me very nervous. I haven't had any problems yet but I have one of their 1Gb 80X cards and four of the 512Mb 80X cards. I'll be following this thread closely.

Did you have any luck at all with Lexar's included rescue software?
I once saved a card from oblivion with it.

Interesting stuff. But, Windows has to be able to get to the card, for the rescue software to work. The symptoms are the same on this one, as the first one, and the rescue software wouldn't work on it.

[stubbsy]

Kerry

I have a 2Gb and 2 x 1Gb Lexar 80x. I shoot in burst mode a lot and have not had a single problem. My 2Gb is the most heavily used and I've been using it since early December without a single problem.

[redline]

Sounds very ususal why not send it back for warranty (the camera). Its unlikey that you brought two dud cards over a period of time.
how many times were the card used? 10000x times? i heard some sports shooters having to replace their cards over a period of time as the contant writing over reduces the life of the card but of course they have huge have a different workflow from us consumrer users.

[gstark]

While I'm inclined to be feeling this is starting to look like a camera issue, the problem is one of repeatability. You can't simply return the camera to Nikon saying it does "this" without having a way to reliably demonstrate the fault.

What's the condition of your battery?

What about with other cards; perhaps try a few cheaper/smaller/slower cards and see what you can make happen?

There is some other software around the place that should let you talk to the cards without Windows. Windows only gets in the way of most things, anyway.

[KerryPierce]

Sounds very ususal why not send it back for warranty (the camera). Its unlikey that you brought two dud cards over a period of time.
how many times were the card used? 10000x times? i heard some sports shooters having to replace their cards over a period of time as the contant writing over reduces the life of the card but of course they have huge have a different workflow from us consumrer users.

Hi redline,

I agree, it doesn't seem right that I'd have 2 cards going bad, but at the moment, I'm at a loss to explain it. I've shot over 32,000 photos, always using the 80x card as the primary card, since I got it about 9 months ago. I format the cards in the camera after I've offloaded the pics. Dunno, lots of possibilities, I suppose.

[KerryPierce]

While I'm inclined to be feeling this is starting to look like a camera issue, the problem is one of repeatability. You can't simply return the camera to Nikon saying it does "this" without having a way to reliably demonstrate the fault.

What's the condition of your battery?

What about with other cards; perhaps try a few cheaper/smaller/slower cards and see what you can make happen?

There is some other software around the place that should let you talk to the cards without Windows. Windows only gets in the way of most things, anyway.

Hi Gary,

My warranty expired last week. As you say, I'd be hard pressed to demonstrate a camera fault though. I have 2 OEM batteries that I switch out regularly and keep them charged after extended use. They still seem to be in good shape.

I used the Lexar rescue software to check 2 of the cards last night. The one that has been giving me CHA errors failed the card test. The other was fine. I formatted the failed card, using the Rescue software and reran the test and it passed. The format apparently mapped out some bad sectors. When I put it in the camera, it showed 292 shots available instead of the normal 293. So, I'll test it this weekend to see if that makes a difference. Perhaps the incamera format routine doesn't map out bad sectors. If so, that's not good, but still likely means the cards are failing. I want to test 2 other cards, 1 Sandisk and 1 Lexar with the Rescue software and then contact Lexar support to see what they've got to say.

Yup, you're right about Windows. But, I don't want to mess with changing over to something else. Too much stuff that I already own, wouldn't work.

[Onyx]

Kerry, what firmware is your D70 running? IIRC, 1.01 had fixed something about continuous shooting - this could be related.

[KerryPierce]

Kerry, what firmware is your D70 running? IIRC, 1.01 had fixed something about continuous shooting - this could be related.

I'm still running the original firmware. I didn't update because I didn't see anything in the new versions that I thought I needed. But, I'll take another look at them to see what's up. Thanks for the tip.

FWIW, I did about a 100 test shots yesterday, with the older card that gives me the intermittent CHA error. I got the error immediately, removed the card, reinserted it and formatted it in the camera. Then shot all of the test shots on burst mode without another problem. Dunno what to think, other than the cards might be going bad.

I also played with Lexar's Image Rescue software, which is a pig on my machine. It was showing read errors on all of my cards except 1. Something about that isn't right....

I'll keep fussing with it. Maybe I'll find a solid answer.

[Matt. K]

These kinds of problems can sometimes be associated with inserting/removing the cards with the camera switched on. Another thing to ponder....do you store the cards with equipment that emits strong magnetic fields?

[KerryPierce]

These kinds of problems can sometimes be associated with inserting/removing the cards with the camera switched on. Another thing to ponder....do you store the cards with equipment that emits strong magnetic fields?

Hi Matt,

I don't think I've ever removed a card when the camera or the card reader was hot. The cards are stored in Hakuba Titanium CF carriers. Nothing has changed much, in that respect, in the year that I've had the camera. I've got a new 2gig 80x Lexar on the way. It should be here by Wednesday. I'm thinking that if I fry it, it's probably the Lexar card reader having voltage fluctuations or perhaps twilight zone connections...

[gstark]

I'm thinking that if I fry it, it's probably the Lexar card reader having voltage fluctuations or perhaps twilight zone connections...

Have you tried using different card readers to access the data?

While I'm not suggesting this as the issue, I have heard that some card readers, when (for instance) used with microdrives, have caused the microdrive to fry because they're incapable of providing adequate power to the drive.

Perhaps is something odd but along those lines?

And don't talk to me about Twilight Zone connections and computers .... my bloody Sony laptop, at Lindy's, appears to have, yet again, thrown up its OS!

[Matt. K]

KerryPierce
Tell us more about these interesting little suckers, "Hakuba Titanium CF carriers".

[KerryPierce]

Have you tried using different card readers to access the data?

While I'm not suggesting this as the issue, I have heard that some card readers, when (for instance) used with microdrives, have caused the microdrive to fry because they're incapable of providing adequate power to the drive.

Perhaps is something odd but along those lines?

And don't talk to me about Twilight Zone connections and computers .... my bloody Sony laptop, at Lindy's, appears to have, yet again, thrown up its OS!

I've been using the Lexar USB2 Multi card reader, since I blew up the first card last spring. The Lexar techs I spoke with guaranteed me that this was the best reader they had and it was also guaranteed to work with my 4gig microdrive. I don't yet have any other readers to test, but will probably get another one if I blow up the new card....

Dunno what to tell you about the Sony. I had similar problems with a new HP laptop running XP. Corrupt file system, more than once, and was told it couldn't be.... yeah, sure. I lost quite a few of my Washington DC shots, by burning corrupt photos to my backup CDs/DVDs...

[KerryPierce]

KerryPierce
Tell us more about these interesting little suckers, "Hakuba Titanium CF carriers".

Hi Matt,

Here's a link that might give you the info you want. I've been using their cases for several years, first for memory sticks and now for CF.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 348&is=REG

[ipv6ready]

Hi I would really look at the card reader. though if same CHA errors are ocurring why do you think it is not the camera?

1. Some cheap card readers can damage the card. But I presume the Lexar reader would be well matched to the card. So that will problaby not be it.

2. If you format what FAT are you using? FAT FAT8 FAT12 FAT16 FAT32

3. Have you tried using a different format program and doing a low level format at least with your "dead cards" with software like terabyte
I do not have a D70 and don't know what FAT it uses and I could not find it in the manual? I would find it strange if it used FAT32 for example but I can be wrong?

Windows usually keep the same FAT as the original format when reformating but something could be different on your PC. EG Minimal Setup on Windows installation.

Also the first format should be on your DSLR.

Like everything in PC world "FAT does not equal FAT" PS> I am only suggesting the above point 3 because you have nothing to lose with the dead cards?

Or I could be totally wrong!!!

[Onyx]

Kerry, I was just browsing the Rob Galbraith 1Ds/mk2 forums and came across several reports of Canon shooters shooting blanks (after apparently filling a card, it was reported to be blank when attempting to transfer). They blamed it on the camera, but there was a consistency with Lexars being the common CF card in use.

[KerryPierce]

Hi I would really look at the card reader. though if same CHA errors are ocurring why do you think it is not the camera?

2. If you format what FAT are you using? FAT FAT8 FAT12 FAT16 FAT32

At this point, it could be most anything in the chain, causing the problem. I don't have enough information to make a solid determination. I am inclined to believe it is the card rather than the camera, simply because cards are old and known to fail and/or are not able to keep up with the demands of the d70. There've been a lot of posts showing cards that work "okay" in other cameras but won't work in a d70. At this point, I tend to think that the cards can't keep up with the sustained transfer rate, which goofs the entire card. AFAIK, the d70 will use either fat 16 or 32. I don't know which is used in camera, but I assume it to be fat32.

I haven't tried any low level utilities. Windows doesn't see a "drive", so I don't know how a low level utility would work on something like that.

[KerryPierce]

Kerry, I was just browsing the Rob Galbraith 1Ds/mk2 forums and came across several reports of Canon shooters shooting blanks (after apparently filling a card, it was reported to be blank when attempting to transfer). They blamed it on the camera, but there was a consistency with Lexars being the common CF card in use.

I was wondering the same thing, but there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the Sandisk cards suffer similar failures. When this started, I did a lot of searching for failed cards and found instances of problems in both Sandisk and Lexar. I couldn't determine a great deal that way, but it seems likely to me that both brands have a lower failure rate than other cards.

I should have the new 2gig card tomorrow. It will provide more information. If it fails quickly, it is probably something the camera is doing. If it doesn't, then it seems likely that the cards have a much shorter lifespan than believed.

[birddog114]

KP,
Go back to the generic card at 45x, cheaper and never failed on me, I have number of 1 & 2Gb cards for my 4 camera bodies.
The D70 is not fast with the fast cards as 80x or Extreme III. I'm not scaring anyone but heard lot of story about those two types in the D70.

[KerryPierce]

KP,
Go back to the generic card at 45x, cheaper and never failed on me, I have number of 1 & 2Gb cards for my 4 camera bodies.
The D70 is not fast with the fast cards as 80x or Extreme III. I'm not scaring anyone but heard lot of story about those two types in the D70.

I wondered about that too, Birddog, but the card that is giving me sporadic problems now is a 40x pro Lexar.

[birddog114]

KP,
Go back to the generic card at 45x, cheaper and never failed on me, I have number of 1 & 2Gb cards for my 4 camera bodies.
The D70 is not fast with the fast cards as 80x or Extreme III. I'm not scaring anyone but heard lot of story about those two types in the D70.

I wondered about that too, Birddog, but the card that is giving me sporadic problems now is a 40x pro Lexar.

Lexar or Sandisk does not make their own memory chip inside the case.
They bought from Samsung, Toshiba, LG or other memory makers.
And the generic brands they get their chips from the same manufacturers, I found the generic brand is more reliable then the Lexar or Sandisk and cheaper, and I can take nicer photos same as other with the Lexar 80x or Sandisk Extreme III. They're all marketting hype!
In today technologies, you may get one or two bad apple in among the production, as I said before in other threads: if only Nikon makes the CF card and no one else, then I have to live with it, otherwise I'll go with the economical way and replace them if they failed without any regret!

[fozzie]

KerryPierce,

A number of our Users on this forum use either 1GB/2GB 'Astone' or 'Transcend' (45x) supplied by Birddog114, and I am one of those, and have had no problem whatsoever with the CF cards.

[birddog114]

Perhaps the next supplies of CF card is under the name 70Users.com and 60x Ultra High Performance CF card with lifetime warranty

[gstark]

Perhaps the next supplies of CF card is under the name 70Users.com and 60x Ultra High Performance CF card with lifetime warranty

Whose lifetime? The card's?

"Sorry, your card is dead, and therefore its lifetime (and thus the warranty) is over. Have a nice day"

[birddog114]

Perhaps the next supplies of CF card is under the name 70Users.com and 60x Ultra High Performance CF card with lifetime warranty

Whose lifetime? The card's?

"Sorry, your card is dead, and therefore its lifetime (and thus the warranty) is over. Have a nice day"

Gary,
You're too quick! and that what I want to say!

[KerryPierce]

Lexar or Sandisk does not make their own memory chip inside the case.
They bought from Samsung, Toshiba, LG or other memory makers.
And the generic brands they get their chips from the same manufacturers, I found the generic brand is more reliable then the Lexar or Sandisk and cheaper, and I can take nicer photos same as other with the Lexar 80x or Sandisk Extreme III. They're all marketting hype!

Sure, this makes perfect sense. Lexar and Sandisk seem to be pushing the tech as far as it will go. If they're right on the edge, it's easy to fall off...

I'll have to investigate the generic brands that folks are using here in the states.

[KerryPierce]

KerryPierce,

A number of our Users on this forum use either 1GB/2GB 'Astone' or 'Transcend' (45x) supplied by Birddog114, and I am one of those, and have had no problem whatsoever with the CF cards.

Thanks for the info, Fozzie. I don't recall seeing those brand names being available here, but will have to take a look.

[KerryPierce]

Perhaps the next supplies of CF card is under the name 70Users.com and 60x Ultra High Performance CF card with lifetime warranty

heh, lemme know when you start selling the Ansel Adams type card. I'm more interested in that than a warranty.