New M9 fries its first SD card

[EdwardKaraa]

Don't be. The number of people who have problems is vanishingly small, and most problems can be resolved anyway. Things tend to be overblown on the Internet.

Cheers,

R.

I agree with Roger that these small hickups should not deter you from getting this wonderful camera. It has some problems that are very well documented. I am not happy that I lost last night's photos, and that I had to throw away 2 cards (of which one was still working normally), but I don't regret having bought the M9. It is simply the most enjoyable camera I have ever used, even more than my Contax SLR, and my M6 and Zeiss Ikon film cameras.

Anyhow, I went today and bought 2 extra cards, Transcend 16GB 133X class 10. This is what I initially got with the M9 from my local supplier on his recommendation. Both cards formatted and tested without any problems. And they are cheap. (And their recovery software is free, unlike Sandisk 😉)

 

[rxmd]

Sandisk cards are a popular target for counterfeiters; I recall reading that 20-30% of Sandisk cards are not genuine, regardless where they're bought or how they're packaged. You might just have a dodgy card.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Sandisk cards are a popular target for counterfeiters; I recall reading that 20-30% of Sandisk cards are not genuine, regardless where they're bought or how they're packaged. You might just have a dodgy card.

That is true. I have previously bought a Kingston CF card that turned out to be counterfeit.

However, in this particular case, I would really be surprised, because the cards were successfully registered at Sandisk website.

 

[raid]

Thanks! Sounds like a great idea! 🙂

This is a good idea. Thanks.

 

[peter_n]

By the way, someone suggested to me to do a full format in camera (rewrite option) on all new cards. That takes quite long, possibly 30 minutes or so, be he claims that his M9 had never had card problems with any brand.

I've always formatted CF memory cards on my computer and so far I've had no problems with SanDisk or Transcend cards, the only brands I use.

Now that I've switched over to SD I'm only using SanDisk cards as the 64GB Transcend card don't support UHS. So far it hasn't been necessary to format but when I do I wouldn't do it in-camera (in my case a NEX-7). I'd use SD Formatter with an up-to-date SD device.

 

[swoop]

I'm considering upgrading my M8 to a M9 but read your posts makes me a bit scared!

Really? I've had issues with two Sandisk cards. Switched to Kingston and they have worked fine.

I don't know what the issue is but there was a time when Leica admitted there was some issue with Sandisk cards. Who do you want to be mad at? Leica or Sandisk? Instead of getting upset that a $6,000 camera doesn't work with a $20 SD card just use a different brand of SD card.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Known issue, not M9-exclusive with SanDisk SD cards.

 

[peter_n]

Known issue, not M9-exclusive with SanDisk SD cards.

This is about one card: The SanDisk 8GB Extreme Pro, not SanDisk cards in general.

 

[kbg32]

Never just delete images from a SD/CF card and keep using it after you download the images from it. Download the images and then reformat the card in the camera. It keeps your cards fresh and stable. If you download and then delete the images, you are asking for trouble. Always, always, reformat the card the card in camera after downloading.

 

[zuiko85]

Had almost the same problem with my images. I had a roll of Tri-X loaded on the reel, about to drop the reel into the tank......and my darling wife opens the door.

Can I recover those images?
Think I already know the answer.

 

[Beemermark]

A card reader is always better than hooking up the USB cable to download images.

Why? I find it easier to hook up a cable to the camera and almost always do it this way with both my Leica and Nikon. Is there something I don't know?

 

[icebear]

Had almost the same problem with my images. I had a roll of Tri-X loaded on the reel, about to drop the reel into the tank......and my darling wife opens the door.

Can I recover those images?
Think I already know the answer.

Always lock the door otherwise you could be caught with you film in the open 😀.

 

[peter_n]

A card reader is always better than hooking up the USB cable to download images.

Your source for this? I've never had a problem with either method.

Never just delete images from a SD/CF card and keep using it after you download the images from it. Download the images and then reformat the card in the camera. It keeps your cards fresh and stable. If you download and then delete the images, you are asking for trouble. Always, always, reformat the card the card in camera after downloading.

I've always used the Win file manager to cut'n'paste from CF/SD cards to my hard disk, whether the card is in a reader or accessed directly in the camera through USB. I've never had a problem.

Once I have a card formatted, either by the manufacturer or by me on the computer, I leave it alone and I've never had to reformat. Once again, never a problem.

I use SanDisk and Transcend cards, FWIW.

 

[Richard G]

Your source for this? I've never had a problem with either method.

I've always used the Win file manager to cut'n'paste from CF/SD cards to my hard disk, whether the card is in a reader or accessed directly in the camera through USB. I've never had a problem.

Once I have a card formatted, either by the manufacturer or by me on the computer, I leave it alone and I've never had to reformat. Once again, never a problem.

I use SanDisk and Transcend cards, FWIW.

My laptop and Lightroom lost ability to see the thumbnails for import with USB. On a desktop the USB still works. I no longer use continuous mode and the only thing I allow to write to the card is the M9.

 

[Pablito]

Why? I find it easier to hook up a cable to the camera and almost always do it this way with both my Leica and Nikon. Is there something I don't know?

it uses the camera battery and it's much slower. If you don't mind using up the battery or waiting a lot longer, no problem.

Also, it just FEELS safer. At least to me.