9 replies to this topic

[outsider]

I recently bought a lightly used D3S with 48,000 clicks.  When I connect it to the computer it is not recognized at all.  Nothing, nada.  Doesn't show up in the device manager, nowhere.  In fact the camera will still take photos as if it's not connected at all.  The usb port in the camera fits snugly as though it's not been used much and not signs of damage.  I've updated all usb ports on my windows 10 machine.  I've uninstalled and reinstalled all ports.  I've used multiple cables, a new cable.  I've scoured the internet and did almost everything minus reinstall windows.  I've connected the camera to multiple computers.  Nothing.  The only thing I notice is the activity light blinks once when I connect.  The top lcd displays as if it's not connected, with all information.  The D3S uses MTP/PTP and doesn't have a mass storage option.  There are only a few references of this phenomenon on the internet for the D3 and the D3S.  The camera is immaculate for it's age and I would hate to send it back for an exchange for the same grade of camera, because I can't see photos of it.  The main reason for my concern is that I would rather transfer files using the usb ports rather than taking the cards out each time (Computer CF slot reads card fine).  I know it's faster that way, but I don't shoot lots of photos at a time and i'm afraid of eventually bending the pins in the camera.  According to Nikon Cameras this particular camera was one of the last made before they stopped production.  1.  Do you have any ideas of why this is happening?  Possible that Nikon did away with usb transfer in their last batch?  2.  Do you have any advice?  3.  Am I better off keeping the camera?  I have 2 D700's and another D3S and they connect to any windows computer without a problem.  Thanks for your advice!

[Nikon Shooter]

When I connect it to the computer it is not recognized at all.  Nothing, nada.

I would not expect any of my computers to recognise any
of my cameras but given software will. Capture One is the
tool I use to work tethered — and then the files are not sa-
ved to the card. After a normal shoot saved to the card, I
take out the card and use a card reader to transfer for PP.
 

[Merco_61]

With the precise tolerances in the CF slots in a D3S, there is no need to worry about bending pins. Just get a card reader from a name brand, they are much better made.

 

Try installing Transfer2 (distributed with ViewNX-i) and see if the camera is recognized that way.

 

I am not familiar with how our cameras behave under Windows since I have been a mac user since System 7.

[Nikon Shooter]

I am not familiar with how our cameras behave under Windows since I have been a mac user since System 7.

Same here.

[Bengan]

Windows usually needs drivers. They are likely to be installed if you install i e Transfer 2 like Peter suggested.

 

Best way to transfer photos is always via a card reader

[outsider]

Thank you for the advices.  I've installed the Nikon software with Transfer 2.  Nothing.  I've tried almost every hardware/software trick.  Nothing.  I updated to latest firmware.  Nothing.  I've used different cards, brands, sizes.  Pleaded with it.  I think perhaps it may simply be an extremely rare manufacturing flaw where one of the pins isn't making contact inside the camera.  But as Bengan said, card reader is best.  I wouldn't wan't to get caught transferring 60gb of photos via usb.  Any other advice I will try! 

[Bengan]

Just checking. You have connected the camera directly to the computer and not via a USB-hub, right?

 

Have you tried installing ViewNX-i?

 

If yes to those two, I'm lost for suggestions.

[TBonz]

A card reader is definitely your best bet.  But, in reality you are still transferring via USB unless it is a built in reader.

[outsider]

Just checking. You have connected the camera directly to the computer and not via a USB-hub, right?

 

Have you tried installing ViewNX-i?

 

If yes to those two, I'm lost for suggestions.

 

This is correct.  Directly to front and back usb ports.  I've installed Nikon transfer as well.  I uninstalled my other D3S in the device manager under "devices" in windows 10, still nothing.  I have the option of sending it back for another body.  The one I have has just over 48,000 actuations.  The replacement would have 120,000 actuations.  Which really doesn't mean much.

[Ron]

I agree with using a card reader. Much less hassle. If your computer has one built in you can use that. Both my Windows 10 laptop and my Windows 7 workstation have built in readers and both of them are a few years old. However, if you must use an external USB card reader try to find one that supports USB 3 if your computer has those ports. The difference in transfer speed, especially for large RAW files, is significant.

 

I would totally forget about direct camera to PC file transfer unless you're planning to work tethered. In that case your tethering software, be it Capture One, Adobe Lightroom, or something else should have the required drivers built in.

 

--Ron