Z9 Card Door

[IainD]

I don’t find the door to be a problem but it is more awkward than my D850. The D5 needs the flap fitted and a button to be pushed, which could be awkward in a rush. With the super capacity cards available my plan is only to open the door for ingestion!

 

[JonHob68]

Does anybody else hate the Z9's card access door? Roaring bad design, IMHO. This is really the only issue I have with this otherwise great camera.

I do, with a passion!!

I'm a sports photographer and remove my cards 10-20 times during a football match and need to do this one-handed. It's near impossible especially if I have wet or sweaty hands. The door is such a letdown compared to the D5. I'm hoping someone at Nikon takes this seriously.

 

[BrianMM]

Notwithstanding having arthritis in my thumbs I find that one handed is really simple: keep fingers around the grip, move thumb to door button, slide button down and move door back to open.

Sure beats the "too-easy-open" card door on my Z7.

 

[DsD]

10 months in and mine has become noticeably easier to unlatch one handed. I’m very pleased with its operation now.

 

[Howard5252]

I brought this issue up in May 2022. I never had a problem with any of my past cameras - starting with the D7000. The fact that many people don't have a problem does not help me one iota. I don't think anyone would disagree with the statement that the door it replaced was easier to open. To those people who have had the previous door open unexpectedly, can you explain just how that happened; never having experienced the unexpected opening, I cannot fathom how it could happen. Perhaps it might lead to Nikon coming up with another solution or a possible replacement option for the current door.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I brought this issue up in May 2022. I never had a problem with any of my past cameras - starting with the D7000. The fact that many people don't have a problem does not help me one iota. I don't think anyone would disagree with the statement that the door it replaced was easier to open. To those people who have had the previous door open unexpectedly, can you explain just how that happened; never having experienced the unexpected opening, I cannot fathom how it could happen. Perhaps it might lead to Nikon coming up with another solution or a possible replacement option for the current door.

Most of the accidentally opening doors I have read about have been in the Z6, Z7 and their II versions. I have a Z6II and it if very easy to accidentally bump open.

I actually like the Z9 card door and opened correctly is quite easy and it does not come open accidentaly.

I do as mentioned earlier my fingers are on the front edge of the grip with my thumb I push the button down and at the same time push the door open in one smooth motion. I have 2 Z9's and the both work great.

 

[O]

I do, with a passion!!

I'm a sports photographer and remove my cards 10-20 times during a football match and need to do this one-handed. It's near impossible especially if I have wet or sweaty hands. The door is such a letdown compared to the D5. I'm hoping someone at Nikon takes this seriously.

Z9 door opening technique, their is very easy quick way to open the door one handed.
I find the door to be in need of better instruction technique from Nikon rather than in need of a redesign.

I can understand your frustration as a sports action shooter, while the door opening is perfectly fine and very easy for me normally, being on a mono pod like you use and having one hand only and needing to open the door quickly as often as you do, i can see that its an issue and a frustration, this prompted me to have a quick look.

When i simulate your position, yes, it is an issue initially till i looked further, i mean if speed is required. I mean i found it doable and tolerable just slow and very uncomfortable and would vary if it was cold or hot.

So while not impossible i do think in your situation its well noted and in need for Nikon to refine the door opening system possibly be it better instructions advising of the correct technique rather than look at a redesign, after all its a professional sports action wild life camera.

That said and here is the twist.........

I can see the need for the door to have integrity, heat and cold can cause condensation, these cards doing a lot of video will get much hotter than usual.
Also given the high level of performance and specs of the cards and camera electronics water or condensation dust or dirt could prove fatal,
so i think the door seal integrity is more important than ever.

So i looked a little closer........

When i look under the door and felt the edge of the seal area on the camera it seems to have a fine rubber like seal, when the door is closed their needs to be a downward pressure on that rubber like seal to make the seal complete.

I found that the door closing on a rubber like seal needed pressure to close and surprisingly downward pressure to open.

If i take my two fingers pointer first slide the button down then with both fingers press the door downward onto the seal and with both fingers slide the door forward, ie: its a two finger operation, the door is very easy to open one handed. I found pressing the door down onto the seal to the ease of the door catch releasing worked so well, the downward pressure actually compresses the rubber seal under the flap, the door fly's open one handed.

Ok simulation take 2, LOL,

With a bit of practice it got so simple.
I then asked my girlfriend to do the similar thing, initially it was hard, once she got the hang of it she found it easy fast and workable.

Recommendation its a two finger application pressing the door down into the camera seal to release the pressure of the catch works a treat.

So now i use two fingers press the door and with both fingers slide it open easily.

I find the door to be in need of better instruction technique from Nikon rather than in need of a redesign.

I feel if the knob on the door you slide is made a little more proud so you can easily get a stronger purchase on it, that would go a long way in the right direction.

I loved my door on the D3X, push a button the flap would open, easy as.

Only an opinion

 

[Ken Miracle]

Z9 door opening technique, their is very easy quick way to open the door one handed.
I find the door to be in need of better instruction technique from Nikon rather than in need of a redesign.

I can understand your frustration as a sports action shooter, while the door opening is perfectly fine and very easy for me normally, being on a mono pod like you use and having one hand only and needing to open the door quickly as often as you do, i can see that its an issue and a frustration, this prompted me to have a quick look.

When i simulate your position, yes, it is an issue initially till i looked further, i mean if speed is required. I mean i found it doable and tolerable just slow and very uncomfortable and would vary if it was cold or hot.

So while not impossible i do think in your situation its well noted and in need for Nikon to refine the door opening system possibly be it better instructions advising of the correct technique rather than look at a redesign, after all its a professional sports action wild life camera.

That said and here is the twist.........

I can see the need for the door to have integrity, heat and cold can cause condensation, these cards doing a lot of video will get much hotter than usual.
Also given the high level of performance and specs of the cards and camera electronics water or condensation dust or dirt could prove fatal,
so i think the door seal integrity is more important than ever.

So i looked a little closer........

When i look under the door and felt the edge of the seal area on the camera it seems to have a fine rubber like seal, when the door is closed their needs to be a downward pressure on that rubber like seal to make the seal complete.

I found that the door closing on a rubber like seal needed pressure to close and surprisingly downward pressure to open.

If i take my two fingers pointer first slide the button down then with both fingers press the door downward onto the seal and with both fingers slide the door forward, ie: its a two finger operation, the door is very easy to open one handed. I found pressing the door down onto the seal to the ease of the door catch releasing worked so well, the downward pressure actually compresses the rubber seal under the flap, the door fly's open one handed.

Ok simulation take 2, LOL,

With a bit of practice it got so simple.
I then asked my girlfriend to do the similar thing, initially it was hard, once she got the hang of it she found it easy fast and workable.

Recommendation its a two finger application pressing the door down into the camera seal to release the pressure of the catch works a treat.

So now i use two fingers press the door and with both fingers slide it open easily.

I find the door to be in need of better instruction technique from Nikon rather than in need of a redesign.

I feel if the knob on the door you slide is made a little more proud so you can easily get a stronger purchase on it, that would go a long way in the right direction.

I loved my door on the D3X, push a button the flap would open, easy as.

Only an opinion

I agree no instructions from Nikon and there shoulld have been since it was a departure from previous desings whether my D850, D6 or my Z6II.

The way I open it does not matter if is sitting on my desk on a monopod, tripod. I tried with fingers when I started but when I tried this it just works every time.

My fingers are on the front edge of the grip. Then with my thumb I push the button down and in and at the same time push the door open in one smooth motion. I have 2 Z9's and the both work great.

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

Maybe the instructions got lost in the translation.

 

[Roy]

Notwithstanding having arthritis in my thumbs I find that one handed is really simple: keep fingers around the grip, move thumb to door button, slide button down and move door back to open.

Sure beats the "too-easy-open" card door on my Z7.

Most studio cameras have their doors removed for convenience ...

 

[Ken Miracle]

Most studio cameras have their doors removed for convenience ...

Would not happen for me since I am never in a studio

 

[O]

I agree no instructions from Nikon and there shoulld have been since it was a departure from previous desings whether my D850, D6 or my Z6II.

The way I open it does not matter if is sitting on my desk on a monopod, tripod. I tried with fingers when I started but when I tried this it just works every time.

My fingers are on the front edge of the grip. Then with my thumb I push the button down and in and at the same time push the door open in one smooth motion. I have 2 Z9's and the both work great.

Thanks mate

 

[Roy]

Would not happen for me since I am never in a studio

I'm trying to retire and be an outdoor photographer but old habits are hard to lose ..

 

[O]

I agree no instructions from Nikon and there shoulld have been since it was a departure from previous desings whether my D850, D6 or my Z6II.

The way I open it does not matter if is sitting on my desk on a monopod, tripod. I tried with fingers when I started but when I tried this it just works every time.

My fingers are on the front edge of the grip. Then with my thumb I push the button down and in and at the same time push the door open in one smooth motion. I have 2 Z9's and the both work great.

Been practicing your method a few times to day, i feel of my chair with laughter as to how easy it is, my girlfriend even tried it and said its better than what i showed her earlier, thanks Ken, LOL, i mean my hands make Dwayne Johnson's hands look small, so if i can do it, Nikon should write some instructions defiantly or do a small U Tube video.

I like the fact the rubber seal has the cover compress down on it, it provides full integrity, that's not where you want any moisture or issues.
The more i look and work on it the better the door design seems to be, NOW i wouldn't change it mate, if i were Nikon..

Only an opinion

 

[O]

Would not happen for me since I am never in a studio

Nikon Card Door

My girlfriend said i should just listen to Ken more often............................... thanks for that

 

[Vicintheshed]

I didn’t like it at first, but figured out a way to open it one handed pressing the catch down with the middle finger whilst simultaneously pulling the door forward with the other fingers.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I didn’t like it at first, but figured out a way to open it one handed pressing the catch down with the middle finger whilst simultaneously pulling the door forward with the other fingers.

You might try this using your thumb. It works no matter where the camera is, on a desk, on a tripod etc. My fingers are on the front edge of the grip. Then with my thumb I push the button down and in and at the same time push the door open in one smooth motion. I have 2 Z9's and the both work great.

 

[Len Shepherd]

In a recent dpreview thread there was an explanation the relative stiffness is that it incorporates a switch to let the camera body know when the door is open.
I soon got used to the stiffness - and appreciate the extra security compared to the Z7 door.

 

[Howard5252]

I have to wonder if more people are having trouble opening the new door than had problems of unintended openings with the old door.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I have to wonder if more people are having trouble opening the new door than had problems of unintended openings with the old door.

I am not a good sample since I found the Z6II door to open by accident far to easily. The Z9 card door is secure and incorporates a good weather seal that has to be lightly compressed to make opening easier. Luckily it took me very little time to figure out the method I use. My fingers are on the front edge of the grip (shooting position). Then with my thumb I push the button down and in and at the same time push the door open in one smooth motion. I have 2 Z9's and the both work great.

 

[John Navitsky]

In a recent dpreview thread there was an explanation the relative stiffness is that it incorporates a switch to let the camera body know when the door is open.

this smells like the real answer

 

[Vicintheshed]

You might try this using your thumb. It works no matter where the camera is, on a desk, on a tripod etc. My fingers are on the front edge of the grip. Then with my thumb I push the button down and in and at the same time push the door open in one smooth motion. I have 2 Z9's and the both work great.

I shall try your method.

 

[Howard5252]

this smells like the real answer

What for? I just opened the door and took a few photos, no problem taking photos with the door open.

 

[Parfumeur]

Z9 door opening technique, their is very easy quick way to open the door one handed.
I find the door to be in need of better instruction technique from Nikon rather than in need of a redesign.

I can understand your frustration as a sports action shooter, while the door opening is perfectly fine and very easy for me normally, being on a mono pod like you use and having one hand only and needing to open the door quickly as often as you do, i can see that its an issue and a frustration, this prompted me to have a quick look.

When i simulate your position, yes, it is an issue initially till i looked further, i mean if speed is required. I mean i found it doable and tolerable just slow and very uncomfortable and would vary if it was cold or hot.

So while not impossible i do think in your situation its well noted and in need for Nikon to refine the door opening system possibly be it better instructions advising of the correct technique rather than look at a redesign, after all its a professional sports action wild life camera.

That said and here is the twist.........

I can see the need for the door to have integrity, heat and cold can cause condensation, these cards doing a lot of video will get much hotter than usual.
Also given the high level of performance and specs of the cards and camera electronics water or condensation dust or dirt could prove fatal,
so i think the door seal integrity is more important than ever.

So i looked a little closer........

When i look under the door and felt the edge of the seal area on the camera it seems to have a fine rubber like seal, when the door is closed their needs to be a downward pressure on that rubber like seal to make the seal complete.

I found that the door closing on a rubber like seal needed pressure to close and surprisingly downward pressure to open.

If i take my two fingers pointer first slide the button down then with both fingers press the door downward onto the seal and with both fingers slide the door forward, ie: its a two finger operation, the door is very easy to open one handed. I found pressing the door down onto the seal to the ease of the door catch releasing worked so well, the downward pressure actually compresses the rubber seal under the flap, the door fly's open one handed.

Ok simulation take 2, LOL,

With a bit of practice it got so simple.
I then asked my girlfriend to do the similar thing, initially it was hard, once she got the hang of it she found it easy fast and workable.

Recommendation its a two finger application pressing the door down into the camera seal to release the pressure of the catch works a treat.

So now i use two fingers press the door and with both fingers slide it open easily.

I find the door to be in need of better instruction technique from Nikon rather than in need of a redesign.

I feel if the knob on the door you slide is made a little more proud so you can easily get a stronger purchase on it, that would go a long way in the right direction.

I loved my door on the D3X, push a button the flap would open, easy as.

Only an opinion

Ah, very good observation on the seals. After a couple of weeks of use with the hack below, works great.

Used a lintless Q-tip style applicator, and using 1,000 CPS silicone, on an almost dry applicator, coated the seals AND the two front latch on the door.

I did use a 10x OptiVISOR for proper application.

The Z9 is so wonderful. You need to do all these hacks and workarounds, gives you a real sense of ownership. I guess the more pain, the better the pictures will look.

 

[Dick Blystone]

Best card access door for a mirrorless camera I have ever used... the Z9 is my 1st mirrorless camera, however...