z9 Failure

[O]

Hey everyone - I know that this is a contentious topic and some may feel like it's an "attack" on the Z9. It's really not. We're all Z9 owners (presumably) in this thread and it's tough to go forward with an widespread issue if we can't talk about it calmly. In addition, if you have a Z9 that you use hard and aren't seeing issues, post that as well. We'd like to see what everyone's experience is. If we get enough good info, I'll forward this thread to Nikon.

100% correct,

Every Z9, A1, R3 or X Y Z what ever has an issue of some type or at some point or another requiring a software up date either as a bug fix, bug prevention, or to improve performance, or add features, again hence why we have firmware updates.

Depending on the actual sample your receive may undinably vary experiences, where ever electronics are involved there are often cliches.

Pooling feed back helps identify or resolve issues.

I don't see how anyone could become defensive or sensitive to what people say about a piece of equipment, really.

My friend in Germany had no end of trouble with his mega top of the range Audi, after so many issues he went back to the top of the line Mercedes no issues, so far, does it mean all Audie's are bad NO.

My new top of the line Miele washing machine died 3 times over the first 6 months, Mother board, control panel, touch pad, does it mean its a bad machine NO.

My D850 failed twice before it was replaced by Nikon, does it mean its a bad camera NO.

Does the shutter failure damaging the D4 Sensor in my DF at 50k actuations mean it cant happen to anyone else NO, the internet says it never happens to the DF then again is says it does.

Its all the luck of the draw and in all the for mentioned cases except the DF were related to electronics, the global plague of issues.

Like nearly everything we buy today, The Z9 defiantly has some issues (not operator related) in some samples as do all products and brands.

Just because someone or several people haven't any issues with a Z9 doesn't mean others don't.


My Z9 is slow in turning on or recovering from sleep mode, (Oh that's not possible they say) it very occasionally misses writing images to the card, ie missing sequence of file numbers, (never happend beore they say), at times it changes settings on its own reverting to a previous setting !!!, i do get really over exposed images in a sequence of shots then it goes back to normal, to me thats a AE out of spec matter like my D850 was badly..

Who Knows .....to me its all carrying a signature of lag, processing, or a bug that may be related to processing flow-congestion meaning possible software corruption or a mother board issue or the processor, i think its software rather than hardware.

Mine is a 24th December 2021 issue.
Ordered in August 21 from memory

I will leave it with Nikon to resolve.

Who Knows

 

[frodoboy]

I have had mine for just a week. I seem to have experienced something similar to you but I was using single point focus, a Delkin black card, fw 2.11.

Maybe the Delkin black card could be a problem? I have the Sony Cfast cards and have not had that issue.

 

[Marion Anstis]

Dennis sent the message he posted above to me and I encoraged him to post it here to see if his issues were isolated or others were having issues as well. Below is my response to him.

It’s funny - my Z9 froze yesterday while shooting BIFs. Battery removal got it back on track. I hadn’t had a lockup in awhile, but I also haven’t been shooting a lot of BIF lately. I wonder if it happens when the camera is hitting the buffer really hard. The images that I took just prior to lockup never made it to the card and were lost. In addition, the camera reverted back to previous shutter speed / ISO settings too (I was in full manual). Weird.

Hi Steve, after installing Firmware 3.0, I have had an odd moment or two as well - I was in Manual, auto ISO, aperture 5.6, shutter 2000 phptographing some birds and using the 100-400 Z lens. All of a sudden the aperture changed of its own accord a few times, and when I changed it back, I watched it (while I was not touching any wheel or button, and it changed to f11 and then f18! I turned the camera off, and it didn't seem to happen again, but soon after that episode, I began to use the 500PF and all was stable. Not sure if maybe I was pressing on one of the lens function buttons while holding it, so will check what they are set for.

 

[Franb]

I have had my Z9 since April. I have had 2 overseas trips since where I have taken 15,000 - 18,000 over 2 to 3 weeks and have had no problems

 

[vandy]

https://vintageracecar.com/velocity-invitational-photo-gallery/
Link to vintage car images I captured as my z9 was turning into a brick. According to NPS it is in repair.
I know you guys don’t have a heavy interest in Vintage Car photography but give it a look and please leave a comment on the site.
Ciao Dennis

You have some really nice images of those great cars Dennis. I photographed a few local SCCA sanctioned events back in the late 1980's and remember they were a lot of fun. Sorry to hear about your camera problems, I just ordered my second Z9 a few days ago then I started reading this thread Saturday morning and thought to myself OH NO! I have not had time to use my first one very much yet but hopefully that will change soon.

 

[vandy]

You know, with all the electronics that are in these cameras anything can go wrong, thinking back to my days working on cars, I have run across some really strange problems. I once had an Infiniti FX that was dead on arrival, in fact it would not start when it got to the rail station so we had to send a wrecker after it to get it to the dealership. When I got the vehicle the engine would spin over but no start. After a lot of head scratching and talking to tech support at Infiniti I traced the problem down to a shorted out laser sensor for the intelligent cruise control. This was on a 60 thousand dollar vehicle that was brand new with an odometer reading of something like 8 miles. I know I won't be a happy camper if my Z9 turns into a brick, I just hope it does this while it is still under warranty. I am not an NPS member so I will get pushed to the back of the line if this happens to me.

 

[StarDust]

I DON'T DO ANY FIRMWARE UPDATES myself

get it wrong you can easily damage the mother board requiring a replacement board, or it can introduce bugs that can compound.

Going back to previous firmware versions often are fixes, like your phone a full reformat and reload firmware updates that remove or fix corrupted files.

Not so easy with the Z9, if something went wrong during any update process

there is a very hi chance the mother board can have issues requiring a new mother board.

What I am saying may not be directly related or an explanation to the current failure topic in this forum re Z9 issues, I mean that issue it could be a host of different things, Battery's, power supply capacity, software ??? who knows.

What ever the issue, history has shown when the industry embraced manufacturing in or from China directly or indirectly when we all experienced terrible product QC issues, NIKON out of all of them stood by its customers the best and took the hit big time to support us.

I usually hold of on getting Nikon to do my updates for several months first.


Only an opinion

You don't have to convince me

Actually Nikon is within walking distance from my home.

I just toss the Z9 there and collect it couple of hours later.

If it get bricked for any reason, they are responsible. They don't seem to mind.

Actually I first new about FW 3 was from them, They phoned me to bring the Z9 for update.

Last time it bricked while with Nikon updating FW 2.1 and they replaced the mother board on their account and gave me Z7II as a loan while waiting for the spares.

 

[tickle_my_nikon]

I DON'T DO ANY FIRMWARE UPDATES myself

get it wrong you can easily damage the mother board requiring a replacement board, or it can introduce bugs that can compound.

Going back to previous firmware versions often are fixes, like your phone a full reformat and reload firmware updates that remove or fix corrupted files.

Not so easy with the Z9, if something went wrong during any update process

there is a very hi chance the mother board can have issues requiring a new mother board.

What I am saying may not be directly related or an explanation to the current failure topic in this forum re Z9 issues, I mean that issue it could be a host of different things, Battery's, power supply capacity, software ??? who knows.

What ever the issue, history has shown when the industry embraced manufacturing in or from China directly or indirectly when we all experienced terrible product QC issues, NIKON out of all of them stood by its customers the best and took the hit big time to support us.

I usually hold of on getting Nikon to do my updates for several months first.


Only an opinion

Nikon effectively went to Thailand, not China.

In essence, you're saying after the one year warranty expires Nikon's Z cameras are too unstable, and unreliable to put a firmware update on? I doubt Nikon will fix your camera after the warranty expires if you brick it during a firmware upgrade.

Firmware updates should be completely seamless. Assuming you don't power the thing off by accident midway through the process.

That makes the entire Z line a pretty unstable ecosystem not worthy of investment.

 

[O]

You don't have to convince me

Actually Nikon is within walking distance from my home.

I just toss the Z9 there and collect it couple of hours later.

If it get bricked for any reason, they are responsible. They don't seem to mind.

Actually I first new about FW 3 was from them, They phoned me to bring the Z9 for update.

Last time it bricked while with Nikon updating FW 2.1 and they replaced the mother board on their account and gave me Z7II as a loan while waiting for the spares.

I have been told a long time ago to not do updates my self if i am not comfortable doing so, why i asked, they answered because if you get it wrong or run into trouble it can possibly become a serious issue and could result in damage or issues requiring possibly the mother board being replaced.

That has resonated with me ever since.

Many of us may have experienced when we do updates to our phones or computers etc that sometimes we see changes or issues arise, some people may not.
Reformatting and re installing operating systems in a device is a common solution, something currently not seeming as a reliable option for the Z9.

So here we go again, i am thank full for having my D850 as a back up, and renting a D6 mostly for critical shoots.

In my opinion the issue i have with my camera seems to be more software symptomatic, also i assume with the battery removed and reinstalled indicates its also possible a logic or RAM memory more related to defective or suspect component issue compounded with constant updates added.

Assumption ....The fact that several Z9 units fairly new all together had some issues may reflect spasmodically some nstalled faulty components sifting through ??? that mauy also be an issue and i assume it could be RAM components.

I mean there are units out there having no issues, other units do, possibly indicating component issues.

Is it that we should reformat the camera fully back to factory specs then add updates, in which case Nikon would have to bundle updates each time the way Windows does at times. But Nikon with serious issues replace the mother board ???

Who Knows

With all the time and money Nikon has taken or made i just don't know why they get the fundamentals wrong.

Sorry but this shouldn't have really ever happened.

At least i know Nikon will stand by you and their product, if Nikon is still Nikon of old.

Its not the camera that's the concern so much, for some its going on an expensive trip, or others committed to a profitable shooting job and having major issues, that is the concern.


Only an opinion.

 

[StarDust]

I have been told a long time ago to not do updates my self if i am not comfortable doing so, why i asked, they answered because if you get it wrong or run into trouble it can be a serious issue and may result in damage requiring possibly the mother board being replaced.
That has resonated with me ever since.

We all may have experienced when we do updates to our phones or computers etc we can often see changes or issues arise, some people may not.
Reformatting and re installing operating systems in a device is a common solution, something currently not seeming as an option for the Z9.

So here we go again, i am thank full for having my D850 as a back up, and renting a D6 mostly for critical shoots.

In my opinion the issue with my camera seems to be more software symptomatic, also i assume with the battery removed and reinstalled indicates its also possible a logic or RAM memory more related to defective or suspect component issue compounded with constant updates added.

The fact that several Z9 units fairly new all together had issues may reflect spasmodically installed faulty components sifting through again.

I mean there are units out there having no issues, other units do.

Is it that we should reformat the camera fully back to factory specs then add updates, in which case Nikon would have to bundle updates each time the way Windows does at times.

With all the time and money Nikon has taken or made i just don't know why they get the fundamentals wrong.

Sorry but this shouldn't have really ever happened.

At least i know Nikon will stand by you and their product, if Nikon is still Nikon of old.

Its not the camera that's the concern so much, for some its going on an expensive trip, or others committed to a profitable shooting job and having major issues, that is the concern.


Only an opinion.

I have installed android roms hundred of times on my mobile phones without any issue.

Updating Nikon Fw is no different, and should not be classified as risky operation at all.

I only following the rout I described above because it is more convenient for me, not because updating the Z9 Fw is risky.

I also don't own a card reader, and I don't like using SnapBridge.

Hundreds of Z9 owners are doing the update without any issues. But I agree you have to pay attention.

 

[O]

Nikon effectively went to Taiwan, not China.

In essence, you're saying after the one year warranty expires Nikon's Z cameras are too unstable, and unreliable to put a firmware update on? I doubt Nikon will fix your camera after the warranty expires if you brick it during a firmware upgrade.

Firmware updates should be completely seamless. Assuming you don't power the thing off by accident midway through the process.

That makes the entire Z line a pretty unstable ecosystem not worthy of investment.

I hear you, but NO, I see the issue as a spasmodic or emerging concern that Nikon really needs to fix ASAP, and i believe if history is anything to go by Nikon will even deal with this issue out of warranty even on a recall basis once they have a fix.

A warranty expiry is not a get off, i feel Nikon will not have its brand damaged.

First Nikon needs to know or address why its happening spasmodically, and if their replacing at times motherboards, i suspect that action indicates possibly a component QC issue that as i have said may be a spasmodic issue. Whats strange is its seems to be happening to fairly current shipments.

Scary, unacceptable, defiantly.

As to your comment "Is the Z9 a investment risk", i cant really say, if Nikon doesn't fix things properly then one cant be blamed for being concerned or thinking so.

As to manufacturing in China,

To me when they shifted manufacturing location to Thailand we as consumers were hit hard with lots of QC issues, as were other brands, Nikon did a stellar job of stepping up and admitting to the issues and did what ever it took to fix things i feel better than some other companies, the issue at hand currently with the Z9 needs to be and i hope will be addressed by Niko, i feel.

Even if the warranty runs out the item failure/issue of this nature forms part of consumer law as "goods not fit for the purpose", her in Oz we have 3 years and 50 weeks to claim on those grounds with any product, providing you can demonstrate a clear case of goods not being fit for the purpose.

I cant speak for elsewhere.

Nikon moved to Thailand i believe not Taiwan.

Many companies moved manufacturing to China and set up assembly lines head offices or didtribution lines in Thialand Vietnam and branded accordingly.

Many manufactures, they use contract component manufactures that manufacture locally as well as often draw materials from China or manufacture in China and ship through third party or countries for a host of reasons, some being currency, taxes subsidies what ever, its the way of the world today, i cant specifically list items or exact brands.

Much much more of things than we think are made in China than ever before.

Different countries offer huge incentives or benefits to attract companies and jobs from all around the world.

Intel in August demanded Congress pass a bill in the Billions of $ of subsidies in order for Intel to consider moving manufacturing back to the USA, the CEO told Congress failure to do so they will establish them selves in another part of Asia or even Europe and may not be able to supply competitively or reliably components for the USA military arms and equipment, look up Bernie Sanders Congress address re the subject.

Lets hope Nikon gets a handle on the Z9 issue and very soon.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

I have installed android roms hundred of times on my mobile phones without any issue.

Updating Nikon Fw is no different, and should not be classified as risky operation at all.

I only following the rout I described above because it is more convenient for me, not because updating the Z9 Fw is risky.

I also don't own a card reader, and I don't like using SnapBridge.

Hundreds of Z9 owners are doing the update without any issues. But I agree you have to pay attention.

It makes me think there may be some suspect components that have gotten through on some units, like suspect ram or such, i am really sorry to hear of your frustration and i hope it wont be a further issue.

Only an opinion

 

[Wes Peterson]

Hi Steve, after installing Firmware 3.0, I have had an odd moment or two as well - I was in Manual, auto ISO, aperture 5.6, shutter 2000 phptographing some birds and using the 100-400 Z lens. All of a sudden the aperture changed of its own accord a few times, and when I changed it back, I watched it (while I was not touching any wheel or button, and it changed to f11 and then f18! I turned the camera off, and it didn't seem to happen again, but soon after that episode, I began to use the 500PF and all was stable. Not sure if maybe I was pressing on one of the lens function buttons while holding it, so will check what they are set for.

is your lens function ring by chance set to change aperture?

 

[abc123brian]

Hi Steve, after installing Firmware 3.0, I have had an odd moment or two as well - I was in Manual, auto ISO, aperture 5.6, shutter 2000 phptographing some birds and using the 100-400 Z lens. All of a sudden the aperture changed of its own accord a few times, and when I changed it back, I watched it (while I was not touching any wheel or button, and it changed to f11 and then f18! I turned the camera off, and it didn't seem to happen again, but soon after that episode, I began to use the 500PF and all was stable. Not sure if maybe I was pressing on one of the lens function buttons while holding it, so will check what they are set for.

Do you potentially have Aperture set to the control ring on the lens? It’s really easy to turn that ring causing changes to settings.

 

[O]

I received my Z9 in January. I had a few lockups prior to FW 2.11 that I assumed was my fault by pressing some odd combination of buttons by accident as I was repositioning the camera. In all cases turning off the power switch and waiting 30 long seconds (or so) the camera would click (I presume the dust shield closing) and the top LCD would return to its minimized "off" display. I could then turn on the camera and all was normal for another week or so.
After FW 2.11 was released I was pleased to think that the issue would be cured. A week or so later I knew otherwise. I had a few more lockups with one lasting about two minutes with the switch in the off position so reluctantly I pulled the battery. Fortunately, re-inserting the battery cured the issue for the moment. I've had a few more lockups but didn't need to remove the battery.
Being in Canada, with a "Canadian" Z9, I contacted Nikon Canada Service. They're not being especially helpful saying 1) they don't have much to go on since I can't tell them what causes the problem, 2) I'm the only one with this problem since FW 2.11, 3) I should expect it since the shutter count is near 500,000 so there is significant wear on the camera (?), and 4) I should send it, the lens, and the TC I was using to them to look at. They qualify that with "There is probably nothing we can do since you can't tell us what causes the problem."
Like others have suggested, I'm thinking the problem may have something to do with some odd combination of button/control manipulation, maybe in combination with movement of the camera. It seems that every time I've experienced the lockups I was moving the camera to either chimp or to go from vertical to horizontal (of horizontal to vertical).
I’ve used only Nikon recommended cards, Nikon batteries, and Nikon glass. I never use GPS/WiFi/Bluetooth; they are all turned off. The vast majority of my photos with the Z9, and every time it locked up I was in an area with heavy media equipment and very close to a cell tower. I’m sure there was a lot of radio noise of some sort.
Still, I love the camera!

Wonder if VR sticking contributed

 

[tickle_my_nikon]

I hear you, but NO, I see the issue as a spasmodic or emerging concern that Nikon really needs to fix ASAP, and i believe if history is anything to go by Nikon will even deal with this issue out of warranty even on a recall basis once they have a fix.

A warranty expiry is not a get off, i feel Nikon will not have its brand damaged.

First Nikon needs to know or address why its happening spasmodically, and if their replacing at times motherboards, i suspect that action indicates possibly a component QC issue that as i have said may be a spasmodic issue. Whats strange is its seems to be happening to fairly current shipments.

Scary, unacceptable, defiantly.

As to your comment "Is the Z9 a investment risk", i cant really say, if Nikon doesn't fix things properly then one cant be blamed for being concerned or thinking so.

As to manufacturing in China,

To me when they shifted manufacturing location to Thailand we as consumers were hit hard with lots of QC issues, as were other brands, Nikon did a stellar job of stepping up and admitting to the issues and did what ever it took to fix things i feel better than some other companies, the issue at hand currently with the Z9 needs to be and i hope will be addressed by Niko, i feel.

Even if the warranty runs out the item failure/issue of this nature forms part of consumer law as "goods not fit for the purpose", her in Oz we have 3 years and 50 weeks to claim on those grounds with any product, providing you can demonstrate a clear case of goods not being fit for the purpose.

I cant speak for elsewhere.

Nikon moved to Thailand i believe not Taiwan.

Many companies moved manufacturing to China and set up assembly lines head offices or didtribution lines in Thialand Vietnam and branded accordingly.

Many manufactures, they use contract component manufactures that manufacture locally as well as often draw materials from China or manufacture in China and ship through third party or countries for a host of reasons, some being currency, taxes subsidies what ever, its the way of the world today, i cant specifically list items or exact brands.

Much much more of things than we think are made in China than ever before.

Different countries offer huge incentives or benefits to attract companies and jobs from all around the world.

Intel in August demanded Congress pass a bill in the Billions of $ of subsidies in order for Intel to consider moving manufacturing back to the USA, the CEO told Congress failure to do so they will establish them selves in another part of Asia or even Europe and may not be able to supply competitively or reliably components for the USA military arms and equipment, look up Bernie Sanders Congress address re the subject.

Lets hope Nikon gets a handle on the Z9 issue and very soon.

Only an opinion

I actually wrote Thailand in my head, and not sure why I typed Taiwan --- to my knowledge Nikon doesn't even have a plant in Taiwan.

What I find interesting is that they don't make the new 400mm 2.8 Z lens in Thailand. It's made in Japan. If anything about your theory of quality was accurate, Nikon would have no problem producing their most expensive glass in their Thailand plant. They don't.

For about six months now my main talking point about the Z9 is that it's a beta software camera, with no real sensor upgrade from 2017 (D850). You're paying for software that doesn't work very well (autofocus, as compared to others), made in Thailand for far less than they were producing cameras in Japan and now seems prone to fry cameras, turning them into a brick.

 

[7News]

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Long time reader/follower, first time posting...

I experienced a total freeze up yesterday while shooting BIFs at a popular South Florida wetland. I updated the Z9 firmware to 3.0 the day after it was released with no issues. Shot many 20 fps short bursts of BIFs throughout the morning totaling just over 600 images. Spotted a Great Blue Heron wading through the water with a nice reflection and fired off a brief burst.

The camera completely froze and the attached image was displayed in both the viewfinder and the rear LCD panel. Notice how the image is sliced vertically on the left third of the image.

I was unable to shut down the camera normally so I resorted to pulling the battery and reinserted it after a few moments. The camera seemed to recover and I was able to shoot a few more BIF sequences before calling it a morning. The images taken after the battery was reinserted appear to be fine as do all other images taken prior to the freeze up.

This issue appears to be happening to quite a few Z9's as is evidenced not only throughout this thread, but also in this facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nikonz9

Here are the specifics as to what was configured with my Z9 at the time of the freeze-up (note that all items were purchased directly from B&H):
• Nikon Z9 (received in late January 2022)
• Nikon En-EL 18D Rechargeable LI-ION Battery (calibrated and fully charged)
• ProGrade Digital 325 GB CFexpress 2.0 Type B Cobolt Memory Cards (freshly formatted prior to yesterday's shoot)
• Nikon FTZ II, Nikon TC-17E-II, Nikkor 400mm f/2.8 E FL ED VR lens

 

[Doug Herr]

I actually wrote Thailand in my head, and not sure why I typed Taiwan --- to my knowledge Nikon doesn't even have a plant in Taiwan.

What I find interesting is that they don't make the new 400mm 2.8 Z lens in Thailand. It's made in Japan. If anything about your theory of quality was accurate, Nikon would have no problem producing their most expensive glass in their Thailand plant. They don't.

For about six months now my main talking point about the Z9 is that it's a beta software camera, with no real sensor upgrade from 2017 (D850). You're paying for software that doesn't work very well (autofocus, as compared to others), made in Thailand for far less than they were producing cameras in Japan and now seems prone to fry cameras, turning them into a brick.

Thailand per se shouldn't be a problem, my (other brand flagship mirrorless) was made in Thailand and aside from a very early firmware bug resolved over a year ago it has been 100% reliable.

 

[tickle_my_nikon]

Thailand per se shouldn't be a problem, my (other brand flagship mirrorless) was made in Thailand and aside from a very early firmware bug resolved over a year ago it has been 100% reliable.

They've been making camera bodies in Thailand since before 2017.

Long time reader/follower, first time posting...

I experienced a total freeze up yesterday while shooting BIFs at a popular South Florida wetland. I updated the Z9 firmware to 3.0 the day after it was released with no issues. Shot many 20 fps short bursts of BIFs throughout the morning totaling just over 600 images. Spotted a Great Blue Heron wading through the water with a nice reflection and fired off a brief burst.

The camera completely froze and the attached image was displayed in both the viewfinder and the rear LCD panel. Notice how the image is sliced vertically on the left third of the image.

I was unable to shut down the camera normally so I resorted to pulling the battery and reinserted it after a few moments. The camera seemed to recover and I was able to shoot a few more BIF sequences before calling it a morning. The images taken after the battery was reinserted appear to be fine as do all other images taken prior to the freeze up.

Here are the specifics as to what was configured with the Z9 at the time of the freeze-up (note that all items were purchased directly from B&H):
• Nikon Z9 (received in late January 2022)
• Nikon En-EL 18D Rechargeable LI-ION Battery (calibrated and fully charged)
• ProGrade Digital 325 GB CFexpress 2.0 Type B Cobolt Memory Cards (freshly formatted prior to yesterday's shoot)
• Nikon FTZ II, Nikon TC-17E-II, Nikkor 400mm f/2.8 E FL ED VR lens

Is that the first time you experienced such a lock up?

 

[pomkiwi]

For what its worth I've had my Z9 for about 3.5 months and have taken around 30k shots. Not many heavy days but a couple of 2 - 3k. I've not had any significant issues and any 'odd' behaviour has been down to operator error I think.

 

[ssheipel]

This is of no specific help, whatsoever, to the problem at hand, but my Z9 is generally quite buggy, but all mostly fleeting stuff that disappears once I decide I need to consider there's a problem after always first assuming user behaviour is the thing -- all very little non respsonsive stuff (one was fixed in the latest firmware update, in fact). Fleeting sure, but disconcerting, definitely, and for you pros downright frightening, but I personally (perhaps foolishly) chalk it up to I'm now carrying a full on electronic, digital, fat computer chip carrying tool. No excuse , none, for a camera going to brick mode, but really I keep expecting even my D6 to give me a 'chip fried' command someday before going black. Whatever Nikon finds will be of benefit to all Z9 owners -- either firmware will result (or gawd help us, the very worst case scenario, a recall). Here's hoping Nikon's engineers get you an answer and working cameras in your hands soon!

 

[7News]

They've been making camera bodies in Thailand since before 2017.



Is that the first time you experienced such a lock up?

Yes - from what others are suggesting in other forums to me, this may possibly be an issue with formatting memory cards using the new FULL FORMAT mode added with update 3.00 rather than quick formatting with the old style, but I don't write code for a living! I will reformat my cards using the old standby of quick formatting and see if the issue is duplicated again. This seems to be happening to many people when they are in the process of "reviewing" images in-camera.

 

[Maljo]

Hackers? Are you in airplane mode?

 

[7News]

Hackers? Are you in airplane mode?

Yes, airplane mode is and always has been on in my Z9 Maljo. Other forums are pointing this issue to the new Full Format mode added with update 3.00 rather than using quick formatting when formatting memory cards.

 

[O]

I actually wrote Thailand in my head, and not sure why I typed Taiwan --- to my knowledge Nikon doesn't even have a plant in Taiwan.

What I find interesting is that they don't make the new 400mm 2.8 Z lens in Thailand. It's made in Japan. If anything about your theory of quality was accurate, Nikon would have no problem producing their most expensive glass in their Thailand plant. They don't.

For about six months now my main talking point about the Z9 is that it's a beta software camera, with no real sensor upgrade from 2017 (D850). You're paying for software that doesn't work very well (autofocus, as compared to others), made in Thailand for far less than they were producing cameras in Japan and now seems prone to fry cameras, turning them into a brick.

You typing era is not uncommon, it happens to me as well.

My assumption is Expensive Exotic glass are larger more complicated and significantly lower in unit volume making it very costly to set up for tooling or automated production lines, forward orders taken and a long waiting list on delivery may also be a consequence.

Each exotic lens as i understood is usually assembled by hand by one person or used to be one person.
As to what components come from China or else ware i don't know exactly.

The objective to day for every company is about making profit, to do this you reduce costs increase prices and market the crap out of it.


Companies need to get smarter cut costs increase prices or margins in order to survive.

Only an opinion