Z9 Firmware rollback instructions- help needed please

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

VStammer

VStammer

Active member
Supporting Member
Marketplace
Member's gallery
Without going down multiple rabbit holes with this one let's just say "I know a guy who for unspecified reasons may want to rollback his firmware from 4.0 to 3.1 on his Nikon Z9 how would I explain to him how to do that"?
All kidding aside, that guy has been having issues ever since installing version 4 when using my outdated 600mm f4 af-s D series lens. Had no real complaints while using older 3.1 firmware, but since then with 4.0 version the autofocus just hunts back and forth quite a bit before settling in on a confirmed lock.
I tried installing a memory card with the 3.1 file on it but the camera would not allow me to do anything as usually does when updating the firmware previously.
Do I (I mean, does "this guy" ) need to do something different in order to go backwards?
 
Member's gallery
VStammer said:
Without going down multiple rabbit holes with this one let's just say "I know a guy who for unspecified reasons may want to rollback his firmware from 4.0 to 3.1 on his Nikon Z9 how would I explain to him how to do that"?
All kidding aside, that guy has been having issues ever since installing version 4 when using my outdated 600mm f4 af-s D series lens. Had no real complaints while using older 3.1 firmware, but since then with 4.0 version the autofocus just hunts back and forth quite a bit before settling in on a confirmed lock.
I tried installing a memory card with the 3.1 file on it but the camera would not allow me to do anything as usually does when updating the firmware previously.
Do I (I mean, does "this guy" ) need to do something different in order to go backwards?
Click to expand...
Ok, so I figured it out. Apparently I couldn't have both BIN files on same card. Once I removed 4.0 update file it recognized the older version and is letting me reverse course.
I just want to see if I like the behavior of my 600mm lens better or not. If not then I will likely fast forward to 4.0 once again and just continue to tweak my shooting options and configurations on the camera.

Thanks
 
Member's gallery
VStammer said:
Ok, so I figured it out. Apparently I couldn't have both BIN files on same card. Once I removed 4.0 update file it recognized the older version and is letting me reverse course.
I just want to see if I like the behavior of my 600mm lens better or not. If not then I will likely fast forward to 4.0 once again and just continue to tweak my shooting options and configurations on the camera.

Thanks
Click to expand...
I was just wondering was there any effects to the camera when you downgraded the firmware, cause I think i need to downgrade 5.0 to 4.10 firmware as my focusing on my 500mm f4E lens is not as good or as quick since. Thanks for your help
 
Member's gallery
Greengraph said:
I was just wondering was there any effects to the camera when you downgraded the firmware, cause I think i need to downgrade 5.0 to 4.10 firmware as my focusing on my 500mm f4E lens is not as good or as quick since. Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Unless you saved your settings from fw 4.10, you're going to lose all your settings. Be sure you've documented anything you're using that you'd set again in fw 4.10. Before you go back to 4.10 be sure to save your fw 5.00 settings in case you reinstall it.
 
Last edited:
Member's gallery
Lucky enough I have saved my settings from fw 4.10, but I'm little worried if I do try to downgrade 5.0 to 4.10 that I'll mess up the camera. Someone said that Nikon don't recommend it. Is there anyway you can test a lens on it's focusing speed?
 
Member's gallery
Greengraph said:
Lucky enough I have saved my settings from fw 4.10, but I'm little worried if I do try to downgrade 5.0 to 4.10 that I'll mess up the camera. Someone said that Nikon don't recommend it. Is there anyway you can test a lens on it's focusing speed?
Click to expand...
By going back to fw 4.10, you will lose your settings from fw 5.00. Nikon makes no admonitions about using an earlier fw update. It won’t harm the camera in any way.

Regarding testing the focusing speed of a lens, it’s best to do it under controlled conditions. In the video at the link below, skip ahead to 35:16 to watch how @Steve does autofocus speed tests for various lenses.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top