Nikon D70 memory card problem

[Rocksteadyeddie]

I assume this is the correct forum but I tend not to frequent these parts so apologies if it is not.

I have a problem with my Nikon D70. The camera fails to recognise the memory card when it is inserted, and occasionally at random other times - usually when about to capture some once in a lifetime moment. The display comes up CHA (charge) although the battery is full. Pushing the memory card in place and holding it for a few seconds usually solves the problem, and the display will change to a number (indicating the number of picture left on the card). Clearly this is more than a little irritating. I have changed the card but the problem remains.

So chaps, any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[gary71]

Dirty or bent contacts on the camera side?

[Simpo Two]

Not sure why it would show a battery message for a card.

Are the battery contacts OK?

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Simpo Two said:

Not sure why it would show a battery message for a card.

Are the battery contacts OK?

Yes. It flashes CHA if you remove the card

[Rocksteadyeddie]

gary71 said:

Dirty or bent contacts on the camera side?

How might one tell, and rectify / clean?

[survivalist]

I had this error on my D70 a few years ago. It seems it's caused by a number of factors:

1) CF card fault/failure
2) CF card fragmentation
3) CF connection, camera contacts
4) Camera internal failure with card write circuit board
5) Power supply in camera, potentially also related to the battery

Best bet is to try it with a different (newly formatted) CF card and see if the problem persists. If it does cleaning/air dusting the contacts in the camera may help.

Last resort is repairing the ribbon cable that connects the CF slot in the camera with the circuit board. Depending on how happy you are taking it apart and putting it back together, this is apparently a relatively easy task for a keen amateur.

Mine turned out to be the latter, but was covered under an extended warranty from Nikon as part of some promo or other, so I managed to get them to replace the camera. I assume mine was then sold as repaired/refurbished stock.

Try the new card first though, I've found a few CF cards that cause a similar issue with my D700 - strangely the cards work fine in every other camera.

[mmertens]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

I assume this is the correct forum but I tend not to frequent these parts so apologies if it is not.

I have a problem with my Nikon D70. The camera fails to recognise the memory card when it is inserted, and occasionally at random other times - usually when about to capture some once in a lifetime moment. The display comes up CHA (charge) although the battery is full. Pushing the memory card in place and holding it for a few seconds usually solves the problem, and the display will change to a number (indicating the number of picture left on the card). Clearly this is more than a little irritating. I have changed the card but the problem remains.

So chaps, any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

As pushing it in helps, I would also assume (hope) it's just dirty contacts. You can look into the slot space an look to verify there's no bent contact (I'd think there isn't as you still get it to work). Get some contact cleaner spray from Maplin or so, apply a tiny bit on the connector of your CF card, and respeatedly insert and remove the card. That's quickly & cheaply done. If that doesn't work the other suggestions onhere e.g. the printed cable to the connector inside the camera, or another card, are the next thing to check.

[spdpug98]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

I assume this is the correct forum but I tend not to frequent these parts so apologies if it is not.

I have a problem with my Nikon D70. The camera fails to recognise the memory card when it is inserted, and occasionally at random other times - usually when about to capture some once in a lifetime moment. The display comes up CHA (charge) although the battery is full. Pushing the memory card in place and holding it for a few seconds usually solves the problem, and the display will change to a number (indicating the number of picture left on the card). Clearly this is more than a little irritating. I have changed the card but the problem remains.

So chaps, any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

I can't really help with an answer, but I have exactly the same problem with my D70 but it also flashes up FOR sometimes just for good measure. I use 2 seperate cards in mine and it happens with both - like you it tends to happen just when you don't want it too!

[Stevorocket]

Check with the Nikon site that the software in the camera is the up to date version - its downloadable.