Nikon View NX2 problems

[Martyn]

I've had my new Nikon for a few weeks now and have been using the supplied software View NX2 to process my RAW files. All was well until a few days ago when the thumbnail views were all blacked out. The main editing screen shows the pictures and works just fine, but the thumbnails will not display. I tried the usual stuff, re-boot, deleted all history, disc clean up and virus scan, re-installed the software, etc. I have updated to the very latest version of the software 2.8.0. and the problem disappeared for about an hour but it's back again now. I've contacted Nikon and they've asked for screen shots, sample pictures and a system status report which I have duly sent off.

 

A search of the web shows that others have had the same problem but there is as yet, no one with any answers. While I'm waiting for Nikon to get back to me, does anyone here have any ideas?

 

 

 

[annie]

I always use elements to open raw files. I have never loaded the software  for my camera's onto the computer. I am sure someone here will be able to help you with this one martyn..

[Jon]

I think the correct reply would be "should have bought a canon" :-)

 

Joking aside, like Annie, I use photoshop elements to open raw files, so no real help I'm afraid - might be worth looking at third party stuff though

[colinb]

can't say I ever had any problem with NX2 but if you haven't already try 

 

edit/options

 

a fly-out box will appear use the list on the left of the box starting at 'general' and try ticking restore defaults.

 

I'm out all day today but will try to look in later, if you get the chance post up a screen shot for us.

Edited September 4, 2013 by colinb

[Terry]

As an aside since I got the 60 D I have not been able to open RAW file in Elements 7. The 450D files were not a problem. As I use DPP for the RAW files its not a problem but curious as to why they will not open.

[ChrisLumix]

As an aside since I got the 60 D I have not been able to open RAW file in Elements 7. The 450D files were not a problem. As I use DPP for the RAW files its not a problem but curious as to why they will not open.

 

Possibly because Elements 7 is quite old now, and if the 60D is newer, then Elements doesn't recognise the camera?

[annie]

I would never have known that the older versions of elements would not open raw files on newer camera's. I am running 9 phew!

[Martyn]

I got a reply from Nikon today:

 

Dear Sir/madam ,

Thank you for your email.

On our test PC both thumbnail and full image are displayed correctly. So it is most likely a local issue.

Please try the following:

1. clear the thumbnail cache;
It could be done two ways:
- go to Edit>Options> General and use < Clear Cache > button
or
- manually delete all files from the cache folder; default location is:
C:Users[user name]AppDataLocalNikonViewNX 2Cache

Should you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to update this incident.

Kind Regards,

John Murphy
Nikon Europe Support
www.europe-nikon.com/support

 

Today NX2 seems to be working ok but it has been hit and miss over the last week. I've re-set the defaults (not that I had changed anything) and cleared the thumbnail cache anyway. I'll just have to see how it goes from here.

 

Colin, thank you for your offer of help. I'll keep you all informed!

[Martyn]

Despite clearing the thumbnail cache, a few minutes later I am back to where I started.

 

 

 

 

 

[ChrisLumix]

Despite clearing the thumbnail cache, a few minutes later I am back to where I started.

 

 

 

Is there a "thumbnail database" you can rebuild?

[colinb]

Looking at your screen shots I can't see anything amiss (well apart from the thumbnails).

 

Martyn - can you drag a folder out of 'my pictures' and place it somewhere else maybe documents or desktop, then see if NX2 will pick it up. And I see you are a named 'user' are there any passwords involved ?

[Martyn]

Hi Colin, if I move a folder NX2 picks it up straight away. There are no passwords involved as I am the only user on my PC.

 

.....NX2 seems to be working fine today [touch wood]

[Guest DaveW]

It's Adobe's dubious marketing methods Terry. The latest version of Adobe Camera RAW needed for the latest cameras is encrypted by Adobe so it will only work with their current software and not be backwards compatible with older versions in order to try and get you to buy the new version and Elements is now up to version 11.

 

They are unable to do this for JPEG's or I'm sure they would in order to make the older software obsolete, but can for RAW processing because camera manufacturers similarly bring out a new encryption of RAW with each new camera in order to try and frustrate third party RAW Converters for a time whilst initially they sell their own conversion software. 

 

However always make sure you have the highest version of Adobe Camera RAW available for your version of Elements (or Photoshop if you use that) since that which comes on the disk is usually out of date when you get it. You can download the latest version of Adobe Camera RAW for your Adobe software versions here. Make sure it is the last one for your software though as more recent versions will not work with old versions like 7:-

 

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=106&platform=Windows

 

Edit: just looked on the Web and I think the last you can use for Elements 7 is Adobe Camera RAW 5.5:-

 

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4582

 

Unfortunately you need version 6.2 for the Canon 60D which will not work with Elements 7, you therefore need Elements 8 at least:-

 

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4806

 

Evidently you are not alone Martyn:-

 

http://nikonites.com/computers-software/13630-all-black-thumbnails-view-nx2.html#axzz2e2v6GZ4f

 

http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=133&topic_id=10435&mesg_id=10437

 

http://www.flickr.com/groups/capturenx/discuss/72157633189968667/

[Martyn]

Spoke too soon, back to black.

 

 

[Martyn]

After another email to the Nikon help desk I got another reply,

 

" If the suggested steps do not work all I can advise is that you consult an IT technician to resolve the issue with the computer or switch to using another machine. I apologise that we cannot assist you any further. "

 

Maybe I should switch to another software; I'm wondering about Lightroom 5 as a replacement!

Edited September 13, 2013 by Martyn

[Martyn]

I received an email from Nikon informing me that a new update to NX2 is available. I've done the install and it all seems to be working fine now, maybe it wasn't my machine after all. Too late though, I already upgraded to Lightroom and love it!

[FUJI]

Martyn,

I had a similar problem with the software from two of my cameras......on recommendation, I downloaded the FREE .....FATSTONE.....software which seems to convert any kind of RAW and other photo files.........

I use it as my file storage and thumbnail area, open the best, CONVERT then save them as TIFFS to store, then after processing any chosen ones in Photoshop I save them as PSDs for best and reduced JPEGs for posting and emailing.

FUJI

[NannyFerret]

Fastone is very good, isn't it? I must download it again as I haven't installed it since my PC was sorted.