Nikon D70 firmware version 2.10?!

[Raoul]

Recently I sent my D70 in for focus adjustment. Before doing this I checked if new firmware was available. No, Nikon listed only version 2.00, which I already installed some time ago. When the camera came back, some of my scripts did not work anymore (file names now in capitals), tone curves seemed to be different, image rotation tag is not recognized anymore in my workflow, but it now focusses correctly. The firmware in the camera still shows ver. 2.00, but EXIF-data indicates 'Firmware Version: 2.10'.

I checked again on Nikon's support page, and yes, the '2.00' was updated in January 2006, compared to summer 2005 for the original one.

Points are:

1) If I knew a new firmware version was available, I would have tried it before sending the camera in (€€€, actually they charged 250€!)

2) If the manufacturer modifies software in a way to change visible processing, I would like to know what changed, and how it affects my chosen workflow.

3) Pretty bad release management does not inspire confidence in a market more and more about processing and software.

Anybody out there having had similar experiences? Any comments on this way of doing business?

[NikonMike]

Hello Raoul,

I checked the download sites (both North America and Europe) and the firmware available is identical (2.00). Although packaging and page dates differ, actual binary files are the same (from May 2005).

If you have version 2.10, it must have come from Nikon service.

I believe installing the downloadable firmware will restore your previous version that matches your workflow.

My early D70 (March 2004) is now in service (the "BGLOD" issue), I'll see if they update firmware as well.

I doubt your focus issue was fixed by the updated firmware. My D70 initially had the infamous back focus problem, it was fixed by Nikon but I believe they did a mechanical adjustment (mirror).

Regarding the "way of doing business", I'm reluctantly getting used to it. Photography isn't about precision and reputation anymore. It's consumer electronics - produced in cheap places due to fierce competition, with rushed releases and downloadable fixes. Of the traditional manufacturers, whoever is left needs to watch Sony's next step and adopt their methods.

None of my film Nikons ever needed any service. D70 - my fist digital (and most expensive  camera so far) is in service for the second time, both cases were very common and widely documented design/manufacturing flaws. But hey, we can update firmware! And the higher version number must for sure be better - a measure of "progress"...

[thonixs]

Hi Everybody,  


    I need some help its related to this topic.   I've uprade my firmware from 1.2 to 1.3 then 2.0;   My other friend camera it shows  A Firmware 2.0  & B Firmware 2.0 also; But in my camera its A 1.3 & B 2.0;  Anyone can tell me if I did wrong on my installation? or Its ok to have that setup?

Yours Truly

[NikonMike]

Finally, my camera's back from service (it took almost 4 weeks, and that's after I called many times to have it expedited!) so I have some news.

Raoul:

My firmware is still 2.00, both in camera's menu and the NEF metadata. They said firmware was updated, probably a routine task although mine was already on 2.00.

thonixs:

As far as I can see latest D70 FW versions prior to 2.00 were:

A 1.01
B 1.03

2.00 updates both A and B firmware, both show 2.00 after a successful update. Perhaps try to redo the update procedure, I did it a long time ago but I remember it went smoothly. Whether your current config is "safe" is a good question, if you photos are fine then it probably is. I'd still try to repeat the 2.00 update. Make sure you copy both A and B .bin files to your CF. Maybe it's enough for you to do A FW only since B is already on 2.00.

Good luck,

Michal