Poll request: compact flash failures

blinztree wrote: I have another question regarding formatting the cards as to deleting the files on camera. How does that effect the card? Does it mean that new images written on a newly formatted card are digitally cleaner or the action serves to allow faster files writes/ transfers to the card or PC?

Well that's debateable and kinda like the question 'should I use a lens filter?' and is discussed in this very thread. Start over on page 1 for more info and POV's.

I have never experienced any memory card failure. I have SanDisk CF cards in 8GB and 16GB sizes. I have Sony brand Memory Sticks in 4G, 8GB and 16GB sizes. I purchase no other brands of memory cards.

My memory problems have all been with my A700. Both types of memory card sockets failed. The CF socket failed within less than a year of purchase. The memory stick socket failed within about two years of purchase. This latter failure required replacement of 700's main board because the memory stick socket is directly soldered onto the main board. This latter repair cost me approximately half the new A700 purchase price.

Out of curiosity, I asked the repair service what happens to main boards when they fail. I was told that they are repaired and recycled. But I was required to purchase a NEW main board because the memory stick socket developed a mechanical, not an electronic, failure! That is what I was informed. I am not absolutely certain that I was not sold a recycled main board.

I transfer picture data into computers via card readers and via direct cable connections between the cameras and the computers. Both methods appear to perform well.

I normally erase picture files by reformatting the memory cards in the cameras. I NEVER erase picture files or format memory cards in the computers.

I purchase only new memory cards from well known dealers.


Edited by Jocelynne - 21 June 2011 at 08:00

The CF card has vulnerable pins. Careless insertion or an inappropriate card slot can lead to a bent pin(s). The camera slot is deep and has long guide 'rails' however, the compact card readers often have very shallow slots with inadequate guidance hence extreme care must be used when inserting a card. The slightly larger readers are better. I have had one bent pin which I straightened with pliers then inserted it into a deep slot in a reader to complete the straightening. No more problems!

It is worth remembering that a card "reader" is no more than an interface between card and computer. It doesn't 'read' data: it allows the computer to do so! If data is corrupted, then don't blame the reader - blame the computer!

I had one complete CF Card failure which was accounted for because I had tried to use that card for MS's Ready Boost. This overwrote must of the card's memory and would not allow it to be used again in the camera. I recovered it by using the computer to fill the card with copies of photo files to overwtite the 'ready boost' area. When it was reformatted it worked correctly, but failed completely some time later.

It may be worth while to identify each card you use and to keep a record of exactly what it was used for. The idea of using one card - one device is sound.

I use only Sandisk, download images using a media adapter/reader in my computer and reformat the cards in the camera after each download.

No problems after many years of service.

i have several memory cards from different manufacturers, the only issues i have had were with an adata 16 gb card, it would loose one raw file every time i shot with it, so i dont use it. right now i have 2 32gb 433x transcend cards, i have had no issues with them. I understand the multiple card issue, and if you are a pro, shooting high end on site shots, I would probably agree. I am not a pro, i do shot some on site stuff, but since i have not had an issue with the cards I use, I have not worried about it. For me, a large card allows me to not have to worry about changing cards often, and if i go on vacation, i will usually download them every night.

Most of my CF, SD and MS cards are Sandisk. I download with my computer's built in card reader and format the cards in the camera. I use 4GB or 8GB MS in the second slot of the camera for backup. I have switched cards from one camera to another; when I buy a bigger capacity card it goes in the higher resolution camera, and it's card moves down to another camera. I've never had a problem with any of my cards but, I did purchase a Sandisk Extreme III 4 GB CF card from Best Buy that was DOA.

Most of mine are Lexar and they are faultless for me. Actually have never had any problems with Lexar, Sandisk or Kingston which are the 3 brands I use.