Psergel Loc: New Mexico

I recently bought a camera that uses a CF card (Canon 7DII).
When I insert the CF card in the camera it feels like a very positive engagement. No slop no uncertainty. There is a nice deep metal cage with the track slots to guide the card onto the pins.

My card reader slot is shallow and plastic. When I insert the card into my card reader.....it's a little scary. If I don't get it just right, it won't go in and, of course, I don't want to exert any force for fear of bending pins.

So......does anyone have a recommendation for a good pro grade CF card reader?

Jolly Roger Loc: Dorset. UK

I use a BELKIN Reader. It takes both cards from the 7DII plus three other sizes. I have used it for around three years without a problem.
Model # F4U044

Haydon

I can't say this reader is pro quality but I've been using this reader successfully for several years with minimal issues and without bent pins. I regularly receive transfer speeds of my RAW files from USB to HD at 100 MB/sec.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/815153-REG/Transcend_TS_RDF8K_USB_3_0_Multi_Card.html

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

YES download from your camera I do it with my 7D it's fast enough and less chance of ruining your reader or cf card.
Some here will say otherwise but it's up to you in the end, I prefer safety first.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have the Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader (CF SD), works great.
I got mine from B&H about $34 plus shipping. There is one on ebay for $20 plus shipping but though the description is the same the model number is different.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

You have made a very significant observation! Don't use that card reader any longer than you have to, because it is going to destroy your CF cards eventually.

If you order a card reader online it is exceedingly difficult to choose one that has a deep enough slot to guarantee proper alignment to avoid bent pins. If there is an image that shows a card inserted, and it is obvious that only 1/4 to 3/8 inch of card is still outside the reader, then it will be okay. Few advertisements show such a picture though.

I've been using Hoodman Raw Steel USB 3.0 readers for quite some time. It is possible to get the card misaligned, but it won't bend pins when that happens.

cmc65

Same camera, always use my card reader...Lexar Professional,3.0 Dual-slot reader,model LRW300U Rev E.
Reads CF and SD ,works like a charm. It also closes when not in use which helps to keep dust etc. from entering the slots.

drivered Loc: Capital District, NY

If the model is different then it might be an older USB 2.0 instead of the 3.0. Something to check out.

Bill_de Loc: US

I have a Lexar to use with my laptop. I use the built in readers on my desktops. I agree that the newer one is not as sturdy as the old one. It was tough getting the card in originally, but after a while it finds its own way in.


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Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Not sure how similar they are, but I have a couple Lexar Model NW024-7080 readers for a FireWire port. They aren't as fast as USB3 though. But except for the speed, those are the nicest, best built, easiest to use CF card readers that I've ever seen.

KennyMac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

I have been using a SanDisk reader (for my CF cards) for over 5 yrs and have never had a problem.
Ken

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

Wow...lots of responses in a short time. Thank you!!

I will look at all of the ones recommended and transfer directly from my camera until I find one that I'm comfortable with.

Thanks again

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Been really happy with the Kingston FCR-HS3 for quite a while.
I need to read odd cards (non- CF & SD) occasionally.

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Forgive my ignorance as I'm requesting confirmation and correction of my understanding of the USB "story" when it comes to the virtues of 3.0 over 2.0, as well as the practical differences between CF I & II cards. In my case, I own a Sony A100 dSLR (made in 2006) that I've since converted to "color IR." I don't know if it uses only CF I or both CF types. I don't know if I'll ever buy another ILC camera that uses CF cards again, as it appears that Sony's latest cameras use SD (& duo-stick) cards exclusively, but it's possible.

So here is a series of statements and questions to which I welcome confirmation, consternation, etc.:

1. I should be able to use any new CF card currently sold in the U.S. with my old A100 camera. Or is it that if my Sony only takes CF I, it won't work/fit with these newer ones?

2. CF cards provide data accessible to all CF card readers, whether the latter are USB 2.0 or 3.0

3. The main, if not only, advantage of a CF card reader that uses USB 3.0 over one that is just 2.0 is the SPEED at which the image files can be transferred from the CF card to a device connected to the reader; but this does assume that that device is USB 3.0 compatible.

Thank you,
lev29 :?: 8-)

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

CF I cards are the newer ones. CF II cards are thicker. Hence a CF II card may not work in slots that take only CF I.


USB 3 readers will work on a USB 2 port, and USB 2 readers will work on a USB 3 port. But the faster speed of USB 3 only happens when both the reader and the card are USB 3 compliant.


As above, a USB 3 reader and a USB 3 port are faster. Any other combination runs a USB 2 speed.

And all of the above assumes the card can actually be read at the faster speed too.