Say what?

Friday, 26 January. My partner (Windows 7 computer) and I were working the day shift out of the residence. The following events happened just as described. Just the facts.

Here's the story: I shoot NEF (Nikon RAW) with my D500. My usual procedure is to download my pictures from the XQD card directly into a dedicated computer folder using Adobe Bridge. Later, I visit the file and do post-processing on selected shots using Photoshop CC. All processed photos are saved as .jpeg files for sharing, publishing, etc. The original NEF shots remain in the folder, as well as those that haven't been processed. (I re-format the XQD card in the camera to "wipe" it clean for the next session.)

Lately, alarming facts have come to light. When I visited some of my previous folders (large), I found a number of NEF files missing! All the PP'd .jpeg files are there, as well a good number of the NEF files, BUT NOT ALL!

I back up my files once a year on two hard drives and a set of flash drives. Going back and checking all the backed-up folders, the same NEF files are missing from every one! Now, the missing files are from the last shots of the session. One theory: When the original folder was loaded, its capacity somehow got fixed to that size. Then when I did my post processing, the newly created .jpeg files pushed NEF files out to make room. Far fetched? Yes, but that's all I got.

Anyone out there ever had a similar experience? or a theory (half-baked or not)?

Thanks for any and all replies. John (Marks)

I lost the battery door on my D500. I covered the opening with black electrical tape which worked satisfactorily as a temporary fix. When I called Nikon for a replacement door, they insisted I send the camera back to the factory, which I did. They wanted to charge me some ridiculous price for the "repair," but the girl I spoke with on the phone went to bat for me and got all charges dropped because I am a long-time Nikon customer. Anyway, that battery cover door is very flimsy and prone to be accidentally knocked off. I love my D500, but that door sure doesn't live up to the rest of the camera in quality.

I've been using Photoshop CC for a number of years together with Adobe Bridge, and have been very satisfied with the pair. I also have Lightroom (it came with PS CC), but have never even tried it. Are there features in Lightroom that would enhance my post processing work? Thanks in advance. jdm

Hmm...let me count the ways: higher shutter speed; higher ISO/ASA; digital superiority over film; auto focus options; instant feedback; gazillion menu options; BB focus; bracketing; fps; etc. Don't get me wrong, they were/are superior cameras for their time. It's just that, for me, technology wins out. jdm

Nikon F Photomic/D500. D500 is far superior.

I've found a lot a good photo ops at Georgetown, Patriot's Point, and Magnolia Plantation.

Hey everyone: Thanks for your feedback!! I knew I could count on a lively response from all you guys and gals to my question regarding viewing of the upcoming solar eclipse using an ND filter only. I got the message LOUD and CLEAR. So, I've ordered a proper solar filter from B&H (back-ordered, of course, because of high demand) which I should have in plenty of time for the eclipse.
By the way, I'm not a complete novice when it comes to looking directly at the sun. I sailed for a couple of years on the bridges of various merchant ships. As part of my navigation duties, I had to look directly into the sun, sometimes for minutes at a time, several times a day (weather permitting)....through the lens of my handy six-power monocular Plath sextant! Of course I always used the pivoting solar filters that you find on every sextant to protect my eyesight -- and they worked flawlessly. Anyway, thanks again for your information and heartfelt warnings. john marks

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

After a couple of early Coolpix cameras, I bought my first true DSLR: the D70S -- a major step up. Five years later I moved up to a D300S -- another great camera (the D70S went to my son who is still using it). Last year I moved up to the D500 -- a truly wonderful DSLR (my daughter "inherited" the D300S). The D70S==>D300S==>D500 progression was very smooth and straightforward. It was a good way to advance my skills in step with Nikon's technological advances. If my first DSLR was the D500, I'd be hopelessly overwhelmed with its many powerful features.

If you get to Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach), be sure to visit nearby Ecola State Park. Marvelous setting and wonderful pictures.

The pedestrian bridge mentioned above is the Tilikum Bridge. Great photo ops of and from this unique structure. And within an easy walk from the bridge is the tram that runs every few minutes up to the U of O Medical in the West Hills. It only costs a few bucks and is well worth the round trip. Also consider day trips to the Oregon Coast and Mt Hood -- very, very scenic venues abound. Oh, and only if the skies are clear (pretty remote possibility this time of year), the drive up to the Johnson Center on Mt St Helens in Washington his some grand views. Enjoy your trip -- you'll like Portland.

If you get the chance, spend some time in Roanoke, VA. They have a great Railroad museum there.

Thanks Roger, Nice effect! Using some of the links posted above (including the one you suggested), I've been doing some photoshopping myself to achieve sunray effects on some of my previous photos. I'm happy with the results, but am going to keep experimenting to become more proficient. I have to say that UHH really came through for me on this one. John

Great shot Richard! Thank you. And thank you for your service to the Country. john marks