Sd card with broken lock: I have an SD card with the tiny lock slide gone, so it will not unlock to allow new images or deleting. I placed a bit of tape over the notch and it unlocks...

Joechalmers Loc: Washington, DC

I have an SD card with the tiny lock slide gone, so it will not unlock to allow new images or deleting. I placed a bit of tape over the notch and it unlocks it. My plan is to use it as a backup card, but I wonder if this is risky? Any experience out there on this issue?
Thanks

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

Joechalmers wrote:

I have an SD card with the tiny lock slide gone, so it will not unlock to allow new images or deleting. I placed a bit of tape over the notch and it unlocks it. My plan is to use it as a backup card, but I wonder if this is risky? Any experience out there on this issue?
Thanks

No. This is one good reason why we should not remove the cards from the cameras to transfer images from camera to PC.

Michael G

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Joechalmers wrote:

I have an SD card with the tiny lock slide gone, so it will not unlock to allow new images or deleting. I placed a bit of tape over the notch and it unlocks it. My plan is to use it as a backup card, but I wonder if this is risky? Any experience out there on this issue?
Thanks

Is it a 64GB or 128GB card? If not, throw it away and buy a new card. They are cheap (except the really high capacity cards).

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Anything that blocks the gap where the lock slider will make the card fully functional. The lock does nothing internally, it simply controls an external switch inside the device. But with the price point of SD cards today I will also suggest replacement just to keep the tape from coming off and getting sticky residue inside your camera or your card reader.

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

Welcome to UHH. I agree with MT Shooter. It can get pretty hot outside while taking pictures and the inside of the car gets even hotter. That hot sticky tape will get really sticky and can ooze out from under the sides. I would carefully remove pictures off it and replace the SD card with a new one just to be on the safe side.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g7dsoHJoTQ

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

Joechalmers wrote:

I have an SD card with the tiny lock slide gone, so it will not unlock to allow new images or deleting. I placed a bit of tape over the notch and it unlocks it. My plan is to use it as a backup card, but I wonder if this is risky? Any experience out there on this issue?
Thanks

I wouldn't do it. If that piece of tape comes off inside your camera, it could be a problem. Besides, these cards are cheap now. Why bother with a broken one.

portcragin Loc: Kirkland, WA

Get rid of that card. Not even worth considering..... Do yourself a favor. Replace it.....

portcragin Loc: Kirkland, WA

Get rid of that card. Not even worth considering..... Do yourself a favor. Replace it.....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Joechalmers wrote:

I have an SD card with the tiny lock slide gone, so it will not unlock to allow new images or deleting. I placed a bit of tape over the notch and it unlocks it. My plan is to use it as a backup card, but I wonder if this is risky? Any experience out there on this issue?
Thanks

Tape is a bad idea. I can't think of anything I would want to attach to the card and hope it would not come off inside the camera.

Two possibilites: it might have a llifetime warranty; if it is a high capacity card, and you want to save it, buy the cheapest card you can find, and see if you can put the pin from that into your card. Use a dab of superglue inside to hold it together.

If it were my card, I would not use it.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

I agree 100% with get new cards, sheesh they are ssooooooooo cheap who worries now

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

Armadillo wrote:

No. This is one good reason why we should not remove the cards from the cameras to transfer images from camera to PC.

Michael G

I always remove the card to transfer pics to PC. 1) Saves batteries on camera 2) Fresh card goes into camera in case I HAVE to shoot something while transferring 3) Limited space on my desk 4) USB reader is faster than opening software program 5) Opportunity to inspect for damage, like broken slide lock. :wink:

nikondoug

HI Joe,
To start off, we know each other. I am a member of Sound Exposure. Now to your problem. I had this happen to me with one of my SanDisk SD cards. I contacted the company and after completing their question. SanDisk replaced my damaged card. So you may want to give this a try also.

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

wierdphotoguy wrote:

I always remove the card to transfer pics to PC. 1) Saves batteries on camera 2) Fresh card goes into camera in case I HAVE to shoot something while transferring 3) Limited space on my desk 4) USB reader is faster than opening software program 5) Opportunity to inspect for damage, like broken slide lock. :wink:

1) Most digital photographers have a backup battery for those long shoots, and after transferring images to the computer place the used battery into the charger.
2) It should not take but a few seconds to transfer images from camera to PC. Most digitize photographers have a backup card just in case something crashes.
3) Perhaps you need a larger "desk", and external disc drive, or a 32Gb flash drive.
4) We are not talking about using software to transfer images from camera to PC, we are talking about using a USM cable connected to camera to PC and making a direct transfer to a local drive.
5) If you don't remove the memory card from the camera nothing can get in the way to damage the card, or camera contacts.

It is your choice on how to handle your images.

Michael G

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

Armadillo wrote:

1) Most digital photographers have a backup batter... (show quote)

So you speak for "most digital photographers"? I never said anything about something crashing, I have a backup battery, some of my photo shoots take a few minutes to upload, and what the hell does my desk size have to do with my external drive? I have all sizes of SD cards; how would getting another 32GB card do any good? Connecting my camera to my PC starts up a software program, yours may not. I think you may just be a putz. You need to invest in a Fuji LHC.