replacing memory card: I have been using the same memory card for over a year w/o trouble: an Ultra 16GB SanDisk. It was always in my camera. (I downloaded photos from camera to...

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

I have been using the same memory card for over a year w/o trouble: an Ultra 16GB SanDisk. It was always in my camera. (I downloaded photos from camera to computer, then reformatted the memory card to clear it. A couple of months ago, I took it out in order to put a friend's memory card in my camera and download her photos to my computer. Then I replaced my memory card. Since then, after taking photos: Once, my camera showed zero photos recorded. A day later they were there again. Also, a couple of times no photos showed up for downloading, and again later, there they were again.
I think it's time to toss this memory card.
Question: How long is "normal" for memory card use?
Question: I have more memory cards that I bought over a year ago but haven't used. If unused, are they going to be ok, or are they like batteries and lose their potency over time?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Assuming Ultra is the model, made by SanDisk. I would contact them, they're a really good company. They may replace it for you, worth a try at least.

EDIT:
Just re-read your post...it is a SanDisk...you should definitely email/call them up.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

Francesca, I have memory cards that are more than 8 years old and they're still running strong! I can't explain what happened to your card, but I would highly recommend that you purchase and use a card reader; it's generally faster than connecting your camera to the computer and it doesn't drain your battery while you're doing the transfer. If you are using compact flash (CF) cards, just be careful when inserting the card into either device. Hope that this helps.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Does not' sound like a card error. Either they are there or not, but they can't appear and disappear at will. Sounds more like a camera or computer reading error. Have you tried putting the card directly into the computer, not using the camera to transfer them? Try placing in another computer directly don't use the camera to transfer. Try a new battery in the camera then transfer them.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

I just had an SD card go wonky on me, which surprised the living daylights out of me (first time it has ever happened in 10 years). I replaced it immediately with a larger capacity card. I was more concerned that my camera was broken than with the SD card, but that turned out NOT to be the case. Whew!

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Computer guy here. All flash memory, whether camera cards or thumb drives, will degrade over time as each sector is written and rewritten. Software in modern cameras and computers helps to even out this wear, but eventually, they do start to degrade. They're so cheap now, it doesn't make sense not to replace them at the first sign of problems if reformatting them doesn't straighten them out. Your second concern about long term storage of new memory cards is nothing to worry about as long as the contacts haven't oxidized, in which case a quick, careful going over with a pencil eraser should clean them up. Storing them doesn't "drain" them, the amount they have been used is a factor though. Hope this helps.

JamesCurran Loc: Trenton ,NJ

Memory Cards "life expectancy" is measure at approx 100,000 "write cycles", which means each bit can be written to 100K times before that bit fails. (reading the memory can be done as much as you want)

Every time you take a set of photos, you write a bunch of bits once, and when you reformat, that's another write.

So, assuming you do the cycle of "Shoot, Download, Reformat" everyday, then it should last 100000 / 2 / 365 = ~137 years.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

francesca3 wrote:

I have been using the same memory card for over a ... (show quote)

Just a thought, but worth a try:
Considering the problems started when you took the card out of the camera and then replaced it: Have you taken it out again, checked (and cleaned) the contacts, then put it back in the camera, making sure it is seated correctly?

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

Mr PC wrote:

Computer guy here. All flash memory, whether came... (show quote)

Yeah, tyvm.

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

JamesCurran wrote:

Memory Cards "life expectancy" is measure at approx 100,000 "write cycles", which means each bit can be written to 100K times before that bit fails. (reading the memory can be done as much as you want)

Every time you take a set of photos, you write a bunch of bits once, and when you reformat, that's another write.

So, assuming you do the cycle of "Shoot, Download, Reformat" everyday, then it should last 100000 / 2 / 365 = ~137 years.

Woah --- >ok then. TY

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

Morning Star wrote:

Just a thought, but worth a try:
Considering the problems started when you took the card out of the camera and then replaced it: Have you taken it out again, checked (and cleaned) the contacts, then put it back in the camera, making sure it is seated correctly?

TY

jgitomer Loc: Skippack Pennsylvania

francesca3 wrote:

I have been using the same memory card for over a ... (show quote)

Since you state that the problem didn't start until you removed and then reinserted the memory card the most likely cause of the problem is oxidized contacts.

The best solution is to clean the contacts on the card using contact cleaner. You can also use a soft pencil eraser, but if you do use a light touch since using an eraser on contacts runs the risk of damaging the contacts to the point where the card won't work.

Whatever you do don't even think about cleaning the contacts in the camera.

Answer 1: Given your usage memory cards should last several years.

Answer 2: The unused ones are ok. I recommend that you use contact cleaner on them before use.

Jerry

bobbygee

francesca3 wrote:

I have been using the same memory card for over a ... (show quote)

Have you tried to recover the files using Pandora or another recovery utility? If you can recover the photos, I suggest you then clean the contacts and re-format. Otherwise try a new card and see if the problem persists. Happened to me one time and it turned out to be the beginning of the dreaded "err" message on the d7000!! Hope it's just a card.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

francesca3 wrote:

I have been using the same memory card for over a ... (show quote)

Hello

After reading most of the posts it my thoughts the card might still be good. You did tell us what type card you're using is it a CF or SD card if it's a CF maybe bent one of its pins when you put back in your camera if not the case off load all your photos and reformat it. If it's a SD card off load your photos and clean the contacts on the card and reformat it too. If these things don't work as said before contact Sandisk for a replacement . Until then us one of your other new cards and do a format the card in the camera.

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

RichardSM wrote:

Hello br br After reading most of the posts it my... (show quote)

It's an SD card. Tx 4 ur advice,)))