Nikon Z8 Tethering Problems

Felix Swensson

• April 09, 2024 15:19

Hi!

I'm having a lot of issues shooting tethered with my Nikon Z8 (latest firmware) and a MacBook Pro M1 Max (Sonoma 14.4.1). It constantly drops out. I'm using an Area 51 Cable but I also have a tether tools extension cable. Only using the Area 51 cable usually doesn't work at all and I have to use the tether tools extension cord + the Area 51 cable. Then it sort of works but connection is usually not stable. 

Using a different computer seems to work straight away so it seems something is off with my computer specifically. 

I've tried using C1 16.3.7.10 but also the latest Beta and an earlier version (16.3.2.32). Settings on camera are all correct. Prioritize shooting and use the right USB settings. Any idea what could be wrong? I might be totally wrong but to me it almost feels like there is a USB conflict on my computer but I have the same problem with nothing but the camera connected. 

Any ideas?

Thanks! 

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  Walter Rowe

  Moderator

  • April 09, 2024 16:32

  

  Could the USB-C port on the M1 computer be dirty and need blowing out? Going bad? Try a different port?

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  Felix Swensson

  • April 09, 2024 16:45

  Good point. I've tried different ports, no difference. Going a bit insane over this problems. I have a lot of commercial shoots and this is causing a lot of trouble :(

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  Felix Swensson

  • April 10, 2024 18:26

  Did another shoot today. When removing the memory card the camera reconnects faster but the problem remains. 

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  Thibaut Bouvier

  • May 02, 2024 11:41

  Hi Felix, 

  I have exactly the same problem. The connection is not stable, Sometimes works 1 or 2 minutes, after that not works. I have a MacBook Pro M1 Sonoma like you...

   

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  Felix Swensson

  • May 02, 2024 13:26

  I took my camera to the store where I bought it. We tested a bunch of combinations with different computers, cables and another Z8. We came to the conclusion that mine wasn't working properly so I sent it to Nikon for repair. The other Z8 they had in store worked much better. 

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  ben harries HARRIES

  • November 01, 2024 14:10

  Hi Felix, I have just upgraded to the Z8 from the D850.  I am having similar tethering issues to you and the others on this thread.  Its very frustrating and I have to revert to my D850 on commercial shoots. Not ideal.

  I was wondering if you sorted your problem.  It's driving me crazy and I've lost all confidence in using the camera tethered in front of client as it always drops out. Did you get a new body in the end?

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