Z8 unexplained display blackout: Nikon Z Mirrorless Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review (2024)

I've been using the Z8 for a few months. I am experiencing a blackout of the rear display after taking a shot. When I reposition the camera, move it around, try to refocus, etc., the rear display goes completely black for a few seconds at a time, will come back briefly, then go black again for a second, then come back on, then go black for maybe 5 seconds.

I emphasize this is NOT happening while taking an exposure, it happens after the exposure is complete.

I am a landscape photographer, and this seems to happens mostly in low light, or maybe that is when I notice it because I shot well before sunrise and after. But it seems to me it happens more early, rather than late. I could be off here, but that is when it seems to be happening.

I called Nikon, they were no help at all. I found a Youtube video of someone else that was experiencing the same issue, but so far, nothing helps.

Maybe I should just reset the camera, but it would help to know specifically what is causing the issue.

2

https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/z8/en/psm_long_exposure_nr_131.html
I'm guessing this option is the culprit

ghostfox_1 wrote:

https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/z8/en/psm_long_exposure_nr_131.html
I'm guessing this option is the culprit

Thanks. Long Exposure Noise Reduction is turned off. I am hoping the solution is as simple as turning a menu option on or off, but that isn't the one.

10

A Z9 rear screen blackout post said :

"My rear screen recently stopped coming on when I went to review images or open the menu. It was intermittent at first and then stopped working completely. I read that the problem could be related to the EVF on/off sensor right above the viewfinder. I made sure that was clean, but it didn’t help.

Then I noticed that the rubber ring around the viewfinder window was starting to come out of the groove, partially obscuring the EVF sensor. After reattaching it properly, the rear screen now comes on upon demand."

1

jonholc wrote:

I've been using the Z8 for a few months. I am experiencing a blackout of the rear display after taking a shot. When I reposition the camera, move it around, try to refocus, etc., the rear display goes completely black for a few seconds at a time, will come back briefly, then go black again for a second, then come back on, then go black for maybe 5 seconds.

I emphasize this is NOT happening while taking an exposure, it happens after the exposure is complete.

I am a landscape photographer, and this seems to happens mostly in low light, or maybe that is when I notice it because I shot well before sunrise and after. But it seems to me it happens more early, rather than late. I could be off here, but that is when it seems to be happening.

I called Nikon, they were no help at all. I found a Youtube video of someone else that was experiencing the same issue, but so far, nothing helps.

Maybe I should just reset the camera, but it would help to know specifically what is causing the issue.

Does the EVF light up when that happens? If so, maybe it is an issue with the eye sensor in the EVF. I have had it go bonkers (on a Z7 though) when I was wearing a reflective jacket (from cycling). Somehow it always detected that as my eye being present at the viewfinder...

1

jthomas39 wrote:

A Z9 rear screen blackout post said :

"My rear screen recently stopped coming on when I went to review images or open the menu. It was intermittent at first and then stopped working completely. I read that the problem could be related to the EVF on/off sensor right above the viewfinder. I made sure that was clean, but it didn’t help.

Then I noticed that the rubber ring around the viewfinder window was starting to come out of the groove, partially obscuring the EVF sensor. After reattaching it properly, the rear screen now comes on upon demand."

I also started experiencing rear screen blackouts (Z9) a few weeks ago. The root cause was as above - the top edge of the rubber eyecup ring starting to come out of its retaining groove and obscuring the EVF sensor. It was a bit of a pain to get it back into place, but I eventually got it done. From the design and materials used it looks like these eyepiece rubbers are going to be coming adrift a lot. The Z8 and Z9 eyepieces are identical.

jthomas39 wrote:

A Z9 rear screen blackout post said :

"My rear screen recently stopped coming on when I went to review images or open the menu. It was intermittent at first and then stopped working completely. I read that the problem could be related to the EVF on/off sensor right above the viewfinder. I made sure that was clean, but it didn’t help.

Then I noticed that the rubber ring around the viewfinder window was starting to come out of the groove, partially obscuring the EVF sensor. After reattaching it properly, the rear screen now comes on upon demand."

Thanks. I just cleaned the EVF and the sensor, maybe that will help. It doesn't occur when I am testing it around the house, it only happens when I am standing in the Batsto River. The rubber ring appears to be seated correctly, so I think I can check that off.

BasilG wrote:

jonholc wrote:

I've been using the Z8 for a few months. I am experiencing a blackout of the rear display after taking a shot. When I reposition the camera, move it around, try to refocus, etc., the rear display goes completely black for a few seconds at a time, will come back briefly, then go black again for a second, then come back on, then go black for maybe 5 seconds.

I emphasize this is NOT happening while taking an exposure, it happens after the exposure is complete.

I am a landscape photographer, and this seems to happens mostly in low light, or maybe that is when I notice it because I shot well before sunrise and after. But it seems to me it happens more early, rather than late. I could be off here, but that is when it seems to be happening.

I called Nikon, they were no help at all. I found a Youtube video of someone else that was experiencing the same issue, but so far, nothing helps.

Maybe I should just reset the camera, but it would help to know specifically what is causing the issue.

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Does the EVF light up when that happens? If so, maybe it is an issue with the eye sensor in the EVF. I have had it go bonkers (on a Z7 though) when I was wearing a reflective jacket (from cycling). Somehow it always detected that as my eye being present at the viewfinder...

That's interesting. This is my first experience with a mirrorless and I have ONLY shot with the rear display. Basically, I have never used the EVF and only recently discovered that it turns on when it detects your eye moving into position.

I will keep that in mind and try and determine if something is triggering the EVF to activate. Thanks.

Even small amounts of dirt or dust on the sensor can affect function. I try to carry a few q tips in a baggie to clean the sensor. Probably 99% of these type posts end up being a dirty or obstructed eye sensor

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