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harmany2
Inspiring
September 13, 2025
Question

Lightroom Classic Crashes on Nikon Z8 Import (macOS Sequoia 15.6.1)

  • September 13, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 181 views

I’ve been using Lightroom since version 1.0, and I’ve never had to fight this hard just to get my files into the app. This issue has persisted for months and is now actively disrupting client work.

Setup Details

  • Camera: Nikon Z8 (RAW only)
  • macOS: Sequoia 15.6.1
  • Lightroom Classic: 14.5.1
  • Import Method: “Copy” via USB-C direct from camera
  • Security Settings: Full Disk Access enabled
  • GPU Acceleration: Disabled

❌ The Problem Lightroom crashes instantly when I attempt to import images directly from the Z8. The crash occurs before I can even select files. The camera doesn’t mount properly in Finder, and I have to physically disconnect the cable to eject it. Once I manually transfer the RAW files to my drive, Lightroom handles them perfectly. So the issue is clearly tied to the import handshake—not the files themselves.

Troubleshooting I’ve Already Tried

  • Disabled GPU acceleration
  • Reset Lightroom preferences
  • Created a new catalog
  • Tried importing with minimal previews
  • Verified camera firmware and macOS updates
  • Verified Lightroom has Full Disk Access
  • Attempted manual import via Finder (works)
  • Ran Adobe Log Collector Tool (ready to share)

Impact This is not a niche issue. The Nikon Z8 is a flagship camera, and Lightroom should handle it without crashing. I’ve had to resort to manually dragging files just to keep client work moving. That’s not acceptable for professional-grade software. And it’s not just the Z8—Adobe’s refusal to support direct iPhone image import is another example of how workflows are being broken. With ProRAW and HEIC becoming standard, Lightroom needs to catch up.

Request Adobe: Please prioritize compatibility between Lightroom Classic, macOS Sequoia, and Nikon Z8 USB import. This camera is not new, and this kind of instability is unacceptable for professionals. Anyone else experiencing this? Let’s get this fixed.

2 replies

dj_paige
dj_paige
Legend
September 17, 2025

Sounds like your USB-C connection could be the problem. Bad USB port, or bad cable. And no one else that I remember is reporting the same problem with a Z8 camera. It doesn't sound like this is Adobe's fault at all.

H
harmany2Author
Inspiring
September 18, 2025

The last adobe person helping me before i posted this suggested doing some checking and hooking up the camera to bypass the CF card reader. That did help and so i ordered a new card reader, not tested it yet. I haev chatted with so many adobe folks and this was the first time someone mentioned that as a possiblity. i have had trouble since i got the camera, intermittant, so maybe my expensive high quality delkin card reader was bad, i will find out soon. I have seen posts that others were having issues with the Z8 but the solutions offered did not help me. I was also having issues just importing from DXO after processing, so it doesnt seem to be just the card reader. However, opening a file in LR that is already there is no problem at all. 

Anshul_Saini
Community Manager
Anshul_SainiCommunity Manager
Community Manager
October 3, 2025

Hi @harmany2,

 

Thanks for following up and sharing these details. Based on your description, the issue appears related to the import handshake rather than the files themselves. Since opening files already in Lightroom works fine, this is likely tied to macOS-level I/O handling or hardware communication.

 

Here are a few checks to help isolate the issue:

  • Update macOS to the latest version. Apple rolls out updates, including bug fixes, this way.

  • Ensure Lightroom Classic has Full Disk Access under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access. Restart Lightroom Classic after confirming permissions.

  • Try importing under macOS Safe Mode to rule out third-party interference. If the import works there, it may indicate a conflict with a background service.

  • Try importing via desktop to see if it works. If it does, test again with the new card reader or a different cable/port to verify whether the behavior persists.

 

As  @dj_paige has said, USB handshake or reader hardware can sometimes cause crashes when macOS fails to mount the camera or card properly.

 

Please try the steps above and let us know the results.

 

Best regards,

Anshul Saini

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Sameer KCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    September 17, 2025

    Hey, @harmany2. Welcome to the Lightroom Classic Community. Thanks for creating this detailed post.

     

    What is the destination for the imported files? An internal drive, an external drive, or a NAS? Have you tried plugging in the Camera SD Card or CFExpress Card via a card reader to the machine? 

     

    Please try this step on the external drive:

    • Search for Disk Utility from Finder's spotlight search or magnifying glass.
    • Run the 'First Aid' diagnostic on the external drive. Check this to learn more: https://adobe.ly/4jbQS7x
    • Restart the computer

     

    Sameer K
    (Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

    H
    harmany2Author
    Inspiring
    September 18, 2025

    @ Sameer K

    I actually have run disc utilites on the computer and the hard drives. they are imported to an external hard drive, from a CFX card. Computer has been restarted numerous times after running any first aids...

     

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