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M
minegenskarm
Participant
July 23, 2026
Question

Lightroom Classic imports two identical copies.

  • July 23, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 38 views

Subject: Lightroom Classic creates duplicate NEF files (-2) when importing from Nikon Z8 via USB with dual-card backup

Product: Adobe Lightroom Classic 15.4.1

Operating system: macOS

Camera: Nikon Z8

Issue:

When importing photos directly from a Nikon Z8 connected via USB-C, Lightroom Classic creates duplicate NEF files during import.

The camera is configured to record identical NEF files simultaneously to both the CFexpress Type B card and the SD card (backup mode).

Although Lightroom displays only one import source (the camera), each imported image is copied twice into the destination folder:

  • DSC_1234.NEF
  • DSC_1234-2.NEF

The two files are bit-for-bit identical (same file size in bytes).

Important observations:

  • The duplicate files do not exist on either memory card.
  • The camera itself shows only one copy on each card.
  • The “-2” filename appears only after Lightroom imports the files.
  • “Make a Second Copy To” is disabled.
  • No cloud synchronization or third-party sync software is running.
  • Import method is Copy.
  • If the SD card is removed from the camera before importing, the problem disappears completely.
  • If only the CFexpress card is present, Lightroom imports normally with no duplicate files.

Steps to reproduce:

  1. Configure a Nikon Z8 to record identical NEF files to both CFexpress and SD cards (backup mode).
  2. Connect the camera to a Mac via USB-C.
  3. Open Lightroom Classic 15.4.1.
  4. Import using Copy.
  5. Observe that Lightroom creates duplicate files with the suffix “-2”.

Expected result:

Only one copy of each image should be imported.

Actual result:

Lightroom imports both copies from the camera and saves them into the same destination folder, causing macOS to rename the second copy with the suffix “-2”.

Additional information:
This issue is 100% reproducible on my system. Removing the SD card from the Nikon Z8 before importing eliminates the problem completely. The issue only occurs when identical NEF files are stored on both the CFexpress and SD cards and the camera is connected directly via USB-C.

    4 replies

    M
    minegenskarmAuthor
    Participant
    July 24, 2026

    There is obviously a bug somewhere. Nikon Sweden has also been alerted. I end this conversation now, knowing how to deal with this particular problem.

    Rikk Flohr_Photography
    Community Manager
    Rikk Flohr_PhotographyCommunity Manager
    July 23, 2026

    In the Import Dialog, how do you have your “Don’t Import Suspected Duplicates” set? 
    In the Import Grid do you see the duplicate files if unchecked?
    If checked, do they disappear? 


     

    Rikk Flohr: Adobe Photography Org
    M
    minegenskarmAuthor
    Participant
    July 23, 2026

    I didn’t have that box checked. The solution so far, when importing via usb-c cable, is to remove one of the cards.

    Rikk Flohr_Photography
    Community Manager
    Rikk Flohr_PhotographyCommunity Manager
    July 23, 2026

    The behavior is correct for me when testing on a Canon R5. 

    With the Duplicates box checked, it works as expected.
    With the box unchecked, it works as you describe, but again, as expected by me. 
     

    Rikk Flohr: Adobe Photography Org
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