P: Import is creating OS - level duplicate files named (-2) when using Devices rather than Files

[cs_i_say]

Since I upgraded to lightroom classic from lightroom 5.7.1, imports are now importing duplicate images, even though I have checked don't import suspected duplicates. It happens on both my nikon and canon camera images.

[FeedbackCommunityMember]

I've noticed that it's only happening to me when using a certain Sony M SD card, not withstanding that it gets formatted daily after use. I also have another Sony M SD card that constantly includes/writes a jpg version of a duplicate file, even though using a different card doesn't do that, again reformatting daily. 

Is there some ghost-like invisible stuff happening on these cards? I'm using Sony cards in 6 different camera bodies, with various results based on the card used, not the camera body.

[FeedbackCommunityMember]

Been noticing a similar issue although a little different from some of the above.

Camera: Nikon D-850

Card Reader: Sony XQD / SD XCII 

Card: Sony XQD G - 64 GB

Updated LR Classic 10.3

Seems to only happen on these cards and when importing with hardware above.  Doesn't happen with my D 750 or SD cards...

When I import - LR imports two copies of each file but names them differently.  Looking at metadata - the reserved name of the original file on the card is (for example) DSC_7628.  When import is done there are two files that both have my custom name (I typically name files based on date taken and topic) but very different extended numbers:

1st import:  20210601-Custom Topic-2-1 (The next file will be 20210601-Custom Topic-2-2 etc). This assignment of "2-1", "2-2", etc comes from somewhere - not me.

2nd import: 20210601-Custom Topic-7628 (this is what expect to see typically).  

I do note that looking at meta data - the first import is just the NEF where the 2nd import shows the NEF file and an xmp sidecar file.  

Any ideas to share?? 

[michaell78360836]

@Rikk 

I was only using  single card

Connected to LR using a SD card in a CalDigit box and thunderbolt cable to IMAC

I did not have 'do not import suspected duplicates' checked.

Just turned 880 files into 1760 files 😞

[dancnbutterfly]

I am having the same problem. Duplicate file with a -2 file name.

Mac 11.4

Nikon 780

Lightroom C 10.3

Kingston card reader

[michaell78360836]

Update....I'm not an expert but this works for me...

I am using the card reader in a Caldigit dock connected to my IMAC. When I hit Import in Lightroom Classic I can see the new files in 2 places under 'Source' on the Left Hand Side. Firstly under 'Devices' under EOS Digital (which is the card) and secondly under 'Files' under EOS Digital with subfolder DCIM (make sure the box 'include subfolders' is checked).

Up to now I have been selecting EOS Digital under 'Devices'...and been getting double files. 

Now I select DCIM and download from there and so far no duplicates.

[FeedbackCommunityMember]

So, six months later, same problem. Adobe cannot fix it??? Shameful

However, they're still charging me. I think I'm going to call them and complain, this is defective product 

[FeedbackCommunityMember]

Thanks, this workaround seems to do the trick for me too!

[FeedbackCommunityMember]

I have the same issue. It started to happen after I upgraded to a Canon R6 with 2 card slots. But I always import via a card reader to my MacBook Air M1 running the latest version of Lightroom Classic (I always install the updates when asked to do so). Previously I was using a canon 80D and didn’t have this problem. The only thing changes is the camera (and maybe keeping an up to date version of LRC on my computer) 

[ejsdesign]

This is still an issue. I've uninstalled multiple times, and ensured I'm up to date. Super annoying, especially when you're importing many, many images. When is this going to be fixed?

[nwexposure]

I am also having this problem. Importing via card reader from Nikon Z6 to Lightroom Classic on a MacBook Pro. Duplicates of each file appear when importing. Very annoying.

[Lewis Craik]

I am also having this problem, although I have not yet tried the workaround mentioned of selecting via "files", rather than "devices". 

FWIW, I am on LRC 9.4, which is the latest compatible with my iMac. On my Fuji I have 2 card slots, raw goes to one, jpeg to the other. I remove the raw card and put it in the SD card reader on my iMac. Yet the raw files are duplicated. 

Annoyingly, they are also duplicated on the copy made to a second location, which means I will need to clear them out on my NAS and cloud storage. 

[timosch13]

Same Problem since month an still with Version 10.4

Working with such bug for month is not what i expect using a software for which i have to pay a monthly fee because "it is regulary improved...."

[mtimko]

I have been having this problem for ages, but it doesn't happen on every import—only sporadically. It has been driving me crazy. It just happened yesterday, and I tried ejecting the memory card and then plugging it back in. On the second try, my files imported without the duplicates. So, try ejecting your card and loading them again if you see the duplicate files. This worked for me once, so I hope it's helpful.

[default8t55v5744i4b]

I am also having this issue it's REALLY annoying

[nwexposure]

Workaround (that's working for me): I copy the images from the card/camera to a folder on my hard drive, then import them to LR from there. Voila! No duplicates! 

[default8t55v5744i4b]

that would be awesome except my Mac doesn't detect my camera! only the photo app or lightroom does....#@%*@#$ ...so basically Apple, Adobe and Nikon are ALL failing me right now. awesome. 

[Radiodelta]

Just to add my experience. I get the duplicates on import from a card since several weeks. I'm helping myself with the workaround, choosing "Files" as the import source, not "Devices". Now I have to eject the SD-card manually from my iMac, this makes it one step more.

iMac M1, latest system12.0.1 (Monterey)

Lightroom Classic 11.0, Camera RAW 14.0

Import from SD-Card via Anker reader USB-C

Camera: Leica SL2, RAW-files

[jev_dk]

same problem here for months, Mac Big Sur and Adobe LR 11.1

Import using "files" instead of "devices" seems to work

[m_lance]

Hello.  I have the same issue using LR Classic 11.1 and MacOS Monterey 12.1.  If my camera SD card has one file, LR will import that file and a copy with the "-2" suffix, e.g., DSCF3110.jpg and DSCF3110-2.jpg.  Any fixes yet?  Thank you!

[m_lance]

Update:  From the import dialog, if I select "Untitled" (my SD card) under Source | Devices, LR shows two copies of every JPG and RAF file on the card and the Import function creates two files for each picture with the 2nd having the "-2" suffix.  However, if I select "Untitled" under Source | Files and then select the DCIM folder (or the 103_Fuji) subfolder, LR only shows a single coy of every JPG and RAF on the card and the Import fuction creates only a single file for each picture.  So this is a good work aroud, but it would be nice if selecting the card under Source | Devices did not duplicate the files on the card (for me, it only started doing this in the last 6 months or so).  Thank you.

[Charzzzz]

I have this issue as well. Both my computer and my Lightroom are up to date.

[sarahb83260586]

Also have the latest update both mac OS software and lightroom and this has been a HUGE pain for me since LAST YEAR especially uploading THOUSANDS of images from a wedding.   I constantly have my mac saying I've run out of space beause of the duplicates.  It doesn't matter what memory card I use, whether I use my mkIV or my R6, different card reader... nothing.  I am still getting double images importing.  It would be extremely helpful to have this issue fixed...   

[mtimko]

I’ve found a workaround for this issue since it’s been happening for so
long now. What I do is: first, on the import window, check the box to
“avoid duplicates.” Second, don’t rename the files on import. Most of the
time, my images import normally with these options.

If they still import with the duplicates, they have “-2” appended to the
name of the copies since you didn’t rename them. In that case, I search the
image set for “-2” and delete everything that comes up. Hope this helps
someone.
--
Missy Timko
Missy Timko Photography
www.missytimko.com
412-559-3889

[Charzzzz]

I just found a fix for it! The update that's supposed to fix it did nothing for me. Instead, I had to uninstall any older versions of Photoshop and then restart my computer. Thought uninstalling and reinstalling the current version would help, but nope—I had to get rid of the older versions. Hope this works for you. I wish Adobe would just fix this issue.

[neech2000]

This is still happening as recently as April 5, 2022. It is not fixed. Getting the -2 and now -3 on images. I updated 1000 NEW images and got 3000 in the folder.