Lightroom Classic Import Freezes When Camera is Connected

[Tom!k]

Hello everyone! 

I have encountered a fatal issue with Adobe Lightroom Classic (5.3) that prevents me from importing images. When my camera, a Nikon Z6, is connected to my computer via USB, Lightroom will open and function correctly. However, when I hit Import, it will freeze fatally and will not unfreeze. The operating system is still running smoothly and I am able to work on the PC outside of Lightroom, but Lightroom itself will return a Not Responding window and let me choose whether to wait or close. 

The only way to unstuck Lightroom Classic is to turn off my camera. This disconnects it and I am no longer able to import images directly from my camera into Lightroom, copying the files into a selected folder on my hard drive. I have updated Lightroom, reinstalled, and researched as much as I could to no avail. I have not been able to use Lightroom to import images at all. All I can do is copy the files onto my PC and then import them into Lightroom once they are on the drive. This process is inefficient for my workflow. 

I would greatly appreciate if you could help me resolve this issue. If there is any additional information about this issue that I can provide, please let me know and I will do my best to submit it. 

Thank you in advance and have a fantastic day! 

[johnrellis]

You're on a very old version of LR, so there may be nothing you can do.  But the first thing to try is update to the last version of LR 5, 5.7.1:

https://prodesigntools.com/download/pub/adobe/legacy/lightroom/win/5.x/Lightroom_5_LS11_win_5_7_1.ex...

Prodesigntools.com is a reputable site with many of the old versions of LR. 

[Tom!k]

Thank you for your response, johnrellis. 

I have checked after reading your message and I was actually looking at the wrong Lightroom since I have both Lightroom and Lightroom Classic installed. I am currently running Lightroom Classic 11.3.1. I apologize for the confusion. 

[johnrellis]

Over the years, it seems that importing via USB cable has become a second-class citizen, with a number of problems.  A couple thoughts:

- In the Import window, see if the camera appears in both the Devices and Files section (some will, some won't when you connect a USB cable).  If it's selected under Devices, switch to Files, or vice versa.

- Use a card reader instead.  USB card readers cost under $10, and LR will import faster from a card reader than via cable, and you'll avoid other bugs as well.

- Try resetting LR's preferences:
https://www.lightroomqueen.com/articles-page/how-do-i-reset-lightrooms-preferences/

LR sometimes soils its preferences file, and resetting it can fix all sorts of wonky behavior. That article explains how to restore the old preferences if resetting doesn't help.

[JP Hess]

You would do well to use a card reader rather than trying to download directly from your camera. I have no experience with the camera model you are using, but have always used a card reader and have never had a problem downloading with either version of Lightroom.

[Tom!k]

Thank you again! The camera only appears under Devices and once it pops up, the window freezes, so I cannot even click over to Folders. Even when Folders are selected while the camera connects, the window freezes all the same. I have tried resetting the Preferences both through the shortcut (Shift + Alt on Lightroom startup) and by deleting the actual Preferences file, but sadly, it has not worked. 

I am probably making this issue more than it needs to be. I have avoided purchasing a card reader because CFexpress and XQD card readers, not to mention ones that can handle both, are relatively expensive. The card reader seems like the safest and fastest choice. 

Thank you again for all of your help! I wish bugs like these didn't exist, but it's not a perfect world. I greatly appreciate your time and advice. Have a wonderful day! 

[JP Hess]

If it is possible for you to copy the images using the operating system and I wonder if it is setting on your import dialog. Can you share a screenshot of your import dialog?

[JP Hess]

The OP indicated that the card readers for those cards are rather expensive. So there is a choice to be made here; either import using the OS and then import into Lightroom or spend the money for a card reader. I don't like importing from the camera. My experience is that it is slower and is prone to malfunction. But if the OP is comfortable doing it that way and wants to save a little money than that is his choice.