NEF files converting to thumbnails

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Level 1

10 points

NEF files converting to thumbnails

There are two parts to my issue:

imported .nef files into Photos on Mac (latest software installed), when drag and drop to desktop, appears as a thumbnail, really low res looking but still 30mb. Doesn’t happen when I file - export, but have always had the convenience of drag drop.
When editing a Nef file in Photos, eg crop, the image immediately turns into a grainy low res looking version (but still says 30 mb). Then when I try and drag and drop it sends an error message (as opposed to the thumbnail which happens if I do the same with an unedited photo).

I have ‘repaired’ photo library, reinstalled Mac software and tried restarting in safe mode.

This only started happening in the last few months, and is not the photo card and now also happens on the MacBook air (as well as desktop)

Posted on Jun 17, 2023 6:05 PM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

216,208 points

Jun 18, 2023 11:34 AM in response to kristy7124

When you click and drag a RAW image thumbnail to the Desktop you're getting the preview jpeg verson of it that Photos creates upon import. It should be the same pixel dimension but since it's a jpeg file it will be much, much smaller than the original. If you want the original .nef file Option+drag the thumbnail to the Desktop or use the File ➙ Import ➙ Unmodified original menu option.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

216,208 points

Jun 18, 2023 2:50 PM in response to kristy7124

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 3

kristy7124 Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 18, 2023 2:48 PM in response to Old Toad

No that’s not it. It is a recent error that is occuring. Used to work just fine. The file now that is dragged to desktop is unusable it’s so small and pixelated. And it doesn’t work at all if I had edited the photo first before drag and drop, even the most basic crop, the drag and drop attempt will give an error message.

old Nef files work fine and so do jpg

its not the card either as tried with another card

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