Camera randomly deletes entire memory card of images

I do not have an L26, but on Nikon SLR's there is a menu item that allows you to reset the counter. The L26 may have the same feature since it is rather basic. Have you looked in the manual that came with your camera?

Use the USB cable to back the images to your computer and then delete the ones you've backed up. You can also copy "all" of your images from the camera and theb format the memory card while in the camera to clear it completely (be SURE TO BACKUP ALL IMAGES first).

Erasing a memory card: when erasing a memory card, individual photos are deleted from their directories on the card. You can erase one or more user selected images at a time, or erase all images at one time. However, any images that you've selected to be "protected" through another menu option will not be removed during the erasure process.

Formatting a memory card: format a memory card sample menuFormatting, on the other hand, deletes all images from a memory card, even the ones that may have been protected. It recreates the file system including new directories and folders where images are saved on the card.

Unlike erasing, formatting improves the overall performance of a card.

Low level formatting: some digital cameras offer a low level format in addition to the standard format option. With a low level format, all data on the card is deleted. New directories and folders are also recreated during this process.

A low-level format of a high speed memory card helps ensure smooth continuous shooting at a constant interval. For optimal video performance, it's also recommended that a low level format be done sometime prior to recording.

In camera, not computer: though opinions vary, many recommend formatting a memory card in a digital camera, not via a computer. If you plan to use a memory card that was previously used in another camera, format the card in the new camera before taking any shots.

Hope this helps and just keep in mind that your feedback is important and I'll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa.

Erasing a memory card: when erasing a memory card, individual photos are deleted from their directories on the card. You can erase one or more user selected images at a time, or erase all images at one time. However, any images that you've selected to be "protected" through another menu option will not be removed during the erasure process.

Formatting a memory card: format a memory card sample menuFormatting, on the other hand, deletes all images from a memory card, even the ones that may have been protected. It recreates the file system including new directories and folders where images are saved on the card.

Unlike erasing, formatting improves the overall performance of a card.

Low level formatting: some digital cameras offer a low level format in addition to the standard format option. With a low level format, all data on the card is deleted. New directories and folders are also recreated during this process.

A low-level format of a high speed memory card helps ensure smooth continuous shooting at a constant interval. For optimal video performance, it's also recommended that a low level format be done sometime prior to recording.

In camera, not computer: though opinions vary, many recommend formatting a memory card in a digital camera, not via a computer. If you plan to use a memory card that was previously used in another camera, format the card in the new camera before taking any shots.

Hope this helps and just keep in mind that your feedback is important and I'll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa.

In the playback menu select "Format" this will erase all images

Okay the FEE is telling me that you haven't locked your lens in at F22. Lock the lens should be an aperture ring turn it to the smallest aperture and there is a little lock on the side of the lens that will hold it in that position. The camera then looks after the rest. If this is allowed to float then the camera is getting a faults input from the lens. The CHG is a card error, possible you have been deleting images from the card and not formatting the card the card needs to be formatted to the camera.
As a rule of thumb format the memory card in the camera after each time you download pictures to the computer. This cleans the memory card and allows proper communications between memory card and camera. Okay you'll love this one the "FOR" error is a known problem with Nikon D70 and can be fixed by updating your camera firmware on Nikon's site that Otta help. cheers have fun

To delete all pics, just format the card. The menu will have a "Format Card" option.

I was having similar issues. My memory card was ejecting itself unkowingly. So some of your pictures are on camera memory (fills up fast) and some are on the memory card. My card was randomly ejecting with the door closed. So you never know if you are taking shots on camera of disk memory. You also seem to be missing phots when reviewing because the card is out of place. I am sending my camera to Nikon today.

You are right not to trust the camera until the problem is solved. I think it may have something to do with dirty contacts in the sockets between the camera and the computer USB ports, and possibly also the camera and memory card contacts. One thing is common to both your incidents, and that is the USB port on your computer. These get notoriously dirty. I use the tube of a vacuum cleaner to clean them, as well as inserting things several times with the computer and camera off, to scrape away any oxidation or other grime on the contacts. Use the vacuum cleaner to clean all your plugs and sockets. Even mini USB plugs can be cleaned by placing between to fingers over the end of the running vacuum cleaner tube. Use microfibre cloth (not fluffy or tissue) dampened with metho to clean any contacts that are easily accessible. Another thing that can cause the corruption (and the inability to see data) that you describe is if cards or leads are pluged in OR OUT while the camera is turned on. A USB mouse might be hot plugging, but camera memory cards are not. Camera manuals say never to remove or install a card while the camera is on (Fuji and Rollei certainly do). I'm the same with plugging live 5volt USB leads into the camera. So hot plugging could also explain how you lost your pictures twice. Good camera shops can sometimes recover lost pictures from cards. I recommend that everyone with a digital camera carries a spare card. 4GB Magic Gate cards go for $25 on the I/Net, and 8GB $45. Do the things I have mentioned here, and take hundreds and hundreds of junk pictures to TEST what you are doing and your camera computer system. Do not RISK any important events. Only after the most thorough testing with 100% successful results can you consider yourself and your equipment (camera and computer) reliable. If your testing finds failures, my advice is to get a new camera. Nearly always (as with laptop computers) the value gained from repairing a digital camera is less worthwhile than taking advantage of the ALWAYS cheaper price of newer and better models with full warrantees.

Causes of memory card corruption

• Turning off a camera before an image is completely written to the memory card.
• Removing the memory card from a camera while an image is being written to the card.
• Removing the card from a memory card reader while files are still being transferred to a computer.
• Batteries conking out as files are being transfered directly from the camera to a computer. Note: always make sure you have fully charged batteries before transferring images.
• Removing the card from a card reader while folders and files from the card are open on a computer.
• Opening, deleting, renaming or moving files on the card while its contents are open on a computer.
• Using a memory card which has not been formatted in the camera. Use the delete/erase function when needed, however a card should be regularly formatted.
• Formatting a card in a computer instead of the camera.
• Inserting a second memory card into a card reader before closing and removing the first when viewing images on the card from a computer.
• Taking photos when camera batteries are nearly empty.
• Taking photos too rapidly so the camera can not complete writing one image before starting the next.
• Continually shooting and deleting, shooting and deleting images when the card is full.
• Letting a memory card get too full before downloading the images to a computer or storage device. Cards that are too full may overwrite the card headers.
• Using a memory card from one camera in a different camera without formatting it in the new camera first.