Took the memory card out of my camera yesterday. when i put it back in it displays CHA on the screen. what happened? i can't use my camera.

The "CHA" means the camera cannot read the card here are a couple of reasons why this may occur. The most probable is that the card didn't seat properly when you put it in so try reseating it.
CHA can also mean that the camera has detected an invalid partition type. Reformatting the card may allow it to be used.

CHA also means the card cannot be used for other reasons. F.i. the card can be damaged. Try to format the card. That is, when you could use the card before. If you bought a new card, Make sure it is not a SDXC card, because your camera only allows MMC, SD and SDHC cards. If nothing helps, also look in the memory card holder, if nothing strange is in there, or the sensor that looks for the lock, is functioning correct. If you don't know how, please visit or contact a Nikon-Authorised service centre.

CFconnector bad ,replacement needed.

Nikon says this about CHA:


When a Memory card is inserted into a D-SLR camera, the camera checks the card for compatibility and usability. There are three possible results of the test:

1) Camera detects valid Memory card, displays number of remaining images in top LCD

2) Camera displays "FOR" in top control panel LCD. The camera has detected a valid disk partition map, but was unable to read the first sector of the Memory Card. Formatting the memory Card using the cameras format option, should resolve this condition and allow the Memory card to be used.

3) Camera displays "CHA" in top LCD. The camera has detected an invalid partition type or is not working properly. Reformatting the memory card may allow it to be used. If an approved memory card causes the camera to display the "CHA" indicator contact the memory cards manufacturer for assistance.

(Nikon's list of "approved" memory cards can be found here.)

Please note that the default disk format used in Windows XP is FAT32 and if a card is formatted with this setting on an XP system, a D1 series camera will report "CHA". Reformat the card as "FAT" to use in the D1 series camera.


When the CHA error is shown, typically the camera will freeze and require that the battery be removed from the camera before it can take another picture. After that picture has been taken, the camera freezes up again for many owners.

Some owners have success removing and either re-seating or inserting a new memory card in the camera.

Some owners have success clearing the error by removing the lens and then reinstalling.

The key to these "fixes" is that they don't all work for everyone. You might need to return the camera to Nikon for repair. You can arrange for Nikon service here.

I hope this helps and good luck. Please rate this reply. Thank you.

If there are brackets around the CHR, it means the card is locked. SD cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card. If the switch is already in the proper position, slide it fully the other way and then back again.

If there are no brackets around the CHR, it means the camera cannot read your memory card. Try a different card.

Sounds like you're switching the same card between cameras. Rule #1...one card per camera. Format the card in the camera it is to be used in. There is no Rule #2.

I found this answer on the Nikon web site.

3) Camera displays “CHA” in top LCD. The camera has detected an invalid partition type or is not working properly. Reformatting the memory card may allow it to be used. If an approved memory card causes the camera to display the "CHA" indicator contact the memory cards manufacturer for assistance.

Please note that the default disk format used in Windows XP is FAT32 and if a card is formatted with this setting on an XP system, a D1 series camera will report "CHA". Reformat the card as "FAT" to use in the D1 series camera.

First read:
http://www.vandyll.net/?p=499

Then read how, with pics: 
http://www.stephanmantler.com/wordpress/d70s-camera-repair/en/

Careful now....

CHA errors indicate a communication issue with the CF card. Your card could be going bad, you could have a broken pin, or any number of other problems.

I'm running into this same problem now. If anyone has a good step-by-step to troubleshoot which of the dozen things this error could be, I'd appreciate it.

For myself, I'm planning to start by trying a new CF card.

Try to clean the contacts of the memory cards and, mostly, of the memory card bay of the camera. Use a dry anti-static fabric (e.g. what we use to clean eye-glasses). DON'T use any liquid cleaner of anything like that!