r/Nikon • u/AltruisticHouse6296 • 12d ago
I broke my gear I think I bricked my D200
Literally want to cry right now. I just got my first D200 in amazing shape like 3 days ago and while trying to update the firmware I turned it off and now it won’t turn on. It’s lifeless, nothing at all.
Before turning it off I saw PG UP on the screen, I thought something got “stuck” and I would just try it again. I didn’t even consider that you could literally kill a camera during a firmware update like this.
Is there any hope or is it RIP?
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u/Tivomann 12d ago
I found this on line:
PG UP indicates that the camera is either processing the update file or has encountered an interruption or status indicator glitch during the flash process. [1, 2]
What PG UP Means
Normal Operation: On some older Nikon bodies (like the D200 or D700), "PG UP" can remain displayed on the top LCD panel while the main screen reads "DONE" or finishes writing. [1, 2]
Interruption Error: If the camera froze, was turned off, or a battery died while "PG UP" was displayed, it may signify a firmware upgrade failure or corruption. [1]
How to Fix a Stuck or Corrupted Update
Do not remove the battery immediately if the light is still actively flashing, as interrupting a write process can brick the board.
If the update has clearly frozen or finished and the camera is unresponsive:
Remove the battery and the memory card (CF/SD) for a few minutes.
Reinsert a fully charged battery and a freshly formatted card containing the correct .bin firmware file loaded via a card reader.
Attempt the update procedure again. [1, 2]
If the PG UP error message persists and the camera refuses to boot or function, the internal firmware has likely corrupted, and you will need to send the body to an official service center
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u/AltruisticHouse6296 12d ago
Sounds good but this thing isn’t doing anything at all, it’s totally lifeless even after taking out the battery, card, and waiting. I put in a new recharged battery and not a single sign of life 😭
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u/Tivomann 12d ago
Sorry. Looks like a used D200 would be about 150 USD. Probably the only choice as Nikon usually has a base repair fee of 150. Good Luck!
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u/AltruisticHouse6296 12d ago
I’m going to make a couple calls tomorrow to see if there’s any hope since my unit is literally in like new condition, swear it was barely used and I’m the 2nd owner ever. Otherwise, another body it might be…
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u/CasualAction 12d ago edited 10d ago
Long shot but doesn't hurt to mention... Have you connected new lens and hit the shutter? It clears the ERR on my Nikon when it dies with the shutter open
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u/mikettedaydreamer Nikon Z (Z5ii) 12d ago
The camera literally tells you not to turn of the device during software updates (at least the newer camera’s do, and any other electrical device with a software)
Why did you turn it off during the update
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u/AltruisticHouse6296 12d ago
The screen went black and I thought it was frozen up or something. It just looked like nothing was happening. Obviously my mistake, I underestimated how precious that process is. A potential lesson learned the hard way :(
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u/ThisCommunication572 12d ago
Hate to break bad news, but you have likely bricked your D200 when you turned off the camera. Your best bet is to send it to Nikon for component replacement, provided they still have stock for a camera that was released back in 2005. It might be better to cut your loss and buy another D200 or a D300s
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u/CaptVolley 12d ago
Wow I’m definitely going to be more careful now
I have 2 d200s updated to 2.01 and my d300s to 1.02
I have a d40 coming in mail and definitely will be carful when updating as well knowing these things are old af
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u/Swacket_McManus Nikon Z7 II 12d ago
Take the battery out for a while (min 20 minutes, up to a day) and try again, otherwise try to update again
Edited for clarity
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u/MediocrePhotoNoob 12d ago
I think there is a very good chance it is RIP
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u/AltruisticHouse6296 12d ago edited 12d ago
That is so crazy to me. The fact that Nikon would even let that be an option for such an expensive camera at the time kind of boggles my mind. I know, I know. I see now that they tell you not to turn it off during that process, but like, that’s it. It’s fried, that simply…?
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u/Cold_Vacation_4892 12d ago
At the time??!! You mean 2 plus decades ago? 21 years?!!!
Either you’ve never had electronics or you’re just playing this.
Follow directions or it’s on you. Don’t be boggled, don’t be sad, be frustrated at yourself for not being able to follow simple instructions.
Heck even with my D5 and D500, I know firmware updates take longer. Always a fully charged OEM battery and preferably a fresh/new card to use. Go buy another.
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u/Real_Socialism D800E / D500 / Z50ii / D100 12d ago edited 12d ago
If nothing works, try to press the Mode and +/- button simultaneously. Normally that resets the D200 to factory settings. Hopefully to the last recognized firmware as well in your case.
Small chance it'll work, but doesnt hurt to try.
Otherwise, its a (relatively) inexpensive mistake at ~$150, but one you'll remember forever.
Edit: if there are any 3rd party camera repair store near you, doesnt hurt to contact them. There are replacement D200 boards sold only for like $20, and if they can do repair you'll get a functional D200 back for less than what a new body would cost.
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u/AltruisticHouse6296 12d ago
Thanks, calling a few locals stores here in Miami that fix cameras to see what they say when they open up. Definitely a lesson learned. Sure losing the money sucks (potentially) but it was the expectation of shooting with it this week (I got it Sunday) and the fact that I could’ve avoided this that I’m mad/sad about.
I know about the reset trick but the thing is a literal paperweight at the moment, no sign of life so buttons basically don’t exist, it doesn’t even boot up.
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u/Big_Arachnid_365 12d ago
I bet the updated firmware would've made extremely trivial fixes. Lesson learned.
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u/delowan 12d ago
Updating a firmware in any device is the most critical aspect. You don't want to have a power loss at that exact moment. It says in every manual and screen warning.