It seems the recent macOS Sequoia 15.4 update is causing headaches for more photographers than initially thought. A bug that’s been making waves recently doesn’t just mess with Canon files — it’s hitting Nikon users too. Just a few days ago, I wrote about how Canon CR3 and CR2 RAW files were showing up as black thumbnails in Finder after the update. But it seems like comments from readers and posts popping up online suggested that Nikon NEF files are facing the same frustrating issue.
The problem is pretty straightforward but annoying. After installing macOS 15.4, Nikon NEF files don’t preview properly in Finder. Instead of seeing a thumbnail of your photo, you get a blank black square. It’s not just one or two people noticing this either. One Reddit user vented, “Updated to Sequoia 14.5 can’t preview any RAW/NEF files?!!! What can I do?!” Another chimed in, “RAF preview still works for me, NEF is broken.” The bug seems picky — some users say previews work fine for other formats like Fuji RAF, but Nikon NEF gets the short end of the stick.
As I mentioned in my initial report, a few folks have noticed that resizing the Finder window or zooming in and out can sometimes trick the preview into showing up. It’s a clunky fix, though, and not something you’d want to do for every file.
Imagine being a pro photographer trying to sort through hundreds of shots with that kind of hassle. One user on a forum put it bluntly, “It did NOT use to be this way. I use to get a preview of the image, just like I would with .jpg files.”
For those desperate to get around this, there’s a workaround floating around. Some have turned to a third-party app called “Camera Raw X,” which costs $7.99 on the App Store. A user shared, “You simply pay for it, download it, and it works in the background. You will then see the Previews as before in Finder.” It’s a solid fix, but it stings to shell out cash for something that broke after a free update. Not everyone’s thrilled about that.
Apple hasn’t said a word about this yet, which is odd since RAW file previews have been a reliable feature forever. The more people report it, though, the better chance we have of seeing a patch. If this bug’s hitting you, head over to Apple’s feedback page and let them know. Every report helps.
Until then, Nikon shooters might want to think twice before updating to 15.4, especially if Finder previews are key to your workflow. It’s a bummer to see this bug spread beyond Canon files to Nikon NEF too. Hopefully, Apple’s got a fix coming soon.
Dwayne Cubbins
836 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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