Nikon 1 J3 Firmware

This service provides software for upgrading Nikon 1 J3 A firmware to Ver. 1.20 and B firmware to Ver. 1.20. This software allows for simultaneous update of both A and B firmware to the latest version. Verify your camera’s firmware version using the instructions below. If this latest version is already installed in your camera, you need not update the firmware.

Be sure that you have read and understand the terms of the license agreement before initiating download of this software from the links at the bottom of this page.

Modifications enabled in this version

• Support for the FULL/LIMIT focus limit switch on the 1 NIKKOR VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 has been added.
  When camera firmware is updated to this version, autofocus does not function when an FT1 running L firmware Ver. 1.10 or earlier is used.
  Users of the FT1 must update FT1 L firmware to Ver. 1.20 at the same time camera firmware is updated.
• An issue that sometimes caused a card access error to be displayed when a Lexar UHS-I SD memory card was inserted in the camera has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented wireless shooting via the WU-1b (Wireless Mobile Adapter) when the Digiscoping Adapter DSA-N1 for Nikon 1 cameras was used, or when manual focus was used with an AF-S lens mounted via the Mount Adapter FT1, has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented reading of .MOV data contained in folders numbered 256 or higher on the memory card inserted in the camera by an application such as the Wireless Mobile Utility used to connect a device via PTP/IP has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented adjustment of magnification for manual focus display from Focus mode > Manual focus in the shooting menu when a manual focus lens was used has been resolved. 

Precaution for upgrading firmware

The camera’s internal clock may be reset when the firmware is upgraded. Should this occur, set the clock to the correct date and time after the firmware has been upgraded using the Time zone and date item in the setup menu.

How to verify your cameras current firmware version

If the latest firmware version is already installed on your J3 you need not proceed with download or installation of this Firmware Upgrade. The current firmware version can be verified from the Firmware version item in the camera's setup menu.

1. Turn on the camera.
2. Press the MENU button to display the menu screen.  
3. Select the Setup Menu.  
4. Select Firmware version from the setup menu.
5. The camera's A and B firmware versions will be displayed. 
6. Turn off the camera.

Quick Install Guide

This is the quick install guide, for detailed instructions click the link below.

Power the camera from AC adapter unit or use a fully charged battery.

1. Create a new folder with an appropriate name on your computer's hard drive.
2. Download the Windows (.EXE) or Mac (.DMG) file from the links at the bottom of this page to the folder created in step 1.
3. Run the downloaded file to create a folder called J3Update which contains the J3_0120.bin file .
4. Use a card reader or similar device to copy the  J3_0120.bin file to the root directory of a memory card formatted in the camera.
5. Insert the memory card into the camera's memory card slot and turn on the camera.
6. Select Firmware version from the camera's setup menu and follow instructions displayed to upgrade the firmware.
7. After the upgrade is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Access the Firmware version item in the camera's setup menu to confirm that the firmware has been upgraded.

Firmware upgrades can be performed for you at authorized Nikon service centers.

Windows: Detailed Firmware Upgrade instructions

Mac: Detailed Firmware Upgrade instructions

System Requirements