File rotation using exif orientation - what are SubIFD parameters

[Aubrey]

I have some old" NEF files in my database that were worked on with ViewNX 2.3
When looked at in viewer their orientation is not correct.
I have tried to change the orientation using exif orientation, rotating CCW 90. There is no change in orientation.

I've listed the exif data, and searched for "orientation"
The output is as follows:
[IFD0]          Orientation                     : Rotate 270 CW
[SubIFD]        Orientation                     : Horizontal (normal)
[SubIFD1]       Orientation                     : Horizontal (normal)
[SubIFD2]       Orientation                     : Horizontal (normal)
[XMP-tiff]      Orientation                     : Horizontal (normal)

It appears that orientation is applied to IFD0, but not to other parameters. I've spent a few hours trying to get to the bottom of the issue.
Any idea where SubIFD is coming from? I don't see it in the xmf file, therefore it must be embedded in the NEF. I've looked at the exiftool to see if I can remove or change these parameters, but to no avail.

I've created a new database with just one file to see if I could solve, but without success.

Any suggestions?

Aubrey.

[Mario]

SubIFds usually indicate metadata overflow, multiple metadata blocks, embedded sub-images or pages and similar. iView did a lot of damage.
Consider removing the EXIF data with ExifTool (keep only the XMP). Or use a virtual rotation in IMatch.

[ubacher]

I have tried to change the orientation using exif orientation, rotating CCW 90. There is no change in orientation.

My experience is that you need to set first Normal (No Rotation) then rotate it as wanted.

I don't see it in the xmp file, therefore it must be embedded in the NEF.

You should be able to see the metadata in the NEF file using the exiftool command processor.

[Aubrey]

iView did a lot of damage.

I agree 100% with this comment!

Or use a virtual rotation in IMatch.

Virtual quote is fine within IMatch, but when one uses an external program the orientation is not captured.

Consider removing the EXIF data with ExifTool (keep only the XMP). Or use a virtual rotation in IMatch.

I've used the command in ECP:
-G1
-all=
-charset
filename=UTF8
{Files}

This removes much of my info about the photo (e.g., lens type, iso, ev - I note shutter speed and f stop only remain)
Is there a better command so as to leave the XMP ?

@ubacher:
Thank you for your suggestions - I'm aware of initially setting no rotation etc.
I have looked at the metadata in the NEF using ECP

Update:
I have applied the following from a cmd window:
(I have exiftool directory in my path)
exiftool -all= --exif:all AOC_D80_120808_1693.NEF

This appears to resolve the issue, there are not too many images with the rotation issue so I can now solve this manually 

I tried using the following in ECP
-all= --exif:all
{Files}
but it gave a warning:
Warning: [Minor] String to short for IPTC:UniqueObjectName (padded) - D:/tempTest/AOC_D80_120808_1693.NEF
appeared to overwrite lens name:
Unknown (8F 00 00 00 00 00 91 00)

[Mario]

To remove Exif data, usually

-exif:all=

is the right command. This leaves other data in place (and most EXIF data is duplicated in XMP anyway).
Sometimes you need to run it twice.