Nikon D3100

kevinp

kevinp

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Nikon D3100
Had this camera a couple on months now,still can not get used to it as a complete beginner to DLSRs.

Anyway beginning to think there could be a fault in it as somtimes when taking snaps, all of a sudden it just stops working.

It will take shots ok then suddenly when you press the button nothing happens, even when pressing half way to get focus.

Have to wait a couple on mins then it works again, but stops after every few shots, then have to switch it off untill next time.

Dont want to take it back to the shop in case this is normal.:thinking:

Anyone any ideas on this.

Thanks Kevin
 
Are you sure that the lens is focused. When using autofocus and the lens struggles to define a clear focus point the shutter will not fire. A quick test would be to slide the autofocus/manual focus switch on the lens to the manual position.

In manual focus the shutter will fire even if the subject is out of focus.
 
My first thought was this sounds like the sort of symptoms people report when the contacts between the lens and camera are a bit dirty and need a clean.
 
Bristolian said:
My first thought was this sounds like the sort of symptoms people report when the contacts between the lens and camera are a bit dirty and need a clean.
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Only had about 3 months from Brand New. Still under warranty.
Is this normal?
 
Kevin

I use a D3100, had it for about 18 months. I get similar issues but only when the autofocus will not lock because of lack of contrast or it's getting a bit too dark. Suggest you try what Neil has suggested re manual focus switch (assuming it's a kit type lens)

Re dirty contacts, it probably depends on whether you switch lenses, how often and what happens- it might only take a stray thread to give you intermittent faults- even if you've only changed it once.
 
kevinp said:
Only had about 3 months from Brand New. Still under warranty.
Is this normal?
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Is it normal? No. Is it unheard of? No. You may have only had the camera for a few months but it might have been on the shelf for much longer.
 
Another thing that came to my mind is your memory card. Is it a new decent one? As if its quite old then it could be taking the camera a while to save the photos you've just taken so won't allow you to shoot any more.
 
I've recently bought a D3100 and my first thought on your problem was the autofocus as mentioned already. It was something that was throwing me when I first got mine, particularly trying to focus on very close objects.

The D3100 will not let you take a picture in Autofocus mode if the camera has not established a focus, unlike a point and shoot which will hapily snap away whether there is focus or not.

In the viewfinder, if you are not able to take a shot, look in the lower left corner to see if there is a green dot. If not then you haven't focussed properly, release the shutter and half press again.

If that's not what's happening then sorry, I can't be any more help.

One recommendation I would make though (if you are a COMPLETE beginner) have a look at D3100 from Snapshots to Greatshots book. It's a decent read and very simply introductory guide to photography and it's written around the D3100 specifically.
 
jonjay3012 said:
I've recently bought a D3100 and my first thought on your problem was the autofocus as mentioned already. It was something that was throwing me when I first got mine, particularly trying to focus on very close objects.

The D3100 will not let you take a picture in Autofocus mode if the camera has not established a focus, unlike a point and shoot which will hapily snap away whether there is focus or not.

In the viewfinder, if you are not able to take a shot, look in the lower left corner to see if there is a green dot. If not then you haven't focussed properly, release the shutter and half press again.

If that's not what's happening then sorry, I can't be any more help.

One recommendation I would make though (if you are a COMPLETE beginner) have a look at D3100 from Snapshots to Greatshots book. It's a decent read and very simply introductory guide to photography and it's written around the D3100 specifically.
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It happens when I am taking a few photos,for instance last time it happend was when taking photos of my grandchildren playing, after taking about 20 to 25 it started, did not change distance, and it was the same light, when half pressing nothing happens, does not focus even when taking practically the very same shot.

Also when I bought from PC World, the box was not sealed, not sure if it is supposed to be as laptops ect come in a sealed box.
 
Are those 20-25 shots taken in quick succession in a continuous burst? If so, my money's on the buffer being full. My recommendation for a book on the camera is the supplied manual - well worth reading from cover to cover a couple of times and keeping in the kit bag for reference when needed. PDF versions of all Nikon manuals are available on their website.
 
As above, is that 25 shots in 30 minutes, or 25 shots in a few seconds?

The D3100 has a limited buffer, coupled with a slow card, you will hit its limits very quickly when bursting shots.
 
TCR4x4 said:
As above, is that 25 shots in 30 minutes, or 25 shots in a few seconds?

The D3100 has a limited buffer, coupled with a slow card, you will hit its limits very quickly when bursting shots.
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I would say maybe 4 to 5 minutes, not continuous shooting or quick succession.

Have to wait about 30 seconds for it to get back to normal, but then after a few more shots it will happen again.
 
Kevin, where about's in the North East are you? You'd be welcome to try a super fast SD card of mine if you're local and check that isn't the problem.

Should have added, I've had several Nikon DSLR's now so would probably be able to tell you straight away if there is a problem or not.
 
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gad-westy said:
Kevin, where about's in the North East are you? You'd be welcome to try a super fast SD card of mine if you're local and check that isn't the problem.

Should have added, I've had several Nikon DSLR's now so would probably be able to tell you straight away if there is a problem or not.
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Hello I am in Stanley, Durham.
 
Not too far from me. I'm away for a few days but will give you a shout when I'm back if you want me to help out.
 
gad-westy said:
Not too far from me. I'm away for a few days but will give you a shout when I'm back if you want me to help out.
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Thanks that would be great,
Been looking for some local photograpy courses but theres none about at the moment. Any help and advice will be appreciated.

Cheers
 
I'm 99% sure it isn't the SD card as it wouldn't stop the lens from focussing.


What focus method are you using? Single, matrix, 3d tracking and is it single focus or continuous?

Try shooting in manual focus and it will probably shoot constantly happy as anything.

The issue is probably lens or body related. Do you just have the 1 lens, if you could borrow a lens to test, it would be great. You could then see if the problem exists only when the 18-55 is used.

When it stops focussing, aim it at something bright and see if it focuses.
 
Hiya Kevin. Your thread is now 3 days old and you've had lots of advice and help - is the camera still giving you the same problem?
My bet is that you've been shooting in light levels that is too low and the auto focus just can't latch onto a focus point which is why the shutter wont open. Would love to know if the problem is solved
 
nikon.norm said:
Hiya Kevin. Your thread is now 3 days old and you've had lots of advice and help - is the camera still giving you the same problem?
My bet is that you've been shooting in light levels that is too low and the auto focus just can't latch onto a focus point which is why the shutter wont open. Would love to know if the problem is solved
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Hello I am working none stop now over the weekend so will give it a go on Sunday and report back.

Thanks Everyone for your help and advice.
 
Hi Kevin,

I have a D3100 and I've had the same problem if I've tried to focus on something too close, if that makes sense. Takiung a couple of steps back usually solves it.
 
nikon.norm said:
Hiya Kevin. Your thread is now 3 days old and you've had lots of advice and help - is the camera still giving you the same problem?
My bet is that you've been shooting in light levels that is too low and the auto focus just can't latch onto a focus point which is why the shutter wont open. Would love to know if the problem is solved
Click to expand...

Looks like we may be left guessing guys!
 
Davec223 said:
It's Xmas eve, strangely people have a lot on this time of the year.
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Once you ask a question, you are legally obliged to reply. LOL
 
ManVan said:
Looks like we may be left guessing guys!
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Sorry just got in from work again, [taxi driver] been none stop this week, and will be till after New Year,

Will test it as soon as I get time and get back.

Thanks Again Everyone.
 
I found that the D3100 can also go a tad funny when it has a low(ish) battery.
 
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