How do I use the built-in flash with a manual legacy lens on a Nikon D3100?
Asked 10/4/2013
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I’m using an older 50mm prime on a Nikon D3100. I understand the camera won’t autofocus or meter with this lens, and I’m fine working in manual focus and exposure. However, I can’t get the built-in flash to fire normally. Is there a way to use the on-camera flash with a legacy manual lens?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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I use a Nikon D3000 which should be similar.
In the camera menu (shooting menu, I think) you can control the power of the flash manually. Change the flash to manual rather than TTL, then set the power you would like (e.g. 1/2, 1/4, etc.).
It's slow, and I can't think of a quicker way for the on-camera flash, but it will at least allow you to use it.
Please let me know if that works. Good luck.
Originally by user24519. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user24519
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. With a legacy manual lens, the D3100 may not be able to use normal TTL flash metering, so the built-in flash often needs to be set to manual output instead.
On the D3100, go into the shooting menu and change the flash mode/output from TTL to Manual, then choose a power level such as 1/2, 1/4, etc. Once the flash is set manually, you can adjust exposure by changing flash power, aperture, ISO, and subject distance.
This is slower than using a modern CPU lens because the camera won’t meter the flash automatically, but it should let you use the pop-up flash with the older lens.
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