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?

nikon d3100 legacy-lenses manual-focus flash

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

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

AI Answer

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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.

How do I use the built-in flash with a manual legacy lens on a Nikon D3100?

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