Nikon D3100 flash fires even when the pop-up flash is down
Asked 7/23/2013
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2 answers
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On a Nikon D3100, the flash seems to fire in M/A/S/P modes even though the built-in pop-up flash is closed, and pressing the flash button does not pop it up. Firmware is current. Is there a setting to force the flash to stay off, or does this point to a hardware problem?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
1
If the pop-up flash is going off while it is down, it sounds like the flash believe it is up already but is not popping up. The spring that pops the flash up may be disconnected or damaged or the sensor that detects when the flash is closed may be malfunctioning. It might even be both. I would try manually raising the flash while pushing the flash release (not too hard though). I'd also try pushing the flash down to see if it registers as being closed when it is pushed down.
In either case, your best bet is probably to contact your camera manufacturer and send it in to be serviced if it is within the warranty period. If not, unless you are comfortable working on the insides of the camera, it's still probably best to send it out to be repaired.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
12y ago
0
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This does not sound like a normal setting issue if the built-in flash is firing while physically closed and the flash-release button won’t raise it. On the D3100, a flash that is open/ready will fire in M/A/S/P, but if the pop-up unit is down it should not behave that way.
The most likely causes are a hardware fault: the pop-up spring/latch may be damaged, or the camera may think the flash is already open because the closed-position sensor is malfunctioning. A mounted hot-shoe flash could also explain flash firing, so first make sure there is no external flash attached or powered on.
You can cautiously try pressing the flash release while gently helping the pop-up flash lift, and also pressing the flash down to see whether the camera recognizes it as closed. Don’t force it.
If the behavior continues, service/repair is the best answer, especially if the camera is still under warranty.
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