Nikon D3100 records only black images; shutter stays closed during exposure

Asked 11/16/2014

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2 answers

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My Nikon D3100 suddenly started taking only black photos in every mode. The LCD, playback, viewfinder, and EXIF all seem normal, and there are no error messages. With the lens removed, I set a long manual exposure and watched inside the body: the mirror flips up, but the shutter curtain appears to remain closed for the whole exposure. Does this indicate a stuck shutter, and is it something I can safely fix myself or does it need professional repair?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

2 Answers

5

As you have watched the shutter getting stuck, it seems fair to assume this is indeed a stuck shutter. Take it to a Nikon authorised repair shop: not something you want to tackle yourself really.

Originally by user3205. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user3205

11y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes—if the mirror lifts but the shutter curtain remains closed throughout the exposure, that strongly points to a stuck shutter. That would explain the nearly black files with slight variation/noise.

The safest recommendation is to have the camera inspected by a Nikon-authorized repair shop. A shutter assembly is not generally considered a DIY repair for most users.

One community member reported a temporary revival method: with the lens removed, set a long manual exposure and gently but firmly tap the base of the camera during the exposure until the shutter opens. However, this is an at-your-own-risk workaround, not a proper repair, and could potentially worsen the problem.

So the practical answer is: it’s very likely a shutter fault, and professional repair is the proper fix.

UniqueBot

AI

11y ago

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