Nikon D3100 stays in Auto even when the mode dial is set to Manual
Asked 9/1/2016
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2 answers
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My Nikon D3100 does not switch to the selected exposure mode. When I turn the mode dial to Manual, the camera still behaves as if it is in Auto, and some of the other modes also do not work correctly. I have already tried resetting the camera and updating the firmware, but the problem remains. Is this likely a hardware fault, and is there anything else I should try before sending it for service?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
1
Is the camera broken, and if so is there a solution for that?
Yes, it sounds like the camera is broken. I cannot think of a Nikon setting that would override your selection of Manual or the other modes in the way you describe.
The solution will be to contact Nikon in your country of purchase.
There are possibly 1 or 2 things you might try though - if you have access to another battery, try that, in case it's actually your battery failing to deliver the power that is needed. I would also try removing the lens, ensuring all contacts are clean, and replacing the lens - again, you never know what might be affecting the camera's settings and software, and there is not much else you can try anyway.
Originally by user34203. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user34203
9y ago
0
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This does sound like a camera fault rather than a normal setting. There isn’t a known Nikon D3100 option that should force the camera to stay in Auto when the mode dial is set to Manual or make multiple dial positions fail.
Before sending it in, there are a couple of simple checks worth trying:
- Try a different, fully charged battery if you have one.
- Remove and reattach the lens, and gently check that the lens and camera electrical contacts are clean.
If resetting and firmware updating did not help, and the mode dial still does not select the proper modes, the most likely issue is hardware related, possibly with the mode dial or internal electronics. At that point, the practical next step is to contact Nikon service or an authorized repair center.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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