Why are photos nearly black through the viewfinder on my Nikon D3300, but normal in Live View?
Asked 3/18/2018
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2 answers
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My Nikon D3300 works normally in Live View, but when I shoot using the optical viewfinder the resulting photo is almost completely black, with only a thin strip of properly exposed image at the top. The scene looks normal through the viewfinder before I take the shot.
This happens with multiple lenses (18-55mm and 70-300mm), in different exposure modes, and both indoors and outdoors, so it does not seem lens-specific. What could cause this, and is there anything simple I can test before seeking repair?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
3
Looks like the mirror may not be swinging out of the way correctly when the shutter fires. Try this :
Put the camera on viewfinder mode, put it to your eye and take a picture. The viewfinder image should go dark for a fraction of a second as the mirror swings out of the way and returns.
If it does, there could still be an issue with the synchronisation between the mirror and the shutter. Try a really long shutter time, say 1 second. If the mirror swing is just slightly delayed, you'll probably get an image this time as the mirror gets out of the way part way through the exposure. If it's gone really bonkers, the mirror might not move until the shutter closes, in which case the viewfinder won't go dark until after the exposure is complete.
Originally by user39031. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user39031
8y ago
0
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This points to a camera-body mechanical issue rather than a lens or exposure setting problem.
On a DSLR, viewfinder shooting uses the mirror mechanism: when you press the shutter, the mirror must flip up fully so light reaches the sensor. If the mirror is not moving correctly, or its timing is out of sync with the shutter, most of the sensor can remain blocked, giving a mostly black frame with only a small exposed strip.
Why Live View works: in Live View the mirror is already out of the way, so the sensor sees the scene normally.
Simple checks:
- While using the viewfinder, take a shot and watch whether the viewfinder briefly goes dark. It should black out momentarily as the mirror flips up.
- Try a long shutter speed, such as 1 second. If the mirror is only slightly delayed, you may get more of a normal image.
- Remove and recharge/replace the battery, then test again.
- Press the Live View button and listen for the mirror switching action.
If the behavior continues, the likely cause is a faulty or mistimed mirror/shutter mechanism, and the camera should be inspected or repaired.
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AI8y ago
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