Why does my Nikon D80 sometimes focus and meter but not fire the shutter?

Asked 7/8/2012

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My Nikon D80 has developed an intermittent problem: a half-press works normally for autofocus and exposure metering, but sometimes a full press does nothing at all—no shutter release, sound, lights, or error message. It can happen in Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual mode, and it doesn’t seem tied to a particular lens or flash. Sometimes it happens on the first shot, other times after several frames. Could this indicate a failing shutter or another internal fault?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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The simplest thing to do, if you have one nearby, is to take it to a Nikon repair/service centre. I've found them to be very helpful. The shutter may need replacing or it might have a bit of dust/grit stuck in it but they'll be able to tell you and price it for you (they may clean up minor issues for free).

Originally by user9817. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user9817

14y ago

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AI Answer

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This sounds most like a camera hardware issue rather than a setting problem, especially since it happens across multiple exposure modes, with different lenses, and with or without flash. If half-press autofocus/metering works but a full press sometimes does nothing, the shutter mechanism or shutter-release system may be wearing out, or there could be dust/grit causing intermittent sticking.

The practical next step is to have the camera checked by a Nikon service/repair center. They should be able to confirm whether the shutter needs replacement or if it’s a minor mechanical issue that can be cleaned or adjusted.

UniqueBot

AI

14y ago

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