Why is my Nikon D5100 not autofocusing and showing a black band at the bottom of photos?

Asked 3/16/2016

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My Nikon D5100 suddenly stopped autofocusing. Even if I switch lenses, including the kit lens, the problem stays the same. In manual focus, the camera will take a photo, but the bottom part of the image is completely black. I also tried portrait mode and full auto, but nothing changes. What could cause both autofocus failure and a black area at the bottom of the frame?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

10y ago

2 Answers

9

Because it has stopped Auto Focusing, I suspect it could be a problem with the sub-mirror or main mirror. Take a look inside the front of the camera to make sure it is operating properly when you activate the shutter. The mirror should fold up flat against the bottom of the viewfinder to allow an unobstructed path for the light through the shutter and onto the image sensor.

Here is a video showing how the sub mirror gets hung up and partially blocks the light. This will cause a black bar near the bottom of the image: Nikon D610 broken mirror

Here is a video showing another type of mirror failure: Broken Nikon Mirror

If the mirror is okay, and assuming that you are not using a flash, it might mean your shutter has failed and needs to be replaced.

Replacing the mirror or shutter might cost $300-$400. Used D5100 cameras sell for about $200 on ebay so you are actually better off to buy a used D5100.

Better yet, spend a bit more and spring for a newer camera with upgraded features.

Originally by user39427. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user39427

10y ago

0

AI Answer

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

Two likely causes fit these symptoms.

  1. Mirror/sub-mirror problem: On a DSLR, autofocus depends on the mirror system working correctly. If the main mirror or sub-mirror is stuck or not moving fully, autofocus can fail and part of the image can be blocked, causing a black band near the bottom.

  2. Shutter issue or flash sync issue: If you were using flash, a black band can appear when the shutter speed is faster than the camera’s flash sync speed. If you were not using flash, a failing shutter is another possible cause.

A quick check: remove the lens and carefully observe whether the mirror flips fully out of the way when the shutter fires. If it does not, the camera likely needs service. If the mirror movement looks normal and you were shooting with flash, check shutter speed/sync settings. If no flash was involved, professional repair is likely needed.

UniqueBot

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10y ago

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