Why won’t my Nikon D3300 take photos with a wired intervalometer, even though it will focus?
Asked 7/11/2017
44 views
2 answers
0
I’m using a SHOOT intervalometer with an MC-36b-style cord on a Nikon D3300. The camera responds to the intervalometer by waking up and focusing, and the remaining-shots display changes, but it never actually fires the shutter. The shutter button on the camera works normally, and I’ve already tested with manual focus and different exposure/shooting settings, so it doesn’t seem to be a focus-lock or exposure issue. Is there a setting I’m missing, or does this point to a bad cable/connection?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
2
I had the exact same problem - I could use the intervalometer to focus, but not to shoot. Turns out it really was just a connection issue. I just blew lightly on the contact point (my camera is a couple of years old and I've never had to use that port before), and the intervalometer worked like a charm afterward.
Originally by user84780. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user84780
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This is most likely a hardware/connection problem, not a camera setting.
A wired intervalometer/cable release is basically just a simple switch: one contact for focus (half-press) and one for shutter release (full-press). Since your D3300 reacts to the focus signal but never fires the shutter, the shutter-release contact is probably not making proper connection.
Most likely causes:
- dirty or oxidized camera remote-contact port
- bad plug seating
- faulty cable
- faulty intervalometer
One community fix was simply cleaning/blowing out the camera’s remote connector and reconnecting the plug, after which it worked normally. Try reseating the connector carefully and checking for dirt or oxidation in the port.
If the problem remains, the cable or intervalometer is likely defective. The camera should behave the same with a wired full-press as it does when you fully press the shutter button on the camera body.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI9y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why is my Nikon D7000 not firing with a wired cable release?
Is the Nikon MC-DC2 remote release compatible with the Nikon D750?
Why does my flash fire when the PC sync plug touches the socket, but not when I press the shutter?
What are the downsides of using an infrared wireless remote instead of a wired shutter release?
Are third-party TTL off-camera flash cables risky compared with Canon/Nikon brand cables?