D40 Question

d1a1s1 · May 11, 2007

I have a brand new D40. Yesterday I was taking a close up shot and the camera refused to take the picture, in neither auto nor manual. However, as soon as I aimed for a long distance shot it would take it no problem. Again, back to close up and nothing. Is this operator error or faulty camera? It didnt seem to matter if I was in auto/manual, focus or exposure.

Big Mike · May 11, 2007

Was the subject within the minimum focus distance for that lens? Some camera, when in the fully automatic modes, won't take the picture if the lens cannot focus. Or maybe, there was simply not enough light, with the close up subject...for the camera to record the image without camera shake (was anything flashing in the viewfinder?)

I'm not sure, I don't have a Nikon...and I don't shoot in those auto modes. I'm sure it's in the user's manual somewhere.

d1a1s1 · May 11, 2007

^^^ haha, yes Big mike, I checked the manual. I put your theory to test. In fact it will not take the picture if the subject is inside the lenses focal ability regardless of exposure modes. Of course this is in AF only. That was too easy...now wheres that manual.....

Sw1tchFX · May 11, 2007

Nikon's don't fire the shutter until the AF has locked, that's to keep from shooting out of focus images.

sabbath999 · May 17, 2007

If you are shooting very low light, you will also see this happening... just click your lens to manual focus in that situation and it will shoot just fine.

d1a1s1 · May 22, 2007

OK, when Im in manual mode (exposure/focus) theres still a delay. This camera should take the picture as soon as I press the shutter release right?! Today I lined up a shot...pressed the shutter release..and nothing. After holding the button for almost two seconds the camera decided to take the picture. I was definitely in ALL manual line up. Is this normal? Should I take it back?

d1a1s1 · May 22, 2007

Don Simon · May 23, 2007

You're sure that focus was set to manual? That doesn't sound right :scratch:

d1a1s1 · May 23, 2007

ZaphodB said:
You're sure that focus was set to manual? That doesn't sound right :scratch:

Yes definitely. Because of the responses I got earlier I made sure that I was in full manual, without a doubt. I read on a Nikon forum someone had a similar problem. I really think something is wrong with this unit. I have the extended warranty from best buy that covers everything so bringing it back isn't a problem. The problem will be keeping me from upgrading!!

luckyskater820 · May 24, 2007

d1a1s1 said:
After holding the button for almost two seconds the camera decided to take the picture.

I own the D40 also,
The FN button that controls the self-timer is really easy to hit and turn on.

Other then that, it seems you were out side the focal distance..it's like .92 feet lol.

d1a1s1 · May 24, 2007

luckyskater820 said:
I own the D40 also,
The FN button that controls the self-timer is really easy to hit and turn on.

Other then that, it seems you were out side the focal distance..it's like .92 feet lol.

I can assure you it wasn't in the self timer mode. Also, in manual mode it doesn't matter what your exposure or focus is.
I decided to take the unit back and get a new one. It was under warranty so it was quick and easy. I honestly think I had a defective camera. I was able to reproduce the delay in the store and they said something was wrong. So now I have a brand new camera again and already churning out my beginner photos!
Thanks for the response Lucky.