Nikon cameras are an instant classic and a top choice for photographers around the world. This is because these cameras have some of the most innovative features and technology available, along with a variety of designs that you can adjust to your photography style. However, just like any other device, the Nikon Camera can run into problems as well. One such issue you can come across is that the Shutter on the camera doesn’t open, close, or close completely. Why does this happen?
In most cases, the reason why your Shutter will not open is because of a jam. This is the presence of something that is not allowing the shutter system to operate as it should. In most cases, this can happen because of three core reasons:
- Issues with the timer on your Nikon camera.
- Lack of alignment between the shutter curtains.
- Natural wear and tear, primarily due to lack of use.
However, there may just be a way that you can not just identify the issue at hand but find a solution for it. Keep in mind that the camera shutter is an essential component of the inner system. Without the Shutter cooperating, you are going to be unable to take pictures. They can come out unexposed, too exposed, or completely black. However, if you keep reading this article, we will talk about all of the possible issues, and how to fix them with a few easy steps!
Issues With Nikon Shutter
Nikon cameras are well-known for their sturdy nature and the ability to deliver excellent results. However, the Nikon camera, like any other camera, is made up of a few components. One of these is the camera Shutter. The point of the Shutter is to control light. The curtains of the Shutter help to specify the period when the light will pass and hit the lens and, consequently, a film. This is why the Shutter only opens up for a short period, to let just the right kind of light enter and capture the image.
How To Tell Your Nikon Shutter Is Jammed
When the Shutter is not cooperating and refuses to open up the whole way or close completely, this is often a sign of a jammed Shutter. This may result in photos that are affected by the Shutter not wholly opening and closing correctly. The pictures are likely to either be too bright and possibly over-exposed, or they may be dark and consequently underexposed.
There is a simple way to check if this is the problem affecting your camera. You can start by setting your camera to a mode that is not the built-in Auto mode. Once you do that, you should also turn off the flash and then turn the camera towards you. When you press the button to take the picture, make sure that you are looking inside the camera’s lens.
In the typical scenario, you should be able to see a flicker. This flicker signals that the Shutter is moving up and down. This is a good sign and will tell you that your camera shutter is healthy and operational. However, if you do not see a flicker in the lens, then that is a sign that your Shutter is jammed.
Causes For Shutter Jams
When your Shutter gets jammed, there are three main reasons why you can run into this problem. These prevent the Shutter from opening and closing completely and on time.
- A fault with the timer on the camera can cause this issue. A lousy timer will be unable to open and close the Shutter when necessary and may result in unusable photos.
- Misalignment in the Shutter curtains is another problem that can come about. Misalignment occurs when the curtains do not fully close or open. As a result, there is no complete blocking and entering of light when you need to take a photograph.
- If you have an old camera lying around, you may see this issue on it. This is because, over time, the mechanism for the Shutter can become susceptible to wear and tear and start working much slower. In that case, you will need a professional’s help.
Related: How to Clean the Viewfinder on Nikon D3300
How You Can Fix Issues With The Shutter
So we have talked extensively about Shutter jamming at this point. You may be wondering, is my camera broken forever? That is not precisely the case. There are some options you can take up to try and resolve this problem with your camera Shutter.
Remember that the Shutter is a sensitive piece of technology that often reads sophisticated care. Therefore, the best course of action is always to go to a professional who knows how to service the camera. On the other hand, if you have the funds, you can also try and replace the camera if the cost of repair is too high to make sense.
Using A Power Interruption
Aside from the fixes that are mentioned above, you can try to also use a power interruption to fix the Shutter issue. However, keep in mind for the next two fixes, you should carry them out at your own risk. There is a chance this can damage your camera and even further affect the issue. In fact, your best bet at repair is to contact a professional. In any case, you can carry out power interruption using this process:
- Set the mode on your Nikon camera to manual.
- Now, switch off any battery-draining features.
- Set the Shutter to the lowest speed.
- Take one image with the Nikon camera.
- Open up the battery while taking the picture. Close it right after.
- This power interruption may open up the Shutter again.
Tapping Against A Solid Surface
There is one other fix you can try, though I suggest this with a lot of caution. One of the ways to fix this issue can be a solid tap against a solid wood surface. You can then press the Shutter release button. Repeat a few times. In some cases, this will resolve your problem.
Conclusion
As a photographer, you no doubt have seen many pictures go wrong. However, when there is a Shutter issue at hand, the best way to handle the problem is to visit a professional. We hope this article helped you understand this problem, what causes it, and how to fix it.