My Nikon won't take pictures: I have a Nikon D3000. After seeing so many advisories to learn to use features other than Auto focus, I have made several attempts to learn more. However...

bad daddy Loc: Chicago-South Side

I have a Nikon D3000. After seeing so many advisories to learn to use features other than Auto focus, I have made several attempts to learn more. However, after I have played around with the settings for awhile, I find that I can not get my camera to fire. I can keep pushing on the shutter button and nothing happens except that the "pre-light" will come on and that's all --the shutter doesn't function.
After I play around awhile the camera will eventually revert to normal operation, but I have no idea why.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Your Nikon has two (2) green buttons. Pressing and holding both buttons for two seconds will reset your camera to factory settings. You will have to re-select desired ISO and re-choose image quality (raw, JPG fine, etc.). You should regain normal function.

amehta Loc: Boston

bad daddy wrote:

I have a Nikon D3000. After seeing so many advisor... (show quote)

If the camera cannot lock the autofocus, it may be set to not take the picture. Can you confirm that the subject is in focus and then try to take a picture?

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Are you set to use back button focus? if so, the camera probably won't fire until you focus it using the back button, usually marked AE-L, AF-L. It is on my D5200. The reset that Nikonian72 suggests is probably the quickest, easiest way back to default settings that will work.

bad daddy Loc: Chicago-South Side

I have no green buttons on my camera.
All of my buttons are black with white lettering.
The only thing green on the camera is the "auto" indicator.
I had no idea what the AE-L and AF-L buttons controlled. I still don't understand, but will give them a try the next time the problem comes up.
I think my problem is that I don't understand most of what I'm reading. Everything seems too advanced for my understanding.
It's as though I'm in school as a third grader, but I haven''t been through first or second grade yet.
Example: "reset the ISO" I haven't seen anything in any videos or read anything that tells me how to go about doing that. The same with changing settings for aperture and shutter speed.
I think my best bet is to enroll in a basic photo course at the local junior college.
anyway, thanks for the help and advice.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Mr PC wrote:

Are you set to use back button focus? if so, the camera probably won't fire until you focus it using the back button, usually marked AE-L, AF-L. It is on my D5200. The reset that Nikonian72 suggests is probably the quickest, easiest way back to default settings that will work.

The D3000 has no back button focus. The problem sounds like the camera is not focusing. What are the exact conditions when this happens? When the pre light comes on the camera is trying to focus so it is not getting enough light to allow shutter actuation.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

bad daddy wrote:

I have no green buttons on my camera. br All of my... (show quote)

Reset your shooting options per page 119 of your manual.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

bad daddy wrote:

I have no green buttons on my camera. br All of my... (show quote)

Hey bad daddy I am a So'sider too(Oak Lawn area). Look through the menu for a master reset or factory reset and use it. it will set everything to factory original.
Here's a link. See bottom of page.

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17395/~/how-to-reset-a-d-slr-to-factory-default-settings

Good Luck, Don

OOOps the link didn't activate....just copy and paste it. Or just go to Nikon's web site and search it there.

busted_shutter

Nikon_DonB wrote:

Hey bad daddy I am a So'sider too(Oak Lawn area). Look through the menu for a master reset or factory reset and use it. it will set everything to factory original.
Here's a link. See bottom of page.

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17395/~/how-to-reset-a-d-slr-to-factory-default-settings

Good Luck, Don

OOOps the link didn't activate....just copy and paste it. Or just go to Nikon's web site and search it there.

You need to remove the (s) in https to make a link active. (s) being for security. http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17395/~/how-to-reset-a-d-slr-to-factory-default-settings .

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

bad daddy wrote:

I have a Nikon D3000. After seeing so many advisor... (show quote)

amehta wrote:

If the camera cannot lock the autofocus, it may be set to not take the picture. Can you confirm that the subject is in focus and then try to take a picture?

Make sure that it's not because the camera hasn't achieved a good focus. Some cameras have a setting to prevent a shutter actuation if not focused correctly. Putting the camera in the servo mode should make it easier to check this out.

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

Nikon_DonB wrote:

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17395/~/how-to-reset-a-d-slr-to-factory-default-settings

Drop the letter 's' off "https" as follows;

http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17395/~/how-to-reset-a-d-slr-to-factory-default-settings

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Reset your camera to default settings; don't mess about too much, just try one thing at a time !

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

jeryh wrote:

Reset your camera to default settings; don't mess about too much, just try one thing at a time !

Yeah, like first trade it in for a Canon!
:-)

relie Loc: Western Massachusetts

I had a D3000 and it's a great little camera and takes some amazing pictures. I think you are confused about the green reset buttons. The buttons are not green, there are green markings on the camera body. I have a great DVD on how to use you D3000. I'll send it to you, if you are interested, just PM me you address and I'll send it to you. I use a D 90 so it's of no use to me. If it'll help you understand the D3000 it's yours.

Dave

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

busted_shutter wrote:

You need to remove the (s) in https to make a link active. (s) being for security. http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17395/~/how-to-reset-a-d-slr-to-factory-default-settings .

Thanks busted shutter and Pentony......You learn a new one every day. Thank you. Don