I gotta be missing something somewhere...

OldManInWva

New member
Have had my 3400 for about a year and really enjoy the functionality of it for the most part. I have had 35mm cameras for as long as I can remember and quite used to manual control. so there lies a problem I am having with my 3400..
It has the "M" setting for manual control, however when I wish to take timed exposures of VERY low lighting conditions like stars at night, it just will NOT release the shutter.. So I HAVE to be missing something somewhere. some little setting that tells the camera to disregard the lighting conditions and open the danged shutter.

Any Suggestions from anyone

Thanks
 

spb_stan

Senior Member
I do not have the D3400 but Is the shutter set to Release or Focus Priority? If the latter is will not release unless locked on focus to something. Set it to Release Priority and it will respond to the shutter release even if not focus locked. Setting the lens to infinity is not locked but can be in focus for distant objects. So you want a mode that opens the shutter regardless of whether focus was initiated. If the menu does not have that option then try it with the AF/Manual switch on the lens turned to manual.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
....try it with the AF/Manual switch on the lens turned to manual.

This is what I'd suggest. Don't use AF. Instead focus manually. And use a remote to actuate the shutter button rather than pressing it with your finger. Otherwise, you might see a small amount of blur in your image.
 

Danno

Senior Member
First... Want to welcome you to the forum. I agree with the others. Make sure you are in manual focus for a long exposure. I like using a remote too, but you can use a timed delay on the shutter if you like.
 

OldManInWva

New member
Thanks folks.... that is EXACTLY what the issue was... switched to manual focus mode and it will open the shutter with the lens cap on. just one of those obscure settings I was not too familiar with.. As I am finding I have more time to play with the camera I’m sure I may have more questions. Once again, Thanks

Roger
 
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