Nikon d3100 possible fault...

[Otispunkmeyer]

Just bought 2 Nikon d3100 cameras for use in experiments. I only really need the video function but one of the cameras appears not to take pictures.

We have to use a certain supplier and they only had an ex-demo and a refurb. The camera I believe to be the refurb (less packaging in the box, packed in plain boxes) is the faulty one. I was ok with the refurb and demo model as these cameras have a high possibility of being broken during experiment anyway.

The shutter button will respond to a half press, focusing the camera, but a full press gives nothing.

Wondering if there is a hard reset you can do? whether reloading firmware might fix it? The shutter button obviously works and live view mode shows the mirror assembly works ok too.

Technically I don't need it to take pictures but the option might be nice.

[Flat6]

I can't help with your actual problem, other than to report that mine froze completely a few weeks ago and the only way I could turn it off was to remove the batteries. Since then I've had periodic non-response of the shutter button, usually fixed by switching off then on again. YOurs sounds like it could be something more serious but I'm interest to see responses in case it's something I can try on mine!

[GetCarter]

Check it has the latest firmware - that might fix possible bugs. I just updated my D800 as it was occasionally locking up.

How to do it here: http://www.nikonsupport.eu/europe/Firmware/D800/v1... (this for the D800 obviously!)

[Otispunkmeyer]

Will give the firm ware a go later today hopefully.

As I said, its not the end of the world... i need the video function really. The HD filming plus the big library of lenses I can use (all the photography stuff here is nikon) make going for an SLR over a video camera a no brainer.