D5100 Producing Black Images (yes lens cap is off)

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D5100 Producing Black Images (yes lens cap is off)

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gr8guyrick

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Hi All!

I recently purchased the Nikon D5100 DLSR with the 50mm, 85mm and 18-200mm lenses. During a recent vacation to the Pacific Northwest the camera started producing black images and the camera is less than 60 days old. I called Nikon & then sent it in for repair where they replace the shutter mechanism and shutter blades. They returned it in just under 3 weeks and out of the box, again it worked fine for a while. Yesterday, I was out shooting some of the fall colors and after a few shots with the 50mm lens I switched over to the 18-200mm and it gave me 5 shots producing the intended images. After that, there were only black images again. Less than 90 days and now the camera will be sent back to Nikon the 2nd time. Can't say that I am pleased nor comfortable with the brand, this being my first Nikon purchase.

Does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? Could it be just a lemon?

Thanks,
Rick

Posted 1 year ago #
kyoshinikon

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Hmm Could be one of your lenses that is doing the screwing up. You may just have a lemon. Every once in a while a total dud leaves the factory.

Buy another one at your local store and return the "dud" in the new packaging. Iv'e never had a problem with my nikons and I treat mine like trash (While Ive broken more canon's than I can count literally, [most which were babied]).

Posted 1 year ago #
tcole1983

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Are you taking the lenses off with the camera on?

Posted 1 year ago #
kyoshinikon

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tcole1983 said:
Are you taking the lenses off with the camera on?

That shouldn't be an issue unless liveview is on or you have VR turned on...

Posted 1 year ago #
tcole1983

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kyoshinikon said:
That shouldn't be an issue unless liveview is on or you have VR turned on...

Was just a thought ;) I have no idea.

I would assume if they repaired something then they were able to reproduce the problem though...

I haven't heard of any others with D5100 problems and my D5000 has been flawless even after dropping it 5 ft into rocks and snow.

Posted 1 year ago #
Super Shooter

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What happens when you put the lens cap on and take a picture?

Posted 1 year ago #
twopolo

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Ok ,you not alone had the same issue 2 months ago. Tech Support had me do a reset. It worked until last week. Now reset wont fix it. Its now back for repair. We should keep in touch . Did they fix yours? What was the fix? Because mine took two months to fail again how will we know if its ever realy fixed.

Posted 1 year ago #
Yavier

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well i'm not the only one,

It is a stuck shutter problem, because if you activate the MirrorLock-Up Mode on your camera (like if you'll clean your sensor) you will not actually see the sensor, the only thing that you will see will be the blades of the stuck curtains

i had that problem too on my nikon d5100
Yesterday 19-Feb-2012 i was outdoors taking some great pictures :-p
and then suddenly all the pictures start to appear black as hell

Currently i'm wating for the service warranty,

i'm kind dissapointed on nikon, i thought they shutter mechanisms were with better quality, specially for they mid-range dslr :-/

On the ifixit forums there are other people with exactly the same problem

¿Twopolo how did you do the reset?

Posted 1 year ago #
shawnino

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Would be interested in serial numbers... intermittent issue vs. "bad batch"...

Posted 1 year ago #
rbrylawski

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Sorry this happened to you. My 5100 has operated flawlessly, not that that would provide much comfort. It's got to be somewhat isolated, or there would be loads of posts from people about this, so I'm thinking you got a lemon and if I were you, I'd expect Nikon to replace the camera.......I hope this get's sorted for you quickly.

Posted 1 year ago #
Patan

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Joined: Mar '12
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Hello,
So you guys are not alone , I have the same problem with my Nikon D5100, and it happened within 3 days of purchasing the camera. After sending it back to Nikon service center they offered to repair the camera but refused to a replacement Looks like this is a manufacturing problem, Nikon should take the responsibility and replace the camera. As from other post it seems that this can reappear again. You are right I also found few guys on ifixit forum who had the same problem. Very disappointed with Nikon. May be we should all should get together in this issue

Posted 1 year ago #
twopolo

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I think I have had my d5100 back from "Black Image" repair for about 3 months now Its seems to be working. I think I got the Black Image after I change the modes very quickly.

Posted 1 year ago #
Licerio

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i bought my D5100 last April 5, 2012 just before going to an island get away trip when i found BLACK PICTURE on my first shot.... very very disappointed, i read all the manuals but no help. Now im back and wants try to replace it with good one...

i used to be very impressed by nikon cams but this is what i got on my first cam.

Posted 1 year ago #
petzov

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Joined: Apr '12
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Quick solution. I had this issue today. In the middle of a shooting it Blacked-out. So I removed the lense and switched to Manual. On very low speed (3s) I saw that the shutter is not opening at all.
This happens sometimes if it is wet or greasy. As the shutter is opening on "best effort" basics, this will not trigger error to the camera.
So the solution: You need to shake the camera a little bit. Hold the camera with your right hand, then spank the bottom of your right palm to your left palm opened. It would need just a little shake to release the shutter. So first try very gently and then increase the force. DON'T HIT IT TOO BRUTAL. If it does not release on modest slap, bring it to the shop. TRY THIS ON YOUR OWN RISK.
It worked for me, so hope it helps you too.

Posted 1 year ago #
Licerio

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Follow up post:
Luckily, after 3 days from purchase I was able to return my D5100 to the shop. But before that, the guy tested it in front of me. After he saw the problem, he removed the lens and started adjusting the shutter speed from highest to lowest and made several stutter clicks without lens, then everything worked fine.
But I insisted to replace it with Canon 600D...no worries at all now.

Posted 1 year ago #
kemac

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We just powered on the Nikon 5100 to take some shots. Out 4th time out in a month. Every image is coming up black ( lens cap off).
Called support and they asked us to send in camera. I am concerned that this is a very common problem with these camera and feel that for the money I should not have any issues. Has anyone had a camera replaced or refund?

Posted 1 year ago #
NSXType-R

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kemac said:
We just powered on the Nikon 5100 to take some shots. Out 4th time out in a month. Every image is coming up black ( lens cap off).
Called support and they asked us to send in camera. I am concerned that this is a very common problem with these camera and feel that for the money I should not have any issues. Has anyone had a camera replaced or refund?

With something like that it'll probably be taken care of by the warranty.

Posted 1 year ago #
EssexUK

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Had the 5100 3 weeks. Did not use until now, due to work pressure. During that time I had bought other accessories for it ready for the big days shoot.

Powered up on Friday. Took a dozen practice shots. Got prepared to go and do some familiarization today ( Saturday). Geared up, then switched on to ensure all okay, guess what. BLACK screen?
Have tried everything inc all resets, manual mode lens off etc. Spoke to useless support. Who said send back for repair. Why repair it is unused?

Looking around the net I see too many having the same problem. Not good enough NIKON. I may have a warranty, but I do expect to be able too use the product paid for. And not be subject to another Japanese fudge on something that looks to be an manufacturing issue.
Why is it that if there is problem with a Japanese company over a product, they never want to admit to an error?

Either recall the 5100 or replace the faulty cameras so that users can expect a few years of troublesome usage.

I am older 35mm Nikon semi pro user now returning to digital photography. Was considering the D800 after I had found my feet with the 5100. I think it will be a move to another Manufacture if this is how Nikon now operate.

Posted 1 year ago #
tommy22

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have the D5100 and i took arround 8k shots with it; brought it from very wet wetter to the desert. To summits of 4000+ mountains and had no problems but then I have it a year already and I want an upgrade :p (I know that's ridiculous but I really wants it)

Posted 1 year ago #
PB PM

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EssexUK said:
Had the 5100 3 weeks. Did not use until now, due to work pressure. During that time I had bought other accessories for it ready for the big days shoot.

Powered up on Friday. Took a dozen practice shots. Got prepared to go and do some familiarization today ( Saturday). Geared up, then switched on to ensure all okay, guess what. BLACK screen?
Have tried everything inc all resets, manual mode lens off etc. Spoke to useless support. Who said send back for repair. Why repair it is unused?

Looking around the net I see too many having the same problem. Not good enough NIKON. I may have a warranty, but I do expect to be able too use the product paid for. And not be subject to another Japanese fudge on something that looks to be an manufacturing issue.
Why is it that if there is problem with a Japanese company over a product, they never want to admit to an error?

Either recall the 5100 or replace the faulty cameras so that users can expect a few years of troublesome usage.

I am older 35mm Nikon semi pro user now returning to digital photography. Was considering the D800 after I had found my feet with the 5100. I think it will be a move to another Manufacture if this is how Nikon now operate.

It is understandable that you are upset, but honestly manufacturing problems occur with mass market products. There is a 7-10% failure rate from the factory (normal for any mass produced product) for digital cameras. You (and the vocal minority speaking about this issue) had some problems, but that does not mean it requires a recall. Never buy a product unless you can test it during the 7-30 day return period from your retailer.

Posted 1 year ago #
NSXType-R

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Sorry that the camera wasn't ready for your shoot, but to some extent you shoulder the blame too. Electronics most often either fail very early in its life or very late in its life.

If it was an important shoot, you should have given yourself more time to get used to the camera and get accustomed to it, and put the camera through its paces.

For the most part Nikon equipment is pretty well made, hopefully you're able to repair it under warranty and not need to spend anymore money.

Posted 1 year ago #
liud

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Joined: Jul '12
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My 5100 is 13 months old and just started producing black images. the shutter appears to be working normally. The video mode also produces black images but does record the sound. Do any of the other black image 5100 owners have sound but no picture? Is this a clue worth following up?

Posted 9 months ago #
EssexUK

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gr8guyrick said:
Hi All!

I recently purchased the Nikon D5100 DLSR with the 50mm, 85mm and 18-200mm lenses. During a recent vacation to the Pacific Northwest the camera started producing black images and the camera is less than 60 days old. I called Nikon & then sent it in for repair where they replace the shutter mechanism and shutter blades. They returned it in just under 3 weeks and out of the box, again it worked fine for a while. Yesterday, I was out shooting some of the fall colors and after a few shots with the 50mm lens I switched over to the 18-200mm and it gave me 5 shots producing the intended images. After that, there were only black images again. Less than 90 days and now the camera will be sent back to Nikon the 2nd time. Can't say that I am pleased nor comfortable with the brand, this being my first Nikon purchase.

Does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? Could it be just a lemon?

Thanks,
Rick

You are not alone! See my previous post below. I had previously checked all the well known photography forums ( most of which i belong to anyhow ). This problem is more common than Nikon will admit too.
My 5100 which i bought as a support / backup to my D90 packed up after only 187 actuation's. Had heck of time with support. Still have not got the camera back. Been 3 weeks now.
And before the Nikon fan boy / trolls raise their digital pencils in disgust and disbelief, go check around. I even found the issue on Nikon's owner forums.

I am due a D90 upgrade was waiting fro maybe news of the D7000 replacement. But maybe it is now time to reconsider the position and sell all the gear and go to Canon and backup of Fuji Pro 1.

Nikon are burying their head on this and it is not good enough.

Posted 9 months ago #
PB PM

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Nikon's quality control has really been falling off in the last few years, which is sad to see. The D5100 issue is well known at this point, so I don't think anyone is going to get on fanboyish on you.

Posted 9 months ago #
msmoto

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bijulouis said:
Hi friends,

my new Nikon D5100 fell down and produces blank picture. everything works fine but only blank pictures

anyone have the same Experience..?

give advice..

Posted 8 months ago #