Reading mode: Light Dark

D50 shutting down

Go to last post
N

neudorfshots

Member
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
British Columbia, CA
Hi all

My apologies if this issue has been addressed in other forums - my search turned up no reference to it. I've had a D50 for a year now, and as a new photographer am finding it an excellent learning tool. I go out for long sessions and take a kazillion shots. Problem is, after my camera has been shooting for a while, the shutter stops firing - even if the AF is working, the camera just won't take a picture. Originally I thought it wasn't getting enough light, so tried opening up the aperture, even switching to auto - nothing helps.

It almost seems like the system becomes overloaded as the session progresses, not unlike too-small RAM on a computer running heavy graphics. The reason I say this is that if I switch the camera 'off' then 'on', it seems to re set itself and starts working again.

This has been happening ever since I got the camera.

Hopefully this makes sense - have any D50 owners experienced this? Naturally, my warranty has just expired, so it would be very helpful to know if this is something peculiar to D50s or specific to me.

Thanks much

Kathy

PS - I'm still a new DSLR user so simple explanations would be most appreciated:))
 
have never encountered what you are speaking of. Definitely something I would get checked out at a service center if you plan on keeping the camera. Those kind of problems scare me though. It's not like the service center is going to take the camera out for a ride to see if they can repeat your issue.
 
activations, and have never had happen what you describe.

I've shot in 'continous mode' on several occasions, firing off 50 shots in succession, and no hangups/problems like yours.

And, if your D50 has been doing that since you got it--and I know you don't want to hear what I'm about to say--you done messed up, girl, by not having it checked out sooner :-(

For what it's going to cost to get it repaired (when it no longer 'comes back to life'), you'd be better off to get a new/refurbished camera--Cameta Camera (in NY, and on eBay) sells factory demos/refurbs, with 90 day/one year warranties.

I just picked up a little Nikon S9 point-shoot to carry in my pocket/car from Cameta; it is a factory (Nikon) refurb and looks/works like brand new--not a mark on it.
Good luck in whatever you do, Kath...

--
Jim K...just outside Detroit, MI
DeeFifty; CeeTwentyOneHundred; EffZeeFiveK

http://www.pbase.com/jkorsog ...Pbase supporter
http://motorcityjim.fotopic.net/
 
This is weird. It might be worthwhile to do the hard reset on the camera as described in the manual - just start over like a computer that overloaded as you suggest. Just a thought.
gk
--
'I'm not as smart today as I will be tomorrow.'
 
"It might be worthwhile to do the hard reset on the camera as described in the manual - just start over like a computer that overloaded as you suggest. Just a thought."

Thanks to all for the assistance. What page of the manual has info on this 'hard reset'? This certainly sounds like it's worth a try, but I can only find a reference to Menu Reset, on page 87.

Kathy
 
Are you talking continuous shooting, because the buffer will fill after 4 or 5 shots in NEF then you can't shoot till the buffer clears (or can but at a very slow 1 fps or so rate), normally clears in 5 seconds or so. If this is what you mean it is quite normal.

--
Gerry,
http://gerryd.smugmug.com/ discount code on homepage

 
neudorfshots said:
"It might be worthwhile to do the hard reset on the camera as
described in the manual - just start over like a computer that
overloaded as you suggest. Just a thought."

Thanks to all for the assistance. What page of the manual has info
on this 'hard reset'? This certainly sounds like it's worth a try,
but I can only find a reference to Menu Reset, on page 87.
Click to expand...
Page 120 of the D50 manual. Instruction is about halfway down the 'A Note on Electronically-Controlled Cameras' paragraph. (You basically push a tiny switch on bottom of camera, and then set the date/time via menu again.)

It's called a hard reset because there is a different reset method that only resets a few settings. The hard reset will basically reset every single setting back to default values.

This sometimes fix such oddities, so it's worth a shot. Doesn't hurt anything other than needing to change all settings back to the way you wanted it after a reset.

Good luck!
 
OK, not sneaking inside the closest focus distance for any particular lens ??

Or, do you change lenses often, if not maybe bad contacts between lens and body is causing issues and cleaning them and then reseating the lens will help.

--
Gerry,
http://gerryd.smugmug.com/ discount code on homepage

 
yes, I have had that sometimes, I'm sorry I don't remember under which circumstances, but it was due to me, not the cam,maybe I hit the program button so it stood wrong or needed flash which I didn't notice.
Not much of a help, I'm afraid.
--

 
I had a sort of similar problem with my D50 last year, and just as I was ready to send it to Nikon, I hooked it up to the computer via Camera Control Pro, and haven't had a problem since. I have no idea why.
 
Sounds like you have a bad battery. When battery goes low sometimes the camera behaves strangelly. You should replace batteries with new ones. They've probably gotten old.
Noordijk said:
I had a sort of similar problem with my D50 last year, and just as I
was ready to send it to Nikon, I hooked it up to the computer via
Camera Control Pro, and haven't had a problem since. I have no idea
why.
Click to expand...
 
Mine has done it since you posted this. I have the new updated battery now and can't say that it wont happen again but it hasn't.
What has been your experience since you posted this?
gk
--
'I'm not as smart today as I will be tomorrow.'
 
Hi Gary

Glad to hear the change of battery seems to have cleared up your problems, at least for now. I have two batteries with my camera, and the performance is the same no matter which one I use.

However, since my last post I've been a lot more careful about lighting, and working within the focal range of my lens, which seems to have helped, although not eliminated the problem completely.

Plus I don't stress about it anymore, which helps too!

Kathy
 
When the battery's depleted to a certain point the camera will refuse to activate the shutter. I haven't used the D50 but presume it operates in this manner. Other aspects will still work but that should indicate to the operator that it's time to recharge. Lithium Ion battteries should not be discharged completely so this is to safeguard the battery.
 
I agree with Rob. I offered a generalized answer earlier in the life of this thread because that was all I had. Since then, I purchased one of the new Nikon batteries (which works in the D80 and the D50) to expand my supply. It is actually the replacement battery for the D50.

I have used it ever since and have not had any more problems. So, while my orignal battery showed itself as being chareged, it may have not been completely up to par in providing power and the camera sensed that and gave my the error message and the shutteer just stopped. So, if your game, buy the new Nikon battery and see waht happens - couldn't hurt.
gk
--
'I'm not as smart today as I will be tomorrow.'
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top