Urgent! Please help!?

Question

I have a Nikon D40 camera...

and i want to take it to the American Idols Live concert tomorrow night..but for some reason, the flash isn't going off like it should on automatic. It worked last time i used it..now i dont know what's going on. And I really want to get pictures @ the concert. If anyone knows what could be wrong and how i could fix it, i would appreciate it soooo much. Thank you!!

Answer 1

Several things could have happened:

1. Burnt out flash. Usually looks burnt inside the flash. Would have to be sent in to be repaired. I highly recommend Precision Camera since I'm a professional camera technician there, and I personally know the people who would be working on your camera (my father most likely).

2. Capacitor not holding a charge. No external signs to indicate this. Would have to be sent in also.

3. Light sensor not working. Most likely if just the auto-flash is not working (meaning if you enable force flash, the flash works). No external signs to indicate this. Would have to be sent in also.

So other than getting a new camera, your main option is to send it in to be repaired. if you sent it into Precision, it would be in their possession for a maximum of 3 days. So tack on how long you think it would take for shipping over and back and you have how long you will be camera-less. Hopefully it doesn't overlap the concert.

I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me. I'm more than happy to help.

Answer 2

Can't tell you whats wrong unless batteies are dead.  If you can't find out tonight take to camera shop or go and rent a GOOD camera, like Canon Rebel or something.

Answer 3

Do you mean that there's some delay/lag when you press the shutter?

If so, that maybe because you're on auto.  The camera is now working like a point and shoot, the light meter and focus are adjusting.  

I could be waaaay off, but I shot with the D40 for a little while and encountered a similar problem on auto, with both dedicated and external flash.

There's probably nothing wrong with your cam, try a manual setting, if this persists, well....you might have a problem.

Answer 4

It's true that unless you are on the stage, the flash won't do you any good.  But before you worry about that, you had better make sure cameras are allowed, or they will take your camera and you will never see it again.   Many places will not allow cameras or camcorders of any kind, so be careful!    Have a good time!

Answer 5

I can't tell you what is wrong with it but unless you are on the stage the flash wont do you any good anyways. It is simply not powerful enough to reach the stage from where you will be sitting. What you need is a fast lens like a 1.4 or 2.8 and a higher ISO.