The major reason why Nikon 18-55mm not take pictures during use is caused by the camera losing focus. A Nikon 18-55mm must be twisted to the right focus to be able to take the picture perfectly.
If you feel the focus is not sorted try to change the focus mode to manual. Both the lens and the body of the camera. To get a perfect focus of an object ensure there is sufficient light surrounding the object. This helps the object to be clear and seen.
In my article below I will explain different ways which cause the Nikon 18-55mm not to take pictures. I will further brief on the causes and the solution to the problems I will state. Kindly get some answers to the frequent question. More so, the conclusion helps you to get a recap.
What causes the Nikon 18-55mm not to take pictures?
As a Nikon 18-55mm camera user you may experience challenges with your camera. Sometimes no error message is sent to you or any simple steps to follow to help you sort the problem.
If you want to understand what causes the Nikon 18-55mm camera not to function and the best solutions to end the problem this is the best article for you. Don’t be nervous as the procedure and guidelines are easy to grasp.
Meanwhile, some of the causes of the camera not taking pictures include poor state of batteries, dirty lenses, a problem in the software settings, and many more.
1. Bad batteries
As a user, you may have used your camera on many occasions and you never checked the state of the batteries. The lifespan of the battery should take approximately 1800 shots. Never allow your battery to drain to the minimum level so that can change.
In some situations, a user may realize that the batteries are draining faster than usual. These are some reasons that lead to quick battery drain include:
| Reasons | Cause | Essential products |
| Automatic flash | A lot of power is used to make a flash | Check for the best Nikon 18-55mm quality camera from amazon |
| Active LCD screen | The high resolution of the screen drains the battery quick | Check for a quality Nikon battery from amazon |
| User error | Forgetting to recharge the battery |
How to fix fast-draining batteries
Drained batteries can further cause your camera not to function properly if not keenly cared for. It is good to try the following methods to help save your battery power. More so helps the operator to work for long hours after charging.
I. Change the old battery
When the battery is used over a period it tends to become weak. As a result of usage over time, there is a need for you to replace or change the battery for better functionality. Check Amazon for the best battery to use.
II. Inspect corrosion
Corrosion is experienced when the battery stays in the camera for several weeks without usage. In humid environments, corrosion is highly experienced.
When corrosion occurs, it builds green or brown smudges in the connectors and the battery. It is advisable before you replace another battery kindly remove the smudges. Your new battery might not charge.
III. Apply viewfinder
The presence of a viewfinder in your camera helps you to frame photos and automatically turn off the LCD. This increases the lifespan of your battery. Avoid too much scrolling and navigating around the menu system.
IV. Turn on the battery saver
The battery saver helps your camera power off automatically after a certain period of inactivity. It is efficient if you forgot to turn it off manually, saving power.
If you can’t find the setting check the manual of the specific camera to help you locate it.
V. Don’t shoot in raw
Raw photos usually take a lot of information during the post-processing of the image. This process requires more resolution which reduces the lifespan of the battery. Raw is only good to be used in important functions where a lot of editing is a must.
VI. Temperature changes
Cold conditions tend to drain the battery power more than expected. The battery cannot hold its power in cold locations. When travelling to cold areas carry and keep in touch with your body.
The heat from your body should allow the battery to remain in its moderate condition as compared to the camera itself. This is efficient as the battery will hold its power for a longer period.
VII. Carry extra battery
When going out to take images for example a project, having an extra battery will help you to carry out the exercise safely. You can’t swap a battery from another camera and replace it with yours if you are to power.
The batteries follow their compatibility rules and hence it will not help you.
2. Dirty lenses
Dirty lenses both affect the camera and the image produced by the camera. The photos won’t be of high quality and are affected mainly by moisture. Check Amazon for the best lenses
Causes of dirty lenses
- Sand
If the lenses are exposed to sand it leads to damage that is always difficult to troubleshoot.
- Salt
This leads to corrosion which can be built up in the lenses to cause abrasion.
- Moisture
The presence of water on the lenses can lead to blurry images thus poor-quality pictures. Raindrops can also damage the lenses in some cases.
3. Software settings
The hardware parts of the camera might be working properly but now the software operations might be the problem.
The solution to software settings
If you are using a digital Nikon 18-55mm camera ensure it is running under the latest update. If not, update the firmware. To understand this, click settings and download and install the latest version based on your model.
In situations where the problem is not sorted, restore the camera to factory settings usually in the menu option.
4. Absence of light
Lack of light to the preferred object does not affect the camera but the camera will be taking unpreferred images. Usually at night when the camera is not flashing light the user won’t see any image taken.
Adjusting the settings will help you correct the problem. You can also decide to take them to lighted places.
How to troubleshoot the issues
1. Inspect the storage capacity of the camera
You might be taking photos but the disk space is full and it can’t allow the camera to save more photos. If you want to save the photos try and select older images then delete them. After deleting some photos automatically some space will be created.
2. Inspect the button on the monitor
The LCD shooting button will give you the data on how you have taken the photos. If you have taken a pic and you can’t see, just turn on the LCD by pressing the monitor button on.
3. Increase the resolution
Glare causes some of the LCDs not to view properly in the presence of too much light. Just increase the brightness on the screen or shield the screen from direct sunlight using your hand or body. Wipe the screen if it has dirt to get a clear visual.
4. Correct shooting mode
When the shutter button is on sometimes it cannot save an image when the camera is in playback or recording mode. Try using the selector dial when recording a video.
5) Inspect the autofocus
If the autofocus is not functioning properly it can be due to the assist lamp not functioning. Ensure the assist lamp is on to enable you to focus properly. In the case where the assist lamp is faulty try to turn it off in the menu. Remember lack of assist light does not create a proper focus.
How to restore Nikon 18-55mm factory settings
To restore the factory settings is quite easy. Use my guide below to help you do the restoration process.
a) Click the menu button and proceed next.
b) Choose or select the “shooting menu” to land you in the reset section
c) Drag the scroll button from up to down until you see the ‘Reset shooting options’ are available.
d) What you do is just press OK.
e) Then highlight ‘Yes’ and again press OK.
f) Repeat the procedure above for the ‘setup menu’
You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of: How to Turn On Bluetooth on Nikon D3400 – Quick Guide
Frequently asked questions:
- How do I troubleshoot the focus on my Nikon 18-55mm camera?
Disconnect and connect the lens: First, ensure the camera is off, un-press the lens, and cycle the lens clockwise until it disconnects. Connect the lens by pressing it and cycling anti-clockwise until it fits. Turn on the camera and check if the problem is sorted.
Conclusion
As you have read the above tips, I believe you will be able to identify the problems by yourself. If you get the problem try to troubleshoot carefully and your Nikon 18-55mm camera will start working properly.
Remember dealing with the camera you should fix the issue in a flat place like a table as some objects like nuts can fall from and you will be able to see. In case you find it difficult to sort this problem out by yourself, kindly call for help from the nearest expert to fix it.
