How to fix the Nikon DSLR 'Press shutter release button again' error. Works on D40 D60 D3000 D5000

I found this fix in 2009 after my D40x broke while on holiday in Canada. So I made a quick video tutorial on how to fix the Nikon shutter error "Press shutter release button again". It also works on the D60, D3000, D5000.

Nikon D40x Repair manual

My Nikon D40x was so old, it wasn't worth paying Nikon lots of money to fix it. I took it apart and fixed it myself.
It may work with other Nikon models like the D60. If it works for you please like the video!

[LolaIsMyDogsName]

I am a professional camera repair technician with 21 years experience.  The problem with the D40, D40x and D60 cameras is either sand/dirt stuck in the red gear OR the motor is bad (dead spot).  Most of the time the motors are bad & need to be replaced.  If you turn the gear and the camera works for a while and stops again the motor is bad.  Look closely at the red gear - see any sand or dirt stuck in a gear tooth?  If so, pick the stuck piece of sand out of the gear tooth and you should be good to go.  It is ok to blow compressed air onto the gear while operating the camera to help clean the gears.  Most importantly, these cameras do NOT NEED LUBRICATION.  Lack of lubrication is NEVER the problem.  Please do not spray lubricants into a camera unless you want to ruin it for good.  Good luck with getting your D40, D40x or D60 going agin!!

[rayalevesque]

I got a Nikon D40 at a yard sale with a dead battery and no charger. After getting a new charger and 2 new batteries I found that the dreaded "Press shutter error" on my $60 find rendered it useless. Your fix worked perfectly. Keep track of the screws and where they go as they are two different sizes. Rotated the red gear back and forth several times, reinstalled the batteries and pressed the shutter button and voila the shutter works again and my d40 is back to taking pictures. Thanks to your tutorial I am now the owner of my even dozen of Nikon Cameras.

[amabitsapiens]

Thank you for the video. To anyone who may be struggling with this, I have a D3100 (DSLR) - the shell is configured differently, and the bottom doesn't pop off as shown in this video. In my case, I discovered that the problem was not the red gearwheel anyway, but rather the mirror, under the lens. I fixed it with a video entitled "D3100 Mirror Fix" - thanks for the video, nevertheless! :)

[pauloraraujo]

Smashing advice, Steve! Works on the D60 too, in that case, 9 screws to be removed including 2 on the lens mounting curvature and one hidden under the battery door flap! I'm sure it's saved me a bomb on the (lousy) Nikon service!

[CrakShaft]

THANK YOU! I tried it on my D5000 and it worked! I turned the little red wheel, checked the button, turned it again and so on, until I heard the sound of something dropping from the wheel mechanism. Must have been a small piece of plastic jammed in there (a few months ago my camera had an accident and a little piece of the lens frame got chipped of, that must have been it, I guess) I hope it doesn't happen again.

[deajae]

My D60 stopped working on the first day of a holiday and i was expecting a big repair bill when i got home.  But i watched your video and tried it on my return.  Fantastic, so clever, so simple, so effective.  Thank you so much. you have just saved me a small fortune. Thank You.

[Islandwoman]

You, Sir, ROCK!!!  Many blessings upon you!! Worked a treat with my D40X, just had to be careful not to strip the screws.

[johnpoutney]

Cracking video. Fixed my D40X in about an hour. That includes going to local B&Q to get the Silicon spray and to Tesco's to get precision screwdriver set. Under £ 10 for the lot. Saved me a fortune. Thanks a lot

[SleepUnpluggedPodcast]

Steve, you have just saved me a minimum of $190 dollar and a lot of time and headache. When I opened up the bottom of the camera, there was a tiny piece of black plastic jamming the gear wheel. As soon as it was removed, the problem was solved and the camera was back to working perfectly again. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to post this video.

[BonsignoreU]

Just fixed my D40 watching this video.. Thank you very much

[TJKHADKA]

I am also having same problem, while I am in Canada I will try to fix it with this tutorials.

Thanks Steve Jackson for your guides and video

[jpmagg]

This worked well after I managed to lock up the mirror inadvertently and then got the error message...thanks!

[joelboateng]

I have 5600 is there any solution with newer models?

[masajesandrei]

Thanks, your video help me for fixing my D40x. Now work again.

[leonardrou]

If it's stucked upwards, just push it slowly with your finger to the right position.This worked for me ! I use a Nikon D7000.

[thewanderinglambs]

worked! damn this camera was stucked for a long time. turned the gear for sometime until I did not feel any tension in turning the gear. high probability that some dust got clogged in the gears. thanks!

[Joinwithmeonmyjourney]

Thank you! Nice tutorial. Fixed my good old D40. Almost thought I had to throw it away.

[tamarapounds]

We'll, Steve, your instructions are simple and brilliant. Alas, I clearing have a serious problem and need to take my D60 to a professional repair shop.

But, I'm a fan and subscribed to your channel.

[jblack]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Was able to get my camera working again today after following these helpful instructions. :)

[manda]

Brilliant it worked, thank you so much. Been looking at new cameras and so glad did not order one last week. I had only done 15800 shots and hope I still get double that out of this camera, use it a lot in the heat!!!