Press shutter release button again
Nikon Camera
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
This message means the camera attempted to take a photo but something interrupted the process. The shutter, mirror, or autofocus did not complete its cycle. Simply press the shutter button again. If it keeps happening, there may be a mechanical issue.
Affected Models
- Nikon D850
- Nikon D780
- Nikon D7500
- Nikon D5600
- Nikon D3500
- Most Nikon DSLRs
Common Causes
- Momentary autofocus failure — the camera could not lock focus
- Mirror or shutter mechanism briefly stuck
- Battery too low to complete the shutter cycle
- Memory card briefly unresponsive
- Lens communication interrupted during the shot
How to Fix It
-
Press the shutter button again — this often works on the second try.
Most of the time this is a one-off glitch and the camera works fine on the next press.
-
Check that autofocus achieved lock (green dot in viewfinder).
In AF-S mode, the camera will not fire if focus is not confirmed. If the subject is too dark or lacks contrast, switch to manual focus.
-
Check the battery level.
A very low battery may not have enough power to complete the shutter cycle.
-
If it happens frequently, the shutter mechanism may be wearing out.
Occasional messages are normal. Frequent messages suggest mechanical wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an error?
Not really — it is more of a retry prompt. The camera is saying the shot did not complete, please try again.
Why does this happen more in low light?
In low light, autofocus struggles to lock on. If the camera is set to AF-S (single servo), it will not fire without focus confirmation.