Nikon d40 the flash will not stay closed

The D40 does not have a wireless trigger like some of the other Nikons. However, most studio flash units have a mode which will trigger off of the camera flash just by sensing the light from the flash unit. You could also put the remote cable that comes with the studio light on the hot shoe of the D40. I found the KF-150 studio light for sale, but I can't find any manual or technical specs on it. You need to make sure the unit doesn't have a trigger voltage that's too high for the D40, but if it's for sale now it likely is okay. Just look at the manual for the light and the D40 can compare the external flash trigger specs.

Hi,

If it clicks when the flash is already open, it seems there would be a problem with the flash open sensor. The camera thinks the flash is closed, so it tries to open it again and it refuses to fire, because firing in the closed position would blow the bulb.

The D40 flash is a bit different, but if you open it (just unscrew the two little screws in front) you'll recognize the sensor clips. Open and close the flash and see if the make contact when open.

(And DON'T fire the flash when open, or at the very least don't touch anything in there when firing or you'll get zapped.

Goodluck..

I bought this flash on craigs list today for about 30 dollars. I did research and as long as the flash you buy is a nikon HOT SHOE mount it will work. (Look on the bottom of the flash) it will say Nikon i-ttl. I am using it on my D40.

check your camera's shutter speed then try shooting again. set it to different modes, try manual, increase the shutter speed to 80. don't use flash shoot in daylight. try that first... see if its still blurred. hit me back on the results.

You can but with limitations;
Save me explaining,please read this http://forums.steves-digicams.com/nikon-dslr/137618-sb-25-d40-non-ttl-auto-mode.html

There is no top LCD on the D40. Put the camera in AUTO mode (green icon on the dial) and take a picture in the shade. if the flash does not go o, then you have a fault. Send back to authorized repair centre. 

That is the highlight warning, the part flashing is overposed. while viewing the photos, press the up button to scroll to another view setting.

The lightning bolt icon in viewfinder blinks when flash is not ready, this can happen if flash doesnt pop up all the way, or if flash strobe tube is bad.

If it clicks when the flash is already open, it seems there would be a problem with the flash open sensor. The camera thinks the flash is closed, so it tries to open it again and it refuses to fire, because firing in the closed position would blow the bulb.

Here's a <a href='http://photo.net/bboard/uploaded-file?bboard_upload_id=42254384'>photo of the sensor in a D70</a>. The D40 flash is a bit different, but if you open it (just unscrew the two little screws in front) you'll recognize the sensor clips. Open and close the flash and see if the make contact when open.

(And DON'T fire the flash when open, or at the very least don't touch anything in there when firing or you'll get zapped.

The flash on D series doesn't always open by itself or when you push the button, as part of the design. If you are in manual mode the flash should open when you push the button, but when in Auto, if there is enough light present for the flash to stay closed, even if you push the flash button, I don't think it will open.

In Auto mode, try pointing the camera at something dark or holding your hand up in front of it and push the shutter button halfway down to see if the flash opens. If not, you will probably have to take it in to be repaired.