Mostly black photos, only upper portion visible

[ACorral]

I just bought a Rebel T3 out of the box (not the T3i). Unfortunately, all the photos are completely black except at the top where the photo shows the top of my intended shots. I formatted the memory card on the normal & low settings, & followed the setup procedures in the manual as instructed. Furthermore, it happens with both the viewfinder & the LCD monitor display, & the photos appear as described on my computer when I removed the memory card from the camera. Did I miss something? Any suggestions? Thank you.

[amfoto1 · Accepted solution]

Are you using flash?

If so, it might be an incorrect sync speed (probably 1/200 is the fastest shutter speed possible to use, but I don't have T3 to check). Even if the sync speed is correct, it's possible to block part of the flash with the lens or a lens hood... even a finger in the wrong place.

If not using flash, then it sounds as if there might be a fault with the shutter in your camera. Did you buy it locally at a store? Can you take it back to them and have them test it, exchange it if necessary? Many stores will do an exchange if there's a problem with a camera immediately... within the first few days, perhaps a week or two. It's also often possible to exchange if bought online... depending upon the seller. Just not as convenient as a local purchase.

If the store won't do an exchange, you may need to send the camera in to Canon Service, to be checked, repaired or replaced. It's under warranty for a year typically, at a minimum (unless it was a "gray market" purchase, in which case you'll have to deal with the store).

Hope this helps!

***********
Alan Myers

San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7D(x2), 50D(x3), some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR & PRINTROOM 

[gottheshot]

It probably is caused by you shutter speed exceeding the maximum speed for flash syncronization.

[TCampbell]

As Alan says -- what you are describing sounds a lot like you were using flash with a shutter speed faster than the max shutter sync speed for your camera.

If you want, post an example (with the EXIF data included) and we can help you diagnose it.

[ScottyP]

That happened to me once and I realized my Speedlite flash has slid back in the mounting shoe and wasn't making full electrical contact with the camera so it was allowing the camera to use a flash speed faster than the max sync speed. I slid it back in properly and that ended the problem.

[ACorral]

Thank you to all of you. At Tim´s suggestion, I attached some photos of my Christmas tree this year with EXIF data included (I hope). I attached photos taken in: ¨No flash mode¨, ¨Auto mode¨ (flash used), & ¨Manual mode¨.

I don´t believe its the flash since I get the same results with & without using the flash. Thankfully, I bought it locally yesterday & I still have the receipt.

[cicopo]

That may be a bad shutter.

[ColinGlover]

Looks similar to synch speed, but that usually gives half an image. If you're using an external flashgun, take it off and try without. What mode are you using?

[ACorral]

Thank you everybody. The retailer replaced the camera; it turned out to be the shutter. The first one was the display one, so I figured one of the customers messing with it must have broken something.