Nikon D3100 - Manual (Page 93)

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Mode M (Manual)
In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take
photographs in manual exposure mode:
1
Rotate the mode dial to M.
2
Choose aperture and shutter speed.
Checking the exposure indicator (see below), adjust shutter speed and
aperture. Shutter speed is selected by rotating the command dial: choose from
values between 30 s and
1 /
4,000
s or select “bulb” to hold the shutter open
indefinitely for a long time-exposure ( 0 78). Aperture is selected by pressing
the N (E) button and rotating the command dial: choose from values between
the minimum and maximum for the lens. Shutter speed and aperture are
shown in the viewfinder and information display.
3
Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
Shutter speed Aperture
Command
dial
N(E) button Command
dial
A
The Exposure Indicator
If a CPU lens is attached and a shutter speed other than “bulb” is selected, the exposure
indicator in the viewfinder and information display shows whether the photograph would
be under- or over-exposed at current settings (the illustrations below show the display in the
viewfinder). If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, the indicator will
flash.
Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1 /
3
EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
Mode dial