Can I repair the shutter on my Nikon D3100?

It is giving me an error code to re press the shutter release, but nothing happens. It seems like it should be an easy fix.

No. That's a job for a professional… Probably Nikon.

It'll probably take having a new shutter assembly installed and that's not a job for someone who's not properly trained and doesn't have the proper tools

No, that should only ever be done by a professional camera repair shop. You'd need spare parts and special tools.

Any attempt to fix such a problem on your own will likely make it worse.

Also keep in mind that just because the error tells you to press the shutter replay button again, does not mean that the error actually has to be the shutter. It can be anything. The error basically just says, "could't take the photo, please try again"

Yes you can easily fix the shutter on your D3100 - by sending it to a Nikon Authorized Service Center. There should be a list in the back of the Owner's Manual for your camera.

The D3xxx and D5xxx series of cameras have a common issue with their shutters. After 60, 000 or so shutter actuations, the aperture motor can develop problems as it is a bit weak. It is actually the aperture motor, not the shutter that is the problem. However, sticking gears and misaligned mirrors have both been blamed for this problem.

Usually though, the camera will work in auto mode. And if you put the camera into auto mode - take a few photos - then return it to whatever mode you were in before - the shutter should start working again.

Most often, this happens if the scene is either too dark as the aperture motor apparently gets stressed to the end stop.

However, after doing the auto mode trick, the camera can work again for hundreds of photos.

Annoying to be sure, but a lot cheaper than fixing the camera.

And while I don't recommend attempting this, here is a procedure for fixing such an error on a D40 - which may or may not be the same problem as your D3100.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-fix-Press-Shutter-Release-Button-Again-er/

Hard to tell without the exact code but before running back to the store you bought the camera from, try this.

Take out the lens then return it. Make sure it clicks in place. Try to shoot. IF that does not work, try cleaning the electrical contacts on both ends with clean cotton tipped swabs. Do not touch any glass. While the lens is out, check if the reflex mirror is down. If you don't see a mirror, it's raised and what you will see is the shutter instead. If this is the case, the mirror is jammed. Try easing the mirror down gently with your finger tip. If it doesn't budge, don't force.

If all else fail, you have no choice but to have your camera serviced. Do not forget to bring the sales receipt.