Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)

Select the following shutter speeds for long time-exposures of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks.

Bulb (A): The shutter remains open while the shutter-release button is held down. To prevent blur, use a tripod or an optional wireless remote controller or remote cord (0 Other Accessories).
Time (%): Start the exposure by using the shutter-release button on the camera, optional remote cord, or wireless remote controller. The shutter remains open until the button is pressed a second time.

Shutter speed: A (35-second exposure)
Aperture: f/25

Ready the camera.

Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface.

Long Time-Exposures

Close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter to prevent the photograph being affected by light entering via the viewfinder (0 Close the Viewfinder Eyepiece Shutter). Nikon recommends using a fully charged battery or an optional AC adapter and power connector to prevent loss of power while the shutter is open. Note that noise (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels or fog) may be present in long exposures. Bright spots and fog can be reduced by choosing On for Long exposure NR in the photo shooting menu (0 Long exposure NR).
Select exposure mode M.

Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until M is displayed in the control panel.

I button

Main command dial
Choose a shutter speed.

While the exposure meters are on, rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed of Bulb (A) or Time (%). The exposure indicators do not appear when Bulb (A) or Time (%) is selected.

Bulb

Time
Open the shutter.

Bulb: After focusing, press the shutter-release button on the camera or optional remote cord or wireless remote controller all the way down. Keep the shutter-release button pressed until the exposure is complete.

Time: Press the shutter-release button all the way down.
Close the shutter.

Bulb: Take your finger off the shutter-release button.

Time: Press the shutter-release button all the way down.