Digital cameras 101

[ajordt]

Hi - I am looking for help with my Nikon D40.  The service department at Nikon think it is a user error but I think that is impossible.

My problem is - when taking a vertical picture there is a shadow in the bottom corner of the picture (either corner).  Not always, out of 100 maybe 10.  The service department believes I am covering the flash somehow but in experimenting I am unable to duplicate the shadow and I believe if I covered the flash the picture would just be darker not have a shadow.  It also happened when on timer - so nothing could have caused the shadow.

Has anyone had a problem like this?  
thanks
AJ

[bdery]

Hello and welcome!

If the flash is covered, the image will be darker. If the flash is partially obstructed, however, it could easily create a shadow.

It's really hard to give an opinion without seeing some sample images, could you post a link to some? Does it happen  with every lens you use? When the lens (or lenses) are extended (like when you zoom)? The lens could be creating a shadow by obstructing part of the flash's light.