Trouble with Manual Mode!! Please help

Hello!!

I just upgraded from a sony cybershot point and shoot to a 50d DSLR, so basically I'm still a beginner.
I'm having trouble with my manual mode, I set the shutter speed at 200, and the aperture at 4.5. But when I click the shutter button, the shutter stays closed for about 10 seconds (maybe more) and when it opens, there is no photo! I changed the shutter speed a couple of times, but no matter what, it is still the same.
The creative modes work pretty well.
I need help please, I have an event to shoot next week.

Thank you!!!

Check if your mode is on single frame, or timed frame on top LCD (has a clock next to it). Switch to single frame (single shot) mode.

Are you sure it's not in live view, or mirror lock-up mode? Is there anything displayed on the LCD during the time the shutter is open? Odd. Might be a good idea to reset everything and try again.

I think it is on single mode. It says ONE SHOT in the LCD panel.

No.. the LCD screen is blank, nothing shows. I don't know what mirror lock-up mode is though. I'll try to reset everything and see if it works

Thanks!

What shows in the box under ONE SHOT?

A small square, and above it, three numbers.. 999.

Yeah check your camera if it has mirror lockup enabled.

Ok

It works!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a note. When you are in mirror lockup mode, the first shutter press flips up the mirror. The second shutter press takes the picture. Glad you got that resolved.

Oh that's good to know!! But what does mirror lock-up do? and when should I use it?

Lulula wrote in post #9705742
Oh that's good to know!! But what does mirror lock-up do? and when should I use it?

I use mirror lockup just about any time I use a tripod for inanimate or near inanimate subjects (ie landscapes). Locking up the mirror reduces vibrations within the camera before exposure, thus a sharper image. It's best to use a remote release in conjunction with mirror lockup.

Cheers and happy shooting!