Does Pathfinder "subtract" simply not work anymore?

Question

Hi all.
I'm trying a punch a simple circle out of a filled rectangle, but it does not appear to work.  I select first the circle, then the rectangle, then use Pathfinder's "subtract" option.  All I get is a warning and no visible result.  I'm trying to make a camera icon similar to the one in the bitmap in the following screen shot.  Any insights?  Thanks!

Answer 1

I converted the circle stroke into an outline as you suggested.  This creates the compound path that one would expect.  But if you then select the rectangle and use Subtract, Illustrator breaks the compound path and makes a new one that combines only the outer circle and the rectangle.  Of course this does not give the desired result.
You making a small error, before outlineint he stroke of the Circle Path you have yto makee certain it has no fill. Stroke no fill!
So go back and make the the Circle have a Black Stroke and a illof None the go to Object>Path>Outline Stroke
Now try the Pthfinder Minus Front and you will see the difference.
The reason it only cut a full circle shape out ot the rectangle when you outlined the Circle Path with Both a Fill and Stroke is that it creates two paths that way one for the fill and one for the stroke as an outline compund path.
Then when you also select the rectangles you really have full circle being cut out.
Here is a screenshot of the path outlined with a fill notice there are three paths!
Here is a screenshot with the outlined circle path without a fill notice there are only two paths involved as far as the circle is concerend.
Now when yu do minus front you get this and you can aply the drop shadow!