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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Does Pentax have a light meter?
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 09/07/2007 10:49:10 PM · #1
Hello,

We have a Pentax K100d and cannot find a light meter through the view finder. Does anyone know if there is one and if so, how to turn it on?

Also, does the K10 have one?

We've looked in the handbook, but just can't find it.

Thanks in advance,

WriteHeart
 09/08/2007 02:24:57 AM · #2
If the camera is on... just put it in one of the modes, hold the shutter halfway down and see what settings it gives you. Or do you mean an exposure scale in M mode? I haven't used one of those, but I'd expect it to have one...
 09/08/2007 11:34:41 PM · #3
No, we can't find an exposure meter in M mode. That's what we are trying to find. I can't believe that a DSLR doesn't have a light meter. I just keep figuring that I am missing something basic like I need to just turn it on somewhere, but can't find it.
 09/09/2007 12:53:41 AM · #4
Are you using a manual focus lens, by any chance? I seem to remember people saying that using MF lenses on Pentax required you to push a button to meter.
 09/09/2007 01:02:34 AM · #5
AE-L button in M w/manual lens stops the lens down to the designated aperture and makes a reading - preset to either spot or average. Adjustment to exposure can then also be made using +/- button & wheel. If one is using autofocus lens - (which I don't have) I think exposure is much more seamless based on presets - magical and invisible.

Message edited by author 2007-09-09 01:16:58.
 09/09/2007 01:23:42 PM · #6
If you are in M mode, there will be a meter in the viewfinder (unless youre using an old K or M lens... only the A series or newer will show "live" metering info)

I know that the K100 and K10D both display a meter in manual mode... keep lookin!

Message edited by author 2007-09-09 13:24:27.
 09/09/2007 01:39:49 PM · #7
I can't answer your question about the Pentax directly, as I use a Fuji S3. It has no provision for metering with older manual, non cpu lenses. I have found that by learning to guess settings with the two ISO's that I use most of the time, I can get within a stop or so from just right. I use the "blinkies" feature ( preview screen on the LCD, blinks the burned out areas) to tell if I am burning the high lights, and adjust. It only takes a few seconds to get it right for any shot. It takes a little while to learn to see exactly what the LCD is telling you in bright and low ambient light but this system works well for me.
If the Pantax has that feature you may want to try it if you can't find the light meter that you are hunting.
Good for you for using the older lenses and doing things manually. Many of my fav shots in my portfolio are done with old glass.
09/09/2007 01:52:21 PM · #8
If you can't find it (or if using an older lens), you can still get good exposure outside, by following the Sunny 16 Rule.

Shutter speed = 1/ISO

Examples at ISO 200:
Sunny Day with snow or light sand = 1/250 at f/22
Sunny Day with distinct shadows = 1/250 at f/16
Sunny day with soft shadows = 1/250 at f/11
Cloudy bright with no shadows /1250 at f/8
Heavily overcast or open shade 1/250 at f/5.6

Now, if you had your ISO at 100, you would use 1/125 as the shutter speed or if at ISO 400 1/500 as your shutter speed.

Message edited by author 2007-09-09 13:52:47.
 09/10/2007 09:51:11 PM · #9
WriteHeart, did you locate the light meter yet?
09/10/2007 11:45:31 PM · #10
My husband has the camera right now so I am waiting for him to come back later tonight.

Thank you guys for all of your help. I am sure we will be able to find it. I will let you know as soon as the camera comes home. ( I so need to buy a second camera :-)
 09/11/2007 06:11:00 AM · #11
With my DS, put the camera in manual mode, set your aperature, press AE-Lock. This will set the shutter speed for the light available. If the shutter speed is too slow, adjust the aperature and press again.

Here is a list (Known as the Racehorse list) of DPReview-Pentax Forum links with a lot of good information.

Tim
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