ST-e2 without flashes - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

09/26/2010 05:09:52 PM · #1

Was working in low light the other day and thought I would use my ST-e2 to assist focus.

I was using Aperture Priority and found that when I mounted the ST-e2 and turned it on, it increased the speed by one stop (eg was shooting at 1/60 which then changed to 1/120)which underexposed the shots.

If I turned the ST-e2 off (but still mounted) it returned to the normal speed.

Any idea why this happens?

MattO

Nikon D4

09/26/2010 06:28:29 PM · #2

do you have the shutter speed in your custom functions set to 1/120 with a flash attached? That is the only reasoning I could think that could make a difference.

Matt

michaelmonn

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/26/2010 07:34:53 PM · #3

check under your menu settings to see if your exposure compensation when flash is used is set to -1 ev. that would explain the increase in shutter speed

09/26/2010 08:17:52 PM · #4

Originally posted by michaelmonn:

check under your menu settings to see if your exposure compensation when flash is used is set to -1 ev. that would explain the increase in shutter speed

Thanks,

I'm at work at the moment so will check that when I get home.

Usually compensate on the flash but maybe it's on the camera. Camera then thinks the St-e2 is a flash and thereby makes the adjustmnet. That makes sense so will be interesting to see if this is the cause.

09/26/2010 11:40:04 PM · #5

Originally posted by MattO:

do you have the shutter speed in your custom functions set to 1/120 with a flash attached? That is the only reasoning I could think that could make a difference.

Matt

Don't believe my camera allows any other setting for the flash other than a fixed 1/250 or auto but will check this also.

Thanks

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

09/27/2010 04:47:46 AM · #6

Have checked both of the above and neither is the case.

Tried it again.

Take a shot at 1/15 with the camera settings.
Put on the ST-e2 and it becomes 1/30 it also changes the white balance to a more yellow color (guessing this would be flash?)

Can anyone else give this a try with their camera and advise if the same happens to them.
But do remember that this is using the ST-e2 for focus only, not for triggering flashes.

Thanks

bobonacus

Canon EOS-7D

09/27/2010 05:28:25 AM · #7

Originally posted by RamblinR:

Originally posted by MattO:
do you have the shutter speed in your custom functions set to 1/120 with a flash attached? That is the only reasoning I could think that could make a difference.

Matt

Don't believe my camera allows any other setting for the flash other than a fixed 1/250 or auto but will check this also.

Thanks

There is a flash sync setting under the custom settings which turns this on or off

I'll check my camera with st-e2 only and see what it does later when I get home ....

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

09/27/2010 06:08:02 AM · #8

Thanks Robert, will be interested in your findings.

bobonacus

Canon EOS-7D

09/28/2010 02:58:01 PM · #9

Yep, mine does exactly the same ... thinking about it that does kinda make sense as the camera is assuming the st-e2 is going to fire the flash and give some fill ... only option would be to shoot full manual when you use the st-e2 for focusing

There are 3 options for the shutter speed, under C.Fn I Exposure, number 7 ... Auto, 1/60 - 1/250, or fixed 1/250

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

09/28/2010 05:52:55 PM · #10

Thanks for that Robert. At least I know it's not a defective camera.

If I want to shoot in A then I set it to overexpose by 1 stop.

Did you also notice the change in white balance?
Again, I think it's adjusting for flash.

bobonacus

Canon EOS-7D

09/29/2010 02:50:17 AM · #11

Originally posted by RamblinR:

Yep, white balance was changed for flash as well. the only thing to watch is it might not be cosistently 1 stop difference, it depends how much fill the camera thinks the flash is going to give.

I've just thought of a way round it that seems to work though ... go into the menu and disable flash firing under flash control ... the exposure and white balance stay correct and the focus assist still fires ... tried it a few times and it seems to work a treat :)