Fooled by my camera - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

07/04/2007 05:11:30 PM · #1

There's probably a logical explanation, but I just don't know it.

This is the situation:

First took a shot (handheld) with my macro-lens:

Doesn't look too bad, but I decided to use a tripod and another lens.
According to the camera, exposure was OK, but this was the result

After taking this picture I saw the histogram didn't look very well,
(but I didn't had my glasses with me).

Does anyone have any idea why the camera thinks the lightning was ok?

Thanks in advance!

BTW. This was the final result:

BHuseman

Nikon D750

07/04/2007 05:14:05 PM · #2

I have had this happen before where I wasn't looking through the viewfinder and the light was shining through the back of the viewfinder. It tricked the camera into thinking it was brighter than it was.

Use that little rubber piece that is on the camera strap and cover the view finder and it shouldn't happen again.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/04/2007 05:18:30 PM · #3

Never used it before, but it make sence. Normally my camera points horizontal, but in this case it was vertical hanging over my pond, so the viewfinder was pointing to the sky. With the "good" shots, my eye was on the viewfinder. I'll try it this weekend. Thanks!

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

07/04/2007 06:07:47 PM · #4

Exif data says F11 at 1/200th of a second on the black shot. 1/200th F5 on the hand-held shot.

If your camera said the exposure was equal between the two, I'd be packing it to send in for repair.

edit: if you couldn't look through the viewfinder, how do you know it said the exposure was good.

Message edited by author 2007-07-04 18:08:27.

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

07/04/2007 06:47:41 PM · #5

I'm guessing he had it on Tv mode and 1/200th, and it picked the aperture automatically.

The light shining through the VF is absolutely right. The meter takes readings off the mirror, and since the prism reflects light back onto the mirror unless your eye blocks that light, it affects the reading. 1-series cameras have VF shutters, but you can just use tape or your hand or something.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/04/2007 07:04:28 PM · #6

It was in AV mode. During the dark shots I just pressed the button (after setting everyting alright) with my remote control, no eye on the viewfinder. With the good shots, I kept my eye on the viewfinder, so I think

BHuseman explanation looks very good. As I mentioned before, I'll test it this weekend. Let you all know the results.

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/04/2007 08:08:02 PM · #7

Anytime my tripod comes out, so does my lightmeter. I've been fooled a few times. In fact, I take a reading with the camera and then with the lightmeter and try to figure out why they're different.

surfdabbler

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

07/04/2007 09:18:53 PM · #8

The 400D already has the LCD screen blackout when you hold it to your eye. Now they need an automatic viewfinder blackout when you aren't holding it to your eye. :)

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/04/2007 11:11:01 PM · #9

Here's the dark frame with extreme levels applied; definitely underexposure, not shutter malfunction. Light through viewfinder obvious culprit.

07/08/2007 10:43:07 AM · #10

Just for the record: tested it today. It definitely was the light coming through the viewfinder. I guess that's my punishment for being lazy and not shooting in manual mode.

FireBird

07/08/2007 11:38:03 AM · #11

Originally posted by hajeka:

Just for the record: tested it today. It definitely was the light coming through the viewfinder. I guess that's my punishment for being lazy and not shooting in manual mode.

I'm curious. I noticed that your ISO changed to 400 on the affected shot. Did you have your camera set for "Auto-ISO"? I've noticed differences in my images after I got the remote shutter release and took some macro shots with my eye off the finder. But I'd never taken one with the finder pointing up into the light like your example.