I have a gossen digipro-f light meter that has always given spot on readings. However, when I started using it with my new Nikon d80, the readings are off. I have the iso set to 100 on both pieces of equipment, so I can't think of what could be causing the problem. Any ideas?
2007-05-02 06:14:00 · 5 answers · asked by sevenflowers 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
The meter tends to give a reading that will overexpose my subject. I've tried outdoor, indoor, and studio light, and get the same general results - 3 or 4 stops overexposed. I know this meter works, though. I have a n80 that I've used the meter extensively with. It's just some collaboration with the d80.
2007-05-02 07:00:53 · update #1
It is possible that the Gossen measures the light in a different way than the camera. Do you measure reflected or incident light with the Gossen? It doesn't mean they don't work just they get different results based on different data. The coverage of the Gossen in reflected light is 25 degrees.
Do you use matrix , center weighted or spot metering with the Nikon? I think they both work as they should work but it is the way they measure the light and when this is different, you get different results.
Make a equally lit grey or white surface and be sure the Gossen and your camera cover only this surface. Measure reflected light with the Gossen, put the Gossen at the same distance from the surface as your Nikon (approx. 50 to 80 cms) and set the Nikon in M mode and center weighted metering mode. Use a normal lens and focus at infinity. If you get the same readings than they correspondent. If not than check the Nikon D80 because you are telling that the Gossen was ok before working with a Nikon N80.
You could do the same procedure comparing the Nikons in M mode using the same lens at same aperture, distance to surface, focus distance, iso settings and metering mode. Also compare the Gossen with the Nikon N80 with this procedure.
Another option is to compare your Nikon D80 with somebody else's. Just measure the same scenery with same settings and lens, you don't need to use the equally lit surface.
Maybe stupid suggestion but you never know: check the Gossen's batteries.
Most professional hand held light meters can be calibrated by turning a little screw. You could stop down the Gossen by 3-4 EV, but only if you are sure that the readings are always the same level off and you know what you are doing.
If you discover they both work as they should, than you need to learn more about how to measure with the Gossen and measuring light in general. Precise light measuring with a hand held meter can be difficult, especially in difficult light conditions, high contrast situations or combined day/artificial (bulb, fluorescent and/or flash) light conditions.
A hand held light meter measures light in the way YOU tell it to do. YOU have to interpret the data it passes based on the methode you use.
2007-05-02 06:45:28 · answer #1 · answered by Schwarzadler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How off? Over or underexposed? And by how much? It may, of course, not be the meter, but the new camera. Have you tried the meter with any other camera since you brought you D80? If not, I would strongly suggest that you do. If the meter is found to be ok, and it and your Nikon are widely off, you should have the camera checked to ensure there is no fault in it.
2007-05-02 06:38:27 · answer #2 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just off the top my head my first reaction is to ask if your camera is indeed set on fully manual? Could there be some kind of override happening here? I am not familiar with D80. I use the d70 and when on full manual I have no problems.
2007-05-02 06:32:23 · answer #3 · answered by Moose 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you will read your manual, you will find that Nikon states that you should not use generic batteries and that they could void your warranty. I have been using Nikon EN-EL3e's for over a year in my D200's and after over 40,000 exposures, they are still showing 100% when fully charged and show they are still in the "new" condition. Spend the little extra for a real Nikon battery .. hopefully the generic has not damaged the circutry on your camera
2016-05-18 23:00:44 · answer #4 · answered by malisa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why god makes grey cards. Get one. Read it with the Gossen and then read it with the Nikon. If I were to trust one, I would trust the Gossen.
2007-05-02 09:49:34 · answer #5 · answered by Polyhistor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋