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CMG · 08-21-2012, 05:23 PM - **1 Like**

Why have this function? In what situation would you choose to extend the meter operating time? Thanks!

**jatrax** · 08-21-2012, 05:54 PM

This option also controls how long the indicators in the OVF are on. So if 'meter operating time' is set to 3 seconds the display turns off after 3 seconds. I think the options are 3, 10 & 30 seconds. If you need more time then set it longer, however this will increase battery use. So the trade off is between battery use and time spent looking at the indicators.

Just another option that Pentax gives us to customize the camera to suit ourselves.

CMG · 08-21-2012, 07:17 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

This option also controls how long the indicators in the OVF are on. So if 'meter operating time' is set to 3 seconds the display turns off after 3 seconds. I think the options are 3, 10 & 30 seconds. If you need more time then set it longer, however this will increase battery use. So the trade off is between battery use and time spent looking at the indicators.

Just another option that Pentax gives us to customize the camera to suit ourselves.

I see...that makes sense. So other than that, are you getting any kind of benefit from say a 30 second meter operating time? I suppose I can see a situation where you are shooting outside and the lighting is changing rapidly as you are looking through the viewfinder and composing the shot...maybe?

asp1880 · 08-22-2012, 01:18 AM

Meter operating time also governs the auto exposure lock (AE-L) time. That's the time you've
got to reframe and take the shot from the moment you press the AE-L button.

Regards,
--Anders.

adwb · 08-22-2012, 01:19 AM

Originally posted by jatrax

This option also controls how long the indicators in the OVF are on. So if 'meter operating time' is set to 3 seconds the display turns off after 3 seconds. I think the options are 3, 10 & 30 seconds. If you need more time then set it longer, however this will increase battery use. So the trade off is between battery use and time spent looking at the indicators.

Just another option that Pentax gives us to customize the camera to suit ourselves.

I'm sure there is more to it than that but I also can't find out what

**jatrax** · 08-22-2012, 09:11 AM

Originally posted by CMG

I see...that makes sense. So other than that, are you getting any kind of benefit from say a 30 second meter operating time? I suppose I can see a situation where you are shooting outside and the lighting is changing rapidly as you are looking through the viewfinder and composing the shot...maybe?

In the studio, if I'm fussing with lights or focus or getting something exactly right the longer time means I do not have to keep hitting the shutter button to wake up the camera. In the field, I have it set to 10 seconds and never found a reason to go longer. Maybe with macro, if you are taking too long to get things just right.

As noted it also affects the AE-L timing, so that might be a factor. For me 3 seconds is too short 10 seconds works 90% of the time.

vonBaloney · 08-22-2012, 09:14 AM

I keep mine on 30 seconds. My question would be more the opposite than the OP -- in what situations would you choose to shorten it? I'm slow and deliberate -- it helps.

08-21-2012, 05:23 PM - 1 Like	#1
CMG Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 138	Meter Operating Time Why have this function? In what situation would you choose to extend the meter operating time? Thanks!

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08-21-2012, 05:54 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	This option also controls how long the indicators in the OVF are on. So if 'meter operating time' is set to 3 seconds the display turns off after 3 seconds. I think the options are 3, 10 & 30 seconds. If you need more time then set it longer, however this will increase battery use. So the trade off is between battery use and time spent looking at the indicators. Just another option that Pentax gives us to customize the camera to suit ourselves.

08-21-2012, 07:17 PM	#3
CMG Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 138 Original Poster	Originally posted by jatrax This option also controls how long the indicators in the OVF are on. So if 'meter operating time' is set to 3 seconds the display turns off after 3 seconds. I think the options are 3, 10 & 30 seconds. If you need more time then set it longer, however this will increase battery use. So the trade off is between battery use and time spent looking at the indicators. Just another option that Pentax gives us to customize the camera to suit ourselves. I see...that makes sense. So other than that, are you getting any kind of benefit from say a 30 second meter operating time? I suppose I can see a situation where you are shooting outside and the lighting is changing rapidly as you are looking through the viewfinder and composing the shot...maybe?

08-22-2012, 01:18 AM	#4
asp1880 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lyngby, Copenhagen Photos: Albums Posts: 742	Meter operating time also governs the auto exposure lock (AE-L) time. That's the time you've got to reframe and take the shot from the moment you press the AE-L button. Regards, --Anders.

08-22-2012, 01:19 AM	#5
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	Originally posted by jatrax This option also controls how long the indicators in the OVF are on. So if 'meter operating time' is set to 3 seconds the display turns off after 3 seconds. I think the options are 3, 10 & 30 seconds. If you need more time then set it longer, however this will increase battery use. So the trade off is between battery use and time spent looking at the indicators. Just another option that Pentax gives us to customize the camera to suit ourselves. I'm sure there is more to it than that but I also can't find out what

08-22-2012, 09:11 AM	#6
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by CMG I see...that makes sense. So other than that, are you getting any kind of benefit from say a 30 second meter operating time? I suppose I can see a situation where you are shooting outside and the lighting is changing rapidly as you are looking through the viewfinder and composing the shot...maybe? In the studio, if I'm fussing with lights or focus or getting something exactly right the longer time means I do not have to keep hitting the shutter button to wake up the camera. In the field, I have it set to 10 seconds and never found a reason to go longer. Maybe with macro, if you are taking too long to get things just right. As noted it also affects the AE-L timing, so that might be a factor. For me 3 seconds is too short 10 seconds works 90% of the time.

08-22-2012, 09:14 AM	#7
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	I keep mine on 30 seconds. My question would be more the opposite than the OP -- in what situations would you choose to shorten it? I'm slow and deliberate -- it helps.

Meter Operating Time

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