Sigma EM 140 on K-3 over exposes

derekkite · 05-05-2014, 10:05 PM

K3 with F100 2.8 lens and EM-140 ring flash seriously overexposes if I'm closer than 2 feet from the subject. I have the flash ev at -3.0, the lens set at f18, 1/180 shutter in AV mode. P-ttl mode for the flash. The iso shoots up to 3200 or so overexposing.

If I back away 3 feet or more, it settles down. It isn't consistent either. I took some shots of cherry blossoms and was able to adjust things down, and it worked fine. Then shooting some yellow flowers in brighter light, it overexposed.

Any suggestions? I could shoot manual, but am trying to avoid it if I can.

**crewl1** · 05-05-2014, 10:18 PM

You may need to use spot metering if there is a lot of variability in the scene.
But honestly I don't think there is any way around manual when shooting that close.
You already identified the prob, so lock that ISO to a manageable setting.

Bob from Aus · 05-05-2014, 11:07 PM

I only use manual. No big deal. Set your iso speed and aperture. use the buttons on the back to do manual flash (in Mode). You will need to reduce the power of flash (use SEL) . The two sides of the flash independently reduced (use -) pres SEl again to go to other flash . Start with 1/8 and 1/16 for close up work. You can change the aperature and ISO rather than changing the flash. Having each side of the flash different provides a more pleasant shadow.

bmw · 05-07-2014, 02:31 AM

Originally posted by derekkite

K3 with F100 2.8 lens and EM-140 ring flash seriously overexposes if I'm closer than 2 feet from the subject. I have the flash ev at -3.0, the lens set at f18, 1/180 shutter in AV mode. P-ttl mode for the flash. The iso shoots up to 3200 or so overexposing.

If I back away 3 feet or more, it settles down. It isn't consistent either. I took some shots of cherry blossoms and was able to adjust things down, and it worked fine. Then shooting some yellow flowers in brighter light, it overexposed.

Any suggestions? I could shoot manual, but am trying to avoid it if I can.

Originally posted by derekkite

The iso shoots up to 3200 or so

Are you quite certain you are on straight Av mode? The ISO should remain fixed at whatever you set it to, eg ISO 100 (typical for flash).

05-05-2014, 10:05 PM	#1
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Sigma EM 140 on K-3 over exposes K3 with F100 2.8 lens and EM-140 ring flash seriously overexposes if I'm closer than 2 feet from the subject. I have the flash ev at -3.0, the lens set at f18, 1/180 shutter in AV mode. P-ttl mode for the flash. The iso shoots up to 3200 or so overexposing. If I back away 3 feet or more, it settles down. It isn't consistent either. I took some shots of cherry blossoms and was able to adjust things down, and it worked fine. Then shooting some yellow flowers in brighter light, it overexposed. Any suggestions? I could shoot manual, but am trying to avoid it if I can.

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05-05-2014, 10:18 PM	#2
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	You may need to use spot metering if there is a lot of variability in the scene. But honestly I don't think there is any way around manual when shooting that close. You already identified the prob, so lock that ISO to a manageable setting.

05-05-2014, 11:07 PM	#3
Bob from Aus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,094	I only use manual. No big deal. Set your iso speed and aperture. use the buttons on the back to do manual flash (in Mode). You will need to reduce the power of flash (use SEL) . The two sides of the flash independently reduced (use -) pres SEl again to go to other flash . Start with 1/8 and 1/16 for close up work. You can change the aperature and ISO rather than changing the flash. Having each side of the flash different provides a more pleasant shadow.

05-07-2014, 02:31 AM	#4
bmw Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Mississauga Photos: Albums Posts: 212	Originally posted by derekkite K3 with F100 2.8 lens and EM-140 ring flash seriously overexposes if I'm closer than 2 feet from the subject. I have the flash ev at -3.0, the lens set at f18, 1/180 shutter in AV mode. P-ttl mode for the flash. The iso shoots up to 3200 or so overexposing. If I back away 3 feet or more, it settles down. It isn't consistent either. I took some shots of cherry blossoms and was able to adjust things down, and it worked fine. Then shooting some yellow flowers in brighter light, it overexposed. Any suggestions? I could shoot manual, but am trying to avoid it if I can. Originally posted by derekkite The iso shoots up to 3200 or so Are you quite certain you are on straight Av mode? The ISO should remain fixed at whatever you set it to, eg ISO 100 (typical for flash).