[trseattle]

I have a new Q and when using the flash it consistently over exposes very intensely about 75% of the time. I've tried every possible setting combinations I can think of and no success. It is especially bad on the standard zoom lens at the 5MM setting. It totally blows out the image. I tried the AF200 external flash and it has the same problem when mounted. Any suggestions to try? I'm feeling it's defective & leaning towards sending it in to repair. Any ideas appreciated.

[devorama]

What shooting mode are you using? What ISO are you set to? Are you sure you don't have the flash exposure compensation turned up to +1?

[trseattle]

I've tried multiple ISO and shutter speed combinations. I've experimented with flash exposure compensation turned down from -.03 all the way to -2.0 turned down. It has no effect. It will still over expose.

[jezza323]

Can you post some samples with EXIF?

[devorama]

Try this:

Shooting mode: M
Shutter speed: 1/125 sec
Aperture: F/2.0
ISO: 125
Flash Exposure Compensation: 0
Flash mode: fill in (forced on)
Pop up the flash
Shoot something about 6 feet away.

[trseattle]

1/50, f2.8, ISO 160 standard 02 zoom lens at 5MM

[jezza323]

At that short distance you will probably need to close the aperture down to get a decent exposure, and/or lower the ISO

What is the flash guide number on the Q?

EDIT - according to pentax site the Q flash is 7m @ ISO 200

That means at f2.8, ISO 160 subject needs to be about 3.2m away for a correct exposure (calculated with Photobuddy on my iPhone). Up close like you are there it will over-expose. To get correct exposure at 1m you would need to use f7.1, ISO 100, which is well into diffraction territory on the Q!

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Last edited by jezza323; 02-13-2012 at 01:38 PM.

[trseattle]

But I have the same problem when the distance is 10 feet away. I think the GN number is 7. But I'm not sure.

[trseattle]

I also have Nikon J1 and Canon S95 and never have any flash exposure issues at the same distances and settings

[Clicker]

From the sample you've shown, you're too close to the lens and it seem to have picked up the background, i don't think it would matter if the meter is set to evalutive or spot it's picking up the darker background BUT for the 10 feet away shot i'm not sure what's happening till an example is posted.

I only have the 01 lens and the flash works as it should in all the settings, but from your posted sample i'm positive the focus point is to the back of youa nd the camera is metering a darker background and anything near is going to be washed out.
it's too bad we cant control the focus point...Pentax perhaps in another SW update?

I can't comment on the other brands.

[trseattle]

I agree with your assessment. I can't seem to get it to meter correctly for the focus point. Very frustrating as I am very pleased with the image files and wish to be able to use the flash in confidence when the situation is needed.

[Clicker]

If we could only control that focus point. The min focus distance for that lens is a little over 11" and i don't think you have dwarfish arms...lol
btw did you do that camera and lens(es) SW update...i'm grasping at straws now for a probable solution

[trseattle]

Yep. All updates completed. I may just have to battle through this issue and accept its limitation until another update comes along.

[barondla]

Does the ND filter work with flash? It might cut the light down enough that the flash can't over power it.
thanks
barondla

[trseattle]

Tried it with the ND filter and it still has the same issue.