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peterh337 · 06-09-2015, 02:00 PM

My K3 has suddenly started doing this.

When I select the X mode, it sets 1/180 (as usual) and I can set the F number and can also set the ISO value.

But no matter what settings I use, the image is very dark - both in the viewfinder (very obviously) and when I view the file. The file (DNG) can be adjusted so it looks right but it needs the Photoshop CS3 raw import exposure setting to be about 1.75 to 2.5.

I wonder if there is some setting on the camera which has got changed, but sure as hell I can't find it!

Otherwise, the camera works great. Normally I use the TAV mode.

It is as if the flash has lost power, but surely the camera does TTL. The flash itself seems plenty powerful enough.

I would really appreciate any suggestions...

rawr · 06-09-2015, 02:22 PM

Flash exposure compensation set at -2 or something springs to mind. (p-41 of the manual).

And are we talking an external flash, or built-in.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 06-09-2015, 06:41 PM

I don't see any reason to shoot in X mode. Balance ambient and flash for best results. Do some testing in various modes and post results.

Finally, all flash use must be done with ISO set specifically. I use TAv 75% of the time, but it isn't designed for flash use - ever. Learn how to use flash properly to balance lighting - and you won't have any complaints. Of course, this also means you'll be free of pTTL for the vast majority of your flash shooting. It isn't a big deal - in fact, it will improve your technique!

**crewl1** · 06-09-2015, 07:22 PM

Also check to make sure you don't have the flash set as wireless controller.

peterh337 · 06-09-2015, 11:49 PM

Yes - the flash was set to be a Master flash

Very sorry everyone!

06-09-2015, 02:00 PM	#1
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573	Flash photos come out very dark My K3 has suddenly started doing this. When I select the X mode, it sets 1/180 (as usual) and I can set the F number and can also set the ISO value. But no matter what settings I use, the image is very dark - both in the viewfinder (very obviously) and when I view the file. The file (DNG) can be adjusted so it looks right but it needs the Photoshop CS3 raw import exposure setting to be about 1.75 to 2.5. I wonder if there is some setting on the camera which has got changed, but sure as hell I can't find it! Otherwise, the camera works great. Normally I use the TAV mode. It is as if the flash has lost power, but surely the camera does TTL. The flash itself seems plenty powerful enough. I would really appreciate any suggestions...

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06-09-2015, 02:22 PM	#2
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Flash exposure compensation set at -2 or something springs to mind. (p-41 of the manual). And are we talking an external flash, or built-in.

06-09-2015, 06:41 PM	#3
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	I don't see any reason to shoot in X mode. Balance ambient and flash for best results. Do some testing in various modes and post results. Finally, all flash use must be done with ISO set specifically. I use TAv 75% of the time, but it isn't designed for flash use - ever. Learn how to use flash properly to balance lighting - and you won't have any complaints. Of course, this also means you'll be free of pTTL for the vast majority of your flash shooting. It isn't a big deal - in fact, it will improve your technique!

06-09-2015, 07:22 PM	#4
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Also check to make sure you don't have the flash set as wireless controller.

06-09-2015, 11:49 PM	#5
peterh337 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 573 Original Poster	Yes - the flash was set to be a Master flash Very sorry everyone!

Flash photos come out very dark

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