kM ev values in manual mode

GaryJarvis · 07-29-2012, 11:24 AM

I have just bought set of (cheap) studio lights and have been taking first set of trial portarits. I will post later when I have got more feedback on this kit. But for now I am doing nothing too elaborate, just a single light with softbox.
Problem appears to be with camera it is a Pentax kM (which I love) but when setting up portrait I chose 125thsec at F11 in manual mode - so nothing unusual I guess. However display screen shows EV at -3.0. It only shows this on manual, I've scrolled thorugh other settings to check, but it can't be right can it? I'm not even sure that it is having any effect on exposure.
I've looked through the manual and tried to find similar subjects on forums but no luck - any ideas anyone?

Adam · 07-29-2012, 11:33 AM

You mean the digital K-m? Assuming your lights work like a flash, if they don't support P-TTL then the camera won't know how much lighting you'll get, so you won't be able to go by the light meter.

**Just1MoreDave** · 07-29-2012, 04:28 PM

In M mode, the Ev meter will ignore the flash. It's showing you the results you'd get with just that 1/125s f11 exposure are 3 stops underexposed. Probably more but the K-m display maxes out at 3 stops. It can be useful information. It's a meter reading in M mode, not a bias to an automatic mode like you'd see in Av or another mode. I guess the idea is, in M mode you ought to know what you're doing.

07-29-2012, 11:24 AM	#1
GaryJarvis New Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 1	kM ev values in manual mode I have just bought set of (cheap) studio lights and have been taking first set of trial portarits. I will post later when I have got more feedback on this kit. But for now I am doing nothing too elaborate, just a single light with softbox. Problem appears to be with camera it is a Pentax kM (which I love) but when setting up portrait I chose 125thsec at F11 in manual mode - so nothing unusual I guess. However display screen shows EV at -3.0. It only shows this on manual, I've scrolled thorugh other settings to check, but it can't be right can it? I'm not even sure that it is having any effect on exposure. I've looked through the manual and tried to find similar subjects on forums but no luck - any ideas anyone?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Manual mode on my K10D is acting like TAv mode	Love my K10D	Visitors' Center	9	11-06-2013 11:44 AM
K10D manual mode	orcrown	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	35	12-09-2011 01:52 PM
Kx EV +/- button in Manual Mode	Rory	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	15	09-02-2010 09:25 PM
Change Default Values in GREEN mode	brosen	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	10-12-2009 07:05 AM
K100ds and full manual mode w/manual lens	dwhopson	Pentax DSLR Discussion	10	11-06-2008 10:37 PM

07-29-2012, 11:33 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	You mean the digital K-m? Assuming your lights work like a flash, if they don't support P-TTL then the camera won't know how much lighting you'll get, so you won't be able to go by the light meter.

07-29-2012, 04:28 PM	#3
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	In M mode, the Ev meter will ignore the flash. It's showing you the results you'd get with just that 1/125s f11 exposure are 3 stops underexposed. Probably more but the K-m display maxes out at 3 stops. It can be useful information. It's a meter reading in M mode, not a bias to an automatic mode like you'd see in Av or another mode. I guess the idea is, in M mode you ought to know what you're doing.