Metering trouble with my new FA 77

**Another dyemention** · 03-02-2016, 09:56 AM

So I just got my brand new FA 77 and tried a few shots at lunchtime. If I have the aperture set to A, and adjust my shutter to get th correct metering, the pictures black. However, setting the aperture to 1.8 and using the same shutter speed, the picture comes out fine. I did a reset on the camera to make sure I didn't have something set wrong but it's the same results. And it seems to work ok with the green button as well. I'll try some more after work but if anyone can give me any ideas before then, it'd be appreciated. Thanks

Na Horuk · 03-02-2016, 10:03 AM

Are you in M mode or some other? Here are my tips:
a) dismount the lens and check the lens and camera mount for damage, particles, dirt.
b) make sure the lens is really locked in to A on aperture ring. I think you need to push a little button to get it into A
c) make sure the lens is fully mounted - it needs to click into place
d) does the camera recognize the lens? If the exif data shows the correct lens ID, then this part is okay
e) does the camera show the aperture on the LCD screen or is it just F---?
f) does the lens' aperture move correctly? You can test this by taking two photos, one at f2, and one at f16, and looking down into the lens. The difference should be obvious. You can use Tv or M mode for this, and select a shutter speed of 0,5 seconds or even longer so you can see the aperture blades move into position.

**Another dyemention** · 03-02-2016, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Are you in M mode or some other? Here are my tips:
a) dismount the lens and check the lens and camera mount for damage, particles, dirt.
b) make sure the lens is really locked in to A on aperture ring. I think you need to push a little button to get it into A
c) make sure the lens is fully mounted - it needs to click into place
d) does the camera recognize the lens? If the exif data shows the correct lens ID, then this part is okay
e) does the camera show the aperture on the LCD screen or is it just F---?
f) does the lens' aperture move correctly? You can test this by taking two photos, one at f2, and one at f16, and looking down into the lens. The difference should be obvious. You can use Tv or M mode for this, and select a shutter speed of 0,5 seconds or even longer so you can see the aperture blades move into position.

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to check the exif when I get home but the answer to everything else is "yes" other than the last one. The aperture doesn't change regardless of what I have it set at on the lcd screen. Another thing I noticed is the metering is different on live view than through the vf. Not sure if that's normal as I rarely use lv but I figured I'd mention it.

Blacknight659 · 03-02-2016, 12:05 PM

check for Exposure comp also. If you have compensation turned down, you may have some meeting issues. Good luck!

**Another dyemention** · 03-02-2016, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by Blacknight659

check for Exposure comp also. If you have compensation turned down, you may have some meeting issues. Good luck!

At first I did have it turned down but I changed it back to zero. Didn't make a difference though.

Blacknight659 · 03-02-2016, 12:32 PM

One last thing I can think of...

You may need to twist the aperture ring away from the A and stop it all the way down, then back up. Do this a few times and then move it back to A.

Tell me if the A setting starts to work after that.

**Another dyemention** · 03-02-2016, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by Blacknight659

One last thing I can think of...

You may need to twist the aperture ring away from the A and stop it all the way down, then back up. Do this a few times and then move it back to A.

Tell me if the A setting starts to work after that.

Still doesn't work.

---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 01:13 PM ----------

Good news, or bad news, the same thing is happening with my da 35. Way under exposed and the aperture doesn't change when looking at the lens and taking a picture. Even on auto mode the pictures are underexposed. But my da 35 seems to work fine in lv. I'll check the 77 to see if I get the same results.

---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 01:17 PM ----------

Exposure is fine in live view with both the 35 and 77.

Last edited by Another dyemention; 03-02-2016 at 01:17 PM.

Blacknight659 · 03-02-2016, 01:21 PM

Well sounds like you have an issue with the camera then, Not the lens.

As Na Horuk was hinting at, you could have mounting issue.

Here is what my guess is.

1) Lens is not mounted (broken mount, contacts, etc)
2) Aperture lever is broken (this is the little arm that hits your blade lever on your lens)
3) Meter is dirty or broken (less likely)
4) Other body issue / setting issue

Make sure you don't have any funky settings configured, even a master reset is suspect, so double check EVERYTHING.
If you can, try your lens on another body

Personally, I don't the lenses are the problem. Maybe you will be in line for the new K-1?

**Another dyemention** · 03-02-2016, 01:56 PM

With the camera pointed at the vertical blinds covering my back sliding glass door and r camera set to auto, thought the vf the settings are:
1/200 f1.8 and Iso 100
Through live view:
1/80 f2.5 iso 2000
I don't get it. I double checked every single setting and everything looks good.

HenrikDK · 03-02-2016, 02:44 PM

Do you have a custom focusing screen?

stevebrot · 03-02-2016, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by Blacknight659

Well sounds like you have an issue with the camera then, Not the lens.

I agree

Originally posted by Another dyemention

With the camera pointed at the vertical blinds covering my back sliding glass door and r camera set to auto, thought the vf the settings are:
1/200 f1.8 and Iso 100
Through live view:
1/80 f2.5 iso 2000
I don't get it. I double checked every single setting and everything looks good.

By any chance is the optical viewfinder image not clear (appears out-of-focus)? Are you still shooting with a K-50? If so, you may be experiencing the mirror controller/aperture controller issue that afflicts the K-30 and K-50 models. If you are still under warranty, repair will be covered. If not, the cost will be about $250 USD.

Steve

stevebrot · 03-02-2016, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by Blacknight659

Well sounds like you have an issue with the camera then, Not the lens.

I agree

Originally posted by Another dyemention

With the camera pointed at the vertical blinds covering my back sliding glass door and r camera set to auto, thought the vf the settings are:
1/200 f1.8 and Iso 100
Through live view:
1/80 f2.5 iso 2000
I don't get it. I double checked every single setting and everything looks good.

By any chance is the optical viewfinder image not clear (appears out-of-focus)? Are you still shooting with a K-50? If so, you may be experiencing the mirror controller/aperture controller issue that afflicts the K-30 and K-50 models. If you are still under warranty, repair will be covered. If not, the cost will be about $250 USD.

Steve

screwdriver222 · 03-02-2016, 03:23 PM

Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the camera and lens mounts.

You can also check the lens aperture is working off camera by looking into the lens and stopping down the aperture.

**Another dyemention** · 03-02-2016, 03:26 PM

Here are two samples. First one taken through the VF and second taken with LV.

---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:36 PM ----------

Don't mind my dirty sensor btw oops. Anyhow, for both shots, the meter was right in the center.
So to clarify everything:
Through the VF, the metering looks to be correct. 1/250, 1.8, 100 should be ok for this picture.
Through LV. To get the meter to be centered, I have to drop the SS down from 1/250 to 1/10.
Another thing I've noticed when looking at the lens to see if the aperture changes, when in live view, the aperture will open to whatever I have the camera set at but immediately stop all the way down to 22. So if I have it at 1.8 and like a 5 second shutter, it'll open to 1.8 and close back down to 22 for the remainder of the shot.
Whereas when shooting through the VF, it never opens and stays at 22 regardless of my setting. Unless of course I physically set the aperture on the lens.

---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:36 PM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

I agree

By any chance is the optical viewfinder image not clear (appears out-of-focus)? Are you still shooting with a K-50? If so, you may be experiencing the mirror controller/aperture controller issue that afflicts the K-30 and K-50 models. If you are still under warranty, repair will be covered. If not, the cost will be about $250 USD.

Steve

No it seens normal far as I can tell.

---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:37 PM ----------

Originally posted by screwdriver222

Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the camera and lens mounts.

You can also check the lens aperture is working off camera by looking into the lens and stopping down the aperture.

It seems to be working as it should.

**Another dyemention** · 03-02-2016, 03:44 PM

Also, the green button metering works fine. This picture was taken with the same settings as the first one but using the green button to set the shutter speed..which it set to 1/250 btw

03-02-2016, 09:56 AM	#1
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432	Metering trouble with my new FA 77 So I just got my brand new FA 77 and tried a few shots at lunchtime. If I have the aperture set to A, and adjust my shutter to get th correct metering, the pictures black. However, setting the aperture to 1.8 and using the same shutter speed, the picture comes out fine. I did a reset on the camera to make sure I didn't have something set wrong but it's the same results. And it seems to work ok with the green button as well. I'll try some more after work but if anyone can give me any ideas before then, it'd be appreciated. Thanks

03-02-2016, 03:26 PM	#14
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432 Original Poster	Here are two samples. First one taken through the VF and second taken with LV. ---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:36 PM ---------- Don't mind my dirty sensor btw oops. Anyhow, for both shots, the meter was right in the center. So to clarify everything: Through the VF, the metering looks to be correct. 1/250, 1.8, 100 should be ok for this picture. Through LV. To get the meter to be centered, I have to drop the SS down from 1/250 to 1/10. Another thing I've noticed when looking at the lens to see if the aperture changes, when in live view, the aperture will open to whatever I have the camera set at but immediately stop all the way down to 22. So if I have it at 1.8 and like a 5 second shutter, it'll open to 1.8 and close back down to 22 for the remainder of the shot. Whereas when shooting through the VF, it never opens and stays at 22 regardless of my setting. Unless of course I physically set the aperture on the lens. ---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:36 PM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot I agree By any chance is the optical viewfinder image not clear (appears out-of-focus)? Are you still shooting with a K-50? If so, you may be experiencing the mirror controller/aperture controller issue that afflicts the K-30 and K-50 models. If you are still under warranty, repair will be covered. If not, the cost will be about $250 USD. Steve No it seens normal far as I can tell. ---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:37 PM ---------- Originally posted by screwdriver222 Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the camera and lens mounts. You can also check the lens aperture is working off camera by looking into the lens and stopping down the aperture. It seems to be working as it should. Last edited by Another dyemention; 08-05-2017 at 12:46 PM.

03-02-2016, 03:44 PM	#15
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432 Original Poster	Also, the green button metering works fine. This picture was taken with the same settings as the first one but using the green button to set the shutter speed..which it set to 1/250 btw Last edited by Another dyemention; 08-05-2017 at 12:46 PM.

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03-02-2016, 10:03 AM	#2
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Are you in M mode or some other? Here are my tips: a) dismount the lens and check the lens and camera mount for damage, particles, dirt. b) make sure the lens is really locked in to A on aperture ring. I think you need to push a little button to get it into A c) make sure the lens is fully mounted - it needs to click into place d) does the camera recognize the lens? If the exif data shows the correct lens ID, then this part is okay e) does the camera show the aperture on the LCD screen or is it just F---? f) does the lens' aperture move correctly? You can test this by taking two photos, one at f2, and one at f16, and looking down into the lens. The difference should be obvious. You can use Tv or M mode for this, and select a shutter speed of 0,5 seconds or even longer so you can see the aperture blades move into position.

03-02-2016, 12:00 PM	#3
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432 Original Poster	Originally posted by Na Horuk Are you in M mode or some other? Here are my tips: a) dismount the lens and check the lens and camera mount for damage, particles, dirt. b) make sure the lens is really locked in to A on aperture ring. I think you need to push a little button to get it into A c) make sure the lens is fully mounted - it needs to click into place d) does the camera recognize the lens? If the exif data shows the correct lens ID, then this part is okay e) does the camera show the aperture on the LCD screen or is it just F---? f) does the lens' aperture move correctly? You can test this by taking two photos, one at f2, and one at f16, and looking down into the lens. The difference should be obvious. You can use Tv or M mode for this, and select a shutter speed of 0,5 seconds or even longer so you can see the aperture blades move into position. Thanks for the reply. I'll have to check the exif when I get home but the answer to everything else is "yes" other than the last one. The aperture doesn't change regardless of what I have it set at on the lcd screen. Another thing I noticed is the metering is different on live view than through the vf. Not sure if that's normal as I rarely use lv but I figured I'd mention it.

03-02-2016, 12:05 PM	#4
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	check for Exposure comp also. If you have compensation turned down, you may have some meeting issues. Good luck!

03-02-2016, 12:06 PM	#5
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blacknight659 check for Exposure comp also. If you have compensation turned down, you may have some meeting issues. Good luck! At first I did have it turned down but I changed it back to zero. Didn't make a difference though.

03-02-2016, 12:32 PM	#6
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	One last thing I can think of... You may need to twist the aperture ring away from the A and stop it all the way down, then back up. Do this a few times and then move it back to A. Tell me if the A setting starts to work after that.

03-02-2016, 01:05 PM	#7
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blacknight659 One last thing I can think of... You may need to twist the aperture ring away from the A and stop it all the way down, then back up. Do this a few times and then move it back to A. Tell me if the A setting starts to work after that. Still doesn't work. ---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 01:13 PM ---------- Good news, or bad news, the same thing is happening with my da 35. Way under exposed and the aperture doesn't change when looking at the lens and taking a picture. Even on auto mode the pictures are underexposed. But my da 35 seems to work fine in lv. I'll check the 77 to see if I get the same results. ---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 01:17 PM ---------- Exposure is fine in live view with both the 35 and 77. Last edited by Another dyemention; 03-02-2016 at 01:17 PM.

03-02-2016, 01:21 PM	#8
Blacknight659 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	Well sounds like you have an issue with the camera then, Not the lens. As Na Horuk was hinting at, you could have mounting issue. Here is what my guess is. 1) Lens is not mounted (broken mount, contacts, etc) 2) Aperture lever is broken (this is the little arm that hits your blade lever on your lens) 3) Meter is dirty or broken (less likely) 4) Other body issue / setting issue Make sure you don't have any funky settings configured, even a master reset is suspect, so double check EVERYTHING. If you can, try your lens on another body Personally, I don't the lenses are the problem. Maybe you will be in line for the new K-1?

03-02-2016, 01:56 PM	#9
Another dyemention Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 432 Original Poster	With the camera pointed at the vertical blinds covering my back sliding glass door and r camera set to auto, thought the vf the settings are: 1/200 f1.8 and Iso 100 Through live view: 1/80 f2.5 iso 2000 I don't get it. I double checked every single setting and everything looks good.

03-02-2016, 02:44 PM	#10
HenrikDK Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 386	Do you have a custom focusing screen?

03-02-2016, 02:50 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Blacknight659 Well sounds like you have an issue with the camera then, Not the lens. I agree Originally posted by Another dyemention With the camera pointed at the vertical blinds covering my back sliding glass door and r camera set to auto, thought the vf the settings are: 1/200 f1.8 and Iso 100 Through live view: 1/80 f2.5 iso 2000 I don't get it. I double checked every single setting and everything looks good. By any chance is the optical viewfinder image not clear (appears out-of-focus)? Are you still shooting with a K-50? If so, you may be experiencing the mirror controller/aperture controller issue that afflicts the K-30 and K-50 models. If you are still under warranty, repair will be covered. If not, the cost will be about $250 USD. Steve

03-02-2016, 02:50 PM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Blacknight659 Well sounds like you have an issue with the camera then, Not the lens. I agree Originally posted by Another dyemention With the camera pointed at the vertical blinds covering my back sliding glass door and r camera set to auto, thought the vf the settings are: 1/200 f1.8 and Iso 100 Through live view: 1/80 f2.5 iso 2000 I don't get it. I double checked every single setting and everything looks good. By any chance is the optical viewfinder image not clear (appears out-of-focus)? Are you still shooting with a K-50? If so, you may be experiencing the mirror controller/aperture controller issue that afflicts the K-30 and K-50 models. If you are still under warranty, repair will be covered. If not, the cost will be about $250 USD. Steve

03-02-2016, 03:23 PM	#13
screwdriver222 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Plymouth Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 139	Have you tried cleaning the contacts on the camera and lens mounts. You can also check the lens aperture is working off camera by looking into the lens and stopping down the aperture.