Underexposure Issues (low flash intensity)

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Underexposure Issues (low flash intensity)

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kobeallen

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Hi guys!

It's my first time here at this forum and I hope I could get answers from Nikon users here. I'm using a D5000 with SB600 flash and I'm experiencing this problem of my flash not firing consistently. It used to work just fine but now even if my batteries are fully charged there would be times where the flash output is not on a level where it should be. Thus, I have underexposed pictures. The flash displays a blinking negative values of exposure.

Without changing the setting the flash output is sometimes good sometimes not. It could be that it's only a "camera settings" problem or my flash is the one that's having an issue. What's your take guys?

Thank you!

Posted 2 years ago #
jerl

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First thing I would try to do is to turn off all of the auto settings. Try putting your camera in manual exposure mode and using your flash in manual power mode. Take a picture indoors with the flash pointed forwards at something 5-10 feet away at full power, 1/200s, ISO 200, and at f/5.6 and you should get a completely overexposed image, even my pop-up flash over exposes at this setting.

If you are still getting underexposed images, then I would suspect an issue with the batteries first- try using good ones if you are not already doing so (I learned the hard way that cheap batteries can result in poor performance). If not, then the fault might be how you are using the metering system in conjunction with the flash metering.

Posted 2 years ago #
Paperman

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Are you sure the problem does not originate from tricky situations that can fool the exposure - light colored objects , white walls etc ?

Another thought ... Auto ISO while using flash is tricky in D5000 and newer Nikon models . The priorty is getting the ambient light right and almost always ends in maximum ISO ( set bu Auto ISO ) and dimmed flash .

Posted 2 years ago #
Gareth

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I too would suggest exactly what has been suggested. Turn off auto ISO. Shoot manual. Put Your flash in manual. If it is under exposed bump up the flash a stop (say from 1/16 to 1/8), or open up a stop, say from f/5.6 to f/4, or decrease your shutter speed (shutter speed will affect you ambient light, but not your flash).

My guess is that you are now good enough to shoot manual and get the results you want every time, rather than just when your camera's auto settings happen to get the ISO, shutter speed, aperture and flash power right (maybe you realise there is a small chance of this happening).

Also manual setting are repeatable and auto setting are not.

If you are already doing all of this, I'm sorry, you did not explain enough for me to realise.

Posted 2 years ago #
Mike Gunter

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Hi,

I don't know the camera - it may not have this feature, but if you put it into Spot metering mode, that could also be a problem. You'd get inconsistent results by metering on a small part of what's in the viewfinder.

My best,

Mike

Posted 2 years ago #
TaoTeJared

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Make sure to reset your flash completely (manual shows you how) and try that first. When I first got my 600 it did the same thing and sometimes still does. Usually it is because I hit some button. Also check on your camera that your camera is on the default flash setting and not in "rear" flash mode etc.

If that still doesn't work start doing what everyone has said above and make sure the flash has time to charge between shots.

Posted 2 years ago #
Gareth

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i forgot about that mike. i'm sure all these tips will solve the issue.

Posted 2 years ago #
Drab

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I like all the theories, and the point about resetting everything before drawing conclusions is a sound one, but isn't the SB-600 smart enough not to refuse to fire if it isn't charged enough? I know my 28 is.

Posted 2 years ago #
jerl

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Well, it's supposed to, but sometimes there's weird states these things can go into, and if the metering modes are not used properly, it can appear that the flash is "broken". We just want to isolate the problem by removing as much of these is possible, and determining if there's an equipment problem, or a user issue.

Posted 2 years ago #
kobeallen

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Thanks for all your comments guys. I normally shoot in manual mode including the ISO setting. I also have tried resetting the flash to its default settings but still having the problem. I'm using Sony batteries but also tried a different set of batteries since I also suspect that it could be a battery problem. Batteries are not the cause of the issue I should say.

On the other hand, I would still try what you guys have recommended and hopefully I could arrive at a conclusion.

Posted 2 years ago #
Gareth

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Given what you have said, it is most likely your metering as Mike said. It makes a huge difference. Is it set to spot or scene on your camera?

Also, do you have the same problem in maual flash, or only ttl?

Posted 2 years ago #
kobeallen

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Hi Gareth, Most of the time I'm using the spot metering mode. If I remember correctly I do have problems in manual mode too but I have to verify that once again.

Posted 2 years ago #
Drab

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kobeallen said:
Hi Gareth, Most of the time I'm using the spot metering mode.

No offense, but if you are unable to distinguish on your own between hardware and wetware causes of exposure problems you really are not ready for spot metering mode and likely do not understand what it is doing.

Unless you know exactly why you are in spot metering mode you should be in matrix meter mode. It is a large part of what makes a Nikon a Nikon.

Posted 2 years ago #
SkintBrit

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Paperman said:

Another thought ... Auto ISO while using flash is tricky in D5000 and newer Nikon models .

Help me out here guys, this is a question I have been meaning to post for a while. Why does the ISO on the camera set itself to the minimum value set, when using auto ISO with a flash? Why is it not possible (or is it) for the normal auto ISO feature to work between the lower and higher peramiters you have set, whilst using a flash? I often shoot using auto ISO set between 200 - 6400 on a D700 and higher on a 3s, as soon as you pop up the flash, or add one to the hot shoe.......bang........the camera will set itself to 200. Why? There is an obvious answer to why this needs to be, it's just escaping me at present. Some one want to fill me in?

Posted 2 years ago #