5D EC not working

[Dennis_Vied]

I'd try Doug's suggestion, see if the aperture changes. Also check the EXIF to see if it jibes with what you saw before.

[JeffONeil]

Okay! I've got this figured out.

All of you are right. Sadly, I'm left wondering how in heavens name I EVER took a decent shot. (hangs head in shame)

My problem is R T F M !!!

You guys are right, "Exposure Compensation" involves moving the power switch up one notch to dial in the amount desired. Here's where I went wrong. I always had the camera power switch to the top, and was pressing the FEB button on the 5D to adjust compensation. I feel so dumb.

To make this worse, it's what I've been doing with the 1DMKII as well. Once again pulling out the manual for both camera's I've discovered the difference between the buttons on each camera and the proper use.

I've been blindly shooting for the past few years wondering why I could not get any consistency, especially with flash. This little exercise has put so much into..ahem..focus.

With the 1D I need to do a little more reading on FEL for better balance.

My questions have been answered and I have to admit, I'm feeling more than a little sheepish.

My thanks to everyone. Once again, the old dog is learning another new trick!

Jeff

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Jeff,

Originally Posted by JeffONeil

Okay! I've got this figured out.

All of you are right. Sadly, I'm left wondering how in heavens name I EVER took a decent shot. (hangs head in shame)

My problem is R T F M !!!

Or, as an alternative, , RWFKW (read what I send you - exactly)!

All kidding aside, I'm glad you are on the air.

Best regards,

Doug

[Noel_Carboni]

Don't worry about it, Jeff. Life's too complicated to always get everything right. At least you were perceptive enough to realize something was amiss and ask about it here.

Sadly, I'm left wondering how in heavens name I EVER took a decent shot.

That may go something like this:

1. You had left (non-flash) Exposure Compensation to 0, which allowed the camera's metering to work on default settings when you were not using flash. Usually not a bad thing; the camera's been known to get it right, or at least close enough for government work.

2. You had been adjusting Flash Exposure Compensation... In what mode have you been shooting flash shots? If you've been using Av mode for flash shooting, for example, your camera primarily meters the ambient light per the main EC settings anyway, and FEC adjusts the flash power for added fill. You might not have noticed the light balance changing. Plus, if you're using a Speedlite, and happen to have set flash exposure compensation on the flash itself, that will override the camera FEC setting.

-Noel