Can you test a film SLR's meter without a lens, and could one lens cause the same metering error on multiple bodies?
Asked 6/11/2017
2 views
2 answers
0
I have three Sigma SA-mount film SLR bodies (one SA-9 and two SA-7n) and one Sigma 28-80 AF lens. With that lens mounted, all three cameras meter about 2–3 stops under in normal, consistent light. I compared them against two known-good cameras and a Sekonic meter, which all agree within about 1/3 stop. Batteries are fresh and I checked ISO, exposure compensation, and metering settings.
Because all three bodies show the same error with the same lens, I'm wondering whether the lens could be causing the problem. Is there any practical way to test the cameras' built-in meters without a lens attached, or with a non-matching lens, to help isolate whether the issue is in the bodies or the lens?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
1
Since the lens is an important part of the metering process, no, you can't really test it without a lens mounted.
If I understand your question correctly, you have three bodies but one lens; if all three bodies show the same incorrect meter value, then the lens is most likely your culprit.
In your situation, I would do some testing, with a controlled scene and bracketed exposures, to confirm the incorrect readings; from this, you might be able to derive an offset to use.
Beyond that, you're going to have to acquire an additional lens or three to see if anything is different.
Originally by user38174. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user38174
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Not really. On an SLR, the lens is part of the metering system, so testing the camera’s built-in meter without a proper mounted lens generally won’t tell you much.
Given that you have three bodies and one lens, and all three show the same 2–3 stop under-reading, the lens is the most likely common cause rather than all three bodies having the identical fault.
A practical way to confirm this is to shoot a controlled scene and bracket exposures, then compare the results to your handheld meter or known-good cameras. If the readings are consistently off by the same amount, you may be able to work with a compensation offset temporarily.
To truly isolate the problem, the best next step is to try another compatible SA-mount lens. A mismatched lens from another mount won’t be a reliable test for the camera’s meter.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI9y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Will a film SLR’s light meter match my Nikon D5200’s meter?
Why is only the right side of my photo blurred?
Infrared film, cable releases, and metering on a Hasselblad 500CM
Which Nikon film cameras can be used without a built-in exposure meter?
Will a Ricoh FF-3 AF meter correctly if the photocell cover/lens is missing?