Dropped Nikon D3300 now overexposes through viewfinder but meters correctly in Live View
Asked 10/26/2020
1 views
2 answers
0
I dropped my Nikon D3300, and since then it overexposes when I shoot normally through the viewfinder. In manual mode, the meter suggests settings that are much too bright, and I have to dial in about -2.7 to -3 EV to get a correct exposure. A question mark in the viewfinder also keeps indicating poor light. This happens with multiple lenses, so it does not seem lens-related. However, in Live View the metering appears normal and exposures are correct. What is the likely cause, and is this something that can be fixed?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
3
It sounds like the mirror assembly is damaged, leading to incorrect light meter readings. In an SLR, the light metering sensor is contained in the viewfinder that gets its light via the mirror. The autofocus sensor gets its light via the secondary mirror. If you dislodged the mirror or the metering sensor when you dropped it, that could explain what you are seeing.
The reason your camera meters correctly in Live View is that the metering sensor in the viewfinder is not used in Live View. Instead, the camera reads the main sensor to do metering.
I see that a used D3300 goes for about $150, so you might be better off buying a replacement vs. sending it in for repair (which will likely cost at least $150). Might be time to upgrade, depending on how much you can spend.
Originally by user82266. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user82266
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely cause is damage to the mirror/metering assembly from the drop. On a DSLR like the D3300, normal viewfinder shooting uses a separate metering path that relies on the mirror system. If that assembly is knocked out of alignment or damaged, the camera can give incorrect exposure readings and misleading viewfinder indicators.
Live View meters from the main imaging sensor instead, which explains why exposure looks normal there.
Because the problem appears with multiple lenses and only affects viewfinder metering, the lens is unlikely to be the cause. This is usually a hardware issue rather than a setting you can correct in the menu. The practical options are to have the camera inspected/repaired or replace the body, depending on repair cost versus the camera’s value.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI5y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why is my Canon 100D viewfinder blurry when Live View looks sharp?
Why does my Nikon D600 choose different shutter speeds in live view vs the viewfinder?
Why is my Nikon D3300 Live View black when attached to an 8SE telescope?
Why does my Canon 70D autofocus faster through the viewfinder than in Live View, especially in low light?
Why does my Nikon D5100 frame differently in the viewfinder vs Live View after a drop?