D100 Underexposure problems

I've been noticing my D100 underexposes most of my shots, does

anyone else have this issue? Does the new firmware release address

this (I'm reluctant to update the firmware because I don't want to

part with my camera for a week or two)? How have others dealt with

this?

Underexposeing according to the camera's histogram?<P> I'd simply adjust

the exposure compensation upward semi permanently if that is the case.

As far as I can tell my D100 doesn't have any underexposure problems. It has firmware version 1.1. I have had the camera since mid August and took it on a 3-week trip in September, so I have used it quite a bit already. I usually use matrix metering but have used the spot meter as well.

What and how are you metering and what white balance are you using? This maybe part or most of the issue.

 

My D1X and D1X/D1H's I've borrowed tend to protect against blown highlights in auto white balance and matrix metering more than I'd like (about 2/3 stop under where my F100 meters).

 

After 30 years of using the lens aperture ring to set the aperture, I turn on the D1X/D1H custom settings to make the dial that would control the aperture into a quick exposure compensation function and dial in the compensation needed for the scene.

 

Given that you can't fudge the ISO dial vs "film speed" on a digital, your only choice is exposure compensation. Find your favorite way to do it on the D100.

I've been reading the threads on this in the Nikonians forum. It's been widely discussed and has to do with Nikon's decision to provide a conservative exposure to avoid blown out highlights while leaving recoverable detail in the shadows. Many users are loading their own custom exposure curves into the camera to compensate. See the relevant threads at Nikonians:

http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID71/460.html

http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID71/479.html

 

good luck,

 

Mark