Lens Problem?

[Mankuthel]

<p>I've been having some problems with my Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 for a few weeks now. My photos seem to over expose and I have to adjust the exposure each time by 2 stops just to get a photos right. I initially thought it was a problem with my camera - I have a D3. I reseted the settings and tried again but it made no difference. I tried my 70-200mm and I didnt have a problem. So I think it might be a problem with the 24-70mm.</p>

<p>I've attached two photos from my recent trip to Amsterdam. I took the following photos, so that I could ask you fine folks to help me understand what exactly is wrong :)</p>

<p>The photo on the left was taken at ISO-200, F/8, 1/200s, 0EV, matrix metering. The photo on the left was stopped down by 2 stops - ISO-200, F/8, 1/800s, -2.0EV, Matrix metering. Both the photos were stop at Aperture priority.</p>

<p>Am I mistaken by coming to the conclusion that something is wrong with either the lens or camera or I just take bad photos and it's my technique?</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>Anish</p>

[Mankuthel]

<p>It looks like the photo I uploaded didn't come through. I'll try again.</p><div></div>

[ShunCheung]

<p>Use the depth of field preview button to check whether your aperture diaphragm is closing down properly; try f4, f8, and f16, for example. Also check the meter under some "sunny 16" situation to see whether the metering is correct.</p>

[homer_arment1]

<p>You might check to be sure you are on Matrix metering. If you did get on spot or center weighed the dark area in the center of the image may be causing your camera to over exposure.</p>

[Mankuthel]

<p>@ Shun,<br>

I tried the depth of field preview button and I think it works. I did a few test shots at F4, F8 & F16 and came up with the following photos.</p>

<p>@ Homer<br>

I did make sure I was on Matrix Metering when I first discovered the over exposed shots.</p>

<p>Many Thanks!!</p>

[Mankuthel]

<p>I tried a few more test shots with my 70-200 at F/4, F/8 and F/16 and came up with the following shots.<br>

Do you think there's a problem with the aperture diaphragm?</p>

<div></div>

[john_tran14]

<p>The first two pictures seem right based on "sunny 16" rule. You had the problem for a few weeks and spent time to test it, why don't you test it in manual mode. If it works in manual mode then maybe it's about your camera's settings</p>

[Mankuthel]

<p>@ John, I tried the same test in manual mode and I ended up with the same results in Aperture mode. I tried my 50 1.8 and ended up with similar results as the 70-200. As Shun mentioned suggested, I tried the depth of field preview and my aperture is not closing down properly - I guess that explains it.</p>

 

[john_tran14]

<p>Then the blades are sticky, I guess. I have seen many Nikkon lenses in that case, especially the series E lenses</p>

[CoryAmmerman]

<p>If your aperture is not closing down at all, also check the aperture linkage at the back of the lens and make sure that it is not bent or broken.</p><div></div>

[Jerry_]

<p>Put your D3 in large spot metering mode, then use the + or - exposure adjustment.</p>

<p>Matrix metering measures the entire scene, it (the D3 in-camera computer) does not know what area you want + or - compensation used in...</p>

<p> </p>

[iwong]

<p>From the original two pictures in Amsterdam, it looks like it is cloudy so an exposure of ISO 200, f/8 and 1/200 shutter speed sounds about right, maybe a bit underexposed. If the aperture lever on the lens fails to stop down, it would have stuck at f/2.8, causing the overexposure. By manually forcing an underexposure by -2.0EV, it brought things back to sort of normal. This is definitely a lens problem.</p>

[Mankuthel]

<p>Thanks a lot guys.<br>

I'm sending in the lens tomorrow to be fixed. It's a pity that I missed out on couple of opportunities in Amsterdam, especially when it stopped raining. I am going to Iceland later this month and I would be absolutely gutted if I had this problem then!</p>