Nikon D5100 Metering issues?

[TrolleyFollower91]

Hello esteemed members of the photography forum! I am a huge fan of your photos and need a little help with a problem.

I'm somewhat new into the DSLR world (about 9 months) but feel confident in my ability to work in Manual mode. Around December, I noticed that the pictures from my Nikon D5100 were turning out gray/black after shooting in Shutter Priority when I switched to Manual. Here's an example:

According to the meter in the camera, this photo was properly exposed. Here's the EXIF data:
ISO 100, 1/1000, f/20

I knew this didn't look right, so I switched the camera into Auto mode:

ISO 100, 1/320, f/9

This happened with multiple photos. When I got home, I reset the camera by pushing the two buttons with the green dots and the meter correctly exposed the photo in Manual mode. However, when I switch from Shutter Priority to Manual I still get a properly exposed photo (according to the camera) but it turns out dark.

Is this an amateur mistake or is there a problem with my metering system? If so, how do I go about fixing it? I appreciate any suggestions!

 

[NowInc]

What metering system are you using? Matrix, center, or spot?

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

I'm using matrix.

 

[ddbowdoin]

That's pretty odd!

 

[NowInc]

Have you tried factory resetting the camera? There could be an issue with a setting (ev value, etc) that was accidentally changed causing this issue. If after resetting the problem still exists, i'd say try to find a local nikon shop to have a look at it.

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

That's pretty odd!

I know, right?

Have you tried factory resetting the camera? There could be an issue with a setting (ev value, etc) that was accidentally changed causing this issue. If after resetting the problem still exists, i'd say try to find a local nikon shop to have a look at it.

I've reset the camera to the factory defaults (I don't think the D5100 has a hard reset option without sending it to Nikon). It goes back to work correctly in Manual mode. I've tried some test shots switching from SP to M then AP to M and it seems to give me properly exposed pictures. If it happens again I've found an authorized Nikon repair shop near me with good reviews (I'm a little territorial over my camera ). It's such a weird problem I wanted to make sure it wasn't user-error!

Thanks for your help!

 

[NowInc]

I know, right?



I've reset the camera to the factory defaults (I don't think the D5100 has a hard reset option without sending it to Nikon). It goes back to work correctly in Manual mode. I've tried some test shots switching from SP to M then AP to M and it seems to give me properly exposed pictures. If it happens again I've found an authorized Nikon repair shop near me with good reviews (I'm a little territorial over my camera ). It's such a weird problem I wanted to make sure it wasn't user-error!

Thanks for your help!

Glad its working! As for being territorial over your gear (I can relate!)..I say don't fear in regards to an authorized nikon shop. In order to be authorized, there are a lot of things they have to go through..and if they can not uphold the quality required..they will lose the authorization...and them being LOCAL is better than shipping it off via postal services.