D50 flash problem

[ddenboer]

When taking pictures with my D50 on any mode, flash pictures are very dark (almost like it is out of sync).

I tried resetting the camera. I try upping the exposure level. I tried different flash modes. I am at a loss for how to remedy this problem. The majority of pictures I want to take are going to be in lower light (usually indoors), so I need the flash.

Anyone else experience this problem? Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Stoller]

Could you post some sample photos with the EXIF intact?

[rawpaw18]

Check to make sure it is TTL mode not manual. Manual can be adjusted to a low flash output.

Metering on matrix, so that the whole picture is exposed properly.

Do not wear a baseball cap with visor over the flash.

Like Mike said, a shot or two with info we might be able to better help you.

[cdifoto]

Could be FEC set to a negative value.

Could be something fooling the flash's metering causing underexposure.

Could be underpowered if it's the onboard flash.

Could be you're shooting above the flash sync speed. Does the Nikon prevent you from going faster than sync when a flash is mounted? I think Nikons are 1/500th. Keep your shutter speed 1/500th or slower.

We need samples. Without them all we can do is speculate 'round and 'round in circles.

[ddenboer]

I have posted two versions of one image that exhibits the problem (one small jpeg, and the original nef).

They are at :

http://homepage.mac.com/denboer/DSC_0003.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/denboer/DSC_0003.nef


Thanks for your help everyone.

[Wowzer]

Odd, the picture looks like it ought to be properly exposed. At 38mm, it shouldn't be too far for the flash to reach. It may be your builtin flash is faulty. I've read online that it is possible...how long have you had this camera?

The exif data shows:


Camera-Specific Properties:

Equipment Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Camera Model: NIKON D50
Camera Software: QuickTime 7.1.3
Maximum Lens Aperture: f/4.8
Sensing Method: One-Chip Color Area

Image-Specific Properties:

Image Orientation: Top, Left-Hand
Image Orientation: Top, Left-Hand
Horizontal Resolution: 72 dpi
Vertical Resolution: 72 dpi
Image Created: 2006:12:23 11:35:22
Exposure Time: 1/60 sec
F-Number: f/5.0
Exposure Program: Normal Program
ISO Speed Rating: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Metering Mode: Pattern
Light Source: Unknown
Flash: Flash, Auto, Return Detected
Focal Length: 38.00 mm

Other Properties:

Resolution Unit: i
Chrominance Comp Positioning: Centered
Exif IFD Pointer: 254
Compression Scheme: JPEG Compression (Thumbnail)
Horizontal Resolution: 72 dpi
Vertical Resolution: 72 dpi
Resolution Unit: i
Offset to JPEG SOI: 614
Bytes of JPEG Data: 1352
Chrominance Comp Positioning: Centered
Exif Version: 2.20
Image Generated: 2006:12:23 12:35:50
Image Digitized: 2006:12:23 12:35:50

[rawpaw18]

I pulled up the exif also, but did not see anything there.
Anyone else with advice?:confused:

[wh0128]

I'd assume that is the problem, because everything looks to be like it should expose correctly. Are you sure you were in auto mode? I'd think Auto Mode might kick up the ISO above 200 to get correct exposure in low light conditions.

[rawpaw18]

I'd think Auto Mode might kick up the ISO above 200 to get correct exposure in low light conditions.

Only if auto ISO is on.

[rawpaw18]

What is return detected under the flash? I have not seen that before.

[ddenboer]

The flash does work -- when I go from TTL to manual for flash, the pictures are overbright.

I bought the camera direct from Nikon in August 2005. The camera started to show this problem before the warranty expired, but I needed it for some outdoor shots (which come out fine with good light) and could not part with it.

I have not tried yet with an external flash, but that is my next step.

[rawpaw18]

Sorry about your problem, it can be serviced. In manual mode you can then select the power output for each situation ( old school ), but at least you have flash.

[rawpaw18]

I assume you are using your Sigma lens, exif showing 38mm. Have you tried another lens?

[wh0128]

I assume you are using your Sigma lens, exif showing 38mm. Have you tried another lens?

rawpaw, I think you were looking at Wowzer's sig, he posted the exif data for ddenboer. I don't know what to say about your flash problem except send it away.

[rawpaw18]

Yeah WH0128, I botched it.

Still if the lens is causing the camera not to meter correctly, could be a problem.

[Wowzer]

Yeah WH0128, I botched it.

Still if the lens is causing the camera not to meter correctly, could be a problem.

Dang, I haven't updated my sig in a long time. I'll have to update my current lens lust setup...

[HPVDS]

I've had the same problem with my camera using the kit lense where after about three weeks of having the camera the flash just completely stopped workign in the i-TTL mode, I understand your frustration. I have no idea what to do, so I took it back to circuit city and are waiting for them to get another one in stock, I just hope its not a common problem amoung d50's though...this being the third thread about this type of problem in the last month...it kinda worries me

[eduardofrances]

Image Created: 2006:12:23 11:35:22
Exposure Time: 1/60 sec
F-Number: f/5.0
Exposure Program: Normal Program
ISO Speed Rating: 200


Well if it is AM (morning) try using a higher f/number this could help, also I would use a speed nearer the flash sync speed -something around 1/200 or 1/250

And which metering method are you using?

[Wowzer]

I've had the same problem with my camera using the kit lense where after about three weeks of having the camera the flash just completely stopped workign in the i-TTL mode, I understand your frustration. I have no idea what to do, so I took it back to circuit city and are waiting for them to get another one in stock, I just hope its not a common problem amoung d50's though...this being the third thread about this type of problem in the last month...it kinda worries me


Perhaps it is a batch of d50's that have this problem? This is the first that I have heard of such a problem with the D50.

[eduardofrances]

Having seen your image in lightroom I could see your image after I pushed to +4 exposition and +57 brightness...

Ok here are some questions
Are you using auto mode/pmode?

Are you in a poorly lit room?

Why not try to change the settings, go to manual mode and set the ISO to 400 or 800 and open up f/stop -something like f/3.5 or f/2.8-if possible?

Also check flash exposure compensation, this is done by holding the small button in the left side of your flash, the the +/- button on your right and the command wheel, check if it is in a negative value.

Another consideration is the metering mode try with matrix if it is set to spot or center weighted.