S9500 overexposure problems

[w.dale@clear.net.nz]

The camera functioned perfectly for the first 14 months and then while on our big OE through Europe and the UK I noticed that pictures began to overexpose when using it in bright sunlight situations in all camera settings except movie. Turn the camera off and on again and it was fine for the first shot and then for the second or third shot I was experiencing overexposure. The LCD window readings showed aperture opening and shutter speed variation when pressing the shutter button halfway down fluxuated considerably when repeating the process of preparing to take a photo. The Fuji technician when asked the possible cause thought perhaps most likely to be a lens replacement. Has it been dropped, definately not. Cost $400 plus cost of freight. New camera, $650 for the S9600 so guess should I continue with Fuji there was only one way to go, buy a new camera.

I tried the Aperture priority mode which seemed to overcome the overexposure problem but then sharpness of focus appeared to be an issue. On thinking back I think focus was another problem that was coming into the equation as time went on but guess I was doing my best to overcome the exposure problems and hadn't particularly noticed focus.

I would be interested to know if there are others that have experienced the same problems as I have been having with this model of camera. I certainly have not read anything in other forums. The most common problem from what I have read about this model is that the photography mode selector has disengauged and not working. This has not been a problem with my camera.

[BiPolarBear]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I own three Fuji cameras and I find that they all overexpose, particularly in bright sunlight. In other words I don't think it's a malfunction. I think that's just the way they tend to calibrate their cameras.

[bascom]

Because Fuji's have high ISO for low light shots, I think that's the trade off they make. Overexposes in bright sunlight.

[P_Schneider]

A lot of people adopt a -1/3 EV standard with your camera, my S6k and the F series of cameras to control the over exposure. Keep in mind the cameras only do this if in an auto mode.
Myself, I rarely shoot in auto or scene modes so it's not an issue. I use the light meter in manual mode and most shots come out pretty close to what I'm seeing.
My F10 needs to be stepped down -1/3 EV obviously since there is no manual mode really, same with the wife's F30.

[w.dale@clear.net.nz]

I do appreciate your comments but remember I used this camera for 14 months before I experienced overexposure problems. My conclusion still is a malfunction of some kind and that also is the view of the technician at Fuji NZ. Perhaps what I failed to mention was that I am now the owner of a new S9600 and I cannot believe the difference between what I was using and what I have now. I am extremely happy with the quality of photos using all the functions of the camera. I also agree with the comments on overexposure with Fuji cameras being an issue but not to the degree that I was experiencing. I have friends with Fuji cameras and I see problems with some of their photos taken in bright sunlight. The images were so bad that fixing exposure problems using photoshop was was beyond what the programme or I could cope with. Anything white was dazzling, sky should have been blue with whitye clouds but it also turned out to brilliant white and with no blue. I have two previous compact Fuji digital cameras and I can say they have performed extremely well and certainly I have experienced exposure issues.

My sincere thanks for those providing quality feedback as provided to date.