M8 question: EV compensation

[squirrel$$$bandit]

OK, after a couple of days out and about with the M8, I think I have discovered the most irritating thing about it: menu-based exposure compensation. (It is otherwise a delight, I must say, and the files are stupendous--sharpest RAW I have seen since the DP1.)

Two questions--if you shoot in AE, what's your technique for achieving exposure compensation without driving yourself bananas? And is there any technical reason why a shortcut can't be added to the firmware, as on the 8.2? (And if not, then why hasn't this already happened?)

 

[Keith]

I seldom use AE for this reason ... but you can let the camera meter from a different part of the scene then use the exposure lock via the shutter release. Alternately if your not aperture driven I suppose you could use the same exposure lock and change lens aperture to achieve this.

It would have all been so simple with a regular compensation dial! 🙄

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Ah, of course, that should work fine. I used to do that with my DSLR, back when I owned one.

I can't imagine why they don't rig it so that you can adjust EV by holding down the INFO button and turning the wheel. INFO is otherwise only used in play mode, right? This way it would work precisely the way it does on the M7, and I wouldn't have to alter my technique one iota.

 

[Gid]

I used to set mine at -2/3 compensation and that generally worked well. Like all cameras its a case of getting used to how it meters - more centre weighted/spot than the matrix of most DSLRs. Plus what Keith said.

 

[double-m-7]

Like you I was surprised how awkward the EV setting is with the M8. But after a while you get familiar with the way the meter works and in the really critical lighting situations just use manual exposure.

But nevertheless, I would appreciate a M8.2 like setting included in new firmware.

 

[robklurfield]

I usually do what Keith suggests... using the shutter release to lock an exposure after metering for a a part of the image that would demand EV comp. It works pretty well... except for those times when I depress the button a little too far...

 

[lewis44]

[I used to set mine at -2/3 compensation and that generally worked well.
Plus what Keith said./QUOTE]

Ditto!!!

 

[jaapv]

The M8 is basically a manual camera - why bother with AE and compensation when it is so easy in manual😕 Just use it like an M6 - it's perfect.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

You mean it even has auto-exposure?

I see manual operation in my future.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I like AE...it lets me concentrate on composition and DOF. I've never had an M6...on the M7 I keep it on AE and have learned to compensate EV very quickly using the rear dial. With the M2 I basically take a reading every now and then with an accessory meter when the light changes, and I compensate in my head. I guess I could do this with the M7 and M8 but it's easier to just use AE.

That said, I imagine I'll end up switching to manual for EV comp as many of you do.

 

[jaapv]

The M9 has a rather practical EV compensation option. I used it for a week, then I went back to manual...😱