flash underexposure!?

[jacko]

Hi All!

This is my very first entry to this forum,hope will find the answers here!? :-\ Namely,I am having constant underexposed flash shots when I am shooting wide against light backgrounds?...and,yes there is a flash compensation button that I use all the time, but I am just tired to be focused on achieving proper flash exposure,especially when you pay 1200$ for the camera!? >...i`ve heard that this is a problem with other KM 7D users as well?...
So,does anyone knows of a firmware fix or some way to solve that problem?.I use Minolta`s 3600HS external flash(but the problem is with the built in flash as well)....
P.S. sending the camera back to KM it`s not solution for me,because of the fact KM is closing now, I live in Eastern Europe and dealership here is very thin and to complicated to deal with!?...Besides this issue,the camera is pleasure to use,especially with all the external butons and AS,so I will like to try to fix this problem,before deciding to go for Nikon or Canon!?
Thank You

Daniel D
Konica Minolta 7D

[JDArt]

Daniel, the clue may lie in your statement that you are shooting against "light backgrounds." When shooting a subject in front of a large light source, you want to use the "spot metering" or "partial spot metering" mode on your camera, even when using flash. Doing so will essentially tell the camera to adjust exposure for the focus point rather than the entire frame.

Also, the fact that you are "shooting wide" has a lot to do with your problems. If you are shooting wide, your flash has more to compensate for. Most flashes won't be of any use here.

Your problem would not be solved by switching to Canon or Nikon.

Welcome to the Camel!

[jacko]

Thank you for quick reply.....I shoot most of the time using spot metering...Sometimes,when i shoot let`s say wedding receptions,I simply don`t have time to choose the background(light or dark), and usually that`s a large group of people so u have to use wide angle in order to get closer to the subject and have enough flash power to illuminate the whole group evenly!...
Now,I believe that the problem lies with 7D`s preflash metering system,which fires full power and that tricks the camera and makes it to underexpose!??(the preflash also causes people to blink on pictures,which is also an issue by itself)...I strongly believe this is manufacturer mistake and KM needs to come with a solution...I just wonder if someone have any information on that?!>>>

thanks

[JDArt]

Well, if you're using spot metering, you should be getting better results. Maybe someone else has an idea.

[edawn]

I don't personally have experience with the external flash system (and I have the 5D rather than 7D), but I have heard of others having some trouble with KM's pre-flash metering. I think the hope was that there would be a new flash coming out soon, but it's hard to know what will be available in the future for KM users. I'm sorry you're having this flash trouble! If you have not already, you could check at www.dyxum.com to see if anyone can give you some specific help. I hope you are able to resolve this issue and enjoy your camera!

Elaine

[jacko]

Thank You,Elaine!!

The site you`ve llink me to,looks like they may help!?...I`ve send my question to the editor,so hopefuly he knows the answer?..If this solve my problem,I will let you know!...Thanks

Daniel