kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Because of my using an older flash, I have to use Manual Mode with my D7100. As far as using the flash, I'm OK with this method. Any shutter speed from 1/60 to 1/320 will work, and I'll play around with the f-stops to get the best exposure.

However I'd like to ask about using Manual Mode during daytime. With my previous camera, the FE-2, with which I normally shot in Aperture Priority, to use it in Manual Mode, you simply adjusted shutter speed and aperture until both needles lined up. However, with the D7100 (and, I suspect other DSLRs), these needles aren't there, anymore. I get Shutter and Aperture Priority. You set one, and the camera adjusts the other.

So, how do I do this in Manual Mode? Or, is Manual Mode simply using the "Sunny 16 Rule"?

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

You are correct. Put the camera in Manual mode and basically use the Sunny 16 rule. Once you use Manual mode for a while it begins to get easier.

Dennis

BebuLamar

To put the camera in manual mode turn the dial to M position. When the dial is in the M position and you look in the viewfinder you will see a bar graph showing + or - and you adjust your aperture and shutter speed until it shows 0. That's the same as having the 2 needles match on the FE-2.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

However, one of the advantages and joys of shooting manual is the ability to adjust the speed or aperture to show -1 or lower and vice-versa so as to obtain deliberate effects via underexposure or overexposure. If shooting RAW in addition, the range of possibilities in processing is huge. Definitely worth trying.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I am a user of the D7100, D800 and D810 and 99.9% of my work is done in full manual.

If you look there is a bar graph at the bottom of the viewfinder, when middle bar is the only one showing that is supposed to be the proper exposure.

selena18

In manual mode you will get control over both. Go to main command dial. The aperture on the front scroll and the shutter speed on the back scroll. Check out this video below. This video will show you how to do this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5qGglZc744

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I appreciate everyone’s answers and suggestions.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Manual operation is clearly explained in your User’s Manual. And of course it has nothing whatsoever to do with the “Sunny 16 Rule!”

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Read the manual? Who does THAT?

You’re right, of course. I’ll take a look.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

You’re wise to learn manual exposure - there are situations where auto just doesn’t cut it.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I have no issues with nor fears of using Manual Mode. It’s always been easier for me to just stay in AP or SP. BUt I’ve seen many of my shots either way too dark or washed out, and I don’t know why.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Not sure this applies to your situation, but try the " I Am Shooting" method of setting your camera manually, Set ISO, then APERTURE, finally SHUTTER-SPEED. I learned this method
online from a Pro Photographer.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

First off, I do. I read it twice. Once while the batteries were charging. The next was with the camera in hand and operating. Like Manglesphoto, I also use manual mode 98% of the time.
--Bob

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

I am with you guys on Manual mode. I love it and when you get use to it, there is no better control of your camera than you.

You folks who say to line the meter up in the middle and shoot, have to consider that you are reading reflected light and the camera will make adjustments from what it reads. This of course depends on what mode you are shooting in. Spot, matrix or center weighted. If the camera is reading from the highlights it will then automatically adjust the reading to bring the highlights to middle grey. Same if it is reading the shadows, It will give you a reading to bring those to middle grey. That is why you get a photo underexposed, or overexposed even when in manual mode.

Most folks do not realize that years ago before digital, you took your shots and then took the film to the store and then you picked up your prints a few days later or in some cases, an hour later. The shots looked great. Not too many people realize that those shots were all edited by the processing machine. Now with digital, you are getting some processing by the camera, and it may not be correct. If you grew up in the darkroom you realized that you looked at your negatives to figure out how to process the final print and it some cases you may have had to print that negative 2-3 times to get a good print.

So just remember that now with digital, you have to do that processing. At times you manipulate what the camera reads and other times you have to fix the final photo in post processing. It all depends on what the maker is trying to accomplish.

Bubbee Loc: Aventura, Florida

Read your manual! I.too. have and love my D7100. First, your highest flash sync shutter speed is 1/250. Your aperture depends mostly on the distance to subject and desired depth of field. Use the shutter to control the ambient light and then be guided by your meter. It's all in the manual! Good luck!
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