Question for the Photogs

"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat)
02/18/2015 at 01:59 • Filed to: Photopnik

Hi Folks -

OK, I'm shooting the northern lights with my friends Nikon D40 with a 10mm f/2.8 lens. We're in manual mode: ISO = 1600, f/stop = 2.8. I have the shutter speed showing 8 seconds on the LCD, but when I hit the shutter release, it's much much less than that (like maybe 1/30 sec or so). We're not using any flash. It was lighter last night (there was some moon out). The only way I can get the shutter to hold open for any amount of time is to run in aperture mode (which with our current lighting is automatically hitting around 10 sec). I'm wanting to tighten up the shutter speed so that I can get better definition on the lights (with 10 sec, there's some blurring...still pretty, but they look more like amorphous stripes).

What's weird is that this same setup worked fine in manual last night; now it doesn't. I've done the patented "turn it off and turn it on again" process, to no avail.

Thoughts? Things I should be looking at?

Thanks!

DISCUSSION (17)

TheHondaBro > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 02:01

Maybe a D80?

I kid, I kid.

Damn, I've spent far too long outside the photography bubble.

ToyDeathbot > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 02:14

If you're planning on doing 8 seconds, why not use the bulb mode instead?

Xyl0c41n3 > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 02:34

Hmmm, interesting problem. I shoot Nikon, but have never encountered something like that before. I'm sharing this to Photography for you. Mayhaps a guru can be found.

PyramidHat > Xyl0c41n3
02/18/2015 at 02:48

Thanks!

PyramidHat > ToyDeathbot
02/18/2015 at 02:51

OK, this is a bit beyond my knowledge, but is bulb mode when the shutter stays open until you let go of the shutter release button?

I was doing between 8 and 15 seconds based on experimentation and conversations with other folks that are here that have some experience shooting.

PyramidHat > TheHondaBro
02/18/2015 at 02:52

Well, this would give me a [thin] rationalization for just buying my own damn camera...of course, I get into analysis paralysis and think "Do I want a DSLR? Or a mirrorless? Or would a high-end compact suit my needs?" followed by hours of research and coming no closer to a conclusion. Indecision may or may not be the problem...

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 03:06

Is it really showing 8 secs or or just 1/8 sec? odd issue indeed, unless that's the case.

PyramidHat > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
02/18/2015 at 03:43

8 seconds. But that does remind me: There is no change in shutter speed, regardless of what time I'm showing: 8 seconds, 15, 30: All the same quick shutter; no change.

JGrabowMSt > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 05:55

What mode is the camera in? Nikons have in-camera settings that will affect the hardware, so make sure you're using full Manual mode, and verify the settings again.

Most importantly, I dont think a long exposure will hive you the results you want for Northern Lights. High ISO, wide aperture, fast shutter speed. 1/80 instead of 8 seconds. The difference will basically be the Northern lights vs blurry, bright everything.

Theres a Camera Simulator online, google it and play with it to understand what I mean better.

kanadanmajava1 > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 08:29

If I remember correctly my D90 had a separate setting for the maximum shutter speed. It should override your setting if is shorter.

PyramidHat > JGrabowMSt
02/18/2015 at 10:51

Thanks for the tip on the camera simulator!

CB > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 11:08

Try messing around with the ISO? Play around with it and take a few shots at different increments. Hopefully you have a tripod to pair it with so you don't get shaky pictures.

Xyl0c41n3 > PyramidHat
02/18/2015 at 17:02

Yes, that's exactly what bulb means. You can also use a sync cable to trigger the shutter in Bulb setting so that you don't jostle the camera by depressing the actual shutter release button.

Xyl0c41n3 > CB
02/18/2015 at 17:05

The self timer function is a godsend during long exposures if you don't have a shutter release cable or electronic remote trigger. Set the shutter to a two-second delay, configure all your exposure settings, frame the shot, and press the button. Voila! The camera shake from your fingers is nicely mitigated. ^_^

Stephen the Canuck > PyramidHat
02/19/2015 at 20:49

Did you get this figured out? This page under the Auto ISO section might help.

PyramidHat > Stephen the Canuck
02/19/2015 at 21:24

Yep! Operator error. I saw the LCD screen showing 8 and assumed it meant 8 seconds; it was for 1/8. Had I rotated the thumb wheel to the left, I would have noted that the numbers got smaller then started getting bigger again (going from fractions to whole numbers). So it was an educational experience. Thanks for the follow up!

Stephen the Canuck > PyramidHat
02/19/2015 at 21:36

No problem. I googled it, and apparently lots of people have done the same thing. You would think it would actually show 1/8. I know my T3i does. Just checked and my 20D just shows 8.