topic Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 02:21:40 GMT

In Manual Mode on the 7D Mark II, with a hard ISO set, the exposure level indicator disappears from the bottom of the viewfinder. If you switch ISO to Auto, the exposure level indicator appears at the bottom of the viewfinder as expected.

Is there a reason that there is no exposure level indicator visible (except the vertical one on the right side) in Manual Mode when an ISO is set manually? This seems like it might be a glitch.

Thanks.

Bev

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 03:47:40 GMT

I'm going to download a copy of your manual... I'll get right back to you ... Haha.

Yep, the exposure "level" meter appears on the right side... what was the question? Haha.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:11:31 GMT

The question regards the missing exposure level meter that is normally on the bottom of the viewfinder. If you switch to, say, Aperture Priority, or leave it in Manual Mode and switch to Auto ISO, you will see that the exposure level meter shows up on the bottom inside the viewfinder.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:13:57 GMT

Yep. I just got through reading the DP thread you started and I gather there is modest interest in the idea that one place is better than the other. And so...

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:24:53 GMT

Page 222 of the full online user manual appears to indicate that this "problem" is intentional. I still don't understand WHY Canon chose to omit the bottom exposure level scale when in Manual mode. The one on the right side is dim, hard to see, and can even disappear from view completely if you shift your gaze while looking through the viewfinder.

One of my joys of upgrading from the 7D to the 7DM2 was that the external controls match my 5DM3. No more mental gymnastics as I switch between cameras while shooting. But now there's a difference inside the viewfinder! Arg.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:38:48 GMT

I'm just the oppoite. I wait until the dust has settled before buying the gear. I lived on the "bleeding" edge just long enough to know that I really prefer well-sorted out equipment. Hence, I own a 5DMkII purchased refurb at 40% off summer 2013 and a 7D purchased refurb at 40% off just over a month ago. They aren't the "bleeding" edge but they are well matched.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:45:27 GMT

I think the 5D3 and 7D2 are also well-matched... except for this current issue I have with the 7D2, that is!

Waiting and buying refurb is a smart and frugal choice.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:59:24 GMT

Yes... I am hopelessly behind the times. Still.... you have to be pretty impressed with your new 7DMkII. Just saying..

Cheers!

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:04:52 GMT

Oh, I am definitely impressed with it! I am amazed at the image quality.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:05:59 GMT

Canon has consistently delivered where it matters most.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

Shashin — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:16:46 GMT

I agree with you that the change is horrible. The indicator has completely disappeared on the top of the camera which makes no sense to me, either. I truly hope a firmware upgrade will get the indicator back wherre they were on the original 7D. This is almost a deal breaker, as I almost always shoot in Manual and use Spot Metering. Bad Bad Choice, Canon!

One good thing is that it is still available on the Quick menu, but that does not make up for the loss!!

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 20:56:58 GMT

So you've actually held a 7DMkII and made this determination? Or are you just repeating what others have said/written?

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

Shashin — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 23:57:19 GMT

I have one in my hands right now! There is no indicator on the top of the camera in Manual and only a tiny indicator on the right hand side of the view finder. I called Canon to ask if this was a problem with my camera, but was told that it is one of the "quirks" of the camera. I seriously hope they change it.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:16:57 GMT

They actually told you it was a "quirk"? That is some irresponsible customer service and very unlike Canon. I'm surprised and dismayed to hear that.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:41:19 GMT

Irresponsible? Wow! A quirk isn't a negative. Not even close.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:20:25 GMT

"A quirk" is not an answer, and it is certainly not used to describe an intentional feature. "Quirk" is a mush term, like "undocumented feature," that is used to avoid saying "bug," "oversight," or "mistake." Proper customer service would have explained the reason for the "quirk," as in why the decision was made to remove the exposure level indicator from the viewfinder.

But, I'm not the one who talked to customer support about it so I won't say anymore. I just think a better explanation is deserved by the customer than to simply say it is a "quirk" of the camera.

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

Shashin — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 03:13:00 GMT

I thought it was rather nice getting a straight answer! That way, I know that I have not missed a setting and can try to complain about it and hopefully cause a change!

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

DesertAura — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 21:56:31 GMT

I am getting used to the exposure level indicator being only in the vertical, side position when in manual mode. It is still inconvenient in that now when I switch between the 7DM2 and 5DM3, I have to hunt for the exposure meter because it is not the same between the two cameras (in manual mode with a manually set ISO).

So... the apparent solution is to "just get used to it." Not the desired solution, but a doable one.

Bev

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

ilex_27 — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:21:28 GMT

I just got my 7DMKII and I am dismayed to find the exposure level meter moved / missing when shooting in Manual with the ISO set. I wear glasses and I can't really get my eye close enough to see the indicator on the right unless I really mash up against the camera. I am afraid of damaging my very expensive glasses!

Setting the ISO to "Auto" is not my preffered way of dealing with this. Where do I compain?

Re: 7D Mark II Exposure Level Indicator in Manual Mode

cale_kat — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 01:33:15 GMT

I think you should return the camera. Please post again when you have done it.