I've been using Exposure Simulation ever since the EOS R first came out then onto R5C (or R5). Only it was today I experienced a scenario that never occurred to me.
I'm thinking what the original post is really trying to ask is that they are using either Flash/Wireless Flash Trigger (E.g Pocket Wizard, Godox Wireless Trigger, Profoto Air Trigger) and when composing and focusing, the image goes dark despite turning off Exposure Simulation.
The Scenario occurred today made me realise that this was something photographers need a work around.
Scene: Shooting Single/Group Portraits in a office space and has large back lit windows behind the subjects.
Lights: Flash Speedlite off camera or Strobes (whatever flash you use doesn't actually contribute to the issue).
Issue: When framing up the shot, the View finder or LCD goes dark and have trouble focusing to see the subjects.
Camera Settings: 1/200 F11 ISO 100
Canon Mirrorless cameras have Exposure Simulation on by default and is useful as it is What you see is what you get (for Natural Light shooters)
When a flash speedlite or trigger is attatched to the hotshoe, Exposure Simulation turns off so you can see (during the metered time frame and can be set from 4sec - 30mins). Once past the metered time frame, Exposure Simulation "for the current exposure settings" will turn on automatically. However if the scene has a really bright background, the entire image will darken down making the subjects in the foreground very hard to see/compose and focus.
In this situation the work around would be:
1. Turn off Exposure Simulation
2. Choose Spot Metering, (a circle in the middle of the screen will appear) use the circle to point to the subject and the camera will automatically expose whatever is in the circle so you can see and focus but you will have to recompose the shot. (this will be difficult if you are in Servo Mode and trying to track a subject that is dark. Probably better in One Shot).
Alternatively use Modelling lights to brighten up the subjects.
So far that's what I was able to do in that tricky situation. I never noticed it as I was always using Modelling lights or simply the scene was overall very balanced and Evaluative Metering work generally quite well. It was only the backlit situation that made it difficult. I may of overcomplicated it with all the bracket explanations so if anyone wants to correct me please do so!
Thanks!
