R5 Exposure marker split in 2 sometimes

[Danny51]

Why does my exposure marker split in 2 sometimes. from 1 to 2  ?????

[p4pictures · Accepted solution]

You might see this unusual sight when using manual exposure and auto ISO, then pressing the exposure lock button.

One of the marks on the exposure meter will show the metered value, the other is the camera suggested value for where the camera is now aimed. This can happen with any metering mode, if you lock the exposure and then recompose the frame. 

[Danny51]

Thank you

[Timstorey]

This happens to me on my new R5II. I'm in M with manual ISO, using evaluated metering. The 'Exposure Level Mark' splits into two markers, anything from a third to a couple of stops apart, generally, but not always, either side of the correct exposure index. it happens upon activating the meter, I haven't used the exposure lock.

[p4pictures]

The split is actually the camera indicating the current set exposure level based on your manually chosen shutter speed, aperture and iso, and also showing how far you are from what the camera itself meters the scene at. 

[Timstorey]

Hi Brian,

this seems to be the stock answer to whenever this question is asked, however, it is incorrect.

The exposure level indicator has a scale above the line with an arrow in the middle where the correct exposure is obtained, and numbers either side indicating full stops of under and over exposure. Below the line is the exposure level mark, which moves left and right according to the settings of the camera (shutter speed, aperture, ISO). to obtain a correct exposure the settings need to be altered so that the exposure level mark is under the arrow on the top line.

However, when the camera is set up as in my original post, the exposure level mark can sometimes split in two, indicating that the camera's exposure system is recommending two different correct exposure levels. These two separate exposure level marks do not converge as the correct exposure is approached as settings are altered, as you suggest, but they remain approximately the same distance apart.

My question is: Why are there two exposure level marks in this case and what do they both indicate or represent?

[p4pictures]

The only way I can recreate the display with two separate indicators below the line is to activate autoexposure bracketing and have the custom function set to only have 2 bracketed exposures. In this configuration the two level marks below the line move in sync maintaining the amount of bracketing set on the camera, from 1/3-stop with the two marks side by side, up to 3-stops with the two markers 3-stops apart.