T5i View Finder Meter

[sisabell]

Hello, new here and new to Canon. Recently purchased a used T5i with 18-55 kit lens. I am new to DSLR cameras but learning. Realized I'm having an issue and wanted to make sure I'm not being dumb. 

In live view, I can take photos in any mode and the exposure meter seems to work as designed. With live view off and trying to take photos through view finder the camera meter things everything is WAY under exposed. if you adjust enough to bring the meter up to even -2 the picture is terrible and blown out. 

With the camera in auto mode inside a well lit room it tries to take pictures with a 20-30 second shutter. 

Just curious if anyone else has every ran into this and what the remedy was...

Thanks for any help

[kvbarkley]

Hmm, have you tried it without the battery grip?

[kvbarkley]

You might just see how much a Cleaning from Canon would cost. If you go to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta next year, you can get it for free!

I don't see anything obvious in the firwware updates that would cause this, but you can check that, too.

[sisabell]

Yeah I actually haven’t even used the battery grip. I’ll do some research on cleaning and look into the option of sending it in. Balloon festival sounds cool!

[ebiggs1]

"I’ll do some research on cleaning and look into the option of sending it in."

If you get it for free I guess it isn't a bad idea but don't count on it helping. If it truly has internal failure it isn't worth spending too much repairing it. I have seen what you got go for $200 bucks routinely. Bodies alone for even less.

[RobertTheFat]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

You might just see how much a Cleaning from Canon would cost. If you go to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta next year, you can get it for free! ...

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Are you sure? In some such cases Canon has been known to require that you be actually accredited to photograph the event.

[kvbarkley]

I am not sure what you mean, Bob, it is a public event open to everyone. Canon sponsors it so they have a big tent where you can borrow the latest equipment. I never borrow anything because I am afraid it will give me GAS. They also have techs on site that perform a cleaning. I have done it two years in a row, now. 8^)

As far as a cleaning fixing the issue, I am assuming that something is on the exposure chip.

[ebiggs1]

"...Canon has been known to require that you be actually accredited to photograph the event."

This is for borrowing gear.  I don't know if it also involves sensor cleaning which is all they do.  They don't tear the camera apart to get deeper inside.

[Stephen]

Usually at AIBF, we offer free clean and check for all Canon gear as long as it's in service life. You don't need to be a member of CPS or anything special! It's just a benefit of being a member of #TeamCanon. 

Also, regarding borrowing of equipment (again, at AIBF), there isn't any special requirement, it's first come first served, as long as gear is available. It's a great way to try out something new! 

I hope this helps! 

[kvbarkley]

Stephen:

I have long thought - probably because I live in ABQ 8^) - that we should have a Canon Community meetup at the Fiesta. Or at least a swag bag or T-Shirt or something.

[Stephen]

That's not a bad idea. When AIBF gets closer, remind me, and we'll talk about making something happen!