Lensbaby

Hi! I just got a Composer lens and have been experimenting with it. I am very new to using the manual settings on my Nikon D80. For some reason I can't figure out how to select an Fstop and there is no light meter indication telling me when I have the correct exposer. So, I am just guessing and choosing the settings at trial an error. Is there a rule of thumb that I can follow? I have a lot of learning to do here. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
-Mariposa

Hey Mariposa

With D80 its (like me with D90) automatic lightmeter doesn' t work.
Yes you have to do all manual by experience. It takes some time
an your accuracy will increase.
Im very used to now. For the first I can recommend to use
the histogram of your cam after each shot and then to adjust
the shutter time.
So you can getting used to work in manual mode.
Another way is to work with a external lightmeter but for me
that's a boring thing.

Tell me, if you have questions.

Matthias
Switzerland

Hi,
I have the D80 and you will get used to using it manually pretty quickly. As Matthias said you can use histogram to check if you want - agree with him about using an external lightmeter. With composer you change the Fstop by changing the aperture rings that came with it - you can control exposure in camera by changing ISO and shutter speed. Looks like you are off to a good start - welcome to the forum.

Thank you for responding to my questions!
Matthias: I will try your suggestion of using the histogram. Good idea.
kmac: I feel silly now, I completely forgot about the F-stop rings. That makes sense.

-Mariposa