Confused about 10 stop neutral density filter

[nemesis256]

Last week I used my 10 stop neutral density filter for the first time. The technique I was planning on using was to expose the shot without the filter, put the filter on, and spin the dial on my D5000 30 times (since one spin is one third of a stop). To my surprise, I did not have to spin it this many times to get a correct exposure. Why is this?

[candleman]

are you shooting full manual and Auto-ISO disabled?

[nemesis256]

yes, I was

[kirbinster]

When I use my 10 stop I just aim the camera the best I can (you really can't see with that filter on) but the meter works fine. I let it pick the exposure then I check the framing and the settings in the LCD display and then make adjustments from there.

[candleman]

and.. you had it on a tripod, and locked to the same metering mode and focus point?



also, are you 100% sure you have your "steps" set to 1/3EV ?
some cameras can have it customisable to 1/2 steps etc etc

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by candleman

some cameras can have it customisable to 1/2 steps etc etc

If I remember correctly, the D5000 is set to default as 1/2 steps

What were the original settings without the filter? What were the settings WITH the filter?

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by candleman

and.. you had it on a tripod, and locked to the same metering mode and focus point?



also, are you 100% sure you have your "steps" set to 1/3EV ?
some cameras can have it customisable to 1/2 steps etc etc

Yes, obviously on a tripod for stuff like 10 to 20 second exposures. EV steps on the D5000 may be set to 1/3rd or 1/2 just like its bigger brothers.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Yes, obviously on a tripod for stuff like 10 to 20 second exposures.

well.. not really "obviously", because if i just got one, i would probably test it in hand and not lug the tripod out... without actually taking a shot.

"obviously" yes for an actual exposure.... i'd agree with that