Metering problem

I noticed a most disturbing problem this AM. Using Nikon D200, TC 1.4, AF-s 600 mm. With my face to veiwfinder or hand over the back of the camera it metered properly but when the back of camera was not covered it underexposed. The sun was to the left at about 90 degrees. I was focused on a shaded area next to a building. The camera was acting as if light was entering thru the viewfinder but that should not be. Any ideas or suggestions.

Thanks very much
Ray Rozema

this is a common situation when using auto metering.....one reason that manual metering is good when on a tripod especially. You can set the manual exposure then back away from the eyepiece with no effect.

Or be sure to stay up to the eyepiece in bright light situations

this is only my opinion....others may vary

I agree, but with the caveat that if light is entering the viewfinder and changing the metering, then light is going through the half silvered mirror and adding light to the image! That can affect shadow detail.
If you are moving away from the viewfinder in bright light, cover the eyepiece.

Roger

I don't know if they still do but Canon used to come with a cover for the view finder that was attached to the neck strap that was for the purpose of covering the viewfinder when using a remote shutter release on long exposures.

Bill

My 1D Mark 2 has a nice little shutter right at the eyepiece. I assume other 1D cameras do too. On consumer cameras there is a little black rubber thing you can put over the eyepiece but you have to take off the rubber eye guard. I just drape the camera strap over the camera so the black strap covers the eyepiece.

Thanks for the advice. Very helpful. I'm glad to learn it is not a defect w the camera

Ray