Defective 1D4?

Purchased a used one on B&H yesterday and received today. Just took a few test shots with 300 & 500 to check functions & microadjust before heading out tomorrow.

The meter is way off (3 stops) on the 1d compared to my 7d when using the same aperture, iso, and metering mode on each camera. Images look great when i dial in -3 compensation on the 1d.

two additional tid-bits...The meter works perfectly with the mirror up for live-view, and spot works

Im shooting a printed page on a grey wall with tungsten light (think dining room).

Ive looked in the front and verifed that the iris is functioning open during metering and stopping down as desired using DOF preview button. What could it be other than bad body.

Im not a noob but am certainly new to this body?

Anyone have any tips on things to check before i pack her back up...

Thanks!

Did you try a second lens?

Same issue with 300 2.8L, 400 5.6L, 500 4.0L. Actually seems a bit worse on the 400 5.6

Check for focusing screens. There might be a different focusing screen in there, which you have to tell the camera about. If they did a factory reset on the settings that would get lost.

It wouldn't explain 3 f-stops difference, but maybe you also used spot metering which can suffer pretty badly from focusing screens.

Thanks for the help, I do really appreciate it! I used Evaluative meter for my comparison. It actually works (live-view exposure matches actual exposure when i use spot on my gray wall).

There does not appear to be a focusing screen installed.

There are a lot of settings on the MKIV, maybe reset everything to factory and start from there.
How do you know if you have the stock focusing screen installed?

MikeJohn wrote in post #15413888
There are a lot of settings on the MKIV, maybe reset everything to factory and start from there.
How do you know if you have the stock focusing screen installed?

I'm curious too...unless the standard focusing screen is invisible, i dont have it!!!

there is a tab at the top of the mirror box, which releases the focusing screen cradle, there should be a screen sitting in there.

Reset all camera settings and CFs, perhaps the AE microadjustment is set. Always reset any camera you buy used to save your sanity.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #15414168
Reset all camera settings and CFs, perhaps the AE microadjustment is set. Always reset any camera you buy used to save your sanity.

I reset the camera twice. AE microadjustment is zeroed. Something has to be "vingetting" the meter as spot works but when you pull in any other area, it overexposes.

I guess we will see what they say tomorrow when i call.

Whaaaa...? You don't have a focusing screen AT ALL?? That's not normal, but would explain all of this.

Sounds like the previous owner had an aftermarket one installed, then took it out to sell the camera and forgot to put the original one in...still for B&H to not catch that is pretty sloppy!!!

What does it look like if you look through the viewfinder??

Here's a picture of what your camera looks like (roughly)...there should be a matte square piece of glass exactly opposite the mirror:

http://25.media.tumblr​.com …6bp8yXPB1qa6nd3​o1_500.jpg

That's your focusing screen...if it's not there, you've got an issue...

LowriderS10 wrote in post #15414249
Here's a picture of what your camera looks like (roughly)...there should be a matte square piece of glass exactly opposite the mirror:

http://25.media.tumblr​.com …6bp8yXPB1qa6nd3​o1_500.jpg

That's your focusing screen...if it's not there, you've got an issue...

Case closed...here is a view of my mirror box...correct me if i'm wrong but no focusing screen.

RaptorMan wrote in post #15414321
Case closed...here is a view of my mirror box...correct me if i'm wrong but no focusing screen.

Again, I really do appreciate all of your time on the replies. Its always a bit stressful to buy gear used!

Yeah, I'd say it's missing haha...normally when you're looking at this angle you should see the matte screen with the focus points etched on it...it appears that you're looking straight into the pentaprism...

Thankfully it's an easy fix for you!! PS: If you paid extra for fast shipping, I'd try to get them to reimburse you for that...since you can't use your camera 'till the screen gets here...just an idea haha...you pay a premium to buy equipment from a reputable retailer, well, here's where that premium should work in your favour!

Either way, good luck and hopefully after you get a screen in there, you'll have years of trouble-free shooting!

PS: If you haven't ordered the screen yet, see if you can get one with horizontal/vertical lines etched into it. I have one for my 5D Mark II and love it...especially with wide/ultrawide lenses it makes nailing horizons soooo much easier!

Yep there is no screen in the cradle, I'd hit B&H up for a new one, as they should have made sure there was at least the original screen in there.

This is the original screen

http://shop.usa.canon.​com …uct_10051_10051​_168884_-1