EOS-M: Disable exposure simulation in manual mode?

I'm a new EOS-M owner, and today I attempted to use it in the studio with a Pocket Wizard and strobes. Since I only had modeling lights turned on, the scene was relatively dark and due to exposure simulation on the M I could see next to nothing through the LCD. During focusing the exposure simulation would disable, which lit up the LCD allowing me to see what I'm focusing on. But as soon as focus was acheived, exposure simulation kicks on again causing the LCD to go dark which, effectively, makes focus and recompose pretty much impossible for the EOS-M if you're using off camera flash.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, grab your DSLR and put it in LIve View on manual mode in a relatively dark room and set your exposure to something like 1/200 at f/8, ISO 100. Now go into your menu and in the live view settings enable and disable Exposure Simulation. You'll understand exactly what I'm talking about.

So, is anyone aware of a way to disable exposure simulation on the M? If not, like I said, shooting w/ off camera flash in full manual is near impossible.

Can't you just use your example in reverse?...Set shutter speed to about 1/15 or so while you focus and recompose, then set it back to 1/200 before shooting(or whatever SS you plan to use).

rrblint wrote in post #15510490
Can't you just use your example in reverse?...Set shutter speed to about 1/15 or so while you focus and recompose, then set it back to 1/200 before shooting(or whatever SS you plan to use).

Think through the mechanics of that. You'd have to focus, recompose, keep the shutter button half-pressed, and then...without letting off the shutter button, and without moving the camera to lose your composure, you'd have to find some extra fingers to tap the screen and the change the shutter speed. And you'd have to do that before each and every shot. No way.

Just a thought...Didn't realize that it was so compicated with that camera. Hope it can be disabled.

CincyTriGuy wrote in post #15510465
I'm a new EOS-M owner, and today I attempted to use it in the studio with a Pocket Wizard and strobes. Since I only had modeling lights turned on, the scene was relatively dark and due to exposure simulation on the M I could see next to nothing through the LCD. During focusing the exposure simulation would disable, which lit up the LCD allowing me to see what I'm focusing on. But as soon as focus was acheived, exposure simulation kicks on again causing the LCD to go dark which, effectively, makes focus and recompose pretty much impossible for the EOS-M if you're using off camera flash.

This needs to be asked. Why would you want to focus and recompose with your EOS M when you have 31 active focus points to choose from, which you can move around at will? Surely one of those points must sit on the area you want to focus on.

yogestee wrote in post #15510869
This needs to be asked. Why would you want to focus and recompose with your EOS M when you have 31 active focus points to choose from, which you can move around at will? Surely one of those points must sit on the area you want to focus on.

Because I can't see what I want to focus on, thanks to exposure simulation making the LCD nearly completely dark. Hence the entire point of this post.

CincyTriGuy wrote in post #15512192
Because I can't see what I want to focus on, thanks to exposure simulation making the LCD nearly completely dark. Hence the entire point of this post.

How about using a flashlight ("torch" to the folks in the UK) to illuminate the subject just while you're focusing?

SkipD wrote in post #15512220
How about using a flashlight ("torch" to the folks in the UK) to illuminate the subject just while you're focusing?

Would only work with an assistant.

I appreciate all the tips for workarounds, and, the question that I'm hoping to have answered is whether anyone knows if it's possible to disable exposure simulation.

Maybe the EOS-M isn't the right tool for the job.

mike_d wrote in post #15512459
Maybe the EOS-M isn't the right tool for the job.

That could very well be where this is headed. If it isn't possible to disable exposure simulation, than using the EOS-M in full manual with off camera flash simply won't be a viable option.

Try 1-800-OKCANON.

I've just figured it out! I'm one who recently bought this camera at $300 and this was the first time I've tried studio shots with it. Here's what to do. PS-I'm using a vintage lens (manual)

1. switch to Auto+ mode and hit the magnify button once.
2. set your focus box position and hit magnify again and focus.
3. switch to Creative Mode(manual mode) and shoot.

It's really easy and doesnt take much fuss once you've done it a few times.

Just tried the above suggestion (but with a native autofocus lens). Doesn't seem to work for me.
What does work is using an ETTL trigger (either a flash or trigger such as the Yongnuo 622).

Jim

Clickety Cricket wrote in post #16161324
I've just figured it out! I'm one who recently bought this camera at $300 and this was the first time I've tried studio shots with it. Here's what to do. PS-I'm using a vintage lens (manual)

1. switch to Auto+ mode and hit the magnify button once.
2. set your focus box position and hit magnify again and focus.
3. switch to Creative Mode(manual mode) and shoot.

It's really easy and doesnt take much fuss once you've done it a few times.

Thanks for this tip.

Just install Magic Lantern. There is option to disable exposure compensation.