Manual Says You Can Set Black Balance In Auto Mode, But How?

[Denniscasey]

Page 42 of PDF manual gives several situations when you should set black balance (i.e. when camera has not been used for extended periods, etc). Then it explains black balance is normally automatically adjusted while white balance is being adjusted. However, on page 43 upper left of page it says "White balance cannot be adjusted during auto mode, ONLY BLACK BALANCE CAN BE ADJUSTED." But I can't find any instructions how to set black balance when in auto mode--mostly just curious, but has anyone found how to do that?

Also, I have assumed ATW LOCK means white/black balance is locked at setting camera has chosen when shooting in specific lighting condition---am I correct?

[Felipe Henao]

Dennis, ATW Is automatic white balance, then if you are happy with the balance you press once more the white balance button so that way you lock the white balance, then it will remain in
the recorded balance. Again go manual white balance and use a gray card, is the best way. In fact is the only way I use, No matter if you make mistakes trying to use your camera in manual settings, with practice
you will start working manual without even thinking

[Denniscasey]

Thank you Felipe for confirming my understanding of ATW Lock. Still curious about PDF manual on p 43 saying you can set black balance when in auto mode--how to do that?

I continue experimenting with manually setting white balance to see if there are problems when I set white balance when I am in shade and distant scene is in sun (or vice versa). So far have not seen any noticeable color shifts so I guess it is ok. One by one I am using manual settings beginning with white balance, then manual focus (mostly to lock focus so camera won't get confused when I pan scenery or race cars and nearby objects come into scene). Again, as I am not in studio situation (mostly run and gun sort of shooting) I mostly let camera select exposure as race cars on road courses often move quickly through sunny and shady portions of race track.

[Barry_Green]

Just hold the white balance button in longer, until the "ABB" process starts.

[Denniscasey]

Just hold the white balance button in longer, until the "ABB" process starts.

Thanks Barry. I had read your Black Balance comments on pages 25, 68 and 219 of your HMC book (my normal go to source), but they seemed to relate to the HMC150 (p25) or manual white balancing.

Just to be clear, with HMC40 in AUTO I just need to hold in white balance button until the ABB process starts/completes and that completes the black balance? I tried it and worked just like you said, but just wanted to confirm I can (and should) leave camera in full Auto while doing this black balance.

As you say in your book (p68) frequent Black Balance is a good thing to do and really easy--I think you can even leave lens cap on?

[Barry_Green]

You don't need to leave the lens cap on, the camera has an internal iris that it shuts to completely block all light.

You don't have to do it while the camera is in auto, it's just that it's possible to do it in auto just like it's possible to do it in manual.

[Denniscasey]

You don't need to leave the lens cap on, the camera has an internal iris that it shuts to completely block all light.

You don't have to do it while the camera is in auto, it's just that it's possible to do it in auto just like it's possible to do it in manual.

Got it and thanks again. Dennis