Nikon D40x Metering Problem

press down release button part way to turn on metering then try

Do you have it in aperture or shutter priority modes? If so, do you also have exposure compensation set to overexpose? If you have it in manual mode, then you will, of course, have to make the adjustments each time.

If you have it in auto mode, it should be correcting the exposure for you, unless you have manually set the ISO to some very high level. Another potential issue would be that you have selected spot metering and you are metering on a very dark area, hence the camera is overexposing to make up for that.

I'd recommend setting the camera to auto-ISO and auto exposure and see how it works. If that checks out, then you can correct any settings in other modes.

Turn the mode dial to M for Manual. You'll lose all through-the-lens metering capability, so you'll have to review your pictures or else use another light meter.

the auto focus mode is setup in lef kindly set the metering in centre by using metring option

You most likely were shooting in a mode that caused your exposure to over-expose your image. Try "Auto" for starters. Once you are comfortable, learn to set "A" or "S" to control your shots as "you" want them. be sure to know how the camera is metering the shots too. All of this is explained in the manual.

the meter should turn on as soon as you half press the shutter. otherwise remove the lens and try cleaning the electrical contacts on the lens and on the camera body.use q-tips dipped in very light spirits of alcohol, make sure you dont leave any debris around the area. caution with the camera's sensor.

What exposure mode is the camera set to? You can only change the metering mode in the PSAM modes. The automatic point&shoot modes are automatic for a reason, the camera selects the metering mode and a lot of other things.

it may be a problem with the camera, but you should be using the manual modes....they are much more accurate. if you are worried about it being a defect issue, then send it in.....

I have one also, and have found it to be a bit slow on the metering side on the pre-programed modes.....

Here is Nikon's specs of lens compatibility for the D40X:


Compatible Lenses*: Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Type G or D AF Nikkor:
1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported;
2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus
3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus
4) Other AF Nikkor*â¹/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
5) Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster
6) IX Nikkor lenses cannot be used
*â¹ Excluding lenses for F3AF

They do not recommend 3rd party lenses, ever

Check your metering settings. Are you using centerweighted, matrix, or spot metering? Try setting camera to matrix metering, use program mode 'P' and adjust exposure to default.