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Mikey-Mike

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 11, 2011
63
0
CLE
Sometimes my Nikon D5100 will let me set the custom white balance but a lot of the time I get an error message that says: “This option is not available at current settings, or in the camera’s current state.”

A few times I noticed that the camera would let me set the white balance and then a few seconds latter if I tried to set it again the camera would not allow it!

Does anyone know what is going on and how to always make the camera set the white balance when I want it to?

Thank you.
 

Mikey-Mike

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 11, 2011
63
0
CLE
If the exposure meter reports that your image will be under- or overexposed at the current exposure settings, make the necessary adjustments now. Otherwise, the camera can’t create your custom white balance preset.

I hadn't seen that web page but those are the procedures I follow...

I just wondered if there was some know issue and a work around maybe
 

simonsi

Contributor
Jan 3, 2014
4,851
735
Auckland
Are you using a mode that forces the WB setting to Auto? Typically any mode other than P,S,A or M may not let you use Pre as a WB setting.
 

Mikey-Mike

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 11, 2011
63
0
CLE
Thanks for the reply: I always keep it in "M"

I'm just surprised that other Nikon users haven't come across this

Maybe newer cameras don't have this
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,006
56,027
Behind the Lens, UK
Thanks for the reply: I always keep it in "M"

I'm just surprised that other Nikon users haven't come across this

Maybe newer cameras don't have this
I've never had a problem on my D7100 or D750. Are you shooting RAW? Might also be worth checking to see if you have the current firmware, just in case that helps.
 

Mikey-Mike

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 11, 2011
63
0
CLE
Apple fanboy Says D7100 and D750

That’s some heavy and expensive equipment

And you’re saying no problems there

I like the D5100 and have gotten some pretty good video and pictures out of it but somehow I get the feeling that Nikon is saying I didn’t spend enough money to get something that’s not crippled etc...

Like I say, sometimes the operation will work and then a few seconds latter I can try again just to test and it doesn’t work So that’s surprising

Either way, I’m just a hobbyist and I’m going to keep working with the equipment I have

Thank you
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,006
56,027
Behind the Lens, UK
That’s some heavy and expensive equipment

And you’re saying no problems there

I like the D5100 and have gotten some pretty good video and pictures out of it but somehow I get the feeling that Nikon is saying I didn’t spend enough money to get something that’s not crippled etc...

Like I say, sometimes the operation will work and then a few seconds latter I can try again just to test and it doesn’t work So that’s surprising

Either way, I’m just a hobbyist and I’m going to keep working with the equipment I have

Thank you
Pretty light weight compared to my glass! I'm just a hobbyist as well.
Hope it sorts it self out, but a Nikon firmware update shouldn't damage your camera.
 

orph

macrumors 68000
Dec 12, 2005
1,884
393
UK
might be worth factory resting the camera settings in the options.
you may have done it by accident.
also sometimes you can switch the mode dial and not notice.

it's a good camera so i dont think it's a nikon pay wall

ps if your shooting raw stills it wont matter in the long run, it only matters with jpegs and video.
 

Mikey-Mike

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 11, 2011
63
0
CLE
I know this is an old thread but I did end up installing the new firmware and that seems to have worked.

If I am unable to set the WB just turning the camera off and then on again will let me set it... so
 
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