Exposure compensation button set to -1 -- how do I change it?

My d3100 recently started underexposing all my shots (in manual). I thought maybe the light meter needed to be recalibrated, but then I noticed on my display screen my exposure comp button reading is permanently set at -1. I think it should be set to 0, but I'm not sure how to change it.
Help is most appreciated!

sharonb said:

My d3100 recently started underexposing all my shots (in manual). I thought maybe the light meter needed to be recalibrated, but then I noticed on my display screen my exposure comp button reading is permanently set at -1. I think it should be set to 0, but I'm not sure how to change it.
Help is most appreciated!

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When your camera is displaying all the information on the screen click "i" and it should go to another screen. Use your direction arrows on the multi-selactor wheel to navigate to the exposure compensation option. Click Ok and that will open the options. Change it up to 0 and click OK (centre of multi selector)

You can also use the command dial by pressing the little button on top right side of the camera that has the +/- and looks like the exposure compensation display symbol. A quicker way to change it and possibly how it got changed accidentally.

If you do not have a manual you can download one from nikonusa.com.

That did the trick. Thanks, Lawrence! I'm not sure if that's the full cause of the underexposure problem, but at least it's a step in the "light" direction. ;-)

You might want to check your metering mode. If it is set to spot metering and you are not aware of that, you might get unexpected results depending where the metered spot is. Matrix is best unless you have a specific need for center weighted or spot metering. On the other hand, spot metering could help you too if you are having a problem getting a specific part of your subject exposed properly.