Using Spot metering (*) in M mode not possible?

I started taking photography lessons this year and we're learning about lighting (matrix, spot, etc). I have a Canon EOS 550D and cannot use the * button in the M (manual setting) but I can in other settings. Other Canon users in my class had the same issue except for a newer Canon camera. What the * button does in P (as far as I can tell) is change/hold your settings (shutter speed and aperture) to the spot you've pointed to. I have a few questions:

- How come I cannot use the * button in the M mode and others (newer canons) can?

- If the * works by changing ss and aperture how does it work for other cameras (in M mode)?

Thank you so much for your help with this!

In M (manual) mode YOU are setting the aperture and shutter speed.

Using the * button (it's called exposure lock) in M mode would only affect the ISO.

I'm not 'sure why it would work on newer canons. It doesn't on my 600d/t3i.

RoroG wrote:

I started taking photography lessons this year and we're learning about lighting (matrix, spot, etc). I have a Canon EOS 550D and cannot use the * button in the M (manual setting) but I can in other settings. Other Canon users in my class had the same issue except for a newer Canon camera. What the * button does in P (as far as I can tell) is change/hold your settings (shutter speed and aperture) to the spot you've pointed to. I have a few questions:

- How come I cannot use the * button in the M mode and others (newer canons) can?

- If the * works by changing ss and aperture how does it work for other cameras (in M mode)?

Thank you so much for your help with this!

RoroG,

The * button locks your exposure for a few seconds, but I don't know that you can make changes with it. Perhaps on older cameras, that's how you made changes. That's certainly not the way you make changes to your metering mode. (matrix, spot, etc.) in newer cameras.

You'd have to read your owner's manual, I think.

Steve Thomas