How to lighten my pictures while using a reversed lens?
I have a Nikon 5100 with a reversed 18-55 lens.
Unfortunately, all of my pictures are coming out dark, however, not black. I have an aperture ring, and the object appears better-lit before the picture. My camera won't let me use my flash because it says "Flash is in TTL mode. Chose another setting or use a CPU lens."
I'm sure this isn't a rare occurrence, but I'd really appreciate it if someone would help me.
Thank you
Added (1). I have my ISO on as high as it can go.
Use a higher iso or a longer shutter speed.
Why are you trying advanced techniques when you don't even understand the basics of exposure?
It seems you are not using the light meter.
Your lens, when reversed, disengages the CPU on the lens, so you will have to pick a "Non-CPU" feature and use the "stop-down" mode to meter your subject.
Dark tells you that you are underexposing the image. You should know that you will either have to open the lens aperture or lengthen the shutter speed
Your Nikon kit lens has an aperture ring?
The Nikon kit lens doesn't have an aperture ring and because the camera can't 'talk' to the lens to open the aperture you will have minimum aperture (usually f22), an old Manual lens that will fit the filter thread from any manufacturer with an aperture ring will work better.
You can't use the built in flash for two reasons, your so close to the subject that the lens would cast a shadow onto your subject and the minimum pop up flash distance is 2ft.
The camera is only seeing the light reflected off a small area and your using minimum aperture, no wonder the image is under-exposed.
You have options. Use Manual Mode and set the shutter speed to several seconds (tripod required), increase the ISO massively (not a good option), or increase the light falling onto the subject (off camera flash or lamps, best option of all) or a combination of all three.
Reversing the lens is not the best way to get Macro shots (they magnify too much, put you too close to the subject), bellows work better and even using a cheap set of close up lenses off eBay, even using an older 50mm manual lens reversed onto the front of your kit lens as a close up lens (you will need to support the lens as that would be a lot of weight on your lens mount, but it does work very well). The best option is, of course, a dedicated Macro lens.