PICTURES DARK

The exposure meter of the camera is not infallable. It is always best if you are unsure of the correct exposure to bracket the picture

This is done by taking the photo, the taking another one two stops slower (2notches off the aperture size) , and a third two stops faster (2notches on the aperture) This will guarentee at least one good exposure. Print film is not as bad as slide and print film can be saved from remarkably over / under exposure at the developing and printing steps.

Using a flash too close to the subject can overexpose, and too far from it can underexpose a photo. Changing the power output of the flash can remedy this to some extent but standing at a good distance is the best solution (9-26 Feet)