Photomatix 4.2 Red Clipping Issue

[theeastcoastwest]

Hello, I apologize if this is in the wrong area.

 

I use photomatix to tone map vray render elements saved out in .exr format. I find this method to be great in case I need to "save" an image that didn't turn out so well during render time.

 

I have used this software for 4+ years now and have never run into an issue. However, with the newer version I have this issue with 0-black areas. (usually an alpha problem)

 

The red areas are supposed to be solid black.

 

 

Does anyone have any experience with this? I can think of several workarounds and, of course, can always roll back my version but I was hoping there may be an easy fix.

 

Any help is appreciated.