Pentax Infared Remote Controls

Hi everyone,

I've been looking at my old kit today, and guess what, I've found that my old Pentax Remote Control D works with my K20D!

It works from the front of the camera and the rear, so what is it's range ?
What are the advantages of the Pentax Remote Control F,(as shown in the K20D manual) over the Remote Control D?
Any one know if the Pentax Remote Control E Zoom functions work with the K20D?

Oh does no one use a Remote control then, as I have received no replies, I must assume that your all using cables?

Just noticed this...
The range depends a lot on the battery health in the remote control
(Mine needs replacing)
To be honest, I tend to use the wired remote for macros and tripod shots - has the ability to lock in the "B" mode.
I only ever use the IR remote when doing family pictures that I have to appear in... and that's not many

Zoom functions, of course, don't work - you need fingers to move the zoom lens! (I have one that was for an old Pentax film camera that had zoom.)

Matt

Hello Matt,
Apart from using Bulb, have you tried the remote on the camera when it's tripod mounted for wild life shots, for example from a hide?

Does anyone know the advantage of the Remote F over my old remote D?

Was there ever a remote that worked the zoom on power zoom lenses?

G

Apparently George, yes as the Remote Control E has a Zoom function button,but I have no info on it!

I've never seen a "D" but the "F" is tiny and there's a special slot to enable you to carry it within the K10/20's battery grip. I doubt there's any real difference though other than size - if you try a few remotes around your house you may find that you have others that will trigger your camera...

Hello Hefty,
The "D" remote was sent to me free of charge from Pentax, because of a confusing statement in the MZ7 manual.

It's also small and is still shown on the Pentax website, and was designed to fit into the accessories pockets on the MZ camera strap!

Remote one side and eyepiece cover on the other.

Regards Roscoe.

Which is why I use the MZ strap with my K20D Pity they didn't continue that idea with the later straps.

I use the "F" type, a bit small but works ok.

All good things come to an end Gwyn, I suppose that they will put it down to cost or market strategy, or something,but I agree, and with a camera of this calibre it would not have hurt Pentax.

Roscoe,
I have the "E" remote - the zoom functions are for the compact film camera

The wired remote is almost certainly going to be a better bet Sometimes with the IR remote the signal isn't "seen" (especially in bright lighting). The wired remote can be easily extended with a cheap 2.5mm stereo headphone lead
Matt

Thank you Matt, I shall in that case only use the IR for family shots as you suggest, and get the wired remote for other work.

You can use a Canon (Wash my mouth out with soap) wired remote with Pentax cameras, they are cheaper. The one for the 350/400D. Even cheaper of course are the generic ones, which is what I have - though it too is meant for a Canon.

I have the F type
I find it okay for triggering on general tripod shots, but it is a bit of a pain on Bulb. Firstly only 5 metres range which isnt that great for my underground photography, also if you turn slightly away from pointing at the camera it loses its signal and closes the shutter and no lock off.

I am tempted by the Seculine which claims 300ft (50m) range. Somebody doesn't know how to convert metric to imperial or vice versa

However it doesn't say if you can lock it off. So I may go for cable release