Remote Control F Help

I have just purchased a remote control F for my K10D with the intention of using it for wild life photography. I would have expected it to work without too much trouble but so far my efforts are invane. I am probably missing something elementary. This is what I have tried so far:
Fn set to either remote instant or 3 secs - red flashing light shown; exposure set to AUTO; pressed button half way to set focus; camera on tripod; stand back 3 metres, point remote and press button directing it to the back and the front of the camera; nothing happens: The unit didn't have a battery film protecting the stored battery which I thought unusual. Checked battery voltage of meter and it read just over 3v and has the correct polarity in the battery slot. Does the remote, display a light when the button is pressed? Mine doesn't but maybe it's not supposed to.
Bob.

No it doesn't.

I don't recall whether mine came with a removable plastic battery protector.

The only thing I can think of to try is set the custom menu so that AFs again before releasing the shutter.

But with mine, it works if it's not set like that, and I focus on something close, and then point the camera at something a different distance away.

Sounds like one or the other is faulty - hopefully it's the remote. I can't see anything you're doing wrong.

One thing I've noticed, maybe not relevant at all, is that setting it in the Custom Menu to AF again before releasing the shutter, only works in AF-S, not AF-C

The shutter still releases remotely though, just without focusing.

Nevertheless (clutching at straws) it might be worth ensuring that the AF/MF switch is set properly.

The K10D seems a bit more particular with regards to accepting the transmission. I have a very hard time getting the remote to work consistently. Never had so much trouble on the istD.
Sometimes certain light seems to interfere as well.

Take the camera to a dark room, don't go so far back (maybe one or two meters) and be sure you are almost directly in line with the lens or directly back from the camera. I believe the documentation says to stay within 15 degrees from center, but I'm not sure the K10D has that much tolerance.

Hopefully that will help determine if the remote is bad.

This may not be of much help but... I have Remote Control F but it is quite a few years old so may not be exactly the same as yours. It doesn't have a light and is simply a switch that fires the shutter via IR. The same battery has been in mine for thirteen years so I dont think the battery will be flat. It might be better to set the focus to manual - it could be that the camera just cant focus on anything although on my camera autofucus doesn't happen with the remote. Does the K10D have an IR sensor on the back? My DS doesn't. In 3 sec mode and the red light on the camera is flashing it should flash more quickly when the remote is pressed, if that isn't happening then perhaps the remote is faulty. Incidentally you should use the viewfinder cap in bright light when using it.

If your camera has gone to "sleep" (normally about 30 seconds / minute after the last time a button was pressed) then the wireless remote can't wake it up. This is one area where the wired remote has an advantage. Just before you take your shot, wake the camera by lightly brushing the shutter button (you'll see the LCD display on the shoulder come alive once more), step back, take your shot before it dozes off again.

Yes it does.

Also K10D behaviour (it beeps during the 3s too).

You did everything right but you forgot the last step:
On your camera press: Menu-------->custom functions------->scroll down to option AF with Remote------->set it at on. Than exit menu. This way your camera can focus before tripping the shutter. Ohh......just in case, very obvious but: set focus lever on AF-S and make sure you have clear line of sight to the back of the K10D. There is the sensor placed. And on the back side there should be a red light blinking.
(above the scroll wheel(11 o'clock) That's all.

HIH,
Martin.

Aaargh, as always beaten by the others.

Yeah, pretty cool, eh?!!!
I have used the IR remote for some macro-like work where you just cannot get in front of the camera. It is a really nice addition.

Have to second the observation on the life of the battery in those things. Mine is going on ten years.

EDIT: Argh, beaten here as well. Everyone here is too darned helpful and quick!

This is not necessary.

That custom setting only refers to an additional AF cycle after you press the remote, but before the shutter opens.

If you leave "AF in remote" off, the shutter will release with the remote, even on AF-S, and even if the subject is not in focus.

[quote:3496ace15f="amoringello"]Yeah, pretty cool, eh?!!!
I have used the IR remote for some macro-like work where you just cannot get in front of the camera. It is a really nice addition.
quote]

Well that really is an improvement

I should just like to thank all those who replied to my query. I carefully followed all the advice and still no luck. I bought the item mail order and have been back to them with the suspicion that it is faulty (hopefully not the camera). The remote is now back in the post for replacement. I will advise the final outcome in due course.

Well it took a month but it was worth it in the end. The Remote did turn out to be faulty and a replacement has been received and it works perfectly. I had no indication of the fault and had to wait for more stock to arrive.

Glad it all turned out alright in the end

I ordered one from Jessops. Seven months later I gave up and got one over the counter in NYC...