I use the SMCP-FA 50mm Macro lens.

I think between us, we've identified the problem. Follow davex's instructions, set the lens to 'A' (Auto aperture) and set the required aperture on your camera instead of the lens. Set the mode dial (left side of the top plate) to Av, now you can enjoy sharp images.

Sorted.

The second button on mine doesn't actually do anything on my K20D but it has a symbol of three trees of different sizes so I guess it operates the zoom on some cameras.

Maybe mine isn't an 'F' version, but it still works.

Cheers Don.

Hmmm, my Pentax Remote Control F has 2 buttons on it, one big, one small.

Can you tell us the exact wording around the lens's front bezel?

Does it say SMC Pentax, SMC Pentax-M, or SMC Pentax-A, or something different?

If it shows SMC Pentax-A, as iceblinker states, you should use the lens on the 'A' setting on the aperture ring otherwise it's behaving like a SMC Pentax/SMC Pentax-M lens and will only work correctly with the exposure mode dial set to M(anual). If it is an A series lens and you are using the aperture ring and any other exposure mode setting, all images will be captured at f1.7. This might explain why there is very little difference between your shots.

If you post any images here, leave the EXIF data intact so we can interrogate it. No EXIF data exists for the image I viewed on your Flickr page.

Pam, You need to give this lens a better chance to show what it can do. I think you have perhaps picked one of the worst scenarios to test this lens as is possible.

Glass is always difficult, glass in front of glass is doubly difficult, backlit glass in front of backlit glass gives it almost no chance at all.

There is a difference, albeit very subtle, between your f1.7 and 48 images.

Look at the frame at the right hand side. In the f8 version it isn't sharp, but it is slightly better defined than in the f1.7 version.

Are you shooting RAW or JPG?
If JPG, have you got any in camera sharpening selected? If not, what software have you used to sharpen the image?

If none, that's why your images look soft.

When you have set the function menu to use the remote, does the self timer light blink?

If it does, it could well be the remote that's faulty. To test it, point the remote at the lens, focus on the IR transmitter LED, press one of the remote's buttons and hold it pressed while you take a photo of it using a long'ish exposure. You might be able to see if the LED is on because some Pentax sensors can 'see' IR light. It'll probably show as white though, black if it's not working.

If you go into your settings on here, you can enter your location. It's useful for us. It's not much use to you if we recommend a supplier in UK/Spain/Australia etc. if you live in Zagreb, for instance.

Instructions for setting up the camera to use the Remote F can be found on page 61 of the .PDF manual available from www.pentaximaging.com > Support > Download Manuals and Literature.

When the appropriate drive mode (up arrow on the 4 way controller after pressing the Fn button) is selected, the self timer light should blink. If it doesn't, either you haven't set it correctly or you have a camera problem.