Questions about remotes for pentax k 3 and k 5 II

**aslyfox** · 08-23-2016, 11:16 AM

I am trying to gather information about what remote to get for a K 3 and K 5 II. I am planning on our 1st trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons NPS and will be using a tripod and/or monopod for supporting the cameras and a pentax 150 - 450 mm

I have looked at remotes but I am having problems:

1 in determining whether either the camera bodies have IF receivers in both the front and the rear

2 if I use a radio controlled remote instead how would I support the receiver as I plan on using a pentax GPS unit on the camera

3 How reliable are the 3rd party remotes vs pentax brand

Thanks for all help and comments

forensicscientist · 08-23-2016, 11:26 AM

I can shed some light on some of your questions. I've used the Pentax brand remote and various 'no-names' and all have worked just fine.....assuming the battery is good.

I've also made a wired switch from an old set of cellphone ear buds....all have worked just fine.

No first hand knowledge here, but I wonder if there is cell phone app that would accomplish the same thing??

**jatrax** · 08-23-2016, 11:30 AM

1) K-3 does and I think the K-5II does as well but cannot confirm
2) Radio controllers need to be connected to the wired remote port. So it should be possible, given the correct cable length, to just use gaffers tape to attach the receiver to the tripod. AFAIK there is no need for the receiver to be attached to the hot shoe. That might depend on the model used of course. I have Cactus V5 flash triggers which also have a port for triggering the shutter via a small cable.
3) Pentax has no RF remote so you would have to use a 3rd party. For wired remotes, the Pentax ones are good and so are the better 3rd party ones but there are also a lot of really cheap ones which can be problematical. For IR I have used both the regular Pentax ones and 3rd party and see no difference. Provided the 3rd party one is of good quality, beware the really cheap ones.

Adam · 08-23-2016, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

I am trying to gather information about what remote to get for a K 3 and K 5 II. I am planning on our 1st trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons NPS and will be using a tripod and/or monopod for supporting the cameras and a pentax 150 - 450 mm

I have looked at remotes but I am having problems:

1 in determining whether either the camera bodies have IF receivers in both the front and the rear

2 if I use a radio controlled remote instead how would I support the receiver as I plan on using a pentax GPS unit on the camera

3 How reliable are the 3rd party remotes vs pentax brand

Thanks for all help and comments

Both have front and back IR ports.

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

honey bo bo · 08-23-2016, 01:02 PM

Quote
"1 in determining whether either the camera bodies have IF receivers in both the front and the rear

2 if I use a radio controlled remote instead how would I support the receiver as I plan on using a pentax GPS unit on the camera

3 How reliable are the 3rd party remotes vs pentax brand"

1- yes
2-buy a rail from the Orient with assessory screws on the ends $20 attach to your Q R
3-Very- but bring lots of spare batteries

**jatrax** · 08-23-2016, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by honey bo bo

2-buy a rail from the Orient with assessory screws on the ends $20 attach to your Q R

Better than my gaffers tape

honey bo bo · 08-23-2016, 01:25 PM

This is large rails on heavy manfrotto notice flash triggers & accessessories screw on on the end of the rails. You can get smaller ones. Also note that I have put Universal Q R on the rails. I have smaller rails on a medium weight Velbon Tri-pod as well but not here unfortunately.

2 are hot shoe type and 2 are screw type also note 2 extra screw type visible on rail with hot shoe type

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

Last edited by honey bo bo; 08-23-2016 at 01:37 PM. Reason: spelling add

C_Jones · 08-23-2016, 03:08 PM - **1 Like**

I use the following wired remote switch with my K-3II and K-5IIS. It plugs into the camera and utilizes power from the camera battery (not much), therefore it does not require a battery itself.

Vello RS-C1II Wired Remote Switch for Select Cameras RS-C1II B&H

honey bo bo · 08-23-2016, 03:22 PM

Of course it starts to get more expensive but I also use Flucard: Chrome for Android ; Safari for iPhone/iPad

**marcusBMG** · 08-23-2016, 03:27 PM

Note that wired remotes for Canon are the same as those for eg K5 (the ones with the same jack) - and cheaper.

**Ex Finn.** · 08-24-2016, 03:36 AM

I use a home made wired remote and a "DSLR remote" app. on my galaxy S5.

Wheatfield · 08-24-2016, 05:36 AM

Originally posted by forensicscientist

I can shed some light on some of your questions. I've used the Pentax brand remote and various 'no-names' and all have worked just fine.....assuming the battery is good.

I've also made a wired switch from an old set of cellphone ear buds....all have worked just fine.

No first hand knowledge here, but I wonder if there is cell phone app that would accomplish the same thing??

I have an app on my Android phone that turns the phone into a remote control. I don't recall the name of it but a search of the play store should find it. I expect there is one for iPhone as well.

BrianR · 08-24-2016, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by honey bo bo

3-Very- but bring lots of spare batteries

I bring spare remotes to hold the spare batteries. Usually 3 of the ~$2-3 fleabay multi-camera ones. They're reliable, batteries last ages, but are easy to misplace.

**csa** · 08-24-2016, 07:45 AM

Originally posted by C_Jones

I use the following wired remote switch with my K-3II and K-5IIS. It plugs into the camera and utilizes power from the camera battery (not much), therefore it does not require a battery itself.

Vello RS-C1II Wired Remote Switch for Select Cameras RS-C1II B&H

This is also the one I use with my K3, and have been very pleased with it.

**aslyfox** · 08-24-2016, 01:20 PM

I want to thank all who have commented and given suggestions

I don't believe that one can ask a stupid question but my wife says I stretch the limits.

With that thought in mind, how does one focus the dslr using one of these remotes.

I am an "old dog" and I usually use the view finder instead of the panel on the back of the camera, so if focusing using a remote, I guess I will have to "learn new tricks", is that correct?

08-23-2016, 11:16 AM	#1
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Questions about remotes for pentax k 3 and k 5 II I am trying to gather information about what remote to get for a K 3 and K 5 II. I am planning on our 1st trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons NPS and will be using a tripod and/or monopod for supporting the cameras and a pentax 150 - 450 mm I have looked at remotes but I am having problems: 1 in determining whether either the camera bodies have IF receivers in both the front and the rear 2 if I use a radio controlled remote instead how would I support the receiver as I plan on using a pentax GPS unit on the camera 3 How reliable are the 3rd party remotes vs pentax brand Thanks for all help and comments

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Questions about legacy glass on K-3 II	sarge	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	5	02-18-2016 11:45 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax D-BG4 Battery Grip for Pentax K-7, K-5, K-5 ii & K-5 iis	comprock	Sold Items	2	07-01-2015 09:06 PM
some questions for K-3 and K-5 owners	carrrlangas	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	11	06-27-2014 05:27 PM
New Firmware for K-500, K-50, K-5 II, K-5 IIs, K-5, K-30, K-01, K-r, and 645D is out	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	60	09-16-2013 05:46 AM
Several questions about Pentax K-5 II and something else	Casion	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	17	07-20-2013 02:07 PM

08-23-2016, 11:26 AM	#2
forensicscientist Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: DFW Texas and Michigan - I commute :) Posts: 1,012	I can shed some light on some of your questions. I've used the Pentax brand remote and various 'no-names' and all have worked just fine.....assuming the battery is good. I've also made a wired switch from an old set of cellphone ear buds....all have worked just fine. No first hand knowledge here, but I wonder if there is cell phone app that would accomplish the same thing??

08-23-2016, 11:30 AM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	1) K-3 does and I think the K-5II does as well but cannot confirm 2) Radio controllers need to be connected to the wired remote port. So it should be possible, given the correct cable length, to just use gaffers tape to attach the receiver to the tripod. AFAIK there is no need for the receiver to be attached to the hot shoe. That might depend on the model used of course. I have Cactus V5 flash triggers which also have a port for triggering the shutter via a small cable. 3) Pentax has no RF remote so you would have to use a 3rd party. For wired remotes, the Pentax ones are good and so are the better 3rd party ones but there are also a lot of really cheap ones which can be problematical. For IR I have used both the regular Pentax ones and 3rd party and see no difference. Provided the 3rd party one is of good quality, beware the really cheap ones.

08-23-2016, 11:43 AM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by Aslyfox I am trying to gather information about what remote to get for a K 3 and K 5 II. I am planning on our 1st trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons NPS and will be using a tripod and/or monopod for supporting the cameras and a pentax 150 - 450 mm I have looked at remotes but I am having problems: 1 in determining whether either the camera bodies have IF receivers in both the front and the rear 2 if I use a radio controlled remote instead how would I support the receiver as I plan on using a pentax GPS unit on the camera 3 How reliable are the 3rd party remotes vs pentax brand Thanks for all help and comments Both have front and back IR ports. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-23-2016, 01:02 PM	#5
honey bo bo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 768	Quote "1 in determining whether either the camera bodies have IF receivers in both the front and the rear 2 if I use a radio controlled remote instead how would I support the receiver as I plan on using a pentax GPS unit on the camera 3 How reliable are the 3rd party remotes vs pentax brand" 1- yes 2-buy a rail from the Orient with assessory screws on the ends $20 attach to your Q R 3-Very- but bring lots of spare batteries

08-23-2016, 01:12 PM	#6
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	Originally posted by honey bo bo 2-buy a rail from the Orient with assessory screws on the ends $20 attach to your Q R Better than my gaffers tape

08-23-2016, 03:08 PM - 1 Like	#8
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,086	I use the following wired remote switch with my K-3II and K-5IIS. It plugs into the camera and utilizes power from the camera battery (not much), therefore it does not require a battery itself. Vello RS-C1II Wired Remote Switch for Select Cameras RS-C1II B&H

08-23-2016, 03:22 PM	#9
honey bo bo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 768	Of course it starts to get more expensive but I also use Flucard: Chrome for Android ; Safari for iPhone/iPad

08-23-2016, 03:27 PM	#10
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,870	Note that wired remotes for Canon are the same as those for eg K5 (the ones with the same jack) - and cheaper.

08-24-2016, 03:36 AM	#11
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	I use a home made wired remote and a "DSLR remote" app. on my galaxy S5.

08-24-2016, 05:36 AM	#12
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,991	Originally posted by forensicscientist I can shed some light on some of your questions. I've used the Pentax brand remote and various 'no-names' and all have worked just fine.....assuming the battery is good. I've also made a wired switch from an old set of cellphone ear buds....all have worked just fine. No first hand knowledge here, but I wonder if there is cell phone app that would accomplish the same thing?? I have an app on my Android phone that turns the phone into a remote control. I don't recall the name of it but a search of the play store should find it. I expect there is one for iPhone as well.

08-24-2016, 05:57 AM	#13
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Originally posted by honey bo bo 3-Very- but bring lots of spare batteries I bring spare remotes to hold the spare batteries. Usually 3 of the ~$2-3 fleabay multi-camera ones. They're reliable, batteries last ages, but are easy to misplace.

08-24-2016, 07:45 AM	#14
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by C_Jones I use the following wired remote switch with my K-3II and K-5IIS. It plugs into the camera and utilizes power from the camera battery (not much), therefore it does not require a battery itself. Vello RS-C1II Wired Remote Switch for Select Cameras RS-C1II B&H This is also the one I use with my K3, and have been very pleased with it.

08-24-2016, 01:20 PM	#15
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583 Original Poster	I want to thank all who have commented and given suggestions I don't believe that one can ask a stupid question but my wife says I stretch the limits. With that thought in mind, how does one focus the dslr using one of these remotes. I am an "old dog" and I usually use the view finder instead of the panel on the back of the camera, so if focusing using a remote, I guess I will have to "learn new tricks", is that correct?