K10D AV Exposure Lock with Remote Control

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Here's a way to keep the exposure locked (meter reading for shutter speed) in Av mode as long as you want using a remote control:

1) Decouple the autofocus in "custom settings" under menu- set "AF button function" to "enable AF" (option #1) and "AF by press halfway" to "off" (option #2)

2) Use or build a remote control with a "continuous on" or toggle switch wired to the ring and sleave leads of the remote mini jack (see post #18 at the below link for a wiring diagram). This switch can't be a "momentary on" type switch or button, as it will need to stay "on" while exposures are taken. In the diagram, the function of ring and sleeve is labeled as "focus." In reality, it acts as "shutter depress halfway." You will also need to wire a button or switch to the tip and sleeve leads to serve as the shutter button.

Cheap Cable Remote for Pentax DSLR

3) Set the "Meter operating time" under "custom settings" in menu to 30 seconds (optional)

4) Set up your camera with the remote plugged in, acquire the appropriate metering, hit the "AE-L" (exposure lock button), flip the switch for "focus" (again, actually "shutter depress halfway"), and take your picture with the switch or button for shutter. The shutter value will now stay at its locked value for as long as the "focus" button on your remote is engaged- no timer to worry about.

The problem is that you can't see your pictures on the LCD screen while the remote "focus" is active, and disengaging the switch to do so will free the meter to reacquire a new exposure value. A firmware update that will allow fixed aperture bracketing in manual mode would be nice.

k10d firmware update

John