change default 2s self timer time on K5??

Andrew Crouch · 12-16-2012, 01:33 AM

I am taking some photos through an astronomical telescope, which because of its mass and shape has a significant settling time after any mechanical disturbance (e.g. pressing the shutter button on the camera or the action of the mirror locking up). I am using the self timer at 2s to achieve immediate mirror lockup followed by 2s delayed shutter release which works quite well. However, I am wondering whether a few more seconds settling would be better again.

using interval shooting doesn't achieve the desired effect, as it seems to disable the shutter release delay inherent in the 2s self timer function - the mirror locks up just prior to the shutter release for each shot in the sequence.

So the only option would seem to be to extend the default 2s timer time. Is this possible?

Thanks, Andrew

Adam · 12-16-2012, 01:40 AM

Originally posted by Andrew Crouch

I am taking some photos through an astronomical telescope, which because of its mass and shape has a significant settling time after any mechanical disturbance (e.g. pressing the shutter button on the camera or the action of the mirror locking up). I am using the self timer at 2s to achieve immediate mirror lockup followed by 2s delayed shutter release which works quite well. However, I am wondering whether a few more seconds settling would be better again.

using interval shooting doesn't achieve the desired effect, as it seems to disable the shutter release delay inherent in the 2s self timer function - the mirror locks up just prior to the shutter release for each shot in the sequence.

So the only option would seem to be to extend the default 2s timer time. Is this possible?

Thanks, Andrew

There is a 3s mode when using the remote, or you can use plain old MLU mode when you decide how long you want to wait. The remote will always come in handy when keeping things stable is your top priority.

Den · 12-16-2012, 04:20 AM

If you are not using a remote, can't you set the self timer to 12 sec? (does the mirror pop up in 12 sec mode)? Or as Adam said, just use MLU and press the remote when you want.

Nass · 12-16-2012, 07:16 AM

I have a similar problem with my extreme macro because the mirror and curtain create vibration. To minimise vibration I use manual 10s settings and shoot on rear sync by which time the vibes have died. Unfortunately Pentax is very limited when it comes to matters like this for your needs I think. Even if you use b there is still vibration when the b starts. In liveview you actually get 4 mirror movements, lv on, lv off, exposure start, exposure off, it would have been so much better if the middle two didn't flip the mirror. i think you can set the time in a Canon and in decent Canon models and brands that use modern technology like Sony you can also avoid the issue with EFSC (electronic front shutter curtain). Pentax doesn't use leading edge technology.

Last edited by Nass; 12-16-2012 at 07:22 AM.

RonHendriks1966 · 12-16-2012, 08:58 AM

I would use the mirror up combined with the remote so you don't have to touch the camera.

DeadJohn · 12-16-2012, 10:04 AM

Originally posted by Den

If you are not using a remote, can't you set the self timer to 12 sec? (does the mirror pop up in 12 sec mode)? Or as Adam said, just use MLU and press the remote when you want.

2 second timer mode moves the mirror first, beeps 2 seconds, then captures the photo.
12 seconds mode beeps 12 seconds first, then moves the mirror and captures the photo. Why, Pentax?

**crewl1** · 12-16-2012, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by Andrew Crouch

So the only option would seem to be to extend the default 2s timer time. Is this possible?

As others have said, use either mirror lock up (MLU) mode with a wired remote, or get an infrared remote and use MLU +IR mode.

In both cases, first press of remote lifts the mirror and beeps to tell you mirror is locked up, second press opens shutter for selected exposure time.

Andrew Crouch · 12-17-2012, 05:00 AM

Thanks folks - I think I'll go for the cable release / wired remote option with mirror lockup.

Andrew

Gimbal · 12-19-2012, 01:03 PM

There is another way.
Lock up the mirror with live view and then use the normal 12sec delay = 12 sec delay with mirror lock up.

Andrew Crouch · 12-20-2012, 02:46 AM

Good one Gimbal, welll done ! - thank you for that.

Andrew

opiet70 · 11-05-2013, 06:18 AM

Thank you!!! I'm heading out this weekend to (hopefully) shoot a few Ison shots and was trying to figure this out.

12-16-2012, 01:33 AM	#1
Andrew Crouch Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 48	change default 2s self timer time on K5?? I am taking some photos through an astronomical telescope, which because of its mass and shape has a significant settling time after any mechanical disturbance (e.g. pressing the shutter button on the camera or the action of the mirror locking up). I am using the self timer at 2s to achieve immediate mirror lockup followed by 2s delayed shutter release which works quite well. However, I am wondering whether a few more seconds settling would be better again. using interval shooting doesn't achieve the desired effect, as it seems to disable the shutter release delay inherent in the 2s self timer function - the mirror locks up just prior to the shutter release for each shot in the sequence. So the only option would seem to be to extend the default 2s timer time. Is this possible? Thanks, Andrew

12-16-2012, 01:40 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by Andrew Crouch I am taking some photos through an astronomical telescope, which because of its mass and shape has a significant settling time after any mechanical disturbance (e.g. pressing the shutter button on the camera or the action of the mirror locking up). I am using the self timer at 2s to achieve immediate mirror lockup followed by 2s delayed shutter release which works quite well. However, I am wondering whether a few more seconds settling would be better again. using interval shooting doesn't achieve the desired effect, as it seems to disable the shutter release delay inherent in the 2s self timer function - the mirror locks up just prior to the shutter release for each shot in the sequence. So the only option would seem to be to extend the default 2s timer time. Is this possible? Thanks, Andrew There is a 3s mode when using the remote, or you can use plain old MLU mode when you decide how long you want to wait. The remote will always come in handy when keeping things stable is your top priority. 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:

12-16-2012, 04:20 AM	#3
Den Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Washington (State) Posts: 929	If you are not using a remote, can't you set the self timer to 12 sec? (does the mirror pop up in 12 sec mode)? Or as Adam said, just use MLU and press the remote when you want. Last edited by Den; 12-16-2012 at 04:28 AM.

12-20-2012, 02:46 AM	#10
Andrew Crouch Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 48 Original Poster	Thanks ! Good one Gimbal, welll done ! - thank you for that. Andrew

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12-16-2012, 07:16 AM	#4
Nass Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The British Isles Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,402	I have a similar problem with my extreme macro because the mirror and curtain create vibration. To minimise vibration I use manual 10s settings and shoot on rear sync by which time the vibes have died. Unfortunately Pentax is very limited when it comes to matters like this for your needs I think. Even if you use b there is still vibration when the b starts. In liveview you actually get 4 mirror movements, lv on, lv off, exposure start, exposure off, it would have been so much better if the middle two didn't flip the mirror. i think you can set the time in a Canon and in decent Canon models and brands that use modern technology like Sony you can also avoid the issue with EFSC (electronic front shutter curtain). Pentax doesn't use leading edge technology. Last edited by Nass; 12-16-2012 at 07:22 AM.

12-16-2012, 08:58 AM	#5
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	I would use the mirror up combined with the remote so you don't have to touch the camera.

12-16-2012, 10:04 AM	#6
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	Originally posted by Den If you are not using a remote, can't you set the self timer to 12 sec? (does the mirror pop up in 12 sec mode)? Or as Adam said, just use MLU and press the remote when you want. 2 second timer mode moves the mirror first, beeps 2 seconds, then captures the photo. 12 seconds mode beeps 12 seconds first, then moves the mirror and captures the photo. Why, Pentax?

12-16-2012, 07:41 PM	#7
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by Andrew Crouch So the only option would seem to be to extend the default 2s timer time. Is this possible? As others have said, use either mirror lock up (MLU) mode with a wired remote, or get an infrared remote and use MLU +IR mode. In both cases, first press of remote lifts the mirror and beeps to tell you mirror is locked up, second press opens shutter for selected exposure time.

12-17-2012, 05:00 AM	#8
Andrew Crouch Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 48 Original Poster	Thanks folks - I think I'll go for the cable release / wired remote option with mirror lockup. Andrew

12-19-2012, 01:03 PM	#9
Gimbal Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 2,106	There is another way. Lock up the mirror with live view and then use the normal 12sec delay = 12 sec delay with mirror lock up.

11-05-2013, 06:18 AM	#11
opiet70 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 499	Thank you!!! I'm heading out this weekend to (hopefully) shoot a few Ison shots and was trying to figure this out.