K-30 - How can I extend shutter speed to more than 30s for astrography purposes

piotrando1 · 09-14-2018, 06:51 AM

Hi,

I am into astrography but found it difficult to find a sfotware that I can control my Pentax K-30 and extend shutter to for example up to 1-3 minutes. Max is 30s

Can someone please help ?

Thanks a lot

bavd · 09-14-2018, 07:03 AM

B (bulb) setting. Not even the K1 goes beyond 30sec. Use a external intervalometer or stack several 30sec exposures.
Probably a good idea to look at the astrophotography tips here.

The Squirrel Mafia · 09-14-2018, 07:17 AM - **1 Like**

First off, you'll need to get some kind of IR remote or shutter cable. Once you do that, you can use the Bulb feature on the dial. It'll be the "B" on the dial. Before using it, there is a setting in the menu that you'll have to change. If you go to page 89 of the K-30 instruction manual, it's there. You change it to mode 2. Now this is where the fun begins. Once you've done the settings, make sure to set the camera to use the remote. Put the dial into "B". Press the button on the remote to open the shutter. Expose for whatever length of time you need. Then press the button on the remote to close the shutter. Look at the results on the viewfinder & change whatever ISO or aperture settings you need to change.

There it is in a nutshell, but you really need an IR remote or a cable to do this. You avoid moving the camera. I think Mode 1 is where you have to hold the shutter button, but I don't know anyone that can physically stay still for a long period of time.

Adam · 09-14-2018, 01:01 PM

Originally posted by bavd

B (bulb) setting. Not even the K1 goes beyond 30sec. Use a external intervalometer or stack several 30sec exposures.
Probably a good idea to look at the astrophotography tips here.

Yes it does; the K-70 and newer (which includes the K-1, KP, and K-1 II) can be set to expose for up to 20 minutes in B.

Originally posted by piotrando1

I am into astrography but found it difficult to find a sfotware that I can control my Pentax K-30 and extend shutter to for example up to 1-3 minutes. Max is 30s

You will need to use bulb mode and an IR/cable remote; only newer models (see above) support longer timed shooting.

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

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piotrando1 · 09-16-2018, 08:47 AM

Thanks a lot - I will try with cable and those setting s

09-14-2018, 06:51 AM	#1
piotrando1 New Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 2	K-30 - How can I extend shutter speed to more than 30s for astrography purposes Hi, I am into astrography but found it difficult to find a sfotware that I can control my Pentax K-30 and extend shutter to for example up to 1-3 minutes. Max is 30s Can someone please help ? Thanks a lot

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09-14-2018, 07:03 AM	#2
bavd Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Almere (NL) Posts: 96	B (bulb) setting. Not even the K1 goes beyond 30sec. Use a external intervalometer or stack several 30sec exposures. Probably a good idea to look at the astrophotography tips here.

09-14-2018, 07:17 AM - 1 Like	#3
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,056	First off, you'll need to get some kind of IR remote or shutter cable. Once you do that, you can use the Bulb feature on the dial. It'll be the "B" on the dial. Before using it, there is a setting in the menu that you'll have to change. If you go to page 89 of the K-30 instruction manual, it's there. You change it to mode 2. Now this is where the fun begins. Once you've done the settings, make sure to set the camera to use the remote. Put the dial into "B". Press the button on the remote to open the shutter. Expose for whatever length of time you need. Then press the button on the remote to close the shutter. Look at the results on the viewfinder & change whatever ISO or aperture settings you need to change. There it is in a nutshell, but you really need an IR remote or a cable to do this. You avoid moving the camera. I think Mode 1 is where you have to hold the shutter button, but I don't know anyone that can physically stay still for a long period of time.

09-14-2018, 01:01 PM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by bavd B (bulb) setting. Not even the K1 goes beyond 30sec. Use a external intervalometer or stack several 30sec exposures. Probably a good idea to look at the astrophotography tips here. Yes it does; the K-70 and newer (which includes the K-1, KP, and K-1 II) can be set to expose for up to 20 minutes in B. Originally posted by piotrando1 I am into astrography but found it difficult to find a sfotware that I can control my Pentax K-30 and extend shutter to for example up to 1-3 minutes. Max is 30s You will need to use bulb mode and an IR/cable remote; only newer models (see above) support longer timed shooting. 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:

09-16-2018, 08:47 AM	#5
piotrando1 New Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Thanks a lot - I will try with cable and those setting s