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dmjjr · 07-11-2021, 08:16 PM

Anyone know of a lightning trigger for Pentax K3ll?
Thanks

**AlwaysAl** · 07-11-2021, 09:35 PM - **1 Like**

Miops lists compatibility with K3 II
MIOPS Smart+ | World's First Smart Camera Trigger

**robgski** · 07-12-2021, 03:09 AM - **1 Like**

I use the Pluto Trigger, but I have not yet had the right weather conditions to prove it works. The other modes it allows work well, so I am happy with it.

**Tas** · 07-12-2021, 04:16 AM

Originally posted by dmjjr

Anyone know of a lightning trigger for Pentax K3ll?
Thanks

G'day,

I don't have a K3 II but have used the same AEO lightning / motion trigger on both my K5 and K-1. It plugs into the remote port which will be the same on the K3 II as the K5 / K-1. There's a few models in their range, this is the trigger I have:AEO Photo | LS 4.0 ProMT

Plenty of newer models around these days, and it's a topic discussed in a few threads if you want some info on other options to consider.

Tas

**Lowell Goudge** · 07-12-2021, 04:30 AM - **1 Like**

This has been a topic from time to time, although now I don’t think it has been discussed for a few years. I looked at what was available, and took a different approach, where I modified a remote flash trigger to trip the shutter. You need a little electronics background to do it, because the sensitivity needs to be readjusted.

I have also thought about using an AM radio to trip the shutter on static. The idea being that as a lightning strike is developing, there are discharges that will cause radio interference before the first main strike. This would allow to get closer to the full strike, than tripping the shutter on the first main strike, and hoping to get an image of a restrike.

Roadboat24 · 07-12-2021, 04:59 AM - **1 Like**

Second MIOPS Smart+ Trigger.

dmjjr · 07-12-2021, 06:06 AM

Thanks for all the replies-will investigate

**cdd29** · 07-12-2021, 06:23 AM

Originally posted by robgski

I use the Pluto Trigger, but I have not yet had the right weather conditions to prove it works. The other modes it allows work well, so I am happy with it.

I had a Pluto trigger. Never could get it to work right. Would never fire for lightning. Tried it on both my K-1and K-3ii. Ended up sending it back. Thought of getting a Miops but never bothered.

stevebrot · 07-12-2021, 07:05 AM

The K-3iii uses the same type of wired remote fitting and protocol (shared with many Canon models) as previous model Pentax dSLRs. As far as the camera is concerned, the signal from the trigger (relayed through a dongle) is the same as a shutter press.

Steve

**Lowell Goudge** · 07-12-2021, 07:12 AM - **2 Likes**

paref

Originally posted by stevebrot

The K-3iii uses the same type of wired remote fitting and protocol (shared with many Canon models) as previous model Pentax dSLRs. As far as the camera is concerned, the signal from the trigger (relayed through a dongle) is the same as a shutter press.

Steve

correct. the only difference is the response time of the trigger, compared to human reaction time. The best approach is to stop down all the way with ISO set as low as possible, and just lock the shutter open. if you are going to get a flash you have just as much chance with this approach.

the other thing to remember when using the trigger is to make sure the trigger goes directly to the shutter release and not the AF contact. or turn AF off so that your preset focus is not lost

stevebrot · 07-12-2021, 07:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

the other thing to remember when using the trigger is to make sure the trigger goes directly to the shutter release and not the AF contact. or turn AF off so that your preset focus is not lost

Yes, the wired remote fitting supports both full and half-press and one of the first rules of using a remote is to turn off the AF.

Steve

**AstroDave** · 07-13-2021, 07:26 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

correct. the only difference is the response time of the trigger, compared to human reaction time.

And even then, you are still about a tenth of a second "behind" - that is the response time of the camera from an electronic (or finger press) "fire" command until something actually happens: Shutter Lag - K-3 and K-1 measurements - PentaxForums.com

I like your ideas about just leaving the shutter open until a flash occurs, as well as the thought that an AM radio static burst might be a slightly earlier precursor.

Not to mention the idea of modifying a remote flash trigger! Genius! I'd love more details on that (send me a PM if you will).

**ProfessorBuzz** · 07-13-2021, 10:07 AM

I have a now-discontinued version of this:
Lightning Activated Shutter Triggers from Ubertronix | B&H Explora

07-11-2021, 08:16 PM	#1
dmjjr Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 230	Lightning Trigger Anyone know of a lightning trigger for Pentax K3ll? Thanks

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07-11-2021, 09:35 PM - 1 Like	#2
AlwaysAl Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: West GTA, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 555	Miops lists compatibility with K3 II MIOPS Smart+ \| World's First Smart Camera Trigger

07-12-2021, 03:09 AM - 1 Like	#3
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,817	I use the Pluto Trigger, but I have not yet had the right weather conditions to prove it works. The other modes it allows work well, so I am happy with it.

07-12-2021, 04:16 AM	#4
Tas Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Brisbane, QLD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,202	Originally posted by dmjjr Anyone know of a lightning trigger for Pentax K3ll? Thanks G'day, I don't have a K3 II but have used the same AEO lightning / motion trigger on both my K5 and K-1. It plugs into the remote port which will be the same on the K3 II as the K5 / K-1. There's a few models in their range, this is the trigger I have:AEO Photo \| LS 4.0 ProMT Plenty of newer models around these days, and it's a topic discussed in a few threads if you want some info on other options to consider. Tas

07-12-2021, 04:30 AM - 1 Like	#5
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	This has been a topic from time to time, although now I don’t think it has been discussed for a few years. I looked at what was available, and took a different approach, where I modified a remote flash trigger to trip the shutter. You need a little electronics background to do it, because the sensitivity needs to be readjusted. I have also thought about using an AM radio to trip the shutter on static. The idea being that as a lightning strike is developing, there are discharges that will cause radio interference before the first main strike. This would allow to get closer to the full strike, than tripping the shutter on the first main strike, and hoping to get an image of a restrike.

07-12-2021, 04:59 AM - 1 Like	#6
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 490	Second MIOPS Smart+ Trigger.

07-12-2021, 06:06 AM	#7
dmjjr Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 230 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies-will investigate

07-12-2021, 06:23 AM	#8
cdd29 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 963	Originally posted by robgski I use the Pluto Trigger, but I have not yet had the right weather conditions to prove it works. The other modes it allows work well, so I am happy with it. I had a Pluto trigger. Never could get it to work right. Would never fire for lightning. Tried it on both my K-1and K-3ii. Ended up sending it back. Thought of getting a Miops but never bothered.

07-12-2021, 07:05 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The K-3iii uses the same type of wired remote fitting and protocol (shared with many Canon models) as previous model Pentax dSLRs. As far as the camera is concerned, the signal from the trigger (relayed through a dongle) is the same as a shutter press. Steve

07-12-2021, 07:12 AM - 2 Likes	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	paref Originally posted by stevebrot The K-3iii uses the same type of wired remote fitting and protocol (shared with many Canon models) as previous model Pentax dSLRs. As far as the camera is concerned, the signal from the trigger (relayed through a dongle) is the same as a shutter press. Steve correct. the only difference is the response time of the trigger, compared to human reaction time. The best approach is to stop down all the way with ISO set as low as possible, and just lock the shutter open. if you are going to get a flash you have just as much chance with this approach. the other thing to remember when using the trigger is to make sure the trigger goes directly to the shutter release and not the AF contact. or turn AF off so that your preset focus is not lost

07-12-2021, 07:42 AM - 1 Like	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge the other thing to remember when using the trigger is to make sure the trigger goes directly to the shutter release and not the AF contact. or turn AF off so that your preset focus is not lost Yes, the wired remote fitting supports both full and half-press and one of the first rules of using a remote is to turn off the AF. Steve

07-13-2021, 07:26 AM	#12
AstroDave Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 1,649	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge correct. the only difference is the response time of the trigger, compared to human reaction time. And even then, you are still about a tenth of a second "behind" - that is the response time of the camera from an electronic (or finger press) "fire" command until something actually happens: Shutter Lag - K-3 and K-1 measurements - PentaxForums.com I like your ideas about just leaving the shutter open until a flash occurs, as well as the thought that an AM radio static burst might be a slightly earlier precursor. Not to mention the idea of modifying a remote flash trigger! Genius! I'd love more details on that (send me a PM if you will).

07-13-2021, 10:07 AM	#13
ProfessorBuzz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 1,903	I have a now-discontinued version of this: Lightning Activated Shutter Triggers from Ubertronix \| B&H Explora

Lightning Trigger

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