Just unboxed KP - cool but where IR remote?

Not a Number · 03-15-2017, 11:08 AM

The traditional place for the front IR port has been on the hand grip. Since the KP has interchangeable grips the port would either stick out on the smaller grips or be recessed on the larger grips. The impracticality of either case seems obvious. Another solution would be to have a removable sensor that could be transferred from grip to grip - or a sensor in each grip - drawbacks being added expense and WR concerns.

A simple solution would have been to place the IR port next to or combined with the AF assist light but this would have resulted in a narrower operating angle. Possibly why this wasn't done.

I don't see why the plug adapter would not work if the new remote is compatible between the K-70 and KP.

**caliscouser** · 03-15-2017, 12:04 PM

Congrats to the OP!

Originally posted by Not a Number

The traditional place for the front IR port has been on the hand grip. Since the KP has interchangeable grips the port would either stick out on the smaller grips or be recessed on the larger grips. The impracticality of either case seems obvious. Another solution would be to have a removable sensor that could be transferred from grip to grip - or a sensor in each grip - drawbacks being added expense and WR concerns. A simple solution would have been to place the IR port next to or combined with the AF assist light but this would have resulted in a narrower operating angle. Possibly why this wasn't done.

Annoying they didn't put IR on the KP. A phone app is not progress.

I understand the point about the IR port at the front being part of the grip, but they could have integrated it into middle of the front e-dial. That would have been a pretty neat solution.
The more important one is the rear IR port anyway. Seems no excuse for not including that. I'm really not sure what Ricoh was thinking here. Otherwise the KP looks like a damn fine camera and checks all the boxes as far as I'm concerned.

Not a Number · 03-15-2017, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by caliscouser

The more important one is the rear IR port anyway. Seems no excuse for not including that. I'm really not sure what Ricoh was thinking here.

Dual or rear IR ports is a "flagship" feature emphasizing once again the KP is not the K-3ii replacement.

Putting the port in the front wheel depends on the internals of the wheel. The may have just reused the existing tried and true wheel mechanisms with very little redesign. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

JuhaSavola · 03-16-2017, 01:14 AM

Originally posted by Adam

There is no IR port. You can use the Image Sync app over Wi-Fi or the CS-310 cable release

Tried that last night. Wasn't that cumbersome. Instead of first getting all positioned/zoomed right, and focused sharp and then just hitting the button, you do that and then have to open the iPhone, open the app, wait for the wifi to connect and then finally hit the button. I'll get the cable remote (thanks for the pointers), this app is a toy.

**BigMackCam** · 03-16-2017, 01:30 AM

Originally posted by JuhaSavola

I'll get the cable remote (thanks for the pointers), this app is a toy.

Whilst I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call the app a toy, I certainly don't think it replaces a dedicated remote - and I sincerely hope Ricoh provides both wired and IR remote capability on all future Pentax cameras. For my own personal use, IR is ideal, and by far the most convenient approach...

GodsPetMonkey · 03-17-2017, 04:10 AM

Welcome to the forums.

Didn't know about the remote limitations on the KP - that's a shame. The IR remote is really handy, to the point that a simple wired remote is almost redundant if you have one. I assume the KP missed out due to space limitations, I doubt the IR ports are completely gone from future Pentax cameras. The 3.5mm remote port though might be, and that is a shame - loads of great (and affordable) remotes and intervalometers that could previously be used may now be out of the questions (intervalmeters are very useful if you do astrophotography - interval drive mode doesn't work in bulb or astrotracer). Boo to proprietary formats.

**patrick9** · 03-17-2017, 06:46 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Why wouldn't you just use your phone?

What I find odd is the K-S2 has IR port and WiFi for my phone, but no port for wired remote . I wish it did, but I find using my phone works really well

Not a Number · 03-17-2017, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by GodsPetMonkey

The 3.5mm remote port though might be, and that is a shame - loads of great (and affordable) remotes and intervalometers that could previously be used may now be out of the questions (intervalmeters are very useful if you do astrophotography - interval drive mode doesn't work in bulb or astrotracer). Boo to proprietary formats.

All you need to do is buy a 2.5mm (3-pole) to 3.5mm (3-pole or 4-pole) plug adapter. The 3rd party remotes that come with various adapters will eventually come with the 3.5mm plug. You can buy them at Radio Shack or dozens of places online.

edri · 03-17-2017, 07:11 AM

Which is basically the difference between the two cables, the older Pentax cable release and this new version? Why this change? All the new Pentax cameras will use this cable?

Originally posted by Adam

There is no IR port. You can use the Image Sync app over Wi-Fi or the CS-310 cable release:

Pentax CS-310 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

It should be noted that older Pentax cable releases will not work with the Pentax KP.

Not a Number · 03-17-2017, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by edri

Which is basically the difference between the two cables, the older Pentax cable release and this new version? Why this change? All the new Pentax cameras will use this cable?

The only real difference is the diameter of the plug. This was done so it could fit in the standard external microphone jack. The K-70 and KP remotes plug into the external mic jack. The wiring seems to be the same as the earlier remotes. The extra pole is not being used (as of now).

Adam · 03-17-2017, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by edri

Which is basically the difference between the two cables, the older Pentax cable release and this new version? Why this change? All the new Pentax cameras will use this cable?

Doubt it, just cameras that don't have a dedicated remote port.

GodsPetMonkey · 03-17-2017, 02:44 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

All you need to do is buy a 2.5mm (3-pole) to 3.5mm (3-pole or 4-pole) plug adapter. The 3rd party remotes that come with various adapters will eventually come with the 3.5mm plug. You can buy them at Radio Shack or dozens of places online.

Is that confirmed working on the KP? Does it work with all/most 3.5mm remotes? I don't have a K-70 or KP so I can't really test myself, and it doesn't look like extensive testing has been carried out (probably not enough people affected yet). If the plug converter works, then that makes it considerably less painful, though still cheeky.

smf · 03-20-2017, 09:15 AM

Welcome and best wishes.

I hope you'll enjoy your new camera and that you'll post images in the Picture of The Week threads in the Weekly Photo Challenges area.

Not a Number · 03-20-2017, 10:52 AM

Originally posted by GodsPetMonkey

Is that confirmed working on the KP? Does it work with all/most 3.5mm remotes? I don't have a K-70 or KP so I can't really test myself, and it doesn't look like extensive testing has been carried out (probably not enough people affected yet). If the plug converter works, then that makes it considerably less painful, though still cheeky.

Why shouldn't it work on the KP? The KP uses the same remote as the K-70. Same connector, same pin outs.

03-15-2017, 12:18 PM	#18
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by caliscouser The more important one is the rear IR port anyway. Seems no excuse for not including that. I'm really not sure what Ricoh was thinking here. Dual or rear IR ports is a "flagship" feature emphasizing once again the KP is not the K-3ii replacement. Putting the port in the front wheel depends on the internals of the wheel. The may have just reused the existing tried and true wheel mechanisms with very little redesign. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Last edited by Not a Number; 03-15-2017 at 12:27 PM.

03-17-2017, 07:27 AM	#26
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by edri Which is basically the difference between the two cables, the older Pentax cable release and this new version? Why this change? All the new Pentax cameras will use this cable? Doubt it, just cameras that don't have a dedicated remote port. 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:

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03-15-2017, 11:08 AM	#16
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	The traditional place for the front IR port has been on the hand grip. Since the KP has interchangeable grips the port would either stick out on the smaller grips or be recessed on the larger grips. The impracticality of either case seems obvious. Another solution would be to have a removable sensor that could be transferred from grip to grip - or a sensor in each grip - drawbacks being added expense and WR concerns. A simple solution would have been to place the IR port next to or combined with the AF assist light but this would have resulted in a narrower operating angle. Possibly why this wasn't done. I don't see why the plug adapter would not work if the new remote is compatible between the K-70 and KP.

03-15-2017, 12:04 PM	#17
caliscouser Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,037	Congrats to the OP! Originally posted by Not a Number The traditional place for the front IR port has been on the hand grip. Since the KP has interchangeable grips the port would either stick out on the smaller grips or be recessed on the larger grips. The impracticality of either case seems obvious. Another solution would be to have a removable sensor that could be transferred from grip to grip - or a sensor in each grip - drawbacks being added expense and WR concerns. A simple solution would have been to place the IR port next to or combined with the AF assist light but this would have resulted in a narrower operating angle. Possibly why this wasn't done. Annoying they didn't put IR on the KP. A phone app is not progress. I understand the point about the IR port at the front being part of the grip, but they could have integrated it into middle of the front e-dial. That would have been a pretty neat solution. The more important one is the rear IR port anyway. Seems no excuse for not including that. I'm really not sure what Ricoh was thinking here. Otherwise the KP looks like a damn fine camera and checks all the boxes as far as I'm concerned.

03-16-2017, 01:14 AM	#19
JuhaSavola New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 2 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam There is no IR port. You can use the Image Sync app over Wi-Fi or the CS-310 cable release Tried that last night. Wasn't that cumbersome. Instead of first getting all positioned/zoomed right, and focused sharp and then just hitting the button, you do that and then have to open the iPhone, open the app, wait for the wifi to connect and then finally hit the button. I'll get the cable remote (thanks for the pointers), this app is a toy.

03-16-2017, 01:30 AM	#20
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,661	Originally posted by JuhaSavola I'll get the cable remote (thanks for the pointers), this app is a toy. Whilst I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call the app a toy, I certainly don't think it replaces a dedicated remote - and I sincerely hope Ricoh provides both wired and IR remote capability on all future Pentax cameras. For my own personal use, IR is ideal, and by far the most convenient approach...

03-17-2017, 04:10 AM	#21
GodsPetMonkey Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 134	Welcome to the forums. Didn't know about the remote limitations on the KP - that's a shame. The IR remote is really handy, to the point that a simple wired remote is almost redundant if you have one. I assume the KP missed out due to space limitations, I doubt the IR ports are completely gone from future Pentax cameras. The 3.5mm remote port though might be, and that is a shame - loads of great (and affordable) remotes and intervalometers that could previously be used may now be out of the questions (intervalmeters are very useful if you do astrophotography - interval drive mode doesn't work in bulb or astrotracer). Boo to proprietary formats.

03-17-2017, 06:46 AM	#22
patrick9 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Murfreesboro Tennessee Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,458	Originally posted by normhead Why wouldn't you just use your phone? What I find odd is the K-S2 has IR port and WiFi for my phone, but no port for wired remote . I wish it did, but I find using my phone works really well

03-17-2017, 07:06 AM	#23
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by GodsPetMonkey The 3.5mm remote port though might be, and that is a shame - loads of great (and affordable) remotes and intervalometers that could previously be used may now be out of the questions (intervalmeters are very useful if you do astrophotography - interval drive mode doesn't work in bulb or astrotracer). Boo to proprietary formats. All you need to do is buy a 2.5mm (3-pole) to 3.5mm (3-pole or 4-pole) plug adapter. The 3rd party remotes that come with various adapters will eventually come with the 3.5mm plug. You can buy them at Radio Shack or dozens of places online.

03-17-2017, 07:11 AM	#24
edri Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: walking in the air Posts: 1,315	Which is basically the difference between the two cables, the older Pentax cable release and this new version? Why this change? All the new Pentax cameras will use this cable? Originally posted by Adam There is no IR port. You can use the Image Sync app over Wi-Fi or the CS-310 cable release: Pentax CS-310 reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database It should be noted that older Pentax cable releases will not work with the Pentax KP.

03-17-2017, 07:25 AM	#25
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by edri Which is basically the difference between the two cables, the older Pentax cable release and this new version? Why this change? All the new Pentax cameras will use this cable? The only real difference is the diameter of the plug. This was done so it could fit in the standard external microphone jack. The K-70 and KP remotes plug into the external mic jack. The wiring seems to be the same as the earlier remotes. The extra pole is not being used (as of now).

03-17-2017, 02:44 PM	#27
GodsPetMonkey Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 134	Originally posted by Not a Number All you need to do is buy a 2.5mm (3-pole) to 3.5mm (3-pole or 4-pole) plug adapter. The 3rd party remotes that come with various adapters will eventually come with the 3.5mm plug. You can buy them at Radio Shack or dozens of places online. Is that confirmed working on the KP? Does it work with all/most 3.5mm remotes? I don't have a K-70 or KP so I can't really test myself, and it doesn't look like extensive testing has been carried out (probably not enough people affected yet). If the plug converter works, then that makes it considerably less painful, though still cheeky.

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03-20-2017, 09:15 AM	#28
smf Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Midland, MI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,083	Welcome and best wishes. I hope you'll enjoy your new camera and that you'll post images in the Picture of The Week threads in the Weekly Photo Challenges area.

03-20-2017, 10:52 AM	#29
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by GodsPetMonkey Is that confirmed working on the KP? Does it work with all/most 3.5mm remotes? I don't have a K-70 or KP so I can't really test myself, and it doesn't look like extensive testing has been carried out (probably not enough people affected yet). If the plug converter works, then that makes it considerably less painful, though still cheeky. Why shouldn't it work on the KP? The KP uses the same remote as the K-70. Same connector, same pin outs.