question about those cheap eBay IR remotes (k-x)

otdrummer · 08-27-2011, 11:38 AM

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anyone have any experience with those cheap IR remotes with a k-x? i'm aware there are a few threads about these but does anyone know if, in bulb mode one click on the remote will open the shutter and one click will close? that's the main feature i'm looking for in a remote. this is the remote i was looking at, and here's one that was mentioned in another thread..i'd say they're the same model..any advice?

joe.penn · 08-27-2011, 01:30 PM

Yep - the cheap ones work also. I got a "JCV" (i think that was the brand) and it works really well. With the bulb "button push open/button push close", i think you need to set that in your "C" settings...

-

kh1234567890 · 08-27-2011, 02:35 PM

The zoom button on the remote will do nothing and the bulb mode behaviour will depend on the camera - the remote just sends a 'blip' of IR every time the main button is pressed. The cheap one will work just as well, but be prepared for up to four weeks wait before it arrives from China.

**crewl1** · 08-27-2011, 02:52 PM

I have two of the first one you linked. Keep one in each of my bags.
They work in bulb mode just as you describe - first press opens shutter and next press closes shutter.
Works on the k-x and k-5.

Last edited by crewl1; 08-27-2011 at 03:04 PM.

Fl_Gulfer · 08-27-2011, 08:17 PM

I don't think any IR remotes are worth buying. The things only work within 3 feet of the camera. Just make your own wired remote with a 20 ft cable.

**crewl1** · 08-27-2011, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer

I don't think any IR remotes are worth buying. The things only work within 3 feet of the camera. Just make your own wired remote with a 20 ft cable.

K-x doesn't have a wired remote port, so you'd have to rig something to depress the shutter. I haven't seen a 20ft mechanical release myself.

The cheap IR's have an OK range like a TV remote, but since the K-x only has the front IR port you must take care to keep it out of frame when using it.

**ramseybuckeye** · 08-28-2011, 08:20 AM

Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer

I don't think any IR remotes are worth buying. The things only work within 3 feet of the camera. Just make your own wired remote with a 20 ft cable.

My cheap $2 one has worked from 17-20 feet with my K20D. The Pentax version has a very short range.

Fl_Gulfer · 08-30-2011, 05:50 AM

I didn't know about the K-X not having a port, I own 3 different remotes and none of them will work more than 3 or 4 feet away. Even when they were new.
Please let me know the brand you have.

Thanks

kh1234567890 · 08-30-2011, 08:36 AM

The one I have is 'uWinKa' IR Remote Control for PENTAX Remote E F K110D K10D | eBay - a rectangular black thinggy with yellow writing and buttons, about 4x2 inches big - £4 off eBay. Range with K-7 is 25 feet+ on a dull day, a bit less in sunshine.

reeftool · 09-06-2011, 08:30 AM

Many of the universal remotes available in Walmart in the TV section will work for your camera with the added benefit of having a back up for your TV the next time it falls under the couch cushions. A couple list Pentax on their compatibility list.

**crewl1** · 09-06-2011, 10:22 AM

@Fl_gulfer the model number of my remotes is not printed on the unit as it is a generic type.
I believe I bought them here New Remote Control for Pentax /450/430/330/EI2000/K110D | eBay

I just tested the remote indoors and it triggers the K-x from approx 20 feet away.

joe.penn · 09-06-2011, 01:00 PM

The best cheap remote you could ever buy is right here:

Remote Control for PENTAX K-7 K100 K10 K200 K20... | eBay

Yes, look at the price which includes shipping - after this thread was started I purchased one of these (already have a couple remotes just wanted to try this el'cheapo) not expecting much and was certain I was going to have to purchase a battery for it; to my surprise it came already with a fresh battery. This thing is super small (probably 2"x.75") and it works great - I have tested it with both the K5 and the Kx at about 25 feet away with no issues.

EDIT: Just seen crewl1's link - lol, same one (you got ripped off)

I guess paying the extra $2+ could be worth it if you needed it quicker

---

**crewl1** · 09-06-2011, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by joe.penn

EDIT: Just seen crewl1's link - lol, same one (you got ripped off)

I guess paying the extra $2+ could be worth it if you needed it quicker

---

Agreed. Sometimes I'll do the direct from China method but in other cases I like having it shipped from the US. It does add a premium usually.

**ramseybuckeye** · 09-06-2011, 07:49 PM

My cheap one is a Jue Ying.
I tested it tonight and got 23 feet from the front side. I've had it for over a year now, I also have a Pentax F, the Jue Ying has far greater range.

mysticcowboy · 09-10-2011, 05:44 PM

I have a bad habit of leaving my remotes in a pocket and washing them, so I buy eBay remotes three at a time. I think the last ones were $3 US including shipping. They work fine with my K-5 and K20D. Range indoors or after dark is 15-20 ft. Outdoors in bright sun it's about 5-6. Shipping takes anywhere between 4 days and 4 weeks. I have no idea what causes the differences.

08-27-2011, 11:38 AM	#1
otdrummer New Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Galway Posts: 2	question about those cheap eBay IR remotes (k-x) Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. anyone have any experience with those cheap IR remotes with a k-x? i'm aware there are a few threads about these but does anyone know if, in bulb mode one click on the remote will open the shutter and one click will close? that's the main feature i'm looking for in a remote. this is the remote i was looking at, and here's one that was mentioned in another thread..i'd say they're the same model..any advice?

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08-27-2011, 01:30 PM	#2
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Yep - the cheap ones work also. I got a "JCV" (i think that was the brand) and it works really well. With the bulb "button push open/button push close", i think you need to set that in your "C" settings... -

08-27-2011, 02:35 PM	#3
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	The zoom button on the remote will do nothing and the bulb mode behaviour will depend on the camera - the remote just sends a 'blip' of IR every time the main button is pressed. The cheap one will work just as well, but be prepared for up to four weeks wait before it arrives from China.

08-27-2011, 02:52 PM	#4
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I have two of the first one you linked. Keep one in each of my bags. They work in bulb mode just as you describe - first press opens shutter and next press closes shutter. Works on the k-x and k-5. Last edited by crewl1; 08-27-2011 at 03:04 PM.

08-27-2011, 08:17 PM	#5
Fl_Gulfer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Photos: Albums Posts: 3,054	I don't think any IR remotes are worth buying. The things only work within 3 feet of the camera. Just make your own wired remote with a 20 ft cable.

08-27-2011, 08:36 PM	#6
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer I don't think any IR remotes are worth buying. The things only work within 3 feet of the camera. Just make your own wired remote with a 20 ft cable. K-x doesn't have a wired remote port, so you'd have to rig something to depress the shutter. I haven't seen a 20ft mechanical release myself. The cheap IR's have an OK range like a TV remote, but since the K-x only has the front IR port you must take care to keep it out of frame when using it.

08-28-2011, 08:20 AM	#7
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer I don't think any IR remotes are worth buying. The things only work within 3 feet of the camera. Just make your own wired remote with a 20 ft cable. My cheap $2 one has worked from 17-20 feet with my K20D. The Pentax version has a very short range.

08-30-2011, 05:50 AM	#8
Fl_Gulfer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Photos: Albums Posts: 3,054	I didn't know about the K-X not having a port, I own 3 different remotes and none of them will work more than 3 or 4 feet away. Even when they were new. Please let me know the brand you have. Thanks

08-30-2011, 08:36 AM	#9
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	The one I have is 'uWinKa' IR Remote Control for PENTAX Remote E F K110D K10D \| eBay - a rectangular black thinggy with yellow writing and buttons, about 4x2 inches big - £4 off eBay. Range with K-7 is 25 feet+ on a dull day, a bit less in sunshine.

09-06-2011, 08:30 AM	#10
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	Many of the universal remotes available in Walmart in the TV section will work for your camera with the added benefit of having a back up for your TV the next time it falls under the couch cushions. A couple list Pentax on their compatibility list.

09-06-2011, 10:22 AM	#11
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	@Fl_gulfer the model number of my remotes is not printed on the unit as it is a generic type. I believe I bought them here New Remote Control for Pentax /450/430/330/EI2000/K110D \| eBay I just tested the remote indoors and it triggers the K-x from approx 20 feet away.

09-06-2011, 01:00 PM	#12
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	The best cheap remote you could ever buy is right here: Remote Control for PENTAX K-7 K100 K10 K200 K20... \| eBay Yes, look at the price which includes shipping - after this thread was started I purchased one of these (already have a couple remotes just wanted to try this el'cheapo) not expecting much and was certain I was going to have to purchase a battery for it; to my surprise it came already with a fresh battery. This thing is super small (probably 2"x.75") and it works great - I have tested it with both the K5 and the Kx at about 25 feet away with no issues. EDIT: Just seen crewl1's link - lol, same one (you got ripped off) I guess paying the extra $2+ could be worth it if you needed it quicker ---

09-06-2011, 01:49 PM	#13
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by joe.penn EDIT: Just seen crewl1's link - lol, same one (you got ripped off) I guess paying the extra $2+ could be worth it if you needed it quicker --- Agreed. Sometimes I'll do the direct from China method but in other cases I like having it shipped from the US. It does add a premium usually.

09-06-2011, 07:49 PM	#14
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	My cheap one is a Jue Ying. I tested it tonight and got 23 feet from the front side. I've had it for over a year now, I also have a Pentax F, the Jue Ying has far greater range.

09-10-2011, 05:44 PM	#15
mysticcowboy Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: port townsend, wa Photos: Albums Posts: 968	I have a bad habit of leaving my remotes in a pocket and washing them, so I buy eBay remotes three at a time. I think the last ones were $3 US including shipping. They work fine with my K-5 and K20D. Range indoors or after dark is 15-20 ft. Outdoors in bright sun it's about 5-6. Shipping takes anywhere between 4 days and 4 weeks. I have no idea what causes the differences.