[Banskojoe]

I acknowledge this is likely a stupid question, but I'm posting under an alias so I'll only have to endure the derisive hoots here on the Forum.

I'd like to set up the K-50 by the bird feeder, but don't want to sit in the cold, waiting for birds to get comfortable with this stranger in their space.

Using the standard Pentax remote from inside was fruitless.

Any ideas for work arounds?

Thank you

[AstroDave]

Any ideas for work arounds?

Can you live with a length of wire (snaked into the house)? If so, the easiest solution is a wired remote - many versions are available commercially, but it's easy to roll your own with some audio plugs. There's essentially no limit to how long the wire can be - I've got a 25-foot home-made extension.

[i_trax]

There were few members using Pentax catch in focus function for exactly the same purpose and very successfully.
I did quick search.
Catch-in-Focus Tutorial - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com
Catch-In Focus discovery - PentaxForums.com

You Tube

You Tube

just google , there are many more in the Cyberspace

[UncleVanya]

There are lots of wireless radio remotes that will work plugged into the wired remote connection.

[ProfessorBuzz]

The Pentax infra-red remote emits light that might be blocked by the window glass. Many modern (last 20 years) windows have a layer that reflects heat out and keeps it in - and this is in the infrared wavelengths used by the handheld transmitter and receiver on the camera.
The second thing is that the cameras don't have a wide angle sensor - you have to be nearly pointing directly at it, head on.
There are several great suggestions above.

[stevebrot]

There are lots of wireless radio remotes that will work plugged into the wired remote connection.

This ^ ^ ^

Plug the wireless radio dongle into the remote shutter release fitting on the K-50 and be happy.


Steve

[Not a Number]

Given that the position from the window is within the angle of view of the IR sensor on camera, perhaps you are too far away.

Using a wired remote is an alternative but then you have to consider weather sealing.

[bertwert]

Using the standard Pentax remote from inside was fruitless.

The second thing is that the cameras don't have a wide angle sensor - you have to be nearly pointing directly at it, head on.

Given that the position from the window is within the angle of view of the IR sensor on camera, perhaps you are too far away.

To add on, as well as the remote IR light partially/fully reflecting on the window, the K-50 only has an IR sensor on the front - so if you're pointing at the back, it ain't going to do anything...

[Bob 256]

Outside light can be bright enough to basically "desensitize" the pickup sensor on the camera making IR control difficult or impossible. As suggested, a wired remote or radio controlled remote will probably work best.

amazon.com : Pixel Oppilas 2.4GHz Digital Wireless Remote Shutter Release E3 for Canon, Fujifilm GFX50R, Samsung, Contax, Sigma and Hassleblad Cameras, Replaces Can RS-60E3 : Electronics?tag=pentaxforums-20&

[jbinpg]

Birds will eventually become comfortable with a human presence if you just sit calmly. Some species are more wary than others but, in general, I find that sitting quietly aboout 15-20 feet away from the feeder is a good distance. The Red-breasted Nuthatches land on me now when I am changing the suet.

[Not a Number]

Okay, I tested this at a distance of about 6-8 feet. Regular glass (two panes) - no effect. What ever fancy glass on the windows (very slight green-blue tint) - doesn't work, no response.

So as noted before - depends on the glass.