Pentax Remote Control F

kmire · 12-25-2009, 08:40 AM

I recently got the Pentax Remote Control F for Christmas, I would imagine you need to set the camera to remote mode through the Fn page. Does anyone know how to do this? Or if this remote is compatable with this camera?

billtin59 · 12-25-2009, 08:48 AM

The setting is in the drive mode menu. Press Fn, the up on the directional pad, scroll across the options and you'll come across the remote settings. Enjoy!

K McCall · 12-25-2009, 08:52 AM

You didn't mention what camera you have, but you are entirely correct. You have to change the shooting mode in your camera. On my K200D, I press the "Fn" button, then the UP arrow on the controller, then the RIGHT arrow three times until I get to the remote settings. You can either choose to fire the camera immediately or with a 3-second delay.

Once you put it into remote mode, a red light should blink on the front of the camera to tell you it's ready. It won't blink indefinitely, though; usually just about 30 seconds from the time you put it into remote mode. You can re-activate it by half-pressing the shutter. Be advised that shake-reduction does not kick in while the camera is in this mode.

GerryL · 12-25-2009, 09:11 AM

This remote doesn't have the range though.
I was kind of disappointed when I tried it and the camera won't fire.
I had to walk towards the camera until it triggered the shutter..maybe just around 10 feet.
You have to get/buy the 3rd party remotes (though ugly and large compared to remote F) but you get more range.
I'm planning still on getting myself one since that first mishap.

kmire · 12-25-2009, 09:14 AM

Sorry, I have a k100d pentax. Thanks for the help.

kmire · 12-25-2009, 09:19 AM

That really was a great help guys. I was rather disappointed when I opened up the remote and there were no directions whatsoever in the box to explain how to use it, what batteries the remote takes, etc. Thanks again.

You had spoken earlier that other after-market remotes work better with more range.....any suggestions?

GerryL · 12-25-2009, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by kmire

Sorry, I have a k100d pentax. Thanks for the help.

It will work on that.
I have the K100D super myself!

Merry Christmas!

Russell-Evans · 12-25-2009, 08:08 PM

Originally posted by GerryL

This remote doesn't have the range though.
I was kind of disappointed when I tried it and the camera won't fire.
I had to walk towards the camera until it triggered the shutter..maybe just around 10 feet.

You probably need to change your battery. I get about 30-40 feet of range indoor with the K10/20D bodies.

Thank you
Russell

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-25-2009, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by Russell-Evans

You probably need to change your battery. I get about 30-40 feet of range indoor with mine with the K10/20D.

Thank you
Russell

The remote F is rated for 30,000 exposures. The more likely scenario is that in bright ambient light, the remote just isn't as easy for the camera to see. The range in pitch dark is much greater than the range in sunlight. Honest. If you want reliable remote release, you need a cable release.

**interested_observer** · 12-26-2009, 10:48 AM

Watch where you put it or lay it down. The thing is so small it is easily misplaced or lost. And if you put it into a backpack or camera case pocket, you really have to dig to find it.....

Nowhere Matt · 12-26-2009, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by interested_observer

Watch where you put it or lay it down. The thing is so small it is easily misplaced or lost. And if you put it into a backpack or camera case pocket, you really have to dig to find it.....

Reason number one why mine is kept in a folded white envelope in my bag. Just makes things easier.

GerryL · 12-26-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally posted by Canada_Rockies

The remote F is rated for 30,000 exposures. The more likely scenario is that in bright ambient light, the remote just isn't as easy for the camera to see. The range in pitch dark is much greater than the range in sunlight. Honest. If you want reliable remote release, you need a cable release.

Aha! I have to try this out as I did it in full sunlight.
I still saved the photo of myself approaching the camera with a puzzled look in my face wondering why it wouldn't work.
From what I have heard though, the aftermarket remotes have more range.

As Canada_Rockies also pointed out it should last for 30,000 exposures.
It would be a bummer Russell if the one I got as brand new needs a new battery immediately..or maybe it sat on the shelves so long that the battery just drained.
I have to try both using it first indoors and if that strikes out, just change the freakin battery!
Thanks guys!

I also have the cable remote when I got disappointed with the performance of the tiny remote.

GerryL · 12-26-2009, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by kmire

That really was a great help guys. I was rather disappointed when I opened up the remote and there were no directions whatsoever in the box to explain how to use it, what batteries the remote takes, etc. Thanks again.

You had spoken earlier that other after-market remotes work better with more range.....any suggestions?

I think there was a thread here before that talked about this.
I think any of the third party remotes would work but read carefully first about their claim.
Others, state about the range whilst others don't include it in the data/fact sheet.

GerryL · 12-26-2009, 04:02 PM

Here's a link I found in the forum confirming my experience that the Pentax remote F is only good to about 10ft or so: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/67192-wireless-rem...tax-k-7-a.html
They also talk about third party remotes getting better range.
There are also links as to some of the remotes they got.
This should be useful for you kmire.
You can still do some searches to make sure which third party remote really works.

Yonnie · 12-30-2009, 05:31 PM

I've had a Remote Control F for almost five years. It's been used with *istDS bodies, K10D and the K20D. I get much better range than 10 ft. but I have noticed that you have to aim it carefully to strike the sensor on the body.

12-25-2009, 08:40 AM	#1
kmire New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 10	Pentax Remote Control F I recently got the Pentax Remote Control F for Christmas, I would imagine you need to set the camera to remote mode through the Fn page. Does anyone know how to do this? Or if this remote is compatable with this camera?

12-25-2009, 08:08 PM	#8
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Originally posted by GerryL This remote doesn't have the range though. I was kind of disappointed when I tried it and the camera won't fire. I had to walk towards the camera until it triggered the shutter..maybe just around 10 feet. You probably need to change your battery. I get about 30-40 feet of range indoor with the K10/20D bodies. Thank you Russell Last edited by Russell-Evans; 12-25-2009 at 11:34 PM.

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12-25-2009, 08:48 AM	#2
billtin59 Banned Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Massachusetts, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 84	The setting is in the drive mode menu. Press Fn, the up on the directional pad, scroll across the options and you'll come across the remote settings. Enjoy!

12-25-2009, 08:52 AM	#3
K McCall Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 808	You didn't mention what camera you have, but you are entirely correct. You have to change the shooting mode in your camera. On my K200D, I press the "Fn" button, then the UP arrow on the controller, then the RIGHT arrow three times until I get to the remote settings. You can either choose to fire the camera immediately or with a 3-second delay. Once you put it into remote mode, a red light should blink on the front of the camera to tell you it's ready. It won't blink indefinitely, though; usually just about 30 seconds from the time you put it into remote mode. You can re-activate it by half-pressing the shutter. Be advised that shake-reduction does not kick in while the camera is in this mode.

12-25-2009, 09:11 AM	#4
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	This remote doesn't have the range though. I was kind of disappointed when I tried it and the camera won't fire. I had to walk towards the camera until it triggered the shutter..maybe just around 10 feet. You have to get/buy the 3rd party remotes (though ugly and large compared to remote F) but you get more range. I'm planning still on getting myself one since that first mishap.

12-25-2009, 09:14 AM	#5
kmire New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 10 Original Poster	Sorry, I have a k100d pentax. Thanks for the help.

12-25-2009, 09:19 AM	#6
kmire New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 10 Original Poster	That really was a great help guys. I was rather disappointed when I opened up the remote and there were no directions whatsoever in the box to explain how to use it, what batteries the remote takes, etc. Thanks again. You had spoken earlier that other after-market remotes work better with more range.....any suggestions?

12-25-2009, 09:20 AM	#7
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by kmire Sorry, I have a k100d pentax. Thanks for the help. It will work on that. I have the K100D super myself! Merry Christmas!

12-25-2009, 11:31 PM	#9
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Russell-Evans You probably need to change your battery. I get about 30-40 feet of range indoor with mine with the K10/20D. Thank you Russell The remote F is rated for 30,000 exposures. The more likely scenario is that in bright ambient light, the remote just isn't as easy for the camera to see. The range in pitch dark is much greater than the range in sunlight. Honest. If you want reliable remote release, you need a cable release.

12-26-2009, 10:48 AM	#10
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Watch where you put it or lay it down. The thing is so small it is easily misplaced or lost. And if you put it into a backpack or camera case pocket, you really have to dig to find it.....

12-26-2009, 03:02 PM	#11
Nowhere Matt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nowhere Land Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,362	Originally posted by interested_observer Watch where you put it or lay it down. The thing is so small it is easily misplaced or lost. And if you put it into a backpack or camera case pocket, you really have to dig to find it..... Reason number one why mine is kept in a folded white envelope in my bag. Just makes things easier.

12-26-2009, 03:41 PM	#12
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by Canada_Rockies The remote F is rated for 30,000 exposures. The more likely scenario is that in bright ambient light, the remote just isn't as easy for the camera to see. The range in pitch dark is much greater than the range in sunlight. Honest. If you want reliable remote release, you need a cable release. Aha! I have to try this out as I did it in full sunlight. I still saved the photo of myself approaching the camera with a puzzled look in my face wondering why it wouldn't work. From what I have heard though, the aftermarket remotes have more range. As Canada_Rockies also pointed out it should last for 30,000 exposures. It would be a bummer Russell if the one I got as brand new needs a new battery immediately..or maybe it sat on the shelves so long that the battery just drained. I have to try both using it first indoors and if that strikes out, just change the freakin battery! Thanks guys! I also have the cable remote when I got disappointed with the performance of the tiny remote.

12-26-2009, 03:44 PM	#13
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by kmire That really was a great help guys. I was rather disappointed when I opened up the remote and there were no directions whatsoever in the box to explain how to use it, what batteries the remote takes, etc. Thanks again. You had spoken earlier that other after-market remotes work better with more range.....any suggestions? I think there was a thread here before that talked about this. I think any of the third party remotes would work but read carefully first about their claim. Others, state about the range whilst others don't include it in the data/fact sheet.

12-26-2009, 04:02 PM	#14
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Here's a link I found in the forum confirming my experience that the Pentax remote F is only good to about 10ft or so: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/67192-wireless-rem...tax-k-7-a.html They also talk about third party remotes getting better range. There are also links as to some of the remotes they got. This should be useful for you kmire. You can still do some searches to make sure which third party remote really works.

12-30-2009, 05:31 PM	#15
Yonnie Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tennessee, USA Posts: 110	I've had a Remote Control F for almost five years. It's been used with *istDS bodies, K10D and the K20D. I get much better range than 10 ft. but I have noticed that you have to aim it carefully to strike the sensor on the body.