Originally posted by kitkat Take the camera off the tripod, put the camera in manual focus mode, stand where you want to be photographed and focus on the tripod camera mount. Now put the camera on the tripod facing you and stand where you established the focus. Set the self timer and move into position. The focus should be correct.
With the K-x you don't need to go into manual focus if you change the setting of the AF button.
Open the Menu and go to Custom 2. Change the "10. AF/AE-L Button" setting to "3 Cancel AF."
Half-press to focus on the tripod to set the focus distance. Release the shutter and mount the camera. When you go to actually press the shutter, hold down the AF button. This will bypass the AF function of the shutter.
I second the suggestion of getting a remote. However, do note that, by default, autofocus does not operate with the remote. That would be #11 in the Custom menu