Pentax Infrared Remote Control System Manual

 The Pentax Infrared Remote Control System
is a unit which permits an almost unlimited
possibility of special photographic assign-
ments through a cordless remote control
principle. It is comprised of a transmitter
and a receiver. The transmitter emits a pulse
of near-infrared ray which then is received
by the receiver unit to simultaneously oper-
ate the camera mechanism, motor drive,
a winder, or a flash. The system is able to
wirelessly control the operations cited from
a maximum distance of 60m in a straight
path; a three-channel control provision
allows the simultaneous or independent
operation of three cameras, with the addi-
tion of three infrared pulse receiving units,
To assure the maximum utilization of the
system, it is recommended that this manual
be read and thoroughly understood prior to
the actual operation of the unit itself.
CONTENTS
Description of parts ...........2—........ 02 enn 2
Battery (for the transmitter) .................... 4
Battery (for the receiver) ........................ … 5
Battery check (Transmitter and receiver) 6
Battery precautions ...............—..—. enero 7
Mounting unit on the camera... 8
Kinds of cords EN 9
Proper connecting of the cords „un 10
Infrared remote control... 12
Channel selection .............—..m..m.——————————] ss 13
Single and consecutive operation ....................... 14
Optional shoe bracket ...................—. 22m. 16
Cordless multi-flash photography 18
Specifications esse 20
General precautions Concerning proper
Care Of SYSTEM ................e....man reee ces 21
DESCRIPTION OF PARTS
Transmitter
O Sight
© Flash window
© Trigger button
O Trigger lock lever
© Battery chamber
O Hotshoe
@ Pilot lamp
O Channel switch
O C/S switch
D Hotshoe lock button
D Strap retainer
(Fix the strap as in the drawing.)
Ч
Receiver
O Light receiving window
© Confirmation lamp
© Power/channel switch
O Fastening ring
© Cold shoe (360° rotatable,
with click stop at every 30°)
@ Remote release cord socket
@ Remote synch cord socket
© Battery chamber
© Battery chamber lock lever
O Tripod socket
| BATTERY (for the transmitter) |
1 2 3
Use two AA size batteries mentioned below. 1. Slide the battery chamber cover to the direction
Manganese battereis SUM-3 of the arrow mark to open the cover, while depressing.
Alkaline manganese batteries LR-6 2. Insert two AA size batteries into the battery
Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries (You need chamber in accordance with the +/- markings and
a battery charger.) KR-AA close the cover.
1 2
Use one battery mentioned below. 1. Slide the lock lever of the battery chamber
Alkaline-manganese battery 4LR44 cover to the direction of the arrow mark to
Lithium battery 2CR-1/3 open the cover.
Silver oxide battery 4SR44 (4G13) recommended 2. Insert the battery into the battery chamber
for low temperature weather condition, in accordance with the +/- markings and close
; ; the cover.
| BATTERY CHECK
Transmitter
Adjust Power/C.S switch to either the “S” (Single)
or “C” (Consecutive) position, as the situation may
require; the power source will automatically turn
ON, and the pilot lamp will be lit. In the event
the pilot lamp does not light, reconfirm that the
batteries have been inserted in proper sequence of
polarity (+ 8: -). Batteries should be replaced
whenever two seconds or more are required before
the pilot lamp is lit, for it indicates battery
depletion.
Receiver
Whenever the channel switch is positioned to 1,2,
or 3, the power source will be turned ON; only the
6
OFF position will turn the power off.
Battery check may be conducted in the following
manner; set the same channel indication upon the
transmitter and the receiving unit, while adjusting
the C-S switch (transmitter) to *“C’*. Confirm that
the pilot lamp is lit, then direct the flash window
to face the light receiving window of the receiver
as indicated in the photograph and depress the
trigger button. Keep depressing and the receiver
confirmation lamp will keep lighting. Releasing
finger pressure upon the trigger button will halt
lighting, indicating that the battery condition
Is satisfactory.
Following battery check, do not fail to turn the
unit OFF.
+ ё
e When inserting batteries, make sure that
polarities are properly aligned. Wrong polarity
alignment may cause unexpected damages to your
equipment. :
® Replace all the batteries at the same time. Do not
mix battery brands, types or old batteries with
new ones.
e Remove batteries when not using your
equipment for a long time. Batteries tend to leak if
left too long in your equipment and may cause
serious damages.
e Never throw used batteries into fire since it may
explode, causing unexpected damages to you.
e Store batteries in a cool place, and out of reach
of children.
e Batteries are very sensitive to cold and
performance tends to deteriorate at temperatures
near freezing point. Performance is restored as
soon as batteries are brought back to room
temperature. Keep a set of batteries warm in your
pocket when shooting in freezing weather to
substitute when the others no longer perform well.
AA batteries for the transmitter
| MOUNTING UNIT ON THE CAMERA
Receiver
Slide the receiver shoe into the hotshoe located on
the camera; tighten fastening ring in direction of
the arrow to affix securely, The receiver may be
rotated within a 360° circular direction with click
stops at 30° as may be observed in the photograph.
Adjust light receiving window of the receiver to
face the direction of signal transmission.
Receiver removal from the camera may be
executed by merely loosening the fastening ring.
Transmitter
Insert transmitter the shoe completely into the
hotshoe of the camera while depressing the hotshoe
lock release button. Removal of finger pressure upon
the lock release button will affix the unit securely.
The transmitter is rotatable, and may thus be
directed to face the receiving unit to absorb the
emitted signal.
To remove the transmitter, again depress the hotshoe
lock release button, and pull out gently — it will
slide out easily.
iy
1. Infrared remote release cord 2p
|
_
__Cord Numbers
-— Camera € Accessories
1 Super A
2 Winder LX, Winder MEI
3 Motor drive LX
4 Motor drive A
* lt is recommended to use new batteries for the
above winders and motor drive units since low
battery capacity may cause malfunctions.
* Motor drive MX not usable.
x All these cords are optional items, so that you
will please separately obtain according to your
purposes.
| PROPER CONNECTING OF THE EXCLUSIVE CORDS |
In the event a camera equipped with an electro- The infrared remote release cord 3P is used to
magnetic shutter release is utilized with this Remote connect the release cord socket of the receiver
Control System, the infrared remote release cord with the remote control socket of the winder.
{2P) is employed. One end of the cord should be When the infrared remote release power cords 4P and
connected to the remote release cord socket found SP are used, the receiver's power is supplied from
on the receiver, and the other, to the camera's motor drive batteries. So take away the battery
shutter button cable connector. cover and put the cord plug in the same manner as
closing the battery cover. The other end is inserted
into the remote control socket of the motor drive
Remote control operation is also possible with or winder and is fastened by the screw.
a motor drive in conjunction with the camera for
rapid sequence photography.
10
e Motor drive A
Rr
e Winder LX ¢
e Motor drive LX x
INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL
Remote control photography
The normal operable distance between the
transmitter and receiver during infrared remote
control is a maximum of approximately 60m,
provided that they are positioned to face one
another in a straight path without interference.
The distance, however, may become shorter
according to certain weather conditions — for
example, haze or a somewhat dusty situation; also,
when sunlight falls upon the light receiving
window of the receiver unit.
12
Under certain indoor conditions, the system may
trigger even though the transmitter-receiving units
are not aligned with one another, due to signal
being reflected off the surrounding buildings or
walls. At times, the system may be activated due
to the strong light emitted from certain sources,
such as a high voltage fluorescent or mercury vapor
lamp. Malfunctions can be minimized or eliminated
by operating the system prior to the actual shooting
to confirm that it is functioning properly and is not
being affected by conditions cited earlier.
| CHANNEL SELECTION.
When the normal combination of a transmitter-
receiver is utilized, the respective channel switches
on both units should be set at the identical channel
designations.
* When a combination of two or three receivers are
utilized as illustrated (top right) and channel
switches of the respective receivers are set to
different designations, the cameras involved (2 or
3) may be controlled individually through a single
transmitter.
* As illustrated (lower right) multiple cameras may
be simultaneously controlled within the prescribed
range (of simultaneous signal receiving), should the
channel switches of the respective receivers be
positioned at the same designation.
e Individual remote controls of
three cameras
en eN
Channel 2
e Simultaneous remote controls
of multiple cameras CU
e
Channel 1
Pare, 7
| SINGLE AND CONSECUTIVE OPERATION
Adjust the C.S. switch of the motor drive or
winder unit to either C or H.L {Motor Drive A).
Then single or consecutive shooting can be selected
by the setting of the Power/C.S switch of the
transmitter. ‘“S’’ indicates single exposure, while
the “C” marking, consecutive exposures.
To start signal transmission, confirm that the pilot
lamp is lit, then depress the trigger button.
Single-frame exposure
Set trigger lock lever to position indicated in the
illustration, and depress the trigger button to
commence operation. When film winding is
14
completed, the single frame remote contro!
operation will automatically cease. To indicate
that the signal has been properly received, the
confirmation lamp will be lit once on the receiver.
Consecutive exposures -
Consecutive exposures are possible by holding
down the trigger button (first signal); releasing
finger pressure upon the trigger button (second
signal) will halt the transmitter operation, after
the film is wound. Finger pressure must be released
only after the pilot lamp has been lit. For a long
sequence of exposures in a continuous manner,
set the trigger lock lever to “Hold” position; the
depressed trigger will then be locked into position,
permitting consecutive exposures. Return the
trigger lock lever to the original position (next to
“Hold"') to stop foregoing repeat sequence (see
above photo). During consecutive exposures, the
receiver confirmation lamp will be successively lit.
* Releasing finger pressure on the trigger button
in consecutive exposure mode before the pilot
lamp has been lit, may cause malfunctions and may
not stop consecutive exposure operation. In that
case, turn off the C.S. switch to stop operation,
after confirming that the pilot lamp has been lit.
Precautionary notes
e Prior to the film loading, confirm that the system
is functioning in proper order, with the transmitter
and receiver positioned correctly for immediate
use. This can be readily ascertained through the lit
pilot lamp and/or by the advancing film counter of
the camera itself (particularly, in the event the
transmitter-receiver distance may be beyond
normal range).
e When photographing at a slow shutter speed,
emit the subsequent signal after the shutter has
been completely released.
e To avoid possible accidental triggering, when two
or three sets of the infrared remote contro! system
are utilized simultaneous!y at a given location,
different channels should be set for each separate
combination of units.
e In photographing in the AE mode (other than
the LX), utilize the accessory viewfinder cap to
avoid light penetration through the viewfinder
eyepiece.
e ¡tis highly recommended that the transmitter
flash and the receiver window be facing one
another in a straight path. Indoors, the system may
be triggered due to reflected signal off buildings or
walls though the signal transmitting/receiving
windows may not be positioned to face one
another.
e Only such cameras that are provided with the
electromagnetic shutter release allow the use of the
Bulb (B) long exposure in combination with this
particular system; the transmitter's C.S switch is
positioned to ‘’C’’, when used this way. The bulb
extended time exposure (shutter kept fully
opened) may be utilized by maintaining trigger
button pressure; and stopped by removal of
finger pressure upon the trigger button, or releasing
the trigger lock lever.
15
| OPTIONAL SHOE BRACKET |
À specially designed shoe bracket is optionally
available to be utilized when a camera's
hotshoe is occupied by a flash unit, or whenever
a camera does not possess a shoe. The optional
shoe can be utilized to connect the receiver to the
camera, Or to join the receiver with the flash unit
for cordless, multi-flash photographic requirements.
The shoe bracket is recommended in the following
instances:
1. A flash unit is already attached onto the
camera hotshoe.
2. Photographing with a camera in a vertical
position.
3. Signals emanating from either below or above
the camera itself.
| CORDLESS MULTI-FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY |
—
a cordless operation, or triggering and activating
two-step multiple flash units for simultaneous
firing. The addition of an accessory “distributor,”
when used in wireless/wired combination, permits
multi-flash operation with a single receiver. In this
event, the receiver's synchro cord socket should be
connected to an AF400T flash unit or to the 4P
outlet of the hotshoe grip, via the utilization of
the optional 4P synch cord С.
Following the signal emitted from the transmitter,
there may be a slight delay prior to the actual
shutter activation. In utilizing the foregoing
cordless procedures, it is therefore recommended
that the shutter speed be adjusted for each model
being used according to the following guide line:
Preferred manual
Camera shutter speed
LX, Super A,
— Super Program Slower than 1/60 sec.
MEF, ME Super,
The manual shutter release of the camera will *MX Slower than 1/30 sec.
permit the synchronized flash opration of the 6x7 Slower than 1/15 sec.
separate flash unit(s) in use, under the following
situations (as illustrated in 1 and 2 on the opposite
page); when utilizing a separate flash through
18
* Usable only in the cordless flash mode
Cordless Flash
Fig. 1
Fig. 2 Channel 1 LT
. D eee naan
Channel 2
Precautionary notes
e Confirm that the Power/C.S switch (transmitter)
is set to ‘’S’’ designation.
e The TTL auto flash mode is not applicable, even
though it may be a dedicated flash unit, as the
operation is cordiess and therefore is separate from
the camera.
e The utilization of flash under external-metering
auto flash modes may not produce an appropriate
exposure, depending upon the existing photographic
condition (for example, unusual or adverse lighting
situations}. Thus, it is recommended that several
pictures be taken at different aperture values (by
changing f/stops for proper flash exposure control).
e The following formula may be used in calculating
the guide number, when multiple units (3 units) of
manual type are utilized from the same direction.
[GN] =+/(GN,)? + (GN,)? + (GN4)?
Proper aperture value can be obtained by ta king
into consideration the flash-to-subject distance and
other related factors involved.
When using this system with other manufacturers’
products, please confirm prior to your actual use if
this system synchronizes well with such products.
19
| SPECIFICATIONS
Infrared Remote Control Transmitter
Transmission system: Infrared ray pulses.
Number of transmission channels: 3.
Modes: C {consecutive shooting), S (single frame shooting).
Transmission interval: Less than 0.7 sec,
Number of possible transmissions: about 1,000 times {with fresh alkaline-manganese batteries).
Max. distance: Approx. 60m in beeline.
Transmission button: One-touch operation for both C & S modes.
Power source: Two 1.5V AA-size manganese or alkaline-manganese batteries.
Other: Transmitter can be mounted in camera hotshoe and will emit pulses when shutter is pressed:
transmitter can control multiple units.
Dimensions: 36(W) x 145(H) x 62mm(T)
Weight: 150 g
Infrared Remote Control Receiver
Reception system: Designed to receive only those infrared pulses sent by transmitter.
Number of channels: 3.
Mode: Selection of C or S automatically controlled by transmitter.
Max. reception distance: Approx. 60m in beeline.
Power source: One 6V alkaline, silver or lithium battery.
Power supply possible from Motor Drive {Motor Drive LX and A) using
a special cord.
Continuous stand-by time: Approx. 15 hours (with fresh battery).
Other: 2P trigger terminal provided (used to connect the receiver to camera's electromagnetic shutter
release via infrared remote release cord 2P; multiple flash unit operation possible; DIN X terminal provided.
Dimensions: 64(W) x 95(H) x 40mm(T)
Weight: 130 g
20
e Do not attempt to disassemble unit(s), since
a high voltage component has been incorporated;
it can result in a heavy accidental electrical shock.
e In mounting/dismounting the receiver or
transmitter onto the hotshoe, the hotshoe itself
or the section nearest should be held; do not
attempt to force the transmitter/receiver into the
camera hotshoe by twisting same while holding
onto the top of the units — it may damage the
hotshoe.
e The transmitter/receiver should not be cleaned
by using solvents such as thinners or other
compounds; it can cause damage to the delicate
electrical components. Cleaning should be limited
to using a soft clean cloth or a silicone-
impregnated cloth.
e The Pentax Infrared Remote Control system is
a highly sophisticated product incorporating
a series of complex circuits and components. It
should not be subjected to conditions of high
temperature/humidity/vibrations or sudden shocks,
for they may prove harmful. Avoid storage or use
in a car or near heating units. Treat the system
with proper care, and it will continue to perform
satisfactorily over the years.
21
06801 ENG
Asahi Optical Co, Ltd. C.P.O. 895, Tokyo 100.91, JAPAN
Asahi Optical Europe N.V. Weiveldlaan 3-5, 1930 Zaventem Zuid-7, BELGIUM
Pentax Handelsgesellschaft mbH Postfach 54 0169, 2000 Hamburg 54, WEST GERMANY
Pentax U.K. Limited Pentax House, South Hill Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex HA2 OLT, UK,
Pentax France S.A., 72-76 rue Paul Vaillant Couturier, 92300 Levallois-Perret, FRANCE
Pentax (Schweiz) AG Industriestrasse 2, 8305 Dietlikon ZH, SWITZERLAND
Pentax Svenska AB Hornsgatan 50A, 11721 Stockholm, SWEDEN
Pentax Nederland Spinveld 25, 4815 HR Breda, THE NETHERLANDS
Pentax Corporation 35 Inverness Orive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112, U.S.A.
Pentax Canada Inc, 1760 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1K5, CANADA
Asahi Optical Brasileira Ind. e Com, Ltda, Rua Estados Unidos, 1053, S30 Paulo-5P, BRASIL
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
9.83 Printed in Japan
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