ricoh PENTAX K-3 ASTROTRACER Type 3 User Manual

June 5, 2024
RICOH

ricoh PENTAX K-3 ASTROTRACER Type 3

Features

This camera can be used as an astrotracer without the O-GPS1. The camera enables astrotracing without GPS, direction, or other data, so there is no need for GPS positioning or perform precision calibration. In addition, astrotracing can operate in areas affected by magnetic fields. Before starting, a preliminary shot is taken to track the object based on the movement of stars. Note that it is recommended to use the O-GPS1 for star photography with a wide-angle lens.

How to use

  1. Set up the camera on a stable tripod.
  2. Select Type 3 in Astrotracer in shooting setting 4.
  3. Select B on the mode dial. The camera will be in timer exposure mode as bulb shooting is not possible
  4. Carefully focus on the object.
  5. Compose your shot and ensure the camera is fixed tightly to avoid any movement. When using a telephoto lens, consider the time required for the preliminary shooting. Estimate 30 to 50 seconds to compose your shot.
  6. Use a cable release or remote control to avoid camera movement.

Memo

  • In conjunction with interval shooting, it is possible to take multiple full exposures for a single test shot.
  • The exposure time can be set up to 10 minutes. However, even with the exposure is set to 1 minute, it is sufficient to capture the stars as dots.

Precautions

Blurry pictures maybe the result of poor preliminary shooting. There are several factors which can influence the preliminary shooting, if ground scenery, clouds, etc. are included in the composition, the stars are not sufficiently bright due to light pollution, poor focus and if there is some camera movement can all contribute to blurry pictures.

Compatible lenses

  • Fisheye lens is not supported.
  • Zoom lenses can only be used at the wide or telephoto position. The following lenses can be used irrespective of the zoom position.

HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE
HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW
HD PENTAX-DA★16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW

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