Pentax Users : My Current Recommendation

[Ian.morgan]

Hi Forum !

Since the Pentax cameras are currently unsupported in any way , I thought I would share my setup for how I’m getting OK results so far for Astro.

1. Ensure the Polaris is mounted as per the attached photo , with the camera aimed as shown . If the lens has a tripod foot , use it . If your tripod has a grub screw to firmly hold the head to the tripod , use it . The Vanguard Alto shown has this and it makes the whole set up really solid.

2. Configure your camera to allow wifi access (Pentax K1ii , or K3iii). If you don’t have a camera with built in wifi , use a Pentax Flucard on the K3ii. On older Pentax camera’s , you would be limited to a remote shutter release instead.

Use Pentax Wifi Commander for PC : https://www.wificommanderpentax.com/index.html

3. Connect the Pc to the camera.

4. Connect your phone to the Polaris. Go to Astro mode .

5. Centre the head by double tapping the two controls .

6. Use an iPhone ‘level’ tool to check the head is level.

7. Return to the Polaris app and calibrate , holding the phone exactly as per the diagram .

8. Align to a star or planet in the app.

9. Use the live view feature in the Pc app to center the target .

10. Confirm in the Polaris app and ‘start tracking’ .

11. GoTo your target in the Polaris app.

12. Use the Pc liveview feature to get the best framing .
(Note that the PC software supports ‘planned shots’ in B, M and X mode)

Take some test shots !


Note : The forum isn’t letting me upload images at the moment . I’ll find a way to add photos soon .

[CraigBob]

As I don't want to use a PC out in the field, I would use the rear screen and a wired intervalometer or one of the Pentax Photo sync apps on a different phone or tablet.

[drvector]

Since the Pentax cameras are currently unsupported in any way , I thought I would share my setup for how I’m getting OK results so far for Astro.
Note : The forum isn’t letting me upload images at the moment . I’ll find a way to add photos soon .

Hey, is that means that when i connect my Pentax K-1 through USB i cant see ISO, F number etc or control my camera?
I know that live view doesnt work but how about other things?

[Manel]

Hello everyone,
I have a K3 and I want to buy the Benro Polaris, but the Benro website reports that everything is compatible except live view. Is it because the k3 does not have wifi? Can you do alignment with stars, tracking, panoramic views, etc.? without live view?
If it is via wifi, would the problem be solved with the flucard sd and the live view would work, can connect with the app of polaris?
Thank you very much to all.
Greetings from Barcelona, Spain.