New Firmware for All Current Pentax DSLR Models

Support for new flashes on K-r, K-500, K-50, K-5 II/s, K-5, K-30, K-01 and 645D

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Sep 12, 2013

Pentax has just officially posted new firmware versions for all recent DSLRs on their Japanese web site; this totals 9 firmware updates. This new firmware adds support for the recently-announced flashes and HD Limited lenses.  As usual, the latest firmware releases also include some minor bug fixes.  By upgrading your camera's firmware to the latest version, the contents of all previous updates will also be applied.

Specifically, with the latest firmware version, the Pentax K-500, K-50, K-5 II/IIs, K-5, K-30, K-r and 645D will be able to use the LED light on the new AF360FGZ II and AF540FGZ II flashes as an AF assist beam.  In addition, on the Pentax K-500, K-50, K-5 II/IIs, K-5, K-30, K-01 and K-r, the contrast detect (live view) autofocus performance with the new HD lenses has been improved.

Below is a complete list of cameras with new firmware versions, as well as links to the official firmware download page for each camera.

Read on for easy-to-follow firmware installation instructions.

New Firmware Adds Support for Pentax Teleconverter

Pentax K-3, K-50, K-500, K-30, K-01, K-5 II/IIs, K-5, K-r, & K-7 Updates

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Mar 6, 2014

Pentax has just released a host of new firmware updates in order to add support for the Pentax 1.4x Teleconverter in 10 of its most recent cameras.  All K-mount bodies launched in 2010 or later will fully support the teleconverter, in addition to the Pentax K-7 from 2009.  Older DSLRs will still be compatible with the new teleconverter, though they will not support some of the enhanced features that the Pentax teleconverter offers over third-party offerings.

Apart from the teleconverter support, these firmware updates do not add any other new features, though the usual "stability improvements" are of course included.  Therefore, we always recommend updating to the latest version for the best overall performance.  Please note that Pentax firmware updates are cumulative and include the contents of all prior updates, so you only need to update your firmware once even if you've never updated before.

Below is a complete list of cameras with new firmware versions, as well as links to the official firmware download for each camera.

Read on for easy-to-follow firmware installation instructions and a tutorial video.

Pentax K-3 Firmware v1.21 Released

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on May 28, 2015

Pentax engineers have finally released a firmware update to address the minor LCD backlight bug introduced alongside Pentax K-3 firmware version 1.20, which otherwise added compatibility with the latest Pentax lenses (D-FA* 70-200mm and 150-450mm).  The bug caused the rear LCD backlight to illuminate when the shutter button was half-pressed, even with the display off. 

Download the firmware from the official Japanese Ricoh Imaging web site.  Read on for installation instructions.

Pentax K-50 Firmware v1.10 Released

Adds KAF4 mount support and enables use of the 55-300mm PLM lens

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Nov 24, 2016

After a long period of uncertainty, Ricoh Imaging has released a firmware update for the Pentax K-50 to add support for the new KAF4 lens mount. KAF4 lenses lack a mechanical aperture stop-down lever; they instead require electronic actuation of the aperture.  Before this firmware update, the K-50 was not able to issue the necessary commands to operate this system.

Thanks to this update, the new silent-focusing DA 55-300mm PLM lens can be used with the K-50.  We strongly recommend this lens over its screwdrive AF predecessor, as it focuses more quickly and allows for more precise manual adjustments without making any compromises.

Download the K-50 firmware from the official Pentax firmware site.

Full Pentax K-50 v1.10 firmware notes:

A similar update was released for the K-3 II, K-S2, K-S1, and K-1 months ago, and also the K-3 today.  The K-70 (and newer) will natively support KAF4 lenses.  Older bodies are not compatible with KAF4 lenses.

Pentax K-3 Firmware v1.30 Released

Support for KAF4 lenses, including the DA 55-300mm PLM

By PF Staff in Firmware Updates on Nov 24, 2016

After a long period of uncertainty, Ricoh Imaging has finally released a firmware update for the Pentax K-3 to add support for the new KAF4 lens mount. KAF4 lenses lack a mechanical aperture stop-down lever; they instead require electronic actuation of the aperture.  Before this firmware update, the K-3 was not able to issue the necessary commands to operate this system.

Thanks to this update, the new silent-focusing DA 55-300mm PLM lens can be used with the K-3.  We strongly recommend this lens over its screwdrive AF predecessor.

Download the K-3 firmware from the official Pentax firmware site.

Official Pentax K-3 v1.30 firmware notes:

A similar update was released for the K-3 II, K-S2, K-S1, and K-1 months ago, and the K-50 today.  The K-70 (and newer) will natively support KAF4 lenses.  Older bodies are not compatible with KAF4 lenses.