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.

K-r, K-5, K-5 II/s and 645D Firmware Upgrade Instructions

1. Download the firmware ZIP file corresponding to your camera using the links above (opt for the Mac version even if you're on Windows)
2. Extract the file to a folder of your choosing
3. Locate the extracted .BIN file and copy it to the root (top level i.e. outside of any folder) of a formatted SD card
4. Insert the card into your camera and ensure it is fully charged
5. Turn the camera power on while pressing the MENU button
6. Select "Yes"at the firmware prompt
7. Once the screen displays "Complete", turn off your camera
8. Power your camera back on and resume normal use
9. In order to verify that the firmware update was successful, hold the menu button while powering your camera on.  The screen should indicate the latest version.  You should then power off your camera and resume normal use.

K-50, K-500, K-30, and K-01 Firmware Upgrade Instructions

1. Download the firmware ZIP file corresponding to your camera using the links above (opt for the Mac version even if you're on Windows)
2. Unzip the zip file to a folder of your choosing
3. Locate the extracted .BIN file and copy it to the root (top level i.e. outside of any folder) of a formatted SD card
4. Insert the card into your camera and ensure it is fully charged
5. Turn the camera on and go to the setup tab in the menu; select the "firmware" option
6. Select "Yes" at the firmware upgrade prompt
7. Once the screen displays "Complete", turn off your camera
8. Power your camera back on and resume normal use
9. In order to verify that the firmware update was successful, go back to the firmware option in the setup menu. The screen should indicate the latest version. You can now resume normal camera use.