Pentax K-3 III v1.50, K-1 II v1.40, K-1 v1.70 Firmware Update Released

New firmware introduces lens-specific special-edition Custom Image profiles

By wadge22 in Firmware Updates on Jun 25, 2022
Pentax K-3 III v1.50, K-1 II v1.40, K-1 v1.70 Firmware Update Released

Ricoh Imaging has released firmware updates for the Pentax K-3 Mark III, the Pentax K-1, and the Pentax K-1 Mark II. These updates introduce the first new special-edition Custom Image profiles that will work only with specific lenses. Additional profiles are planned to be released in the future, corresponding to the seasons and each working with a different set of lenses. The update for the K-3 Mark III also promises improved stability and performance.

The custom image profile in this update is called KATEN, meaning summer, and is available only when using the D FA 21mm f2.4 Limited and the DA 15mm F4 Limited lenses. This profile is meant to emphasize the blue of summer skies and the whiteness of bright clouds, and particularly tailored to match the rendering of the ultra-wide lenses it works with.

More information is available on the Ricoh webpage:

New function-expansion firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II
and K-3 Mark III cameras:
Featuring special-edition Custom Images to optimize the imaging performance
of PENTAX Limited-series lenses;
KATEN mode released the first season-specific Custom Images option

 

TOKYO, June 23, 2022, -RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the release of new function-expansion firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III digital SLR cameras. This firmware lets users take advantage of special-edition Custom Images in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses. The KATEN (summer sky) mode has been released as the first season-specific Custom Images option.

firmware download page

● Special-edition Custom Images
To make photographic experiences with PENTAX digital SLR cameras even more enjoyable and exciting, PENTAX is providing a new approach to SLR photography, through special-edition Custom Images designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with certain PENTAX Limited-series lenses -- lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. PENTAX will release a series of season-specific Custom Images to create distinctive finishing touches dedicated to the spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons. As a lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects compatibility with the firmware. Once compatibility is confirmed, the user can then select special-edition Custom Images.

● KATEN (summer sky)
This special-edition, season-specific Custom Image mode is designed to emphasize the rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds. This mode can be selected in combination with HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR and HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited lenses. Both lenses feature an ultra-wide angle of view and the latest HD (High Definition) coating, which effectively minimizes the generation of ghost images even with images captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. They have been selected as the best partners for the KATEN mode because they optimize the intended visual effects of the mode.

● Upcoming schedule
Following on the KATEN mode, PENTAX will release specific-edition, season-specific Custom Images specially designed for SLR photography in autumn, winter and spring. Check the chart below for detailed information.

special-edition Custom Image modeCompatible camera bodyPartner lens*
(Usable on all compatible camera bodies)
Summer:KATEN PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II
PENTAX K-3 Mark III
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited
Autumn PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II
PENTAX K-3 Mark III
HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 70mmF2.4 Limited
Winter PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II
PENTAX K-3 Mark III
HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited
Spring PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II
PENTAX K-3 Mark III
HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mmF2.8-4ED Limited DC WR

* Lenses compatible with autumn, winter and spring Custom Images are tentative choices and may be changed later.
Note: Special-edition, season-specific Custom Image modes other than KATEN will be named later and announced with the release of each firmware.

 

Update info for each model:

The new K-3 III firmware V1.50 can be found on the official Pentax firmware website here.

[Enhanced features]

  • Added [KATEN] to Custom Image.
    For more details click here
  • * It can be used when attaching the following compatible lenses.
    HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
    HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited

[Others]

  • Improved stability for general performance.
  • * When this update is done, the contents of version 1.41 and earlier will be also updated.
  • * When this update is done, you will not be able to restore back to version 1.41 or earlier.

The new K-1 firmware V1.70 can be found on the official Pentax firmware website here.

[Enhanced features]

  • Added [KATEN] to Custom Image.
    For more details click here
    • * It can be used when attaching the following compatible lenses.
      HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
      HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited
    • * When this update is done, the contents of version 1.60 and earlier will be also updated.
    • * When this update is done, you will not be able to restore back to version 1.60 or earlier.

The new K-1 II firmware V1.40 can be found on the official Pentax firmware website here.

[Enhanced features]

  • Added [KATEN] to Custom Image.
    For more details click here
  • * It can be used when attaching the following compatible lenses.
    HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
    HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited
  • * When this update is done, the contents of version 1.30 and earlier will be also updated.
  • * When this update is done, you will not be able to restore back to version 1.30 or earlier.

Pentax firmware update instructions:

  1. Download the firmware ZIP file from the appropriate link above
  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 (slot 1) and ensure the battery is fully charged
  5. Turn the camera power on while pressing the MENU button
  6. Select "Start" at the firmware prompt
  7. Once the screen displays "Complete", turn off the camera
  8. Power the camera back on and resume normal use
  9. In order to verify that the firmware update was successful, go to the firmware option under the setup (wrench icon) menu tab, and confirm that the indicated firmware version matches that of the update.

Note that all updates are cumulative, so the latest firmware version includes the contents of all previous versions.  You only need to install the latest version.  Need help?  See our firmware update guide.

Firmware Update Tutorial Video

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