Making Fall Colors Pop with the "Gold" Custom Image Mode

A new custom image preset for the KF, K-3 III, and K-1 series

By bdery in Articles and Tips on Dec 12, 2023

In the last two years or so, Pentax made a strong push to flesh out its Custom Image offering. We discussed classic and newer Custom Image modes in a recent article. Today we take a look at the newest addition to the list of Custom Image options, a mode simply called Gold.

The Gold Custom Image mode was released via firmware in Fall 2023 for the K-3 III and KF. It was actually launched earlier on the K-1 and K-1 II, becoming available in June 2023. It follows the release of the Satobi Custom Image mode, as well as four seasonal and lens-specific modes called Katen, Kyushu, Fuyuno and Harubeni.

What Are Custom Image Modes?

Custom Image modes are built-in presets which impact how the camera processes colors, saturation, sharpness, and contrast. They apply only to JPEG files, not RAW, although Custom Image can be applied retroactively to a RAW file by using Pentax's Digital Camera Utility (or comparable software for other brands). By selecting a particular Custom Image mode, the camera produces a JPEG file with specific rendering, and those can be changed to best match the scene being photographed.

Our recent article presented most current Custom Image modes. Today we take a closer look at the newest mode released by Pentax, Gold.

Gold Custom Image Mode

Contrary to the four seasonal Custom Image modes, Gold is available for all lenses. It is offered on four cameras (K-3 III, KF, K-1 and K-1 II). Essentially, this represents all the current Pentax DSLRs, excluding the Monochrome for which Gold makes no sense. It is good to see Pentax step away from the lens-specific modes. While we understand that the company saw them as no-consequence little bonuses for buyers of recent lenses, many Pentax loyalists were disappointed to miss out on those interesting modes. Gold is thus the first generally available Custom Image mode since Satobi.

Gold impacts many aspects of the image. First, it increases the presence of yellow tones in brighter areas. Second, it enhances blue tones in darker areas. Warm colors are enhanced on the whole image, with emphasis put on brighter areas.

With this intentional color cast added by the Gold Custom Mode, images appear to have been captured at dusk, creating a retro mood. The color tone shifts from blue in the shadows, to yellow in bright areas. Sunlight and its reflections are emphasized when using this mode. However, it also leads to a slight decrease in perceived contrast, since shadows are now pulled towards blue tones. Images look a bit less three-dimensional and a bit more monotone.

Examples

The following images show examples of the effect of the Gold Custom Image mode.

This first set compares the Bright, Natural and Gold modes. You can click on images for a larger view.

Bright	Natural	Gold

The effect of the Gold Custom Image mode is immediately apparent. The whole image takes up a warm, golden cast, even on surfaces which are blue (such as the fence and disk). The tree trunk doesn't appear as dark; the whole image becomes less contrasty. Even the tree leaves, which are already mostly yellow, take on an even warmer cast. The overall effect shows that the Custom Image mode is well-named: the images gains a rich golden cast.

This second set compares Bright and Gold modes in a scene with a patch of blue sky.

Bright	Gold

The impact of using Gold is clear on the blue sky. The mode emphasizes yellow tones in bright areas, and this results in an almost complete disappearance of the blue color in the sky. The leaves, which show some green on the Bright image, turn almost pure yellow on the Gold image. The tree trunks show lower contrast between their brighter and darker areas.

Summary

The new Gold Custom Image mode is a welcome new option available for Pentax users. It can have a strong impact on bright scenes. Used creatively, it can enhance an image. Like other Custom Image modes, it is not a perfect choice in all situations. It is best to plan ahead and use any Custom Image mode with deliberate intent and with a clear understanding of the expected results.

If you are a K-3 III user, we invite you to read the K-3 Mark III eBook for more tips on getting the most out of custom image modes.

Pentax MX Overview Video

Thorough overview video to help introduce new users to the Pentax MX

By FozzFoster in Articles and Tips on Nov 7, 2023

The Pentax MX is one of the most notable cameras in history by having the largest pentaprism viewfinder (0.97x, 95%) of any Pentax 35mm film camera ever produced. This professional-grade workhorse camera was released in the mid-1970s and had a completely manual design in a world where automatic cameras were a thing but still in their infancy.

The MX was released with multiple compact lenses and an impressive accessories catalog. Since the camera is fully manual and fully mechanical, there are many MX cameras available on the second-hand market. Thus, this impressive camera comes highly recommended and is often sought after by the 35mm film enthusiast!

This PentaxTips video will help orientate new users of the MX and encourages other to start in the world of film photography!

Want to see more PentaxTips videos? See these links for a K-70 overview and a K-3 Mark III overview! 

Hope you enjoy!

The Pentax Cross-format Lens and Accessory Guide

Detailed ebook on adapting medium format, 35mm film, and digital lenses

By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Sep 6, 2023

Over the years, Pentax has supported—and continues to support—a variety of lens & camera formats.  Despite excellent backwards-compatibility and adaptability, the range of possible combinations and supporting accessories can make adapting confusing.

Today, we are happy to share forum member Murray O'Neill's comprehensive guide to using Pentax lenses across different formats.  This free 43-page PDF eBook covers everything from tiny microscope lens adapters to using super telephoto 6x7 lenses on modern DSLR cameras.  It supplements Murray's existing and equally detailed eBooks on Pentax bellows and macro & close-up accessories. Enjoy!

Download the Pentax Cross-format Lens & Accessory Compatibility Guide

See also our interactive lens compatibility checker a Pentax DSLR eBooks, which can help you master your camera, too!

Pentax KF Overview Video

Extensive overview videos to help introduce new users to the Pentax KF

By FozzFoster in Articles and Tips on Aug 3, 2023

Camera overview videos are helpful guides that can help inform users new to a given camera. The incredible amount of features available in Pentax cameras can also surprise the most seasoned photographers. Learning these features for the first time, or even re-discovering their place in the menu dive, can spur excitement and creates ambition to go out and shoot! 

The PentaxTips video below extensively covers the Pentax KF features, buttons, and menu layouts:

Using vintage lenses with the Pentax KF

This overview video demonstrates how to use vintage lenses (K, M, M42) on the Pentax KF.

By FozzFoster in Articles and Tips on Jul 4, 2023

Pentax has never changed its cameras' register distance. This means modern Pentax DSLRs can use the same lenses used on film era SLRs. This fact allows photographers to access an expansive vintage lens catelgoue going back to 1975! And with an inexpensive adapter, M42 screw mount lenses, dating back to 50's, may also be used on all modern Pentax cameras!

The second in a three part Pentax KF series, this PentaxTips video demonstrates how to configure your camera to use these vintage manual lenses: