Pentax K-1 Upgrade Service Now Available: Guide

Information and FAQs on K-1 to K-1 Mark II Conversions

By PF Staff in Product Updates on May 29, 2018

Shortly after the release of the Pentax K-1 II, Ricoh Imaging announced that Pentax K-1 owners could upgrade their K-1's with all the features of the K-1 II.  This upgrade service is now available wordwide: the official date range to submit requests is May 21st through September 30th, 2018.

In this post, we provide information on how to obtain the service and answer many common questions previously asked by the community.

The table below summarizes the service in major regions.  Click on the link to get started with the service request for your K-1.

FAQ's follow.

How has your experience with the service been?  Share on the forum!

K-1 to K-1 Mark II Upgrade Service FAQ

Q: What will be done to my camera?

A: The main board will be replaced with the new main board for the K-1 II.  In addition, the SR logo will be replaced with a Mark II logo that reads "II".  All functionality and specifications of the K-1 II will be available in the upgraded camera.  The only difference between an upgraded K-1 II and a store-bought K-1 II will be in the logos.

You may receive a physical CD with the latest version of the Pentax Digital Camera Utility software; the update is also available online.

Q: Which features are added?

A: The K-1 II main board has the Image Accelerator chip, which reduces noise in JPEG and RAW files (see our tests).  The upgraded camera will have the Dynamic Pixel Shift mode, which allows for super resolution while shooting hand-held (see our tests).  Finally, improved autofocus algorithms allow for better tracking performance.

The K-1 II's CIPA battery life is 670 frames per charge, down from 760 on the K-1.  The maximum framerate decreases from 6.5 FPS to 6.4 FPS in APS-C mode; full-frame framerate is unchanged.

Full K-1 II specifications are available in our database.

Q: What will my upgraded camera look like?

Pentax K-1 Mark II following the hardware upgrade

Q: Which firmware version do I use?

A: The upgraded camera will use Pentax K-1 II firmware; only K-1 II updates will be installable.  The latest firmware for the K-1 II as of May, 2018 is v1.02.  This firmware contains all features added to the K-1 through previous updates.

Q: Is there a warranty?

A: Check with your service center; most regions provide a 6-month warranty from the date of the service.

Q: Is my camera eligible for the upgrade?

A: Your camera must have been purchased from an authorized dealer in the region in which you are requesting service in order to be eligible. The camera must also be free from major defects at the time the service is requested. The camera does not need to be in-warranty. Check with your service center if you have any doubts.

Q: Will any old parts be returned to me?

A: No, just the upgraded camera.

Q: Can a silver Pentax K-1 be upgraded?

A: Yes, but check with your local service center first to confirm.

Q: What is the cost of this service?

A: Refer to the table above.

Q: Are there any promotions?

A: The cost of the service is fixed, but some retailers offer trade-in bonuses or free items when purchasing a K-1 II directly.  You can also list your old K-1 on the Marketplace.

Q: Is there a shipping charge?

A: Generally speaking, you are responsible for outbound shipping if you are not dropping off in person.

Q: What is the turnaround time?

A: Contact your service center.  Early user reports suggest a speedy turnaround time of as little as one week.