Pentax released firmware updates for the K3-iii and K1-ii to add a new color personna, FUYUNO (winter field). They advertise that the updated firmware will present the new option once you attach an HD PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8 Limited or HD PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited lenses. As luck would have it, I have a K1-ii and a 31mm F1.8 Limited lens. I installed the latest firmware, attached the lens, but did not see the new item show up in the menu.
I reached out to Ricoh out of curiosity to see if I was doing something wrong. They responded right away to tell me that I have a "legacy" limited edition lens and not the NEW "HD" limited edition lens. The difference is a new lens coating and rounded aperture blades. The new HD limited lenses are selling for over $1k although, as I type this, b&h has them marked down to the non-HD price.
I admit I'm a bit put off... not being able to avail myself of a feature I didn't know I wanted nor likely to use. It's so unlike Pentax to punish someone for not having the very latest lens. It's akin to Nikon disabling Matrix Metering if you attach a non-Nikon lens. I use them as an example since I've not known Pentax for these types of marketing tactics. They usually bend over backward for their customers.
I already own the complete collection of the
The Three Sisters limited edition lenses. It's just... mildly annoying. I wanted to give a shout out to anyone contemplating the purchase of a Limited Edition Lens that you'll be at a disadvantage purchasing a "legacy" lens rather than an "HD" lens, despite the very minor differences, imho.
Last edited by h.butz; 12-20-2022 at 04:30 PM.
Reason: corrected SMC to FA AL