Why do new K-5 cameras have old firmware?

**lmd91343** · 08-27-2011, 05:00 PM

I just got my K-5 last night. It has serial number 401XXXX. It has firmware 1.01.

Why is it not the most recent firmware?

BTW the camera feels great. It handles much better than my K-10 and K-20. I can't wait to grab some images! Too hot here today in L.A. to go outside.

Thanks,
Lance

Adam · 08-27-2011, 05:07 PM

It seems most new K-5 indeed have 1.01:

Pentax K-5 Serial Numbers - Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com

**interested_observer** · 08-27-2011, 07:03 PM

I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the later version of the software change the camera's responses in the testing cycle in manufacturing. So rather than update the test software also, they go with the version that matches the automatic test system that is already setup.

Just a guess....

**lmd91343** · 08-27-2011, 07:26 PM

Thank you!

**lmd91343** · 08-27-2011, 07:29 PM

Maybe, but if so how do they regression test the hardware against the updates?

The AF and the memory addressing are a bit different now compared to 1.01.

rvannatta · 08-27-2011, 07:31 PM

IT wouldn't surprise me if the firmware were loaded on the chip when the memory chip was made., and long before the camera is assembled making a relatively long pipeline

NogBoy13 · 08-27-2011, 07:39 PM

My K-5 with prefix 38 had the 1.10 firmware. Why the variation I wonder... doesn't seem to be any logical
firmware protocol - if you take the serials into account? Nogster

Osama Binhidin · 08-27-2011, 08:17 PM

Probably a refurbished replacement like mine older serial number new manufacture date and firmware

**Schraubstock** · 08-27-2011, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by lmd91343

I just got my K-5 last night. It has serial number 401XXXX. It has firmware 1.01.

Why is it not the most recent firmware?

BTW the camera feels great. It handles much better than my K-10 and K-20. I can't wait to grab some images! Too hot here today in L.A. to go outside.

Thanks,
Lance

Hi
My hunch would be the FW is imbedded in the main Board which is supplied to PENTAX by a third party and will not show a more recent FW version number until a new batch is delivered. Could this make sense ?

Greetings

chalion · 09-30-2011, 05:36 PM

Mine has serial number 403XXXX, with firmware 1.01

**Pepe Guitarra** · 10-09-2011, 06:12 PM

Here is Pentax story of why the firmware updates:

Latest K-5 Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

08-27-2011, 05:00 PM	#1
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	Why do new K-5 cameras have old firmware? I just got my K-5 last night. It has serial number 401XXXX. It has firmware 1.01. Why is it not the most recent firmware? BTW the camera feels great. It handles much better than my K-10 and K-20. I can't wait to grab some images! Too hot here today in L.A. to go outside. Thanks, Lance

08-27-2011, 05:07 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	It seems most new K-5 indeed have 1.01: Pentax K-5 Serial Numbers - Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-27-2011, 07:39 PM	#7
NogBoy13 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bunbury Posts: 29	Hmmm.... not so with my K-5 My K-5 with prefix 38 had the 1.10 firmware. Why the variation I wonder... doesn't seem to be any logical firmware protocol - if you take the serials into account? Nogster

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08-27-2011, 07:03 PM	#3
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the later version of the software change the camera's responses in the testing cycle in manufacturing. So rather than update the test software also, they go with the version that matches the automatic test system that is already setup. Just a guess....

08-27-2011, 07:26 PM	#4
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027 Original Poster	Thank you!

08-27-2011, 07:29 PM	#5
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027 Original Poster	Maybe, but if so how do they regression test the hardware against the updates? The AF and the memory addressing are a bit different now compared to 1.01.

08-27-2011, 07:31 PM	#6
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	IT wouldn't surprise me if the firmware were loaded on the chip when the memory chip was made., and long before the camera is assembled making a relatively long pipeline

08-27-2011, 08:17 PM	#8
Osama Binhidin Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Mallacoota inlet Photos: Albums Posts: 87	Probably a refurbished replacement like mine older serial number new manufacture date and firmware

08-27-2011, 10:14 PM	#9
Schraubstock Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,386	Originally posted by lmd91343 I just got my K-5 last night. It has serial number 401XXXX. It has firmware 1.01. Why is it not the most recent firmware? BTW the camera feels great. It handles much better than my K-10 and K-20. I can't wait to grab some images! Too hot here today in L.A. to go outside. Thanks, Lance Hi My hunch would be the FW is imbedded in the main Board which is supplied to PENTAX by a third party and will not show a more recent FW version number until a new batch is delivered. Could this make sense ? Greetings

09-30-2011, 05:36 PM	#10
chalion Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 628	Mine has serial number 403XXXX, with firmware 1.01

10-09-2011, 06:12 PM	#11
Pepe Guitarra Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,223	Here is Pentax story of why the firmware updates: Latest K-5 Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX