K-01 firmware update 1.01

sunny16 · 10-11-2012, 10:43 PM

I hardly ever use my WR Zooms (18-55mm & 50-200mm) on the K-01. After firmware update I can confirm that focus is noticeably faster on both of these lenses. I tested under indoor compact fluorescent lighting, which is usually more problematic in my experience. In medium to well lit areas, both lenses locked focus pretty quickly. In dark areas, the focus was slower and hunted some, but it locked every time. Previously (under generally good lighting) both lenses would hunt at the long end and, if my memory serves me right, would hardly ever lock focus in difficult light.

I am happy that this update has come through. I am also happy for the green button/m42 lens fix. Realistically I will still probably continue to use my prime lenses more. BUT... now that they work better, I would definitely consider using the zooms. (P.S. my DA 10-17mm has always worked well on the K-01.)

ChopperCharles · 10-11-2012, 10:49 PM

Big question

oes the K01 support the GPS module now?

Charles

Neil MacG · 10-12-2012, 12:05 AM

A further update on my own experiences with FW Version 1.01 and AF.

I'm still convinced that the new FW improves AF - but not necessarily consistently. There is a vast improvement in my Tamron 18-250 F3.5-6.3 LD DiII. It's always been my favourite lens on my Samsung GX-10 and now seems to work fast and accurately in all lighting conditions. My Samsung 50-200mm (same as Pentax DA 50-200mm) still hunts unsuccessfully in low light. The DA 35 F2.4 positively whizzes along (but it was quite fast before hand). My Tamron 70-300mm seems to work better since the upgrade but I'm not sure it's radically so.

One lens I hadn't tried before I did the upgrade (as I don't see myself using it on the K-01) is my Sigma 120-400mm F4-5.6 Even pointing near a strong light source it just hunts and hunts and never locks. This is my only SDM lens so I'm not sure whether this is normal - it certainly doesn't have any such problems on my GX-10. I don't know that I'll bother investigating this further

Neil

ogl · 10-12-2012, 02:45 AM

old

Youtu.be

new

Youtu.be

ogl · 10-12-2012, 02:46 AM

old

Youtu.be

new

Youtu.be

Michi Joel · 10-12-2012, 02:51 AM

Originally posted by ogl

old
PENTAX K-01 ???? 1.00?DA40mmF2.8XS? - YouTube

new
PENTAX K-01 ???? 1.01?DA40mmF2.8XS? - YouTube

Tnx! its much better with the other lens

ogl · 10-12-2012, 04:29 AM

My DFA100 is slower at my K200D than CDAF of K-01 now.

semislashcolon · 10-12-2012, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by sunny16

I hardly ever use my WR Zooms (18-55mm & 50-200mm) on the K-01. After firmware update I can confirm that focus is noticeably faster on both of these lenses. I tested under indoor compact fluorescent lighting, which is usually more problematic in my experience. In medium to well lit areas, both lenses locked focus pretty quickly. In dark areas, the focus was slower and hunted some, but it locked every time. Previously (under generally good lighting) both lenses would hunt at the long end and, if my memory serves me right, would hardly ever lock focus in difficult light.

Good to know, I'm considering getting WR Zoom lens. Thanks!

RonHendriks1966 · 10-12-2012, 08:01 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

Big question

oes the K01 support the GPS module now?

Charles

It already did, since I put it on my K-01 once.

AndrewG NY · 10-12-2012, 08:14 AM

I haven't had a chance to try this yet, was about to return my K-01 -- is the ability to lock focus in low light even with the DA40 XS significantly improved? While I liked most things about the K-01 it's a problem for me to have this monster high-ISO sensor but inability to autofocus -- was at a wedding reception and had to give up and manually focus most shots while everybody with mobile phones or $150 P/S were snapping away. I can live with a little sluggishness but taking 20 seconds to try-try-try-try-switch to manual is no good -- and this with a reasonably fast f/2.8 lens.

The ur-Q suffers a bit from this too -- I'm really hoping Pentax updates the AF for that camera as well when they update firmware for compatibility with Q-to-K adapter. Even better if they throw in focus peaking a-la Q10. I don't know that I want to buy a Q10...really want my Q to work better.

raider · 10-12-2012, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by reivax

I would really appreciate that. I really want these things to work well. I just barely started using the K-01 recently. I'm hoping it's my error and not the equipment.

Hi reivax, I did a quick test this morning...and YES. you are right all along. Maybe I didnt pixel peep my early tests with the Tamron 70-200 but it does seem like there are some issues with the Tamron 70-200. When I focus on the K-01, the focusing part will suddenly go out of focus when i press the shutter button. I tried the same lens also on my K-30...no problems.

Here a comparison shot.

Tamron 70-200 with K-01 @ f5.6 ISO100 handheld
Name: IMGP0609.JPG
Views: 1589
Size: 194.9 KB

Name: IMGP0609.JPG
Views: 1589
Size: 194.9 KB

Tamron 70-200 with K-30 @ f5,6 ISO100 handheld
Name: IMGP0749.JPG
Views: 1557
Size: 279.7 KB

So there's nothing wrong with your K-01

reivax · 10-12-2012, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by raider

Hi reivax, I did a quick test this morning...and YES. you are right all along. Maybe I didnt pixel peep my early tests with the Tamron 70-200 but it does seem like there are some issues with the Tamron 70-200. When I focus on the K-01, the focusing part will suddenly go out of focus when i press the shutter button. I tried the same lens also on my K-30...no problems.

Here a comparison shot.

Tamron 70-200 with K-01 @ f5.6 ISO100 handheld
Attachment 143234

Tamron 70-200 with K-30 @ f5,6 ISO100 handheld
Attachment 143236

So there's nothing wrong with your K-01

Thanks. That is the exact same result I have been getting with my 70-200. The pictures appear just a little too out of focus. It definitely is an improvement with the auto focus though. It would hunt non stop with the old firmware.

raider · 10-12-2012, 07:04 PM

I have a feeling that the K-01 does not work too well with 3rd party zoom lenses in general. I tried the sigma 17-70 and while it does not have the same kind of issues experienced by the Tamron 70-200, certain shots are a tad out of focus too. Interestingly, i tried the DA18-135 with the K-01 and experienced none of the above issues.

I also tried out the DA35 Ltd macro extensively this morning....and i have to say, focusing speed in good light is at least 70% as fast as on my K-7 and/or K-30. I am very pleased. Previously it will hunt back and forth before locking focus. It is now a lot faster.

Now if Pentax can make this kind of improvement to K-01 CDAF, I would like to think that the K-5IIs will be awesome.

Sandy Hancock · 10-12-2012, 07:13 PM

With this firmware update I'm a little regretful I sold my DA55-300....

Livert · 10-12-2012, 08:26 PM

Wow. Focus is so much quicker with my DA L 55-300 now

10-11-2012, 10:49 PM	#32
ChopperCharles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Durham, nc Photos: Albums Posts: 954	Big questionoes the K01 support the GPS module now? Charles

10-12-2012, 08:01 AM	#39
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by ChopperCharles Big questionoes the K01 support the GPS module now? Charles It already did, since I put it on my K-01 once.

10-12-2012, 04:24 PM	#41
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989	Originally posted by reivax I would really appreciate that. I really want these things to work well. I just barely started using the K-01 recently. I'm hoping it's my error and not the equipment. Hi reivax, I did a quick test this morning...and YES. you are right all along. Maybe I didnt pixel peep my early tests with the Tamron 70-200 but it does seem like there are some issues with the Tamron 70-200. When I focus on the K-01, the focusing part will suddenly go out of focus when i press the shutter button. I tried the same lens also on my K-30...no problems. Here a comparison shot. Tamron 70-200 with K-01 @ f5.6 ISO100 handheld Tamron 70-200 with K-30 @ f5,6 ISO100 handheld So there's nothing wrong with your K-01

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10-11-2012, 10:43 PM	#31
sunny16 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Maryland, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 309	I hardly ever use my WR Zooms (18-55mm & 50-200mm) on the K-01. After firmware update I can confirm that focus is noticeably faster on both of these lenses. I tested under indoor compact fluorescent lighting, which is usually more problematic in my experience. In medium to well lit areas, both lenses locked focus pretty quickly. In dark areas, the focus was slower and hunted some, but it locked every time. Previously (under generally good lighting) both lenses would hunt at the long end and, if my memory serves me right, would hardly ever lock focus in difficult light. I am happy that this update has come through. I am also happy for the green button/m42 lens fix. Realistically I will still probably continue to use my prime lenses more. BUT... now that they work better, I would definitely consider using the zooms. (P.S. my DA 10-17mm has always worked well on the K-01.)

10-12-2012, 12:05 AM	#33
Neil MacG Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Newbury, England Posts: 53	A further update on my own experiences with FW Version 1.01 and AF. I'm still convinced that the new FW improves AF - but not necessarily consistently. There is a vast improvement in my Tamron 18-250 F3.5-6.3 LD DiII. It's always been my favourite lens on my Samsung GX-10 and now seems to work fast and accurately in all lighting conditions. My Samsung 50-200mm (same as Pentax DA 50-200mm) still hunts unsuccessfully in low light. The DA 35 F2.4 positively whizzes along (but it was quite fast before hand). My Tamron 70-300mm seems to work better since the upgrade but I'm not sure it's radically so. One lens I hadn't tried before I did the upgrade (as I don't see myself using it on the K-01) is my Sigma 120-400mm F4-5.6 Even pointing near a strong light source it just hunts and hunts and never locks. This is my only SDM lens so I'm not sure whether this is normal - it certainly doesn't have any such problems on my GX-10. I don't know that I'll bother investigating this further Neil

10-12-2012, 02:51 AM	#36
Michi Joel Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Catalonia Photos: Albums Posts: 441	Originally posted by ogl old PENTAX K-01 ???? 1.00?DA40mmF2.8XS? - YouTube new PENTAX K-01 ???? 1.01?DA40mmF2.8XS? - YouTube Tnx! its much better with the other lens

10-12-2012, 04:29 AM	#37
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	My DFA100 is slower at my K200D than CDAF of K-01 now.

10-12-2012, 07:21 AM	#38
semislashcolon New Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 20	Originally posted by sunny16 I hardly ever use my WR Zooms (18-55mm & 50-200mm) on the K-01. After firmware update I can confirm that focus is noticeably faster on both of these lenses. I tested under indoor compact fluorescent lighting, which is usually more problematic in my experience. In medium to well lit areas, both lenses locked focus pretty quickly. In dark areas, the focus was slower and hunted some, but it locked every time. Previously (under generally good lighting) both lenses would hunt at the long end and, if my memory serves me right, would hardly ever lock focus in difficult light. Good to know, I'm considering getting WR Zoom lens. Thanks!

10-12-2012, 08:14 AM	#40
AndrewG NY Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chappaqua, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 688	I haven't had a chance to try this yet, was about to return my K-01 -- is the ability to lock focus in low light even with the DA40 XS significantly improved? While I liked most things about the K-01 it's a problem for me to have this monster high-ISO sensor but inability to autofocus -- was at a wedding reception and had to give up and manually focus most shots while everybody with mobile phones or $150 P/S were snapping away. I can live with a little sluggishness but taking 20 seconds to try-try-try-try-switch to manual is no good -- and this with a reasonably fast f/2.8 lens. The ur-Q suffers a bit from this too -- I'm really hoping Pentax updates the AF for that camera as well when they update firmware for compatibility with Q-to-K adapter. Even better if they throw in focus peaking a-la Q10. I don't know that I want to buy a Q10...really want my Q to work better.

10-12-2012, 06:46 PM	#42
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 826	Originally posted by raider Hi reivax, I did a quick test this morning...and YES. you are right all along. Maybe I didnt pixel peep my early tests with the Tamron 70-200 but it does seem like there are some issues with the Tamron 70-200. When I focus on the K-01, the focusing part will suddenly go out of focus when i press the shutter button. I tried the same lens also on my K-30...no problems. Here a comparison shot. Tamron 70-200 with K-01 @ f5.6 ISO100 handheld Attachment 143234 Tamron 70-200 with K-30 @ f5,6 ISO100 handheld Attachment 143236 So there's nothing wrong with your K-01 Thanks. That is the exact same result I have been getting with my 70-200. The pictures appear just a little too out of focus. It definitely is an improvement with the auto focus though. It would hunt non stop with the old firmware.

10-12-2012, 07:04 PM	#43
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989	I have a feeling that the K-01 does not work too well with 3rd party zoom lenses in general. I tried the sigma 17-70 and while it does not have the same kind of issues experienced by the Tamron 70-200, certain shots are a tad out of focus too. Interestingly, i tried the DA18-135 with the K-01 and experienced none of the above issues. I also tried out the DA35 Ltd macro extensively this morning....and i have to say, focusing speed in good light is at least 70% as fast as on my K-7 and/or K-30. I am very pleased. Previously it will hunt back and forth before locking focus. It is now a lot faster. Now if Pentax can make this kind of improvement to K-01 CDAF, I would like to think that the K-5IIs will be awesome.

10-12-2012, 07:13 PM	#44
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	With this firmware update I'm a little regretful I sold my DA55-300....

10-12-2012, 08:26 PM	#45
Livert New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Brisbane Posts: 8	Wow. Focus is so much quicker with my DA L 55-300 now