K3，KP，K1 firmware update

**gaweidert** · 07-16-2018, 10:09 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Not a Number

It would be nice if somebody with two K-3 or K-1 bodies would update the firmware on only one body then do a side-by-side comparison (as such if given only one copy of a lens) of the focusing speed. It would be a bit more reliable than subjective memory of how it was before upgrading.

Knowing PF's methodology for measuring AF speed would be useful to. It would give us a standard methodology to use. The tests I've seen involve using video to count the frames and hence derive time for autofocus to lock.

Autofocus Speed | imatest

Quite frankly the trouble with these types of tests is that they never satisfy everybody. Someone is always asking for more tests with sightly different parameters. Then when some nice member does it and even more requests come in. The stated purpose of the upgrade is to improve performance of these cameras with the new 50mm f1.4 lens and then the usual reliability improvements.

Once while testing a new blood analyzer I came across a software bug. I sent in the paperwork and a few weeks later a couple of the programmers came to see me with big smiles on their faces. I had started quite a journey for them. I had a better chance of winning the Powerball Lottery back to back than coming across that bug ever again. They fixed it and it went out in the release notes as one of the many "reliability enhancements" in the next upgrade. That is how I look at these sorts of unnamed bug fixes. For the record, I have never won anything from the Powerball Lottery at any level.

**Erictator** · 07-16-2018, 11:27 AM - **1 Like**

I usually scoff and laugh (politely and keep it to myself) at all the seemingly psychosomatic perceived improvements in AF that people post about with every FW update, but lately I've been using my DFA100WR a lot on my K-1, and it is a slow AF lens because of the macro throws, and can rack the full length if it doesn't hit focus the first try... so I am very familiar with how long it feels that it takes to focus...and I swear that lens feels 10%-20% snappier now.

Oh no... I've become one of the FW Update brainwashed masses! LOL!

Eric

**Larrymc** · 07-16-2018, 01:28 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Erictator

I usually scoff and laugh (politely and keep it to myself) at all the seemingly psychosomatic perceived improvements in AF that people post about with every FW update, but lately I've been using my DFA100WR a lot on my K-1, and it is a slow AF lens because of the macro throws, and can rack the full length if it doesn't hit focus the first try... so I am very familiar with how long it feels that it takes to focus...and I swear that lens feels 10%-20% snappier now.

Oh no... I've become one of the FW Update brainwashed masses! LOL!

Eric

Scoff, Scoff............Scoff!!

**Larrymc** · 07-16-2018, 01:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Erictator

I usually scoff and laugh (politely and keep it to myself) at all the seemingly psychosomatic perceived improvements in AF that people post about with every FW update, but lately I've been using my DFA100WR a lot on my K-1, and it is a slow AF lens because of the macro throws, and can rack the full length if it doesn't hit focus the first try... so I am very familiar with how long it feels that it takes to focus...and I swear that lens feels 10%-20% snappier now.

Oh no... I've become one of the FW Update brainwashed masses! LOL!

Eric

Hmmmmmm after you posted that I had to drag out my DFA Macro 100 f2.8 WR and do the snappy test......you may have a point there. Mine nails the focus pretty quickly without hunting around like it used to do prior to the K-3 Firmware update. Of course, it may just be my imagination...... from your powerful argument?

**Erictator** · 07-16-2018, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Larrymc

Hmmmmmm after you posted that I had to drag out my DFA Macro 100 f2.8 WR and do the snappy test......you may have a point there. Mine nails the focus pretty quickly without hunting around like it used to do prior to the K-3 Firmware update. Of course, it may just be my imagination...... from your powerful argument?

"Look deeply into my eye's... you are getting drowsier... No, you are!"

Sorry, that had to be my favorite Dracula spoof...heh.

Eric

**Larrymc** · 07-16-2018, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by erictator

"look deeply into my eye's... You are getting drowsier... No, you are!"

Sorry, that had to be my favorite dracula spoof...heh.

eric

For Real??

**tcwilson** · 07-16-2018, 07:11 PM

Thank you for all of your responses. Before I posted, I tried all of the fixes you recommended: reformatted the card (twice), its in the correct slot, the file is in the root directory, I am holding down the menu button when I turn on the camera, I tried using a different (and freshly formatted) card.

**alfa75ts** · 07-16-2018, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by tcwilson

the file is in the root directory

Just to be specific, you mean the extracted fwdc220b.bin file?

SSGGeezer · 07-16-2018, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by alfa75ts

Just to be specific, you mean the extracted fwdc220b.bin file?

yes you need to decompress the file before copying it onto your card using 7-Zip or winzip, or a similar utility.

stevebrot · 07-16-2018, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by gaweidert

The stated purpose of the upgrade is to improve performance of these cameras with the new 50mm f1.4 lens and then the usual reliability improvements.

That is the main reason for my skepticism. It is not clear to me why there is an expectation of faster AF or faster anything.

Steve

Ascencio · 07-16-2018, 09:54 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

That is the main reason for my skepticism. It is not clear to me why there is an expectation of faster AF or faster anything.

Steve

It's faster!!!

**RedBoomer** · 07-16-2018, 11:25 PM

Originally posted by tcwilson

Thank you for all of your responses. Before I posted, I tried all of the fixes you recommended: reformatted the card (twice), its in the correct slot, the file is in the root directory, I am holding down the menu button when I turn on the camera, I tried using a different (and freshly formatted) card.

I had exactly the same problem as you and fully charging the battery fixed the problem! My battery indicator said 3 bars but I charged it anyway and the problem was fixed.

**Mikesul** · 07-17-2018, 08:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ascencio

It's faster!!!

That explains it!

Not a Number · 07-17-2018, 08:58 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by stevebrot

That is the main reason for my skepticism. It is not clear to me why there is an expectation of faster AF or faster anything.

Steve

Had there been an announcement of faster AF I bet many of the same people would be grumbling instead of insignificant or no improvement.

**Mikesul** · 07-17-2018, 09:28 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Not a Number

Had there been an announcement of faster AF I bet many of the same people would be grumbling instead of insignificant or no improvement.

Exactly. Verifiable evidence seems to be a dying concept.

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07-16-2018, 10:09 AM - 2 Likes	#76
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Originally posted by Not a Number It would be nice if somebody with two K-3 or K-1 bodies would update the firmware on only one body then do a side-by-side comparison (as such if given only one copy of a lens) of the focusing speed. It would be a bit more reliable than subjective memory of how it was before upgrading. Knowing PF's methodology for measuring AF speed would be useful to. It would give us a standard methodology to use. The tests I've seen involve using video to count the frames and hence derive time for autofocus to lock. Autofocus Speed \| imatest Quite frankly the trouble with these types of tests is that they never satisfy everybody. Someone is always asking for more tests with sightly different parameters. Then when some nice member does it and even more requests come in. The stated purpose of the upgrade is to improve performance of these cameras with the new 50mm f1.4 lens and then the usual reliability improvements. Once while testing a new blood analyzer I came across a software bug. I sent in the paperwork and a few weeks later a couple of the programmers came to see me with big smiles on their faces. I had started quite a journey for them. I had a better chance of winning the Powerball Lottery back to back than coming across that bug ever again. They fixed it and it went out in the release notes as one of the many "reliability enhancements" in the next upgrade. That is how I look at these sorts of unnamed bug fixes. For the record, I have never won anything from the Powerball Lottery at any level.

07-16-2018, 11:27 AM - 1 Like	#77
Erictator Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,344	I usually scoff and laugh (politely and keep it to myself) at all the seemingly psychosomatic perceived improvements in AF that people post about with every FW update, but lately I've been using my DFA100WR a lot on my K-1, and it is a slow AF lens because of the macro throws, and can rack the full length if it doesn't hit focus the first try... so I am very familiar with how long it feels that it takes to focus...and I swear that lens feels 10%-20% snappier now. Oh no... I've become one of the FW Update brainwashed masses! LOL! Eric

07-16-2018, 01:28 PM - 1 Like	#78
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by Erictator I usually scoff and laugh (politely and keep it to myself) at all the seemingly psychosomatic perceived improvements in AF that people post about with every FW update, but lately I've been using my DFA100WR a lot on my K-1, and it is a slow AF lens because of the macro throws, and can rack the full length if it doesn't hit focus the first try... so I am very familiar with how long it feels that it takes to focus...and I swear that lens feels 10%-20% snappier now. Oh no... I've become one of the FW Update brainwashed masses! LOL! Eric Scoff, Scoff............Scoff!!

07-16-2018, 01:47 PM - 1 Like	#79
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by Erictator I usually scoff and laugh (politely and keep it to myself) at all the seemingly psychosomatic perceived improvements in AF that people post about with every FW update, but lately I've been using my DFA100WR a lot on my K-1, and it is a slow AF lens because of the macro throws, and can rack the full length if it doesn't hit focus the first try... so I am very familiar with how long it feels that it takes to focus...and I swear that lens feels 10%-20% snappier now. Oh no... I've become one of the FW Update brainwashed masses! LOL! Eric Hmmmmmm after you posted that I had to drag out my DFA Macro 100 f2.8 WR and do the snappy test......you may have a point there. Mine nails the focus pretty quickly without hunting around like it used to do prior to the K-3 Firmware update. Of course, it may just be my imagination...... from your powerful argument?

07-16-2018, 01:58 PM	#80
Erictator Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,344	Originally posted by Larrymc Hmmmmmm after you posted that I had to drag out my DFA Macro 100 f2.8 WR and do the snappy test......you may have a point there. Mine nails the focus pretty quickly without hunting around like it used to do prior to the K-3 Firmware update. Of course, it may just be my imagination...... from your powerful argument? "Look deeply into my eye's... you are getting drowsier... No, you are!" Sorry, that had to be my favorite Dracula spoof...heh. Eric

07-16-2018, 02:37 PM	#81
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by erictator "look deeply into my eye's... You are getting drowsier... No, you are!" Sorry, that had to be my favorite dracula spoof...heh. eric For Real??

07-16-2018, 07:11 PM	#82
tcwilson Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Photos: Gallery Posts: 70	Thank you for all of your responses. Before I posted, I tried all of the fixes you recommended: reformatted the card (twice), its in the correct slot, the file is in the root directory, I am holding down the menu button when I turn on the camera, I tried using a different (and freshly formatted) card.

07-16-2018, 07:24 PM	#83
alfa75ts Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,356	Originally posted by tcwilson the file is in the root directory Just to be specific, you mean the extracted fwdc220b.bin file?

07-16-2018, 08:17 PM	#84
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by alfa75ts Just to be specific, you mean the extracted fwdc220b.bin file? yes you need to decompress the file before copying it onto your card using 7-Zip or winzip, or a similar utility.

07-16-2018, 09:38 PM	#85
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by gaweidert The stated purpose of the upgrade is to improve performance of these cameras with the new 50mm f1.4 lens and then the usual reliability improvements. That is the main reason for my skepticism. It is not clear to me why there is an expectation of faster AF or faster anything. Steve

07-16-2018, 09:54 PM - 1 Like	#86
Ascencio Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 105	Originally posted by stevebrot That is the main reason for my skepticism. It is not clear to me why there is an expectation of faster AF or faster anything. Steve It's faster!!!

07-16-2018, 11:25 PM	#87
RedBoomer Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 148	Originally posted by tcwilson Thank you for all of your responses. Before I posted, I tried all of the fixes you recommended: reformatted the card (twice), its in the correct slot, the file is in the root directory, I am holding down the menu button when I turn on the camera, I tried using a different (and freshly formatted) card. I had exactly the same problem as you and fully charging the battery fixed the problem! My battery indicator said 3 bars but I charged it anyway and the problem was fixed.

07-17-2018, 08:51 AM - 1 Like	#88
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by Ascencio It's faster!!! That explains it!

07-17-2018, 08:58 AM - 3 Likes	#89
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by stevebrot That is the main reason for my skepticism. It is not clear to me why there is an expectation of faster AF or faster anything. Steve Had there been an announcement of faster AF I bet many of the same people would be grumbling instead of insignificant or no improvement.

07-17-2018, 09:28 AM - 1 Like	#90
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by Not a Number Had there been an announcement of faster AF I bet many of the same people would be grumbling instead of insignificant or no improvement. Exactly. Verifiable evidence seems to be a dying concept.