K-3 Mark III Specification -- "Aperture Information Record" customization

**c.a.m** · 10-28-2020, 05:50 PM - **1 Like**

In the specifications for the K-3 Mark III, the Customization>Settings lists "Aperture Information Record."

Progress report on PENTAX's new APS-C-format digital SLR flagship camera?RICOH IMAGING

I believe this is a new customization feature -- for example, I didn't see it in the K-1 or KP specs.

Any thoughts as to the function of this feature?

I would guess that it allows the user to record the aperture of manual, non-A, lenses for each shot. Imagine having a block of standard aperture values displayed on the rear LCD touch-screen monitor; the photographer then presses the f/value used in the last shot.

Perhaps this is Ricoh Imaging inserting another little detail that caters to us users of those great vintage Pentax lenses.

- Craig

Last edited by c.a.m; 10-28-2020 at 06:28 PM.

stevebrot · 10-28-2020, 06:29 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by c.a.m

Any thoughts as to the function of this feature?

Clumsy translation?

Steve

Unregistered User · 10-29-2020, 01:29 AM

My first thought was the setting for using the manual aperture, given the other options before and after "Aperture Recording Information" when I read it earlier this week. I think Steve is right. Clumsy.

tvdtvdtvd · 10-29-2020, 07:31 AM

Originally posted by AfterPentax

My first thought was the setting for using the manual aperture, given the other options before and after "Aperture Recording Information" when I read it earlier this week. I think Steve is right. Clumsy.

My thoughts too.

Wasp · 10-29-2020, 08:01 AM

Perhaps the mechanical coupling that interfaces lens with the camera is back. You know, the one that every Pentax camera had back in the day, i.e. the non-crippled K mount. We can only dream...

**c.a.m** · 10-29-2020, 08:42 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Clumsy translation?

Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd

My thoughts too.

Originally posted by AfterPentax

I think Steve is right. Clumsy.

Thanks for your comments.

I suppose that a mis-translation is possible, although I've found that the spec sheets (and corresponding camera-menu items) for the various recent Pentax cameras are fairly precise and unambiguous. The Google translation of the Japanese language specifications gives "aperture information recording."

Originally posted by Wasp

Perhaps the mechanical coupling that interfaces lens with the camera is back.

I never thought of that possibility.

It's a mystery.

- Craig

stevebrot · 10-29-2020, 08:45 AM

Originally posted by Wasp

Perhaps the mechanical coupling that interfaces lens with the camera is back. You know, the one that every Pentax camera had back in the day, i.e. the non-crippled K mount. We can only dream...

That would have been visible on the photos, right? I think there are a few of us that remember what the non-crippled mount looks like.

Steve

**kwb** · 10-29-2020, 11:05 PM - **10 Likes**

Clumsy translation, yes.

The original Japanese text is 絞り情報記録. 絞り=aperture, 情報=information, 記録 is a noun which could be interpreted like an infinitive verb "to record" or just a simple noun "record".

I think they could have easily used the English word "save" for 記録 as they did for "Save Rotation Information" or they could have used different Japanese word as they used 入力 (input) for "Input Focal Length".

**clackers** · 10-29-2020, 11:11 PM - **6 Likes**

Originally posted by kwb

Clumsy translation, yes.

The original Japanese text is 絞り情報記録. 絞り=aperture, 情報=information, 記録 is a noun which could be interpreted like an infinitive verb "to record" or just a simple noun "record".

I think they could have easily used the English word "save" for 記録 as they did for "Save Rotation Information" or they could have used different Japanese word as they used 入力 (input) for "Input Focal Length".

What a fantastic asset you are to this community, Kwb!

Wheatfield · 10-30-2020, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

That would have been visible on the photos, right? I think there are a few of us that remember what the non-crippled mount looks like.

Steve

I had a talk with the Pentax representative that was one of the driving forces behind the Grandfather Mountain Nature Photography Weekend a number of years ago. He indicated that the aperture cam follower was gone for good.
This was when Pentax was still Pentax, not a name on another company's door, so it's always possible that Ricoh has other plans, but somehow I suspect that we can forget about that as a flight if fancy and not much else.

**c.a.m** · 10-31-2020, 08:44 AM

Originally posted by kwb

Clumsy translation, yes.
The original Japanese text is 絞り情報記録. 絞り=aperture, 情報=information, 記録 is a noun which could be interpreted like an infinitive verb "to record" or just a simple noun "record".
I think they could have easily used the English word "save" for 記録 as they did for "Save Rotation Information" or they could have used different Japanese word as they used 入力 (input) for "Input Focal Length".

@kwb, thanks for your very helpful analysis!

So, in general, I still wonder about the function of this customization item.

On my K-3 II, the only menu item related to aperture customization is C4-26 "Using Aperture Ring," which doesn't refer directly to an aperture value or aperture information.

The item in the new specification sheet might mean 'Save Aperture Information' or 'Input Aperture Information'. If so, it might be a replacement for "Using Aperture Ring," although that wording would seem awkward. Alternatively, it could be a new function.

- Craig

stevebrot · 10-31-2020, 11:01 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by c.a.m

The item in the new specification sheet might mean 'Save Aperture Information' or 'Input Aperture Information'.

Wild speculation might be a crust thrown to aperture ring lens users to allow input of the set aperture for accurate metering.

Steve

thibs · 11-01-2020, 05:53 AM

And/or allowing for multi-pattern metering ?
Like Nikon F6 did ?

Not a Number · 11-01-2020, 07:16 AM

As I recall one video on using one of the Laowa lens on a Nikon body Nikon had a similar function for entering in the f-stop or the f-stop range of the lens.

Using a dial or 4 way controller to step through sequentially through the choices or setting the individual digits is time consuming and clumsy. A numeric keypad on a touch-screen would be a great step forward in ease of use.

**mlt** · 11-01-2020, 08:52 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

As I recall one video on using one of the Laowa lens on a Nikon body Nikon had a similar function for entering in the f-stop or the f-stop range of the lens.

Using a dial or 4 way controller to step through sequentially through the choices or setting the individual digits is time consuming and clumsy. A numeric keypad on a touch-screen would be a great step forward in ease of use.

That (aperture range limiting) would be unique. Only allow the aperture setting to be set automatically between certain values before either an iso or shutter speed change kicks in or warning appears for limiting diffraction issues could get lots of interesting comments in reviews

10-28-2020, 05:50 PM - 1 Like	#1
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189	K-3 Mark III Specification -- "Aperture Information Record" customization In the specifications for the K-3 Mark III, the Customization>Settings lists "Aperture Information Record." Progress report on PENTAX's new APS-C-format digital SLR flagship camera?RICOH IMAGING I believe this is a new customization feature -- for example, I didn't see it in the K-1 or KP specs. Any thoughts as to the function of this feature? I would guess that it allows the user to record the aperture of manual, non-A, lenses for each shot. Imagine having a block of standard aperture values displayed on the rear LCD touch-screen monitor; the photographer then presses the f/value used in the last shot. Perhaps this is Ricoh Imaging inserting another little detail that caters to us users of those great vintage Pentax lenses. - Craig Last edited by c.a.m; 10-28-2020 at 06:28 PM.

10-29-2020, 01:29 AM	#3
Unregistered User Guest	My first thought was the setting for using the manual aperture, given the other options before and after "Aperture Recording Information" when I read it earlier this week. I think Steve is right. Clumsy. Last edited by Unregistered User; 10-29-2020 at 01:30 AM. Reason: typo

10-29-2020, 08:42 AM	#6
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot Clumsy translation? Originally posted by tvdtvdtvd My thoughts too. Originally posted by AfterPentax I think Steve is right. Clumsy. Thanks for your comments. I suppose that a mis-translation is possible, although I've found that the spec sheets (and corresponding camera-menu items) for the various recent Pentax cameras are fairly precise and unambiguous. The Google translation of the Japanese language specifications gives "aperture information recording." Originally posted by Wasp Perhaps the mechanical coupling that interfaces lens with the camera is back. I never thought of that possibility. It's a mystery. - Craig Last edited by c.a.m; 10-29-2020 at 08:49 AM.

10-31-2020, 08:44 AM	#11
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189 Original Poster	Originally posted by kwb Clumsy translation, yes. The original Japanese text is 絞り情報記録. 絞り=aperture, 情報=information, 記録 is a noun which could be interpreted like an infinitive verb "to record" or just a simple noun "record". I think they could have easily used the English word "save" for 記録 as they did for "Save Rotation Information" or they could have used different Japanese word as they used 入力 (input) for "Input Focal Length". @kwb, thanks for your very helpful analysis! So, in general, I still wonder about the function of this customization item. On my K-3 II, the only menu item related to aperture customization is C4-26 "Using Aperture Ring," which doesn't refer directly to an aperture value or aperture information. The item in the new specification sheet might mean 'Save Aperture Information' or 'Input Aperture Information'. If so, it might be a replacement for "Using Aperture Ring," although that wording would seem awkward. Alternatively, it could be a new function. - Craig Last edited by c.a.m; 11-01-2020 at 06:43 AM.

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10-28-2020, 06:29 PM - 1 Like	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by c.a.m Any thoughts as to the function of this feature? Clumsy translation? Steve

10-29-2020, 07:31 AM	#4
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by AfterPentax My first thought was the setting for using the manual aperture, given the other options before and after "Aperture Recording Information" when I read it earlier this week. I think Steve is right. Clumsy. My thoughts too.

10-29-2020, 08:01 AM	#5
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,661	Perhaps the mechanical coupling that interfaces lens with the camera is back. You know, the one that every Pentax camera had back in the day, i.e. the non-crippled K mount. We can only dream...

10-29-2020, 08:45 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Wasp Perhaps the mechanical coupling that interfaces lens with the camera is back. You know, the one that every Pentax camera had back in the day, i.e. the non-crippled K mount. We can only dream... That would have been visible on the photos, right? I think there are a few of us that remember what the non-crippled mount looks like. Steve

10-29-2020, 11:05 PM - 10 Likes	#8
kwb Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Pacific North West Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,223	Clumsy translation, yes. The original Japanese text is 絞り情報記録. 絞り=aperture, 情報=information, 記録 is a noun which could be interpreted like an infinitive verb "to record" or just a simple noun "record". I think they could have easily used the English word "save" for 記録 as they did for "Save Rotation Information" or they could have used different Japanese word as they used 入力 (input) for "Input Focal Length".

10-29-2020, 11:11 PM - 6 Likes	#9
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by kwb Clumsy translation, yes. The original Japanese text is 絞り情報記録. 絞り=aperture, 情報=information, 記録 is a noun which could be interpreted like an infinitive verb "to record" or just a simple noun "record". I think they could have easily used the English word "save" for 記録 as they did for "Save Rotation Information" or they could have used different Japanese word as they used 入力 (input) for "Input Focal Length". What a fantastic asset you are to this community, Kwb!

10-30-2020, 09:46 AM	#10
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by stevebrot That would have been visible on the photos, right? I think there are a few of us that remember what the non-crippled mount looks like. Steve I had a talk with the Pentax representative that was one of the driving forces behind the Grandfather Mountain Nature Photography Weekend a number of years ago. He indicated that the aperture cam follower was gone for good. This was when Pentax was still Pentax, not a name on another company's door, so it's always possible that Ricoh has other plans, but somehow I suspect that we can forget about that as a flight if fancy and not much else.

10-31-2020, 11:01 AM - 1 Like	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by c.a.m The item in the new specification sheet might mean 'Save Aperture Information' or 'Input Aperture Information'. Wild speculation might be a crust thrown to aperture ring lens users to allow input of the set aperture for accurate metering. Steve

11-01-2020, 05:53 AM	#13
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	And/or allowing for multi-pattern metering ? Like Nikon F6 did ?

11-01-2020, 07:16 AM	#14
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	As I recall one video on using one of the Laowa lens on a Nikon body Nikon had a similar function for entering in the f-stop or the f-stop range of the lens. Using a dial or 4 way controller to step through sequentially through the choices or setting the individual digits is time consuming and clumsy. A numeric keypad on a touch-screen would be a great step forward in ease of use.

11-01-2020, 08:52 AM	#15
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	Originally posted by Not a Number As I recall one video on using one of the Laowa lens on a Nikon body Nikon had a similar function for entering in the f-stop or the f-stop range of the lens. Using a dial or 4 way controller to step through sequentially through the choices or setting the individual digits is time consuming and clumsy. A numeric keypad on a touch-screen would be a great step forward in ease of use. That (aperture range limiting) would be unique. Only allow the aperture setting to be set automatically between certain values before either an iso or shutter speed change kicks in or warning appears for limiting diffraction issues could get lots of interesting comments in reviews