This is the Pentax K-3 Mark III

reh321 · 04-13-2021, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by bobbotron

I'm pretty amazed, my two pentax K3 batteries are about 6 years old, still holding a good charge.

I have heard that the average battery lasts 500 charges.
I charge mine fewer than every week on average, so I expect them to last ten years each on average,
and I would expect that for the K-3iii if I followed that pattern also if I could figure out how to fit it into my budget.

Last edited by reh321; 04-13-2021 at 06:22 PM.

JPT · 04-13-2021, 06:28 PM - **6 Likes**

This just my opinion about batteries, but I'm really shocked by how many people buy the third party batteries. I think more people should consider buying the official batteries rather than the third party equivalents. For two reasons:
1. It supports the brand better (more about that below)
2. Their performance seems to be a little better, and they are guaranteed to work safely. For example, Ricoh has a new fast charger available for the K-3 III battery. This must have been tested with the official batteries to ensure safety, but I doubt any testing was done with unofficial batteries.

It's true that the Ricoh accessories can look overpriced, but I think it's best to look at it holistically. Ricoh is supporting camera and lens development for K-mount, which is a rather difficult/marginal business to be in these days. They are not making huge profits, so are they really "overpricing"? Accessories have always been a way for the camera companies to earn some extra profit. Other batteries might seem like better value, but there is value in supporting the company that develops the cameras and lenses we want.

Obviously some people are genuinely hard up and it's a significant difference to them so there is some value in having third party batteries available. But in a lot of cases, people have a choice of whether to support Ricoh (and Pentax) with a purchase or save a few pennies and not support them.

Paul the Sunman · 04-13-2021, 06:30 PM

Originally posted by Smolk

Is the release date still expected to be 23 April? (The number of posts here are such that I can't find the answer easily.)
Ricoh will inform me of the shipping date - but I'm also travelling shortly afterwards.

Friday April 30 in Australia, though this is a "due" date and subject to the vagaries of shipping. I wouldn't expect to receive my order till late the following week, even though I'm in the same city as the distributor.

**Larrymc** · 04-13-2021, 08:26 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

Reading about continuing delays in vehicle manufacturing over chip shortage and wondering if that might slow release of the K3 III

Nooooo.

dbs · 04-13-2021, 10:10 PM

Originally posted by texandrews

Well, while I do think the Pentax batteries are a bit pricey, it's still less than $50usd. As I've never had a problem with one since 2014 when I got back into Pentax, I don't really have a problem with it at that low level of cost, especially with the cost run out over time. And I feel more secure with them---I'm in a position where a battery issue isn't just an inconvenience, but more of a serious problem. And it's a business expense anyway.

Damn you Americans get it easy
The price at Ricoh Aus is $ 114 aus at current exchange rate $ 87 us

**Kobie** · 04-13-2021, 10:28 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

Reading about continuing delays in vehicle manufacturing over chip shortage and wondering if that might slow release of the K3 III

I don't see it being an issue. I work in automotive. The reason Automotive is still being hit so hard is that we don't buy bulk orders. It's never been something auto manufacturers normally do. Consumer electronics companies (computers, gaming, computer parts, cameras etc) order massive bulk quantities for their goods. Automotive is more ad-hoc and rely on a JIT (just in time) manufacturing process. They only order for the week they need and nothing more. Maybe this will change in the quarter, but I don't see that happening either.

noelpolar · 04-13-2021, 10:34 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dbs

Damn you Americans get it easy
The price at Ricoh Aus is $ 114 aus at current exchange rate $ 87 us

and for $29 aussie.... I can get 2 batteries and a USB double charger.... Amazon prime.... however... I don't need any.... but.... they do seem to hide from me.....

dbs · 04-14-2021, 01:16 AM

Originally posted by noelpolar

and for $29 aussie.... I can get 2 batteries and a USB double charger.... Amazon prime.... however... I don't need any.... but.... they do seem to hide from me.....

Hi Noel
I am comparing OEM pricing.

Dave

**Serkevan** · 04-14-2021, 02:06 AM

Originally posted by dbs

Damn you Americans get it easy
The price at Ricoh Aus is $ 114 aus at current exchange rate $ 87 us

70€ in Germany, so about $85... Even before taxes, it comes up to $70.

**Rondec** · 04-14-2021, 03:11 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by JPT

This just my opinion about batteries, but I'm really shocked by how many people buy the third party batteries. I think more people should consider buying the official batteries rather than the third party equivalents. For two reasons:
1. It supports the brand better (more about that below)
2. Their performance seems to be a little better, and they are guaranteed to work safely. For example, Ricoh has a new fast charger available for the K-3 III battery. This must have been tested with the official batteries to ensure safety, but I doubt any testing was done with unofficial batteries.

It's true that the Ricoh accessories can look overpriced, but I think it's best to look at it holistically. Ricoh is supporting camera and lens development for K-mount, which is a rather difficult/marginal business to be in these days. They are not making huge profits, so are they really "overpricing"? Accessories have always been a way for the camera companies to earn some extra profit. Other batteries might seem like better value, but there is value in supporting the company that develops the cameras and lenses we want.

Obviously some people are genuinely hard up and it's a significant difference to them so there is some value in having third party batteries available. But in a lot of cases, people have a choice of whether to support Ricoh (and Pentax) with a purchase or save a few pennies and not support them.

I have bought Watson and Wasabi batteries in the past and both style flaked out pretty quickly. A year or two of use and they stopped holding a charge as well and the off brands did quite poorly in cold weather. Obviously my sample size is pretty small, but I won't buy the off brand batteries any more. They just don't seem to last long enough to make it worthwhile.

**ThorSanchez** · 04-14-2021, 04:52 AM

Originally posted by Kobie

I don't see it being an issue. I work in automotive. The reason Automotive is still being hit so hard is that we don't buy bulk orders. It's never been something auto manufacturers normally do. Consumer electronics companies (computers, gaming, computer parts, cameras etc) order massive bulk quantities for their goods. Automotive is more ad-hoc and rely on a JIT (just in time) manufacturing process. They only order for the week they need and nothing more. Maybe this will change in the quarter, but I don't see that happening either.

The auto industry has to buy things in bulk, at least in some cases. Toyota sold almost 36,000 RAV-4s a month, even in 2020. If they ordered parts by the week you're looking at enough for 8,000 cars.

reh321 · 04-14-2021, 05:42 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

I have bought Watson and Wasabi batteries in the past and both style flaked out pretty quickly. A year or two of use and they stopped holding a charge as well and the off brands did quite poorly in cold weather. Obviously my sample size is pretty small, but I won't buy the off brand batteries any more. They just don't seem to last long enough to make it worthwhile.

We should measure time by number of charges, not number of weeks. By that measure, both my “Wasabi” and my “Kastar”
batteries have lasted about 100 by now, exactly the same as my two “Pentax” - the “Wasabi” wouldn’t charge last “80%” on my “Watson” charger, but it cost less than 50% of what a “Pentax” would, and the “”Kastar” cost even less.
I also use the same brands in my Q-7 - where all last the same ...... which Pentax ‘abandoned’ long before I did, so I certainly feel no “guilt” there.

But this thread is supposed to be about the K-3iii.

**Larrymc** · 04-14-2021, 06:49 AM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by JPT

This just my opinion about batteries, but I'm really shocked by how many people buy the third party batteries. I think more people should consider buying the official batteries rather than the third party equivalents. For two reasons:
1. It supports the brand better (more about that below)
2. Their performance seems to be a little better, and they are guaranteed to work safely. For example, Ricoh has a new fast charger available for the K-3 III battery. This must have been tested with the official batteries to ensure safety, but I doubt any testing was done with unofficial batteries.

It's true that the Ricoh accessories can look overpriced, but I think it's best to look at it holistically. Ricoh is supporting camera and lens development for K-mount, which is a rather difficult/marginal business to be in these days. They are not making huge profits, so are they really "overpricing"? Accessories have always been a way for the camera companies to earn some extra profit. Other batteries might seem like better value, but there is value in supporting the company that develops the cameras and lenses we want.

Obviously some people are genuinely hard up and it's a significant difference to them so there is some value in having third party batteries available. But in a lot of cases, people have a choice of whether to support Ricoh (and Pentax) with a purchase or save a few pennies and not support them.

As far as performance goes, I've never had a problem with the Wasabi batteries I buy. When I buy things like batteries I make a value judgement and the Wasabi battery was the better value for me. I have six batteries and I rotate their use and charge them as soon as I remove them from the camera.

Having purchased three new cameras and nine new lens from Ricoh/Pentax in the past eight years, I think I have contributed to their bottom line nicely.

texandrews · 04-14-2021, 07:14 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by dbs

Damn you Americans get it easy

Well...consumer goods and food costs, yes. Life costs, not so much.

**ThorSanchez** · 04-14-2021, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by texandrews

Well...consumer goods and food costs, yes. Life costs, not so much.

Who among our non-American members has lines on their pay check for things like "Employee health care: $300.12" and "Employer portion of heath care: $562.25". That's every other week, so annually I pay $7803.12 for heath insurance, and my employer pays $14,618.50. Total of over $22k a year. Or approximately the annual average household income in the Czech Republic or Spain.

04-14-2021, 05:42 AM	#567
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by Rondec I have bought Watson and Wasabi batteries in the past and both style flaked out pretty quickly. A year or two of use and they stopped holding a charge as well and the off brands did quite poorly in cold weather. Obviously my sample size is pretty small, but I won't buy the off brand batteries any more. They just don't seem to last long enough to make it worthwhile. We should measure time by number of charges, not number of weeks. By that measure, both my “Wasabi” and my “Kastar” batteries have lasted about 100 by now, exactly the same as my two “Pentax” - the “Wasabi” wouldn’t charge last “80%” on my “Watson” charger, but it cost less than 50% of what a “Pentax” would, and the “”Kastar” cost even less. I also use the same brands in my Q-7 - where all last the same ...... which Pentax ‘abandoned’ long before I did, so I certainly feel no “guilt” there. But this thread is supposed to be about the K-3iii. Last edited by reh321; 04-14-2021 at 05:48 AM.

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04-13-2021, 06:11 PM	#556
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by bobbotron I'm pretty amazed, my two pentax K3 batteries are about 6 years old, still holding a good charge. I have heard that the average battery lasts 500 charges. I charge mine fewer than every week on average, so I expect them to last ten years each on average, and I would expect that for the K-3iii if I followed that pattern also if I could figure out how to fit it into my budget. Last edited by reh321; 04-13-2021 at 06:22 PM.

04-13-2021, 06:28 PM - 6 Likes	#557
JPT Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,821	This just my opinion about batteries, but I'm really shocked by how many people buy the third party batteries. I think more people should consider buying the official batteries rather than the third party equivalents. For two reasons: 1. It supports the brand better (more about that below) 2. Their performance seems to be a little better, and they are guaranteed to work safely. For example, Ricoh has a new fast charger available for the K-3 III battery. This must have been tested with the official batteries to ensure safety, but I doubt any testing was done with unofficial batteries. It's true that the Ricoh accessories can look overpriced, but I think it's best to look at it holistically. Ricoh is supporting camera and lens development for K-mount, which is a rather difficult/marginal business to be in these days. They are not making huge profits, so are they really "overpricing"? Accessories have always been a way for the camera companies to earn some extra profit. Other batteries might seem like better value, but there is value in supporting the company that develops the cameras and lenses we want. Obviously some people are genuinely hard up and it's a significant difference to them so there is some value in having third party batteries available. But in a lot of cases, people have a choice of whether to support Ricoh (and Pentax) with a purchase or save a few pennies and not support them.

04-13-2021, 06:30 PM	#558
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Originally posted by Smolk Is the release date still expected to be 23 April? (The number of posts here are such that I can't find the answer easily.) Ricoh will inform me of the shipping date - but I'm also travelling shortly afterwards. Friday April 30 in Australia, though this is a "due" date and subject to the vagaries of shipping. I wouldn't expect to receive my order till late the following week, even though I'm in the same city as the distributor.

04-13-2021, 08:26 PM	#559
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by aslyfox Reading about continuing delays in vehicle manufacturing over chip shortage and wondering if that might slow release of the K3 III Nooooo.

04-13-2021, 10:10 PM	#560
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,563	Originally posted by texandrews Well, while I do think the Pentax batteries are a bit pricey, it's still less than $50usd. As I've never had a problem with one since 2014 when I got back into Pentax, I don't really have a problem with it at that low level of cost, especially with the cost run out over time. And I feel more secure with them---I'm in a position where a battery issue isn't just an inconvenience, but more of a serious problem. And it's a business expense anyway. Damn you Americans get it easy The price at Ricoh Aus is $ 114 aus at current exchange rate $ 87 us

04-13-2021, 10:28 PM	#561
Kobie Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Bowmanville Photos: Albums Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by aslyfox Reading about continuing delays in vehicle manufacturing over chip shortage and wondering if that might slow release of the K3 III I don't see it being an issue. I work in automotive. The reason Automotive is still being hit so hard is that we don't buy bulk orders. It's never been something auto manufacturers normally do. Consumer electronics companies (computers, gaming, computer parts, cameras etc) order massive bulk quantities for their goods. Automotive is more ad-hoc and rely on a JIT (just in time) manufacturing process. They only order for the week they need and nothing more. Maybe this will change in the quarter, but I don't see that happening either.

04-13-2021, 10:34 PM - 1 Like	#562
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by dbs Damn you Americans get it easy The price at Ricoh Aus is $ 114 aus at current exchange rate $ 87 us and for $29 aussie.... I can get 2 batteries and a USB double charger.... Amazon prime.... however... I don't need any.... but.... they do seem to hide from me.....

04-14-2021, 01:16 AM	#563
dbs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Clare Valley S A Photos: Albums Posts: 7,563	Originally posted by noelpolar and for $29 aussie.... I can get 2 batteries and a USB double charger.... Amazon prime.... however... I don't need any.... but.... they do seem to hide from me..... Hi Noel I am comparing OEM pricing. Dave

04-14-2021, 02:06 AM	#564
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by dbs Damn you Americans get it easy The price at Ricoh Aus is $ 114 aus at current exchange rate $ 87 us 70€ in Germany, so about $85... Even before taxes, it comes up to $70.

04-14-2021, 03:11 AM - 2 Likes	#565
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,652	Originally posted by JPT This just my opinion about batteries, but I'm really shocked by how many people buy the third party batteries. I think more people should consider buying the official batteries rather than the third party equivalents. For two reasons: 1. It supports the brand better (more about that below) 2. Their performance seems to be a little better, and they are guaranteed to work safely. For example, Ricoh has a new fast charger available for the K-3 III battery. This must have been tested with the official batteries to ensure safety, but I doubt any testing was done with unofficial batteries. It's true that the Ricoh accessories can look overpriced, but I think it's best to look at it holistically. Ricoh is supporting camera and lens development for K-mount, which is a rather difficult/marginal business to be in these days. They are not making huge profits, so are they really "overpricing"? Accessories have always been a way for the camera companies to earn some extra profit. Other batteries might seem like better value, but there is value in supporting the company that develops the cameras and lenses we want. Obviously some people are genuinely hard up and it's a significant difference to them so there is some value in having third party batteries available. But in a lot of cases, people have a choice of whether to support Ricoh (and Pentax) with a purchase or save a few pennies and not support them. I have bought Watson and Wasabi batteries in the past and both style flaked out pretty quickly. A year or two of use and they stopped holding a charge as well and the off brands did quite poorly in cold weather. Obviously my sample size is pretty small, but I won't buy the off brand batteries any more. They just don't seem to last long enough to make it worthwhile.

04-14-2021, 04:52 AM	#566
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,806	Originally posted by Kobie I don't see it being an issue. I work in automotive. The reason Automotive is still being hit so hard is that we don't buy bulk orders. It's never been something auto manufacturers normally do. Consumer electronics companies (computers, gaming, computer parts, cameras etc) order massive bulk quantities for their goods. Automotive is more ad-hoc and rely on a JIT (just in time) manufacturing process. They only order for the week they need and nothing more. Maybe this will change in the quarter, but I don't see that happening either. The auto industry has to buy things in bulk, at least in some cases. Toyota sold almost 36,000 RAV-4s a month, even in 2020. If they ordered parts by the week you're looking at enough for 8,000 cars.

04-14-2021, 06:49 AM - 4 Likes	#568
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by JPT This just my opinion about batteries, but I'm really shocked by how many people buy the third party batteries. I think more people should consider buying the official batteries rather than the third party equivalents. For two reasons: 1. It supports the brand better (more about that below) 2. Their performance seems to be a little better, and they are guaranteed to work safely. For example, Ricoh has a new fast charger available for the K-3 III battery. This must have been tested with the official batteries to ensure safety, but I doubt any testing was done with unofficial batteries. It's true that the Ricoh accessories can look overpriced, but I think it's best to look at it holistically. Ricoh is supporting camera and lens development for K-mount, which is a rather difficult/marginal business to be in these days. They are not making huge profits, so are they really "overpricing"? Accessories have always been a way for the camera companies to earn some extra profit. Other batteries might seem like better value, but there is value in supporting the company that develops the cameras and lenses we want. Obviously some people are genuinely hard up and it's a significant difference to them so there is some value in having third party batteries available. But in a lot of cases, people have a choice of whether to support Ricoh (and Pentax) with a purchase or save a few pennies and not support them. As far as performance goes, I've never had a problem with the Wasabi batteries I buy. When I buy things like batteries I make a value judgement and the Wasabi battery was the better value for me. I have six batteries and I rotate their use and charge them as soon as I remove them from the camera. Having purchased three new cameras and nine new lens from Ricoh/Pentax in the past eight years, I think I have contributed to their bottom line nicely.

04-14-2021, 07:14 AM - 2 Likes	#569
texandrews Moderator Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Baltimore Photos: Albums Posts: 3,390	Originally posted by dbs Damn you Americans get it easy Well...consumer goods and food costs, yes. Life costs, not so much.

04-14-2021, 08:24 AM	#570
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,806	Originally posted by texandrews Well...consumer goods and food costs, yes. Life costs, not so much. Who among our non-American members has lines on their pay check for things like "Employee health care: $300.12" and "Employer portion of heath care: $562.25". That's every other week, so annually I pay $7803.12 for heath insurance, and my employer pays $14,618.50. Total of over $22k a year. Or approximately the annual average household income in the Czech Republic or Spain.