New Firmware Released

**UncleVanya** · 04-15-2021, 08:03 PM

I’m going to do this to my k-3 and KP this weekend.

leekil · 04-15-2021, 08:09 PM

FA31 focus seemed more decisive after the firmware update, but that could just be psychophotography.

leekil · 04-15-2021, 08:21 PM - **1 Like**

No, it says for all the FA limiteds, at least how I interpret it:

"Optimized focus operation for new lenses HD PENTAX-FA 31 mm F1.8 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 43 mm F1.9 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 77 mm F1.8 Limited lenses and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses."

Class A · 04-15-2021, 08:25 PM

Originally posted by leekil

"... and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses."

Ah, thanks!

I didn't catch that part.

Belcik · 04-15-2021, 09:34 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by FozzFoster

Looks like many cameras are getting a firmware update available on April 15 2021 which includes:

"Optimized focus operation for new lenses HD PENTAX-FA 31 mm F1.8 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 43 mm F1.9 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 77 mm F1.8 Limited lenses and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses."

RICOH IMAGING

PENTAX K-1 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.54)
PENTAX K-1 Mark II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.20)
PENTAX KP FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.30)
PENTAX K-70 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.12)
PENTAX K-3 II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.11)
PENTAX K-3 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.42)

I wonder if we will see the K-3 III firmware added soon too.

Will do that only for the last two lenses

**Nakedgun** · 04-15-2021, 10:34 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by FozzFoster

Looks like many cameras are getting a firmware update available on April 15 2021 which includes:

"Optimized focus operation for new lenses HD PENTAX-FA 31 mm F1.8 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 43 mm F1.9 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 77 mm F1.8 Limited lenses and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses."

RICOH IMAGING

PENTAX K-1 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.54)
PENTAX K-1 Mark II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.20)
PENTAX KP FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.30)
PENTAX K-70 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.12)
PENTAX K-3 II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.11)
PENTAX K-3 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.42)

I wonder if we will see the K-3 III firmware added soon too.

Many thanks!
Done & done.

RobSpain · 04-16-2021, 12:54 AM

Originally posted by Mistral75

Concerning the K-70, there is also a bug fix:

Thanks for that!

I've now just updated my K-70 with the latest firmware. No noticeable differences but everything seems to work ok!

Last edited by RobSpain; 04-16-2021 at 01:35 AM.

Andrea K · 04-16-2021, 01:08 AM

who knows what is the improvement with the "old" smc and why there was something to improve..

wiseman · 04-16-2021, 01:37 AM

I had to connect my KP to my PC with a USB cable to copy the update file onto the SD card. The firmware update performed correctly.

My question is whether anyone was able to copy the update fine onto the SD card by inserting the card into a PC or laptop. My PC and laptop (both windows 10) would not copy the file onto the SD card stating that the card was write protected. Yes, the slider on the SD card was in the unlock position.

Anyhow, I did get my camera updated, but I would like to know why the SD card seems to only be writable while in the camera.

Thanks for any help!

Reed · 04-16-2021, 01:38 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Andrea K

who knows what is the improvement with the "old" smc and why there was something to improve..

I do not own any of three amigos at the moment, but I've test shoot some of my lenses on lensalign target- and on K-1II I've found two things that are intriguing me- Sigma 85 EX DG now works flawlessly on zeroed micro adjustment, previously it was set to +4 for optimal results with this test setup, Pentax HD FA 35/2 while not needing any microadjutment, and had tendency to get a bit overfocus, and then go back (extremely fast, so not a problem, I had both SMC and HD, and both worked that way)- now it drives straight to spot on in one run no matter of focusing direction without going back.

@banangrg tested his SMC Limiteds on KP, maybe he noticed something more

bxf · 04-16-2021, 02:02 AM

Originally posted by wiseman

I had to connect my KP to my PC with a USB cable to copy the update file onto the SD card. The firmware update performed correctly.

My question is whether anyone was able to copy the update fine onto the SD card by inserting the card into a PC or laptop. My PC and laptop (both windows 10) would not copy the file onto the SD card stating that the card was write protected. Yes, the slider on the SD card was in the unlock position.

Anyhow, I did get my camera updated, but I would like to know why the SD card seems to only be writable while in the camera.

Thanks for any help!

I keep notes of some of my activities and experience with my laptop. One of my notes is this:

If Windows says SD card is write-protected when it is not, move the Lock switch on the card part way between Lock and Unlock.

banangrg · 04-16-2021, 02:07 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Reed

I do not own any of three amigos at the moment, but I've test shoot some of my lenses on lensalign target- and on K-1II I've found two things that are intriguing me- Sigma 85 EX DG now works flawlessly on zeroed micro adjustment, previously it was set to +4 for optimal results with this test setup, Pentax HD FA 35/2 while not needing any microadjutment, and had tendency to get a bit overfocus, and then go back (extremely fast, so not a problem, I had both SMC and HD, and both worked that way)- now it drives straight to spot on in one run no matter of focusing direction without going back.

@banangrg tested his SMC Limiteds on KP, maybe he noticed something more

As the Ricoh mentioned, the focusing algorithm has been optimized while using these lenses (also SMC ones).

I have tested all lenses in the late evening, in dim lit room (ISO 1000-1600, SS about 1/100, lenses wide open).
Before the update, the 31 was the least accurrate - while now there's a big improvement on KP. 77 and 43 seem to work better too.

Even the old FA* 85 seem less quirky in it's focusing, but it's not as big change as in case of the FA Limited trio.
50-135 works nicer and more precise during focusing without a "half-stops" (some micro readjustments before final "locking" on the target) as it happened before.

house · 04-16-2021, 02:31 AM

This is tricky business to evaluate. I should have held back from upgrading to do before after tests.

nonpigliounoshoot · 04-16-2021, 03:36 AM

I have k70 and FA 31, I have no problems, why should I do this?

Reed · 04-16-2021, 03:42 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot

I have k70 and FA 31, I have no problems, why should I do this?

Behind every firmware release notes stated for public, there is also way more things fixed in the background that are not publicized. Consider firmware updates as a basic tool maintenance that should be done just in case.

04-16-2021, 01:37 AM	#69
wiseman Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Peachtree City, Georgia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 102	Using the camera SD card for firmware update I had to connect my KP to my PC with a USB cable to copy the update file onto the SD card. The firmware update performed correctly. My question is whether anyone was able to copy the update fine onto the SD card by inserting the card into a PC or laptop. My PC and laptop (both windows 10) would not copy the file onto the SD card stating that the card was write protected. Yes, the slider on the SD card was in the unlock position. Anyhow, I did get my camera updated, but I would like to know why the SD card seems to only be writable while in the camera. Thanks for any help!

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04-15-2021, 08:03 PM	#61
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	I’m going to do this to my k-3 and KP this weekend.

04-15-2021, 08:09 PM	#62
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	FA31 focus seemed more decisive after the firmware update, but that could just be psychophotography.

04-15-2021, 08:21 PM - 1 Like	#63
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	No, it says for all the FA limiteds, at least how I interpret it: "Optimized focus operation for new lenses HD PENTAX-FA 31 mm F1.8 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 43 mm F1.9 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 77 mm F1.8 Limited lenses and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses."

04-15-2021, 08:25 PM	#64
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by leekil "... and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses." Ah, thanks! I didn't catch that part.

04-15-2021, 09:34 PM - 2 Likes	#65
Belcik Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Russia,Moscow Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 377	Originally posted by FozzFoster Looks like many cameras are getting a firmware update available on April 15 2021 which includes: "Optimized focus operation for new lenses HD PENTAX-FA 31 mm F1.8 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 43 mm F1.9 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 77 mm F1.8 Limited lenses and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses." RICOH IMAGING PENTAX K-1 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.54) PENTAX K-1 Mark II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.20) PENTAX KP FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.30) PENTAX K-70 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.12) PENTAX K-3 II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.11) PENTAX K-3 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.42) I wonder if we will see the K-3 III firmware added soon too. Will do that only for the last two lenses

04-15-2021, 10:34 PM - 1 Like	#66
Nakedgun Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Southwest Posts: 1,365	Originally posted by FozzFoster Looks like many cameras are getting a firmware update available on April 15 2021 which includes: "Optimized focus operation for new lenses HD PENTAX-FA 31 mm F1.8 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 43 mm F1.9 Limited, HD PENTAX-FA 77 mm F1.8 Limited lenses and smc PENTAX-FA 31mm F1.8AL limited, smc PENTAX-FA 43mm F1.9AL limited and smc PENTAX-FA 77mm F1.8AL limited lenses." RICOH IMAGING PENTAX K-1 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.54) PENTAX K-1 Mark II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.20) PENTAX KP FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.30) PENTAX K-70 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.12) PENTAX K-3 II FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.11) PENTAX K-3 FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION (1.42) I wonder if we will see the K-3 III firmware added soon too. Many thanks! Done & done.

04-16-2021, 12:54 AM	#67
RobSpain Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Malaga province Posts: 488	Originally posted by Mistral75 Concerning the K-70, there is also a bug fix: Thanks for that! I've now just updated my K-70 with the latest firmware. No noticeable differences but everything seems to work ok! Last edited by RobSpain; 04-16-2021 at 01:35 AM.

04-16-2021, 01:08 AM	#68
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	who knows what is the improvement with the "old" smc and why there was something to improve..

04-16-2021, 01:38 AM - 1 Like	#70
Reed Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 638	Originally posted by Andrea K who knows what is the improvement with the "old" smc and why there was something to improve.. I do not own any of three amigos at the moment, but I've test shoot some of my lenses on lensalign target- and on K-1II I've found two things that are intriguing me- Sigma 85 EX DG now works flawlessly on zeroed micro adjustment, previously it was set to +4 for optimal results with this test setup, Pentax HD FA 35/2 while not needing any microadjutment, and had tendency to get a bit overfocus, and then go back (extremely fast, so not a problem, I had both SMC and HD, and both worked that way)- now it drives straight to spot on in one run no matter of focusing direction without going back. @banangrg tested his SMC Limiteds on KP, maybe he noticed something more

04-16-2021, 02:02 AM	#71
bxf Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lisbon area Posts: 1,660	Originally posted by wiseman I had to connect my KP to my PC with a USB cable to copy the update file onto the SD card. The firmware update performed correctly. My question is whether anyone was able to copy the update fine onto the SD card by inserting the card into a PC or laptop. My PC and laptop (both windows 10) would not copy the file onto the SD card stating that the card was write protected. Yes, the slider on the SD card was in the unlock position. Anyhow, I did get my camera updated, but I would like to know why the SD card seems to only be writable while in the camera. Thanks for any help! I keep notes of some of my activities and experience with my laptop. One of my notes is this: If Windows says SD card is write-protected when it is not, move the Lock switch on the card part way between Lock and Unlock.

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04-16-2021, 02:07 AM - 1 Like	#72
banangrg New Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 10	Originally posted by Reed I do not own any of three amigos at the moment, but I've test shoot some of my lenses on lensalign target- and on K-1II I've found two things that are intriguing me- Sigma 85 EX DG now works flawlessly on zeroed micro adjustment, previously it was set to +4 for optimal results with this test setup, Pentax HD FA 35/2 while not needing any microadjutment, and had tendency to get a bit overfocus, and then go back (extremely fast, so not a problem, I had both SMC and HD, and both worked that way)- now it drives straight to spot on in one run no matter of focusing direction without going back. @banangrg tested his SMC Limiteds on KP, maybe he noticed something more As the Ricoh mentioned, the focusing algorithm has been optimized while using these lenses (also SMC ones). I have tested all lenses in the late evening, in dim lit room (ISO 1000-1600, SS about 1/100, lenses wide open). Before the update, the 31 was the least accurrate - while now there's a big improvement on KP. 77 and 43 seem to work better too. Even the old FA* 85 seem less quirky in it's focusing, but it's not as big change as in case of the FA Limited trio. 50-135 works nicer and more precise during focusing without a "half-stops" (some micro readjustments before final "locking" on the target) as it happened before.

04-16-2021, 02:31 AM	#73
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	This is tricky business to evaluate. I should have held back from upgrading to do before after tests.

04-16-2021, 03:36 AM	#74
nonpigliounoshoot Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2019 Posts: 735	I have k70 and FA 31, I have no problems, why should I do this?

04-16-2021, 03:42 AM - 3 Likes	#75
Reed Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 638	Originally posted by nonpigliounoshoot I have k70 and FA 31, I have no problems, why should I do this? Behind every firmware release notes stated for public, there is also way more things fixed in the background that are not publicized. Consider firmware updates as a basic tool maintenance that should be done just in case.