[Grokh]

Hi, colleagues!
On the Russian official Pentax-Ricoh page has appeared the new 1.02 firmware for K-3. Here is the link for update: http://www.ricoh-imaging.ru/media/f704261179be5d768bc643b779b61952/k3_102.EXE (for Windows) and http://www.ricoh-imaging.ru/media/a6c3fab268bb5b2da61fabadb868a440/k3_102.zip (for MacOS).
The file size is about 14 Mb. At the moment there is no info what is in the new firmware.

[OldNoob]

Usally they are first on the asian sites

[Grokh]

But not everytime.

[froeschle]

The changes are - according to this PDF:

Изменения в версии 1.02
• Добавлена возможность задать съемку с брекетингом по настройке АА-фильтра
• Улучшены общая стабильность и производительность камеры
• Улучшена стабильность отображения индикатора батареи при работе с батарейным блоком
• Улучшена производительность при серийной съемке в режиме автофокуса AF.C
* данное обновление прошивки включает в себя все улучшения, произведенные в предыдущих версиях

Changes in version 1.02
• Added the ability to specify shoot bracketed by setting AA filter
• Improved overall stability and performance of the camera
• Improved stability display the battery meter when working with the battery pack
• Improved performance for continuous shooting with Auto Focus AF.C
* This firmware update includes all the improvements made in previous versions

[zantaphia]

"-Added the ability to specify shoot bracketed by setting AA filter"

I've been waiting for this feature.

[awaldram]

And this
Improved performance for continuous shooting with Auto Focus AF.C

is noticeable the camera is more positive in its action.

AA bracketing works as advertised...Love the 500hz beep from it

[froeschle]

Could somebody test a teleconverter (with "power contacts") with an SDM lens and the new firmware?
The reasoning behind this: The converter on the roadmap would also require a software update of the camera...

[awaldram]

Could somebody test a teleconverter (with "power contacts") with an SDM lens and the new firmware?
The reasoning behind this: The converter on the roadmap would also require a software update of the camera...

Done no change

[derekkite]

A quick test of the afc. It seems to hunt less. 1.01 made it a bit worse, this seems to make it more positive. I pointed at low light low contrast scene with my 300mm and it definitely was better. It hunted a tiny bit but not as much as 1.01.

[Two Jugs]

Could somebody test a teleconverter (with "power contacts") with an SDM lens and the new firmware?
The reasoning behind this: The converter on the roadmap would also require a software update of the camera...

Why would a firmware change be needed for a TC? Would not a chip in the TC to modify the lens focal length code be all that is needed? Other than the focal length issue, my Kenco TC works fine, if a little slow with my DA*300mm lens.

[Wired]

• Improved performance for continuous shooting with Auto Focus AF.C

ok, this is something I can't wait to try out!

[Bonobo]

so- why the Russian site first this time around?

[Grokh]

Why not?

[lister6520]

Why would a firmware change be needed for a TC? Would not a chip in the TC to modify the lens focal length code be all that is needed? Other than the focal length issue, my Kenco TC works fine, if a little slow with my DA*300mm lens.

That is one way it could be done but another way is to have the teleconverter relay the lens data unchanged and then inform the camera of its own presence and ID. The camera, knowing the characteristics of the teleconverter would then be in a position to react approriately regarding not only the focal length but also aperture range, focusing characteristics, MTF and so on.

The way you mention is what a third party maker would have to do while the latter would be what Pentax would more likely do, being a more technically elegant solution and also having some advantages. It looks like the latter is likley even from the fact that EXIF data already has provision for reporting whether or not a rear converter (as it is referred to) was in use. There is probably also a tag somewhere which would contain the ID of the teleconverter.

[sundr]

so- why the Russian site first this time around?

It seems they choose a region to beta-test the firmware before going global. Just guessing

As for teleconverters, I didn't know there was an issue, so I grabbed my Tamron 1.4 TC to check it with my 300mm. It does hunt, but, it hunts with my K5 also and it's never shown up on my EXIF data. It may not be just a firmware issue but a TC issue. I'll have to wait to get the new firmware to see if there is a change. I'll let the Russians take it around the block a few times first

[edit: Looks like I was wrong about the beta-test:-)]