Pentax K-3 Debug Menu FYI

Unregistered User · 09-16-2014, 07:54 AM - **2 Likes**

After some surfing the net I finally found what I was looking for;

The K-3 Debug Mode

This is how you enter:

Create 2 files in the root of SD card (Make sure your computer shows the file endings, i.e .txt, .PEF, . JPG etc)

00077760.502
DEVELOP.MOD

Open and add the text [OPEN_DEBUG_MENU] to the first file.

Insert the SD card in slot 1 and turn on the camera without closing the card door.

Enable Debug Mode and press OK. You can now remove the files.

In the Menus, before the C1-menu, you now will find a hidden menu.

What do you need this for? Well, that is up to you and your imagination.

/T

DISCLAMER: YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK SO READ ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET.
JUST ENTERING THE DEBUG MODE SEEMS HARMLESS THIS FAR AND I HAVE USED IT MANY TIMES TO ADJUST THE AF ON MY OLDER CAMERAS THAT DID NOT HAVE THE FINE TUNING THE K-3 HAS.

THERE ARE MANY SETTING I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY DO...

Last edited by Unregistered User; 09-16-2014 at 08:27 AM. Reason: Added a warning

nomadkng · 09-16-2014, 08:02 AM

I'm curious as to the contents of the hidden menu and what one would use the Debug for...

rskura · 09-16-2014, 08:20 AM

Originally posted by nomadkng

I'm curious as to the contents of the hidden menu and what one would use the Debug for...

This thread is one example of what you can do from the debug menu.

Unregistered User · 09-16-2014, 08:24 AM

You can change the region settings, i.e languages. Well from Swedish region to Singapore region and back. Hopefully your can do the vise virsa...

ruggiex · 09-16-2014, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by rskura

This thread is one example of what you can do from the debug menu.

K3 doesn't seem to be able to dump and write lens firmware last time I tried. I'm not sure if the "editing" function works since I never tried.

The other thing you can do is additional AF adjustment beyond what regular menu give you since *I believe* the regular menu adjustment is in addition to debug menu adjustment.

Also, debug menu was found because of this thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/250555-resurrect...e-hacking.html AFAIK.

rskura · 09-16-2014, 08:41 AM

Originally posted by ruggiex

K3 doesn't seem to be able to dump and write lens firmware last time I tried. I'm not sure if the "editing" function works since I never tried.

Interesting . . . . I actually used my K-7 to switch my DA*16-50 to screw drive, because at the time I couldn't find how to access the K-3 debug menu.

stevebrot · 09-16-2014, 09:47 AM

The various tools that display on boot are intriguing as is the debug menu itself.

Does anyone have any idea what all this stuff does?

Steve

Unregistered User · 09-16-2014, 10:19 AM

Originally posted by ruggiex

K3 doesn't seem to be able to dump and write lens firmware last time I tried. I'm not sure if the "editing" function works since I never tried.

The other thing you can do is additional AF adjustment beyond what regular menu give you since *I believe* the regular menu adjustment is in addition to debug menu adjustment.

Also, debug menu was found because of this thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/250555-resurrect...e-hacking.html AFAIK.

To someone who does not understand all this programming lingo that thread is somewhat difficult to follow...

I found it on google+.

nomadkng · 09-16-2014, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by Tjompen1968

To someone who does not understand all this programming lingo that thread is somewhat difficult to follow...

I found it on google+.

Well if someone wants to actually compile a list of Debug Menu items and their application in an easy to follow, layman's language, it might be helpful.
That way, if anyone sees a particular feature they'd like to utilize, it would be incentive to implement Debug Mode.

As of right now, I'm curious but not inclined to Debug my K3 just to rummage around in the closet.

stevebrot · 09-16-2014, 11:47 AM

Originally posted by Tjompen1968

To someone who does not understand all this programming lingo that thread is somewhat difficult to follow...

Which is probably the best reason to proceed with caution. The so-called debug menu's purpose is not for troubleshooting or exposing hidden treasures. It appears to be a toolkit for QA purposes or to "debug" issues of firmware under development, a test harness if you would. There is huge potential to brick a camera.

Steve

rodeknyt · 09-18-2014, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by Tjompen1968

Open and add the text [OPEN_DEBUG_MENU] to the first file.

Does the necessary text include the brackets?

Unregistered User · 09-18-2014, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by rodeknyt

Does the necessary text include the brackets?

Yes it does. Write or copy:

[OPEN_DEBUG_MENU]

Jonathan Mac · 09-18-2014, 01:49 PM

I used debug to make minor changes to the AF of my K200D, which doesn't allow this at all in the normal user menu. I see no reason at all to do it for a K3, it's very risky and I don't see what benefit it could bring.

Unregistered User · 09-18-2014, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

I used debug to make minor changes to the AF of my K200D, which doesn't allow this at all in the normal user menu. I see no reason at all to do it for a K3, it's very risky and I don't see what benefit it could bring.

If you buy your camera in Singapore and bring it to Sweden you might want to be able to choose Swedish menus. Using this hack makes that possible.

stevebrot · 09-18-2014, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by Tjompen1968

If you buy your camera in Singapore and bring it to Sweden you might want to be able to choose Swedish menus. Using this hack makes that possible.

You mean like on this thread?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/265668-international-langu...ngs-k-3-a.html

Steve

09-16-2014, 07:54 AM - 2 Likes	#1
Unregistered User Guest	Pentax K-3 Debug Menu FYI After some surfing the net I finally found what I was looking for; The K-3 Debug Mode This is how you enter: Create 2 files in the root of SD card (Make sure your computer shows the file endings, i.e .txt, .PEF, . JPG etc) 00077760.502 DEVELOP.MOD Open and add the text [OPEN_DEBUG_MENU] to the first file. Insert the SD card in slot 1 and turn on the camera without closing the card door. Enable Debug Mode and press OK. You can now remove the files. In the Menus, before the C1-menu, you now will find a hidden menu. What do you need this for? Well, that is up to you and your imagination. /T DISCLAMER: YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK SO READ ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET. JUST ENTERING THE DEBUG MODE SEEMS HARMLESS THIS FAR AND I HAVE USED IT MANY TIMES TO ADJUST THE AF ON MY OLDER CAMERAS THAT DID NOT HAVE THE FINE TUNING THE K-3 HAS. THERE ARE MANY SETTING I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY DO... Last edited by Unregistered User; 09-16-2014 at 08:27 AM. Reason: Added a warning

09-18-2014, 01:23 PM	#11
rodeknyt Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CA Posts: 47	File Text Originally posted by Tjompen1968 Open and add the text [OPEN_DEBUG_MENU] to the first file. Does the necessary text include the brackets?

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09-16-2014, 08:02 AM	#2
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448	I'm curious as to the contents of the hidden menu and what one would use the Debug for...

09-16-2014, 08:20 AM	#3
rskura Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 50	Originally posted by nomadkng I'm curious as to the contents of the hidden menu and what one would use the Debug for... This thread is one example of what you can do from the debug menu.

09-16-2014, 08:24 AM	#4
Unregistered User Guest	You can change the region settings, i.e languages. Well from Swedish region to Singapore region and back. Hopefully your can do the vise virsa...

09-16-2014, 08:36 AM	#5
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	Originally posted by rskura This thread is one example of what you can do from the debug menu. K3 doesn't seem to be able to dump and write lens firmware last time I tried. I'm not sure if the "editing" function works since I never tried. The other thing you can do is additional AF adjustment beyond what regular menu give you since I believe the regular menu adjustment is in addition to debug menu adjustment. Also, debug menu was found because of this thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/250555-resurrect...e-hacking.html AFAIK.

09-16-2014, 08:41 AM	#6
rskura Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 50	Originally posted by ruggiex K3 doesn't seem to be able to dump and write lens firmware last time I tried. I'm not sure if the "editing" function works since I never tried. Interesting . . . . I actually used my K-7 to switch my DA*16-50 to screw drive, because at the time I couldn't find how to access the K-3 debug menu.

09-16-2014, 09:47 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The various tools that display on boot are intriguing as is the debug menu itself. Does anyone have any idea what all this stuff does? Steve

09-16-2014, 10:19 AM	#8
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by ruggiex K3 doesn't seem to be able to dump and write lens firmware last time I tried. I'm not sure if the "editing" function works since I never tried. The other thing you can do is additional AF adjustment beyond what regular menu give you since I believe the regular menu adjustment is in addition to debug menu adjustment. Also, debug menu was found because of this thread - https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/250555-resurrect...e-hacking.html AFAIK. To someone who does not understand all this programming lingo that thread is somewhat difficult to follow... I found it on google+.

09-16-2014, 11:03 AM	#9
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448	Originally posted by Tjompen1968 To someone who does not understand all this programming lingo that thread is somewhat difficult to follow... I found it on google+. Well if someone wants to actually compile a list of Debug Menu items and their application in an easy to follow, layman's language, it might be helpful. That way, if anyone sees a particular feature they'd like to utilize, it would be incentive to implement Debug Mode. As of right now, I'm curious but not inclined to Debug my K3 just to rummage around in the closet.

09-16-2014, 11:47 AM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Tjompen1968 To someone who does not understand all this programming lingo that thread is somewhat difficult to follow... Which is probably the best reason to proceed with caution. The so-called debug menu's purpose is not for troubleshooting or exposing hidden treasures. It appears to be a toolkit for QA purposes or to "debug" issues of firmware under development, a test harness if you would. There is huge potential to brick a camera. Steve

09-18-2014, 01:48 PM	#12
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by rodeknyt Does the necessary text include the brackets? Yes it does. Write or copy: [OPEN_DEBUG_MENU]

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09-18-2014, 01:49 PM	#13
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	I used debug to make minor changes to the AF of my K200D, which doesn't allow this at all in the normal user menu. I see no reason at all to do it for a K3, it's very risky and I don't see what benefit it could bring.

09-18-2014, 01:51 PM	#14
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I used debug to make minor changes to the AF of my K200D, which doesn't allow this at all in the normal user menu. I see no reason at all to do it for a K3, it's very risky and I don't see what benefit it could bring. If you buy your camera in Singapore and bring it to Sweden you might want to be able to choose Swedish menus. Using this hack makes that possible.

09-18-2014, 06:06 PM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Tjompen1968 If you buy your camera in Singapore and bring it to Sweden you might want to be able to choose Swedish menus. Using this hack makes that possible. You mean like on this thread? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/265668-international-langu...ngs-k-3-a.html Steve