I would love to eventually see Pentax produce a monochrome version of K-1/K-3/K-70

Kendra59 · 04-29-2021, 06:22 PM

Pentax has a fairly limited footprint in the digital camera market (compared to Canon, Nikon, etc), and doesn't have any mirrorless models. That is fine by me, as my K-50 with Pentax prime lenses is a light weight package anyway. The new K-3iii just introduced looks like a really nice camera. If Pentax could do a monochrome (B & W sensor) version of it, the K-1ii, or even f the K-70, I bet that would generate some extra sales. I know I would be all over it. Just a thought...

bobmaxja · 04-29-2021, 07:39 PM - **1 Like**

It will never happen,

**Photos-by-Chas** · 04-30-2021, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by Kendra59

Pentax has a fairly limited footprint in the digital camera market (compared to Canon, Nikon, etc), and doesn't have any mirrorless models. That is fine by me, as my K-50 with Pentax prime lenses is a light weight package anyway. The new K-3iii just introduced looks like a really nice camera. If Pentax could do a monochrome (B & W sensor) version of it, the K-1ii, or even f the K-70, I bet that would generate some extra sales. I know I would be all over it. Just a thought...

They already do make that possible. Each Pentax DSLR has the capability to do just that, with only a few adjustments in the menus. Open the menu, go to the custom image setting and choose the BW setting. You will take only monochrome photos, until you change it to a different setting.

**carlb** · 04-30-2021, 02:50 PM

I suspect that only someone like Leica could get away with that. And as mentioned above, all Pentax cameras already have that ability.

Kendra59 · 04-30-2021, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Photos-by-Chas

They already do make that possible. Each Pentax DSLR has the capability to do just that, with only a few adjustments in the menus. Open the menu, go to the custom image setting and choose the BW setting. You will take only monochrome photos, until you change it to a different setting.

I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that?

Sony apparently released a special version of the A6000 that could do this, and while it was expensive compared to the “standard” version, it wasn’t 3x the price. Phase One made (still makes?) a medium format digital camera that captures B & W in RAW, but it was very expensive. Anyway, it would probably never happen because of the limited potential buyer pool vs cost to manufacture…

**ProfessorBuzz** · 05-01-2021, 05:46 AM

Originally posted by Kendra59

I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that?

Sony apparently released a special version of the A6000 that could do this, and while it was expensive compared to the “standard” version, it wasn’t 3x the price. Phase One made (still makes?) a medium format digital camera that captures B & W in RAW, but it was very expensive. Anyway, it would probably never happen because of the limited potential buyer pool vs cost to manufacture…

Technically, Sony has to have a monochrome version of the IMX094 sensor without the RGGB Bayer Matrix. I don't believe they produced that version, so it's not possible.

Kendra59 · 05-01-2021, 06:19 AM

Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz

Technically, Sony has to have a monochrome version of the IMX094 sensor without the RGGB Bayer Matrix. I don't believe they produced that version, so it's not possible.

I did a bit of looking on the internet, and it turns out you are right (and I was not). SONY didn't make a monochrome version, but there is a company that sells a converted version:
Sony Monochrome

I am not plugging this company; I am just saying monochrome digital camera bodies in a full frame or APS-C format camera bodies have some appeal, and it would be a great "what if Pentax did THIS project."

**Photos-by-Chas** · 05-01-2021, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by Kendra59

I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that?

Sony apparently released a special version of the A6000 that could do this, and while it was expensive compared to the “standard” version, it wasn’t 3x the price. Phase One made (still makes?) a medium format digital camera that captures B & W in RAW, but it was very expensive. Anyway, it would probably never happen because of the limited potential buyer pool vs cost to manufacture…

I have two Pentax K-x and a K70, all of which I can set to take B/W photos in Raw files. One does not need a sensor solely for monochrome photos, simply set your camera to BW images and RAW files. it will do it for you. Setting to B/W images will not preclude RAW files being taken.

Why purchase a second camera to take only B/W photos when your current camera is fully able to take photos as B/W, even if the second camera would not cost as much as the camera you now own, which can take RAW B/W photos.

Wheatfield · 05-01-2021, 10:01 AM

It's not likely going to happen. Either use the monochrome mode, set it up as a user mode for faster access, or, if you have time and the subject allows, use pixel shift and then do a monochrome conversion in post. This does work very, very well and can also be set up as a user mode.

**ThorSanchez** · 05-01-2021, 10:14 AM

There are some advantages in having a monochrome sensor without the Bayer filter array. Better noise for a given ISO, better resolution, maybe some others.

But I think that for a large majority of photographers, in a large majority of use cases, the difference between a monochrome camera and converting a color image to B&W is small. For many or maybe even most viewing situations perhaps even impossible to discern.

So a monochrome camera is necessarily a small niche. And Pentax itself is already a small niche. I'd guess sales of a monochrome K-3 III would be a few hundred cameras at $3000, $4000, $5000 each. Hard to make the business case unless my guess is very far off.

Lord Lucan · 05-01-2021, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by Kendra59

I would love to eventually see Pentax produce a monochrome version of K-1/K-3/K-70
..........
I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that?

I have just checked my K-1 and found that it can take B&W pictures in RAW mode, and Photos-by-Chas said the same about the K-x and K-70. Perhaps you should have checked what is already available. If you want Pentax to use a sensor that can only see B&W, they will need to find a supplier first, and for a very limited production run. Few people would pay probably a lot more for a camera that is restricted in its use, while cameras that can do that and more are available for less money.

Wheatfield · 05-01-2021, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by ThorSanchez

There are some advantages in having a monochrome sensor without the Bayer filter array. Better noise for a given ISO, better resolution, maybe some others.
.

Hence using, if possible, the pixel shift mode as it negates the Bayer filter.

**carlb** · 05-01-2021, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by ThorSanchez

So a monochrome camera is necessarily a small niche. And Pentax itself is already a small niche. I'd guess sales of a monochrome K-3 III would be a few hundred cameras at $3000, $4000, $5000 each. Hard to make the business case unless my guess is very far off.

I can't imagine that they would even sell that many given that, as others have said, any Pentax camera can take a B & W shot with its current sensor anyway.

wkadruje · 05-02-2021, 04:24 AM

Originally posted by ThorSanchez

There are some advantages in having a monochrome sensor without the Bayer filter array. Better noise for a given ISO, better resolution, maybe some others.

Leaving the business feasibility aside, and for only semi-technically-minded non-engineers: what (why/how) are the differences/ benefits of B&W sensors over just changing the settings in-camera? (a link to some good info would be enough)

**ProfessorBuzz** · 05-02-2021, 05:41 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by chriswill

Leaving the business feasibility aside, and for only semi-technically-minded non-engineers: what (why/how) are the differences/ benefits of B&W sensors over just changing the settings in-camera? (a link to some good info would be enough)

Simply put, monochrome sensors = you get 4x the resolution, and the full quantum efficiency of every pixel.
In the colour version - RGGB filters take 4 pixels to give a colour pixel. So a 36megapixel colour sensor is effectively a 9megapixel colour image.
In a mono camera, since there is no coloured filter array, all the light gets through - so better low light performance.

04-29-2021, 06:22 PM	#1
Kendra59 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 187	I would love to eventually see Pentax produce a monochrome version of K-1/K-3/K-70 Pentax has a fairly limited footprint in the digital camera market (compared to Canon, Nikon, etc), and doesn't have any mirrorless models. That is fine by me, as my K-50 with Pentax prime lenses is a light weight package anyway. The new K-3iii just introduced looks like a really nice camera. If Pentax could do a monochrome (B & W sensor) version of it, the K-1ii, or even f the K-70, I bet that would generate some extra sales. I know I would be all over it. Just a thought...

05-01-2021, 08:08 AM	#8
Photos-by-Chas Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northwest Pennsylvania, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,318	Originally posted by Kendra59 I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that? Sony apparently released a special version of the A6000 that could do this, and while it was expensive compared to the “standard” version, it wasn’t 3x the price. Phase One made (still makes?) a medium format digital camera that captures B & W in RAW, but it was very expensive. Anyway, it would probably never happen because of the limited potential buyer pool vs cost to manufacture… I have two Pentax K-x and a K70, all of which I can set to take B/W photos in Raw files. One does not need a sensor solely for monochrome photos, simply set your camera to BW images and RAW files. it will do it for you. Setting to B/W images will not preclude RAW files being taken. Why purchase a second camera to take only B/W photos when your current camera is fully able to take photos as B/W, even if the second camera would not cost as much as the camera you now own, which can take RAW B/W photos. Last edited by Photos-by-Chas; 05-01-2021 at 08:12 AM. Reason: additional comment

05-01-2021, 10:01 AM	#9
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,986	It's not likely going to happen. Either use the monochrome mode, set it up as a user mode for faster access, or, if you have time and the subject allows, use pixel shift and then do a monochrome conversion in post. This does work very, very well and can also be set up as a user mode. Last edited by Wheatfield; 05-01-2021 at 10:06 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lenses Everyone Buys and Eventually Sells- Or Tries to Sell	steamloco76	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	84	02-18-2021 03:04 PM
How difficult would it be to produce an FF upgrade to the DA* 50-135?	HarisF1	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	27	02-12-2017 11:20 AM
Would AF film lens series produce full frame on K-1?	fstop18	Pentax Full Frame	13	04-11-2016 02:23 PM
A place we all eventually visit.	cputeq	Post Your Photos!	2	06-30-2008 06:12 AM
Portraits: I had it coming eventually :)	gawan	Post Your Photos!	10	02-21-2008 07:41 AM

04-29-2021, 07:39 PM - 1 Like	#2
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	It will never happen,

04-30-2021, 01:23 PM	#3
Photos-by-Chas Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northwest Pennsylvania, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,318	Originally posted by Kendra59 Pentax has a fairly limited footprint in the digital camera market (compared to Canon, Nikon, etc), and doesn't have any mirrorless models. That is fine by me, as my K-50 with Pentax prime lenses is a light weight package anyway. The new K-3iii just introduced looks like a really nice camera. If Pentax could do a monochrome (B & W sensor) version of it, the K-1ii, or even f the K-70, I bet that would generate some extra sales. I know I would be all over it. Just a thought... They already do make that possible. Each Pentax DSLR has the capability to do just that, with only a few adjustments in the menus. Open the menu, go to the custom image setting and choose the BW setting. You will take only monochrome photos, until you change it to a different setting.

04-30-2021, 02:50 PM	#4
carlb Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,164	I suspect that only someone like Leica could get away with that. And as mentioned above, all Pentax cameras already have that ability.

04-30-2021, 07:43 PM	#5
Kendra59 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 187 Original Poster	Originally posted by Photos-by-Chas They already do make that possible. Each Pentax DSLR has the capability to do just that, with only a few adjustments in the menus. Open the menu, go to the custom image setting and choose the BW setting. You will take only monochrome photos, until you change it to a different setting. I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that? Sony apparently released a special version of the A6000 that could do this, and while it was expensive compared to the “standard” version, it wasn’t 3x the price. Phase One made (still makes?) a medium format digital camera that captures B & W in RAW, but it was very expensive. Anyway, it would probably never happen because of the limited potential buyer pool vs cost to manufacture…

05-01-2021, 05:46 AM	#6
ProfessorBuzz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 1,903	Originally posted by Kendra59 I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that? Sony apparently released a special version of the A6000 that could do this, and while it was expensive compared to the “standard” version, it wasn’t 3x the price. Phase One made (still makes?) a medium format digital camera that captures B & W in RAW, but it was very expensive. Anyway, it would probably never happen because of the limited potential buyer pool vs cost to manufacture… Technically, Sony has to have a monochrome version of the IMX094 sensor without the RGGB Bayer Matrix. I don't believe they produced that version, so it's not possible.

05-01-2021, 06:19 AM	#7
Kendra59 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 187 Original Poster	Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz Technically, Sony has to have a monochrome version of the IMX094 sensor without the RGGB Bayer Matrix. I don't believe they produced that version, so it's not possible. I did a bit of looking on the internet, and it turns out you are right (and I was not). SONY didn't make a monochrome version, but there is a company that sells a converted version: Sony Monochrome I am not plugging this company; I am just saying monochrome digital camera bodies in a full frame or APS-C format camera bodies have some appeal, and it would be a great "what if Pentax did THIS project."

05-01-2021, 10:14 AM	#10
ThorSanchez Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,807	There are some advantages in having a monochrome sensor without the Bayer filter array. Better noise for a given ISO, better resolution, maybe some others. But I think that for a large majority of photographers, in a large majority of use cases, the difference between a monochrome camera and converting a color image to B&W is small. For many or maybe even most viewing situations perhaps even impossible to discern. So a monochrome camera is necessarily a small niche. And Pentax itself is already a small niche. I'd guess sales of a monochrome K-3 III would be a few hundred cameras at $3000, $4000, $5000 each. Hard to make the business case unless my guess is very far off.

05-01-2021, 10:50 AM	#11
Lord Lucan Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: South Wales Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,978	Originally posted by Kendra59 I would love to eventually see Pentax produce a monochrome version of K-1/K-3/K-70 .......... I am aware of how to get the camera to produce a B & W jpeg image. I was musing about a possible Pentax camera with a digital sensor that could capture B & W in RAW mode. Does Pentax’s DSLR cameras do that? I have just checked my K-1 and found that it can take B&W pictures in RAW mode, and Photos-by-Chas said the same about the K-x and K-70. Perhaps you should have checked what is already available. If you want Pentax to use a sensor that can only see B&W, they will need to find a supplier first, and for a very limited production run. Few people would pay probably a lot more for a camera that is restricted in its use, while cameras that can do that and more are available for less money.

05-01-2021, 11:08 AM	#12
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,986	Originally posted by ThorSanchez There are some advantages in having a monochrome sensor without the Bayer filter array. Better noise for a given ISO, better resolution, maybe some others. . Hence using, if possible, the pixel shift mode as it negates the Bayer filter.

05-01-2021, 03:32 PM	#13
carlb Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,164	Originally posted by ThorSanchez So a monochrome camera is necessarily a small niche. And Pentax itself is already a small niche. I'd guess sales of a monochrome K-3 III would be a few hundred cameras at $3000, $4000, $5000 each. Hard to make the business case unless my guess is very far off. I can't imagine that they would even sell that many given that, as others have said, any Pentax camera can take a B & W shot with its current sensor anyway.

05-02-2021, 04:24 AM	#14
wkadruje Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 145	Originally posted by ThorSanchez There are some advantages in having a monochrome sensor without the Bayer filter array. Better noise for a given ISO, better resolution, maybe some others. Leaving the business feasibility aside, and for only semi-technically-minded non-engineers: what (why/how) are the differences/ benefits of B&W sensors over just changing the settings in-camera? (a link to some good info would be enough)

05-02-2021, 05:41 AM - 3 Likes	#15
ProfessorBuzz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 1,903	Originally posted by chriswill Leaving the business feasibility aside, and for only semi-technically-minded non-engineers: what (why/how) are the differences/ benefits of B&W sensors over just changing the settings in-camera? (a link to some good info would be enough) Simply put, monochrome sensors = you get 4x the resolution, and the full quantum efficiency of every pixel. In the colour version - RGGB filters take 4 pixels to give a colour pixel. So a 36megapixel colour sensor is effectively a 9megapixel colour image. In a mono camera, since there is no coloured filter array, all the light gets through - so better low light performance.