Unboxing (and customising) my KP J Limited

**Mikesul** · 10-26-2019, 06:38 AM - **1 Like**

Any chance that there is something in the J that needs a firmware update that other cameras do not need? The pre-programmed user modes?

**reduno** · 10-26-2019, 06:57 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mikesul

Any chance that there is something in the J that needs a firmware update that other cameras do not need? The pre-programmed user modes?

That will likely depend on how the camera stores the user modes. I would expect (for cost reasons) that they only utilize a single flash memory chip for the firmware and any other non-volatile storage. If the users modes are preserved after long term removal of the battery (when clock needs to be reset), they must be stored in non-volatile memory. During programming at the factory, I'm sure Ricoh is using a JTAG or similar programming interface to load the Flash ROM (you need something in there to boot the first time). It would be simple enough to program the user mode locations at the same time using this method.

Zygonyx · 10-26-2019, 11:09 AM - **1 Like**

I will try later to change at least one of them i.o. to help answer this

---------- Post added 26-10-19 at 11:14 ----------

Let's look at these pre-programmed USER's modes :

18- HDR Landscape

19- Macro

20- Astro Photo

21- Manual lens

22- PH-mode Yoshimura

redpit · 10-27-2019, 07:58 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Zygonyx

Hello dear friends,

i just wanted to share some images (taken with Casio Exilim ZR3000) having just recieved this beautifull Pentax DSLR.

I will later present the pre-programmed USERs modes… and any particularities.

Please feel free to ask any questions, i'll try to do my best to answer...

1- The parcel with internal protections

2- The dedicated box

3- The first findings : the drawing looks like an ancient greek warrior reference

4- Inside the box : a prominent "nose"

5- Same neck-strap as K-1, not suitable for me

6- Here's the beast !

7- Documents and CD-rom : users book only in Japanese

8- Interesting : special registration card for fan clubs

9- Same body-cap as K-1

10- Internationnal menus : that's a pretty darn good thing !

---------- Post added 25-10-19 at 07:02 ----------

And underneath the super-hood....

11-

WOW! Thanks for sharing, I'm quite jealous I must admit right now!

And that is a hell of a box art!

Congratulations! Enjoy your new tool!

Zygonyx · 10-27-2019, 12:17 PM - **1 Like**

Thanks redpit.

When KP was released, i had the opportunity to take a silver version on test for some days ; and found it being an excellent companion for street and cultural events shooting, having that excellent and ultra silent electronic shutter in live view and compact size, yet amazing look.

But as i already have an old silver K-3, which i almost exclusively use for wildlife and planes ; i reckon this new acquisition makes sense in addition to the GRIII for complementary purposes.

**Archimedes the Dog** · 10-28-2019, 10:11 AM - **1 Like**

Man, I want that grip. Thanks for sharing the photos and congrats on the new acquisition!

**TimR** · 11-05-2019, 06:19 AM - **1 Like**

Congrats on getting the KP J Limited. I too like the red grip.

Thanks for sharing. I look forward to hearing more about the camera. Enjoy!

Not a Number · 11-05-2019, 06:47 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Mikesul

Any chance that there is something in the J that needs a firmware update that other cameras do not need? The pre-programmed user modes?

According to the KP J Limited FAQs on the Japan website the custom user modes can't be erased and will remain untouched by firmware updates.

**Mikesul** · 11-05-2019, 10:39 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Not a Number

According to the KP J Limited FAQs on the Japan website the custom user modes can't be erased and will remain untouched by firmware updates.

That is what i meant: that there is something about those modes which would make normal updates incompatible.

Zygonyx · 11-13-2019, 02:02 PM

Thank you guys, and interesting infos about User's modes

Let's hope Ricoh Imaging will soon enlarge this SLR's geographic distribution

MarkJerling · 11-13-2019, 02:26 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Zygonyx

And underneath the super-hood....

Cool!

I would use it like that all the time - that Asahi logo looks great!

StarTroop · 11-13-2019, 05:01 PM

The AOC logo is a nice addition. Ricoh have come a long way from putting their name on the K3. I wonder if they'll try to revive the Takumar brand next, even for a special item?

fsge · 11-15-2019, 01:40 AM - **1 Like**

I really like this grip. It is a pity we cant buy it separately. Handling KP being a negative for some possible clients, that would considerably help besides the look

redpit · 11-15-2019, 01:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Zygonyx

Thank you guys, and interesting infos about User's modes

Let's hope Ricoh Imaging will soon enlarge this SLR's geographic distribution

WOW! That is a real beauty! Definitely one of the best looking cameras I've seen!

wed7 · 11-26-2019, 09:44 PM - **1 Like**

The gold prints on the KP J matches perfectly on that of the strap. I too like the AOC logo.

10-26-2019, 11:09 AM - 1 Like	#33
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033 Original Poster	I will try later to change at least one of them i.o. to help answer this ---------- Post added 26-10-19 at 11:14 ---------- Let's look at these pre-programmed USER's modes : 18- HDR Landscape 19- Macro 20- Astro Photo 21- Manual lens 22- PH-mode Yoshimura Last edited by Zygonyx; 10-26-2019 at 11:25 AM.

10-27-2019, 12:17 PM - 1 Like	#35
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033 Original Poster	Thanks redpit. When KP was released, i had the opportunity to take a silver version on test for some days ; and found it being an excellent companion for street and cultural events shooting, having that excellent and ultra silent electronic shutter in live view and compact size, yet amazing look. But as i already have an old silver K-3, which i almost exclusively use for wildlife and planes ; i reckon this new acquisition makes sense in addition to the GRIII for complementary purposes. Last edited by Zygonyx; 10-28-2019 at 05:54 AM.

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10-26-2019, 06:38 AM - 1 Like	#31
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Any chance that there is something in the J that needs a firmware update that other cameras do not need? The pre-programmed user modes?

10-26-2019, 06:57 AM - 1 Like	#32
reduno Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central NY, USA Posts: 965	Originally posted by Mikesul Any chance that there is something in the J that needs a firmware update that other cameras do not need? The pre-programmed user modes? That will likely depend on how the camera stores the user modes. I would expect (for cost reasons) that they only utilize a single flash memory chip for the firmware and any other non-volatile storage. If the users modes are preserved after long term removal of the battery (when clock needs to be reset), they must be stored in non-volatile memory. During programming at the factory, I'm sure Ricoh is using a JTAG or similar programming interface to load the Flash ROM (you need something in there to boot the first time). It would be simple enough to program the user mode locations at the same time using this method.

10-27-2019, 07:58 AM - 1 Like	#34
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by Zygonyx Hello dear friends, i just wanted to share some images (taken with Casio Exilim ZR3000) having just recieved this beautifull Pentax DSLR. I will later present the pre-programmed USERs modes… and any particularities. Please feel free to ask any questions, i'll try to do my best to answer... 1- The parcel with internal protections 2- The dedicated box 3- The first findings : the drawing looks like an ancient greek warrior reference 4- Inside the box : a prominent "nose" 5- Same neck-strap as K-1, not suitable for me 6- Here's the beast ! 7- Documents and CD-rom : users book only in Japanese 8- Interesting : special registration card for fan clubs 9- Same body-cap as K-1 10- Internationnal menus : that's a pretty darn good thing ! ---------- Post added 25-10-19 at 07:02 ---------- And underneath the super-hood.... 11- WOW! Thanks for sharing, I'm quite jealous I must admit right now! And that is a hell of a box art! Congratulations! Enjoy your new tool!

10-28-2019, 10:11 AM - 1 Like	#36
Archimedes the Dog Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,146	Man, I want that grip. Thanks for sharing the photos and congrats on the new acquisition!

11-05-2019, 06:19 AM - 1 Like	#37
TimR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 344	Congrats on getting the KP J Limited. I too like the red grip. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to hearing more about the camera. Enjoy!

11-05-2019, 06:47 AM - 1 Like	#38
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by Mikesul Any chance that there is something in the J that needs a firmware update that other cameras do not need? The pre-programmed user modes? According to the KP J Limited FAQs on the Japan website the custom user modes can't be erased and will remain untouched by firmware updates.

11-05-2019, 10:39 AM - 1 Like	#39
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by Not a Number According to the KP J Limited FAQs on the Japan website the custom user modes can't be erased and will remain untouched by firmware updates. That is what i meant: that there is something about those modes which would make normal updates incompatible.

11-13-2019, 02:02 PM	#40
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033 Original Poster	Thank you guys, and interesting infos about User's modes Let's hope Ricoh Imaging will soon enlarge this SLR's geographic distribution

11-13-2019, 02:26 PM - 1 Like	#41
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by Zygonyx And underneath the super-hood.... Cool! I would use it like that all the time - that Asahi logo looks great!

11-13-2019, 05:01 PM	#42
StarTroop Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 175	The AOC logo is a nice addition. Ricoh have come a long way from putting their name on the K3. I wonder if they'll try to revive the Takumar brand next, even for a special item?

11-15-2019, 01:40 AM - 1 Like	#43
fsge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,138	I really like this grip. It is a pity we cant buy it separately. Handling KP being a negative for some possible clients, that would considerably help besides the look

11-15-2019, 01:56 AM - 1 Like	#44
redpit Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Greece Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Originally posted by Zygonyx Thank you guys, and interesting infos about User's modes Let's hope Ricoh Imaging will soon enlarge this SLR's geographic distribution WOW! That is a real beauty! Definitely one of the best looking cameras I've seen!

11-26-2019, 09:44 PM - 1 Like	#45
wed7 Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 1,421	The gold prints on the KP J matches perfectly on that of the strap. I too like the AOC logo.