[melissaduma]

I have found here that I can use an SDXC card in my K-x with a firmware update. I was directed to a very helpful video (Pentax Firmware Update Guide - Tutorial Videos | PentaxForums.com), but the video states that there are two ways to update in my camera, depending on my model. It also states that if I do it wrong, I risk permanent damage. I can't tell which way to do it.

[MarkJerling]

Hi Melissa

Download the firmware update file from here and follow the instructions: Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads | RICOH IMAGING
The absolutely most important part of the update process is that you must use a good, healthy battery with a full charge while performing the update. Firmware updates are not without risk, but the biggest risk is a battery that fails during the update.

Best of luck!
Kind regards,
Mark

[Adam]

I have found here that I can use an SDXC card in my K-x with a firmware update. I was directed to a very helpful video (Pentax Firmware Update Guide - Tutorial Videos | PentaxForums.com), but the video states that there are two ways to update in my camera, depending on my model. It also states that if I do it wrong, I risk permanent damage. I can't tell which way to do it.

For most models, including the K-x, you need to press and hold the menu button at startup to gain access to the update screen.

[MarkJerling]

Here are the full instructions, specifically for the K-x camera:

===========================================================================
PENTAX K-x Firmware Updating to Version 1.03
===========================================================================

* Firmware is the software that runs inside digital cameras.

Updatable models
K-x digital SLR cameras running Firmware Ver. 1.00/1.01/1.02.

How to check version
Turn the power on while pressing the MENU button.
The Firmware version is displayed for about 5 seconds at the center
of the LCD monitor.
Perform the above operation without inserting the SD/SDHC card
containing Firmware in the camera.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * [Caution] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Use AC adaptor (K-AC84) is recommended
If you are using AA batteries, be sure to use fully charged AA Ni-MH
rechargeable batteries, full capacity of AA lithium batteries or full
capacity of AA alkaline batteries and confirm that the battery level
indicator is displayed �gGreen�h (Batteries are full) before updating.

If the camera turns off during updating due to lack of battery power, the
camera will become inoperable. If this happens, a charge will be made for
repairs even if within the warranty period.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Updating Procedure

1. Provide a formatted SD/SDHC memory card for the update software (with at
least 32MB of available memory space).
The downloaded file is self-extracting.
The following files are extracted.

readme.txt : this document
fwdc206b.bin : Firmware

Copy the above Firmware file [fwdc206b.bin] to the root directory in
the SD/SDHC card.
If your computer does not have a card slot, you can copy the firmware
update file by inserting the SD/SDHC card into your camera and then
connecting the camera directly to your computer.

2. Insert the AA batteries into the camera and confirm the battery level
indicator is displayed �gGreen�h (Batteries are full)then turn the
camera off.
If �gGreen�his not displayed, turn the camera ON and off again to
activate the battery performance.

3. Insert the update SD/SDHC card (prepared in step 1) into the camera
and close card cover.

4. Turn the camera power on while pressing the MENU button.

5. "NOW LOADING" appears in the LCD monitor, and will change to the
"PROGRAM UPDATE". At the bottom of the LCD monitor,

CURRENT VERSION 1.00/1.01/1.02
UPDATE VERSION 1.03

will be displayed.

6. Press the four-way controller to select "YES" and press the "OK" button.

7. "UPDATING" appears on the LCD monitor and updating starts.
Please do not under any circumstances switch off the power before the
update is completed.
It will take approximately 90~150 seconds to complete update.

8. When update is completed, the "COMPLETE" will be displayed at the left
bottom of the LCD monitor, then turn the camera off.

9. Remove the update SD/SDHC card from the camera.

10. To check the Firmware version in your camera, turn the camera on while
pressing the MENU button.
Check that the version displayed in the LCD monitor is "Ver.1.03"
The camera automatically starts up after about 5 seconds.

(Caution)
When updating is finished, the update SD/SDHC card still contains the
Firmware file.
If you want to use this card to take pictures, delete the Firmware file
first.


PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.

[bwgv001]

You shouldn't be scared. I have done multiple updates without ever having any problems. As Mark mentioned, make sure you have a fully charged battery.

[melissaduma]

My laptop downloaded the firmware file (8.8 MB), but now I can't seem to get to the .bin file. I'm still trying.

[melissaduma]

found it, I think

---------- Post added 06-13-21 at 08:01 PM ----------

thank you for the encouragement!

---------- Post added 06-13-21 at 08:03 PM ----------

Bless you, MarkJerling for the link and the step-by-step (handholding) instructions. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank all who chimed in. Happy tears here in Colorado. I'm headed to Zamibia! Wish me happy hunting for photos!!

[MarkJerling]

You're most welcome.
Happy travels.

[35mmfilmfan]

Now you're a happy bunny, I can chime in with my only African joke (non-political).

When you are there, beware of the vampire antelope :



Vlad the Impala.

Have fun

[aslyfox]

Remember that when in Africa and you want to find a tiger

visit a zoo

enjoy your experience

[ never been to Zambia, but have been lucky enough to visit Tanzania twice ]