Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

**psoo** · 12-14-2017, 06:30 PM

So far my K50/18-135mm combo is just about right for me. The only limitations in taking great pics is me

Until I think updating my firmware will lead to noticeable improvements in my photography, I think I'll not run the risk of screwing up my camera operations. I guess the majority of camera users are like me and just don't bother. Maybe I'm wrong.

JASMAZ77 · 02-03-2018, 02:30 AM

I did a firmware update on my K-3 the other day and was a bit unsure on how I would go? i made sure i had a full battery and everything! i had not done it since V1.03.
My screen went blank and did not say "completed" once it had been completed so i was affraid to turn off the camera incase it was still uploading important data.

Doctor_C · 07-29-2018, 06:31 AM

Excellent - I posted this question before checking this post - my error - thanks - I now have the update I needed.

ronthejazzguy · 07-29-2018, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by Adam

If you're looking to upgrade your firmware but don't know how to go about it, here's a video tutorial that we've just put together:

How to Upgrade Firmware in a Pentax DSLR - YouTube

The latest firmware updates can be downloaded here:
Pentax Firmware Updates - PentaxForums.com Homepage Blog

Subscribe to the RSS feed to stay on top of the updates as they come out:
Pentax Firmware

This is very helpful, thanks!

mirceattl · 12-09-2020, 01:54 AM

It's a shame Ricoh stops firmware development for released products pretty quickly. For my K-5IIs the latest firmware upgrade has been released in 2014, the camera itself being released in 2012.

jimhi · 09-05-2022, 01:56 PM

Okay here we go guys, I have a couple of wrinkles. First I do not have a SD card available only a SDHC. Is there a workaround for this? Secondly the computer I use is running Linux but I don't see a download for that.

**RobA_Oz** · 09-05-2022, 02:01 PM

Originally posted by jimhi

Okay here we go guys, I have a couple of wrinkles. First I do not have a SD card available only a SDHC. Is there a workaround for this? Secondly the computer I use is running Linux but I don't see a download for that.

I’m uncertain of the problem with the SDHC card: if your camera body recognises it, I wouldn’t have thought that a firmware update would have been a problem. Is the problem actually that the camera won’t recognise it?

Secondly, I have never seen a Linux version of the Ricoh/Pentax firmware, so I imagine you’ll have to find a Windows or MacOS computer to download to, or run Windows emulation on your Linux machine.

**jbinpg** · 09-05-2022, 02:12 PM

The MacWin version of the firmware works fine on my Linux box. It has to unzip to a format usable to the camera so it should not matter which version you get.

ACHEBONE · 01-21-2023, 01:22 PM

Hi I am trying to update my k3 for the first time , it will not go into update mode when I first press the menu button and then turn the Camera on any suggestions would be appreciated Thanks Rob

kypfer · 01-21-2023, 03:42 PM

Originally posted by ACHEBONE

Hi I am trying to update my k3 for the first time , it will not go into update mode when I first press the menu button and then turn the Camera on any suggestions would be appreciated Thanks Rob

Initial suggestion is that you do not have the fwdc220b.bin file, which should have been extracted from the download, in the root of the SD card, which should be in slot 1.
Note that the download page states "The download file is self-extracting" … this, of course, is incorrect for a zip file, you'll need to "open" it yourself and copy the contents to the SD card.

ACHEBONE · 01-21-2023, 05:09 PM

Thanks I have copied fwdc220b 8.bin to my sd and its in slot one, still no response from the k3 to upload when I hit the menu and then turn it on . Cheers Rob

**bspn** · 01-21-2023, 06:42 PM

Originally posted by ACHEBONE

Thanks I have copied fwdc220b 8.bin to my sd and its in slot one, still no response from the k3 to upload when I hit the menu and then turn it on . Cheers Rob

Not hit the button, try holding the menu button (keep it pressed) while turning camera on.

ludditE* · 11-01-2023, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by Adam

If you're looking to upgrade your firmware but don't know how to go about it, here's a video tutorial that we've just put together:

How to Upgrade Firmware in a Pentax DSLR - YouTube

The latest firmware updates can be downloaded here:
Pentax Firmware Updates - PentaxForums.com Homepage Blog

Subscribe to the RSS feed to stay on top of the updates as they come out:
Pentax Firmware

Hi Adam,

I'm not sure if this is the most recent firmware upgrade tutorial or not. If not can you post a link for me & others please? This post is almost 10 years old. Thank you.

Adam · 11-01-2023, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by ludditE*

Hi Adam,

I'm not sure if this is the most recent firmware upgrade tutorial or not. If not can you post a link for me & others please? This post is almost 10 years old. Thank you.

It is- the process hasn't changed over the years

ludditE* · 11-03-2023, 04:49 AM

Originally posted by Adam

It is- the process hasn't changed over the years

thank you.

11-01-2023, 07:50 PM	#44
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609 Original Poster	Originally posted by ludditE* Hi Adam, I'm not sure if this is the most recent firmware upgrade tutorial or not. If not can you post a link for me & others please? This post is almost 10 years old. Thank you. It is- the process hasn't changed over the years Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax Flucard O-CF1 firmware update wishlist	unkipunki	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	28	10-20-2014 01:06 PM
Firmware update I'd like Pentax to implement	tom1803	Pentax DSLR Discussion	12	03-12-2014 04:12 PM
Pentax K-5 II Problem after Firmware Update	Deedee	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	13	08-12-2013 04:58 PM
Pentax Kr after latest firmware update	jbarry	Pentax K-r	3	04-06-2013 06:53 AM
Pentax Q Firmware Update	Unregistered User	Pentax Q	24	04-04-2013 12:24 AM

12-14-2017, 06:30 PM	#31
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485	So far my K50/18-135mm combo is just about right for me. The only limitations in taking great pics is me Until I think updating my firmware will lead to noticeable improvements in my photography, I think I'll not run the risk of screwing up my camera operations. I guess the majority of camera users are like me and just don't bother. Maybe I'm wrong.

02-03-2018, 02:30 AM	#32
JASMAZ77 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Perth Photos: Gallery Posts: 265	I did a firmware update on my K-3 the other day and was a bit unsure on how I would go? i made sure i had a full battery and everything! i had not done it since V1.03. My screen went blank and did not say "completed" once it had been completed so i was affraid to turn off the camera incase it was still uploading important data.

07-29-2018, 06:31 AM	#33
Doctor_C New Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Posts: 14	Excellent - I posted this question before checking this post - my error - thanks - I now have the update I needed.

07-29-2018, 09:38 AM	#34
ronthejazzguy Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 48	Originally posted by Adam If you're looking to upgrade your firmware but don't know how to go about it, here's a video tutorial that we've just put together: How to Upgrade Firmware in a Pentax DSLR - YouTube The latest firmware updates can be downloaded here: Pentax Firmware Updates - PentaxForums.com Homepage Blog Subscribe to the RSS feed to stay on top of the updates as they come out: Pentax Firmware This is very helpful, thanks!

12-09-2020, 01:54 AM	#35
mirceattl Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 157	It's a shame Ricoh stops firmware development for released products pretty quickly. For my K-5IIs the latest firmware upgrade has been released in 2014, the camera itself being released in 2012.

09-05-2022, 01:56 PM	#36
jimhi New Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 15	Okay here we go guys, I have a couple of wrinkles. First I do not have a SD card available only a SDHC. Is there a workaround for this? Secondly the computer I use is running Linux but I don't see a download for that.

09-05-2022, 02:01 PM	#37
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by jimhi Okay here we go guys, I have a couple of wrinkles. First I do not have a SD card available only a SDHC. Is there a workaround for this? Secondly the computer I use is running Linux but I don't see a download for that. I’m uncertain of the problem with the SDHC card: if your camera body recognises it, I wouldn’t have thought that a firmware update would have been a problem. Is the problem actually that the camera won’t recognise it? Secondly, I have never seen a Linux version of the Ricoh/Pentax firmware, so I imagine you’ll have to find a Windows or MacOS computer to download to, or run Windows emulation on your Linux machine.

09-05-2022, 02:12 PM	#38
jbinpg Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Prince George, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,546	The MacWin version of the firmware works fine on my Linux box. It has to unzip to a format usable to the camera so it should not matter which version you get.

01-21-2023, 01:22 PM	#39
ACHEBONE Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ladner B.C. CaNADA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 58	Hi I am trying to update my k3 for the first time , it will not go into update mode when I first press the menu button and then turn the Camera on any suggestions would be appreciated Thanks Rob

01-21-2023, 03:42 PM	#40
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,600	Originally posted by ACHEBONE Hi I am trying to update my k3 for the first time , it will not go into update mode when I first press the menu button and then turn the Camera on any suggestions would be appreciated Thanks Rob Initial suggestion is that you do not have the fwdc220b.bin file, which should have been extracted from the download, in the root of the SD card, which should be in slot 1. Note that the download page states "The download file is self-extracting" … this, of course, is incorrect for a zip file, you'll need to "open" it yourself and copy the contents to the SD card.

01-21-2023, 05:09 PM	#41
ACHEBONE Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ladner B.C. CaNADA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 58	Thanks I have copied fwdc220b 8.bin to my sd and its in slot one, still no response from the k3 to upload when I hit the menu and then turn it on . Cheers Rob

01-21-2023, 06:42 PM	#42
bspn Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Northern MI Posts: 663	Originally posted by ACHEBONE Thanks I have copied fwdc220b 8.bin to my sd and its in slot one, still no response from the k3 to upload when I hit the menu and then turn it on . Cheers Rob Not hit the button, try holding the menu button (keep it pressed) while turning camera on.

11-01-2023, 10:23 AM	#43
ludditE* New Member Join Date: Oct 2023 Posts: 5	Originally posted by Adam If you're looking to upgrade your firmware but don't know how to go about it, here's a video tutorial that we've just put together: How to Upgrade Firmware in a Pentax DSLR - YouTube The latest firmware updates can be downloaded here: Pentax Firmware Updates - PentaxForums.com Homepage Blog Subscribe to the RSS feed to stay on top of the updates as they come out: Pentax Firmware Hi Adam, I'm not sure if this is the most recent firmware upgrade tutorial or not. If not can you post a link for me & others please? This post is almost 10 years old. Thank you.

11-03-2023, 04:49 AM	#45
ludditE* New Member Join Date: Oct 2023 Posts: 5	Originally posted by Adam It is- the process hasn't changed over the years thank you.

Pentax DSLR Firmware Update Guide

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!