Why did Pentax change the charger with K3III

Not a Number · 04-14-2022, 07:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MXLX

As to USB charging, I’m not keen on generating that kind of heat inside the camera. It would also seem unwise to charge aftermarket batteries in camera with the reports of aftermarket batteries swelling.

That would be my concern with the fast charger.

However, if the K-3iii (I don't own one) is like earlier Pentax bodies with a catch to hold the battery in place, then it may be possible to charge with the battery door open.

zapp · 04-14-2022, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by Macario

The 129€ is for the quickcharger. If you buy the normal one it is about 70€

Yep, saw that as well. Still a lot.

**MXLX** · 04-14-2022, 01:20 PM

The only charger option for the new Olympus OM-1 is a $150 double slotted one.

Blue · 04-15-2022, 06:17 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MXLX

The only charger option for the new Olympus OM-1 is a $150 double slotted one.

That's a chunk of change.

**cdd29** · 04-27-2022, 12:18 PM

I find it convenient. If I'm out an about I can just plug the camera into the car to charge. Also saves a little time and hassle not having to remove the battery (I have a camera that's easier said than done.)

Paul the Sunman · 06-21-2022, 05:19 PM

The supplied K3iii USB charger came with a removable power plug for my region (Australia). It would be useful to get some alternates for international travel (Europe, US, UK, ...), but I have not been able to find these on the Ricoh accessories pages. Has anybody seen them?

Not a Number · 06-22-2022, 07:34 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

The supplied K3iii USB charger came with a removable power plug for my region (Australia). It would be useful to get some alternates for international travel (Europe, US, UK, ...), but I have not been able to find these on the Ricoh accessories pages. Has anybody seen them?

What kind of socket for the power lead is on the charger? If it is the somewhat standard figure 8 or google ∞ shape that's used on the standard charger then you should be able to find it online or at a computer/electronics store in the country you are visiting. Most power bricks and some printers use the same socket.

Paul the Sunman · 06-22-2022, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

What kind of socket for the power lead is on the charger? If it is the somewhat standard figure 8 or google ∞ shape that's used on the standard charger then you should be able to find it online or at a computer/electronics store in the country you are visiting. Most power bricks and some printers use the same socket.

I think it's a proprietary design. Only the genuine Pentax one would fit.

Not a Number · 06-22-2022, 07:17 PM

Hmm, ok. Does the input specs on the charger show it is multi-voltage/frequency? If so then you can probably use a travel plug adapter kit.

Paul the Sunman · 06-22-2022, 11:22 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Hmm, ok. Does the input specs on the charger show it is multi-voltage/frequency? If so then you can probably use a travel plug adapter kit.

There are two versions: AC-U1 and AC-U2 (" Differs depending on the region"). Mine is U2. It shows 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, so I guess it can be used anywhere, with the appropriate plug.

Of course I can use an adapter plug, but was just wondering if various international versions of the Ricoh one are available. More elegant, but not a big deal. I have a set of international plugs for my Apple power bricks, which is very convenient for my laptop.

zapp · 07-02-2022, 03:47 AM

The plug should be available, ask Pentax. On the other hand a decent USB charger and general plug adapter will get you further.
Be happy that you get full voltage range, Oral B for instance is even cheaper typically offering only single voltage power supplies. Saves you cents per product, but causes more adapter, power supply, cable trash.

reh321 · 09-17-2022, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

Thee was an EU directive that all phones and personal electronics had the same charger. This is the genesis of USB C, it is on my new android phone and my wife’s new iPad mini. This now ensures that there is not a continual waste of cables, and the chargers are every where now, and most phones no longer come with any charger, so why not cameras, also by creating a new standard, it ensured no existing manufacturer had an advantage.

Apparently that EU directive is weirdly written.
I got a new iPhone a few days ago and it still accepts the 'standard' Apple {lightning??} plug,
but the cable in the box is USB-C to Apple and no power source is included, so our laptop computers are the only "power sources" that we have right now.
Eventually, we will probably purchase a few USB-C power "blocks" but until then ......

**Lowell Goudge** · 09-17-2022, 12:47 PM

Originally posted by reh321

Apparently that EU directive is weirdly written.
I got a new iPhone a few days ago and it still accepts the 'standard' Apple {lightning??} plug,
but the cable in the box is USB-C to Apple and no power source is included, so our laptop computers are the only "power sources" that we have right now.
Eventually, we will probably purchase a few USB-C power "blocks" but until then ......

As I understand it the lightning connector is essentially usb c and some products were allowed to be grandfathered.

kypfer · 09-17-2022, 01:32 PM

Personally I'm glad I've got the charger from my K-5 to fall back on … spare battery in the camera to carry on shooting, charged battery waiting for me when I get home. Not even sure where the USB charger that came with my K-3iii is … I've certainly never used it!

kkoether · 10-21-2022, 03:25 PM

I ordered the Pentax D-BC177 Travel Charger when I bought my K-3 III. It allows me to use a 30,000 mah power brick I have to recharge a battery when I'm away from any power while still being able to use my camera with the 2nd battery. I've use a battery grip full time on my K-3 and K-3 III. I have what most people consider to be huge hands.

06-22-2022, 01:21 PM	#83
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Originally posted by Not a Number What kind of socket for the power lead is on the charger? If it is the somewhat standard figure 8 or google ∞ shape that's used on the standard charger then you should be able to find it online or at a computer/electronics store in the country you are visiting. Most power bricks and some printers use the same socket. I think it's a proprietary design. Only the genuine Pentax one would fit. Last edited by Paul the Sunman; 06-22-2022 at 01:46 PM.

06-22-2022, 11:22 PM	#85
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Originally posted by Not a Number Hmm, ok. Does the input specs on the charger show it is multi-voltage/frequency? If so then you can probably use a travel plug adapter kit. There are two versions: AC-U1 and AC-U2 (" Differs depending on the region"). Mine is U2. It shows 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, so I guess it can be used anywhere, with the appropriate plug. Of course I can use an adapter plug, but was just wondering if various international versions of the Ricoh one are available. More elegant, but not a big deal. I have a set of international plugs for my Apple power bricks, which is very convenient for my laptop. Last edited by Paul the Sunman; 06-23-2022 at 12:57 AM.

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04-14-2022, 07:20 AM - 1 Like	#76
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by MXLX As to USB charging, I’m not keen on generating that kind of heat inside the camera. It would also seem unwise to charge aftermarket batteries in camera with the reports of aftermarket batteries swelling. That would be my concern with the fast charger. However, if the K-3iii (I don't own one) is like earlier Pentax bodies with a catch to hold the battery in place, then it may be possible to charge with the battery door open.

04-14-2022, 09:54 AM	#77
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	Originally posted by Macario The 129€ is for the quickcharger. If you buy the normal one it is about 70€ Yep, saw that as well. Still a lot.

04-14-2022, 01:20 PM	#78
MXLX Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Western NC Photos: Albums Posts: 834	The only charger option for the new Olympus OM-1 is a $150 double slotted one.

04-15-2022, 06:17 AM - 1 Like	#79
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by MXLX The only charger option for the new Olympus OM-1 is a $150 double slotted one. That's a chunk of change.

04-27-2022, 12:18 PM	#80
cdd29 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Southern Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 961	I find it convenient. If I'm out an about I can just plug the camera into the car to charge. Also saves a little time and hassle not having to remove the battery (I have a camera that's easier said than done.)

06-21-2022, 05:19 PM	#81
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	The supplied K3iii USB charger came with a removable power plug for my region (Australia). It would be useful to get some alternates for international travel (Europe, US, UK, ...), but I have not been able to find these on the Ricoh accessories pages. Has anybody seen them?

06-22-2022, 07:34 AM	#82
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman The supplied K3iii USB charger came with a removable power plug for my region (Australia). It would be useful to get some alternates for international travel (Europe, US, UK, ...), but I have not been able to find these on the Ricoh accessories pages. Has anybody seen them? What kind of socket for the power lead is on the charger? If it is the somewhat standard figure 8 or google ∞ shape that's used on the standard charger then you should be able to find it online or at a computer/electronics store in the country you are visiting. Most power bricks and some printers use the same socket.

06-22-2022, 07:17 PM	#84
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Hmm, ok. Does the input specs on the charger show it is multi-voltage/frequency? If so then you can probably use a travel plug adapter kit.

07-02-2022, 03:47 AM	#86
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	The plug should be available, ask Pentax. On the other hand a decent USB charger and general plug adapter will get you further. Be happy that you get full voltage range, Oral B for instance is even cheaper typically offering only single voltage power supplies. Saves you cents per product, but causes more adapter, power supply, cable trash.

09-17-2022, 07:54 AM	#87
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,178	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge Thee was an EU directive that all phones and personal electronics had the same charger. This is the genesis of USB C, it is on my new android phone and my wife’s new iPad mini. This now ensures that there is not a continual waste of cables, and the chargers are every where now, and most phones no longer come with any charger, so why not cameras, also by creating a new standard, it ensured no existing manufacturer had an advantage. Apparently that EU directive is weirdly written. I got a new iPhone a few days ago and it still accepts the 'standard' Apple {lightning??} plug, but the cable in the box is USB-C to Apple and no power source is included, so our laptop computers are the only "power sources" that we have right now. Eventually, we will probably purchase a few USB-C power "blocks" but until then ......

09-17-2022, 12:47 PM	#88
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,887	Originally posted by reh321 Apparently that EU directive is weirdly written. I got a new iPhone a few days ago and it still accepts the 'standard' Apple {lightning??} plug, but the cable in the box is USB-C to Apple and no power source is included, so our laptop computers are the only "power sources" that we have right now. Eventually, we will probably purchase a few USB-C power "blocks" but until then ...... As I understand it the lightning connector is essentially usb c and some products were allowed to be grandfathered.

09-17-2022, 01:32 PM	#89
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,593	Personally I'm glad I've got the charger from my K-5 to fall back on … spare battery in the camera to carry on shooting, charged battery waiting for me when I get home. Not even sure where the USB charger that came with my K-3iii is … I've certainly never used it!

10-21-2022, 03:25 PM	#90
kkoether Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huber Heights, OH, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	I ordered the Pentax D-BC177 Travel Charger when I bought my K-3 III. It allows me to use a 30,000 mah power brick I have to recharge a battery when I'm away from any power while still being able to use my camera with the 2nd battery. I've use a battery grip full time on my K-3 and K-3 III. I have what most people consider to be huge hands.