Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

**Pentastic** · 02-18-2010, 04:09 PM

I should know this, but I have a new K-x and want to know if I have the most recent version of the Firmware or whether I should update or not. How do you check the firmware on your camera and/or udate??

dadoftheyear · 02-18-2010, 04:16 PM

This is straight from the pentaximaging.com site. Manuals and Literature - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

If you just purchased the K-x you will need to upgrade the firmware. I did mine the night that I got it, about a week ago.

The orginal firmware version is 1.0 and the upgrade bumps you up to 1.01. Follow the directions exactly, you don't want to brick your K-x! Good luck.

Selected Model: K-x Black

Manuals Available for Download

Literature Available for Download

Software Available for Download
Search did not find any available documents.

Firmware Available for Download
PENTAX K-x FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION 1.01 VERSION HISTORY
Version 1.01

Added 3 effects to the Cross Processing presets 1, 2, and 3.
Added Cross Processing function to the Green Mode.
Improved battery level indicator accuracy and stability.

PREPARATION

You will need a blank, formatted memory card with a capacity of 32 MB or higher.
You will need your camera's USB cable, or a memory card reader.
Make sure your batteries are fully charged (or that you are using an optional AC adapter) to prevent power interruptions during the update process.

FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - WINDOWS

Click the Windows link below to download the self-extracting firmware archive file (kx_e101w.exe). Click SAVE to save the download file to your computer's hard drive. Saving it to your desktop, for example, will make it easy to find after the download is complete. Please note: this download file is not the firmware update file itself, but a compressed archive that must be expanded in the following step.
Next, double click thedownload file to expand it. Once expanded, you will see a readme text file (README.TXT) and the firmware update file itself (FWDC206B.BIN). The readme file contains instructions similar to what you are reading on this page.
You must now copy the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card. When you connect the camera directly to your computer (or if you use a card reader), the memory card appears as a removable disk drive in the My Computer window. Make sure you are using a blank/formatted memory card, then drag & drop (or copy & paste) the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) from the desktop to your removable disk window, which is the camera's memory card. Please note: You must put the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) directly onto the removable disk; it cannot be in any sub-folders. It must be on the top (or root) level of the memory card.
Now that you have copied the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, you are ready to install it. Make sure your camera is turned off and disconnected from the computer. Make sure that the memory card containing the firmware update file is inserted into your camera. Also, make sure you that you have adequate power in your camera with fully charged batteries.
To begin the update, turn your camera on while holding down the MENU button. If you have followed the above instructions precisely, the camera will begin to load the new firmware. You will see the message "NOW LOADING" then the camera will display the firmware update menu.
Select "YES" using your camera's 4-way controller (the default is "NO") then press your camera's OK button.
The camera will now update its firmware. This may take a couple of minutes, so be careful to not interrupt the process.
When the update is complete, you will see "COMPLETE" on your camera's LCD screen. Turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
With the memory card removed from the camera, check your new firmware version by turning the camera back on while holding down the MENU button. Before you begin to take pictures again, be sure to format your memory card to erase the firmware update file.

FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - MACINTOSH
Mac users can follow this same process after clicking on the Macintosh download link below.

Download and save the Macintosh download file.
Decompress it with your Stuffit expander program if necessary (this step may be automatic).
Connect the camera to the computer.
Copy the firmware file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, then disconnect the camera from the computer.
Proceed with the installation of the firmware as outlined above.

Copyright December, 2009 Hoya Corporation. All rights reserved.
"PENTAX" and "K-x" are trademarks of Hoya Corporation.
Any other product and company names shown here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

DOWNLOADS

flyer · 02-18-2010, 04:17 PM

To see which firmware is in your camera, just hold the "menu" button while you turn the camera on. The firmware will be displayed on the LCD screen.

edit.: Dadoftheyear types faster than me.

JeffJS · 02-18-2010, 04:19 PM

Originally posted by dadoftheyear

This is straight from the pentaximaging.com site. Manuals and Literature - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

If you just purchased the K-x you will need to upgrade the firmware. I did mine the night that I got it, about a week ago.

The orginal firmware version is 1.0 and the upgrade bumps you up to 1.01. Follow the directions exactly, you don't want to brick your K-x! Good luck.

Selected Model: K-x Black

Manuals Available for Download

Literature Available for Download

Software Available for Download
Search did not find any available documents.

Firmware Available for Download
PENTAX K-x FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION 1.01 VERSION HISTORY
Version 1.01

Added 3 effects to the Cross Processing presets 1, 2, and 3.
Added Cross Processing function to the Green Mode.
Improved battery level indicator accuracy and stability.

PREPARATION

You will need a blank, formatted memory card with a capacity of 32 MB or higher.
You will need your camera's USB cable, or a memory card reader.
Make sure your batteries are fully charged (or that you are using an optional AC adapter) to prevent power interruptions during the update process.

FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - WINDOWS

Click the Windows link below to download the self-extracting firmware archive file (kx_e101w.exe). Click SAVE to save the download file to your computer's hard drive. Saving it to your desktop, for example, will make it easy to find after the download is complete. Please note: this download file is not the firmware update file itself, but a compressed archive that must be expanded in the following step.
Next, double click thedownload file to expand it. Once expanded, you will see a readme text file (README.TXT) and the firmware update file itself (FWDC206B.BIN). The readme file contains instructions similar to what you are reading on this page.
You must now copy the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card. When you connect the camera directly to your computer (or if you use a card reader), the memory card appears as a removable disk drive in the My Computer window. Make sure you are using a blank/formatted memory card, then drag & drop (or copy & paste) the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) from the desktop to your removable disk window, which is the camera's memory card. Please note: You must put the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) directly onto the removable disk; it cannot be in any sub-folders. It must be on the top (or root) level of the memory card.
Now that you have copied the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, you are ready to install it. Make sure your camera is turned off and disconnected from the computer. Make sure that the memory card containing the firmware update file is inserted into your camera. Also, make sure you that you have adequate power in your camera with fully charged batteries.
To begin the update, turn your camera on while holding down the MENU button. If you have followed the above instructions precisely, the camera will begin to load the new firmware. You will see the message "NOW LOADING" then the camera will display the firmware update menu.
Select "YES" using your camera's 4-way controller (the default is "NO") then press your camera's OK button.
The camera will now update its firmware. This may take a couple of minutes, so be careful to not interrupt the process.
When the update is complete, you will see "COMPLETE" on your camera's LCD screen. Turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
With the memory card removed from the camera, check your new firmware version by turning the camera back on while holding down the MENU button. Before you begin to take pictures again, be sure to format your memory card to erase the firmware update file.

FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - MACINTOSH
Mac users can follow this same process after clicking on the Macintosh download link below.

Download and save the Macintosh download file.
Decompress it with your Stuffit expander program if necessary (this step may be automatic).
Connect the camera to the computer.
Copy the firmware file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, then disconnect the camera from the computer.
Proceed with the installation of the firmware as outlined above.

Copyright December, 2009 Hoya Corporation. All rights reserved.
"PENTAX" and "K-x" are trademarks of Hoya Corporation.
Any other product and company names shown here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

DOWNLOADS

HEED THE WARNING!!! or you may be admiring your new brick instead of taking pictures.

The Kurly One · 03-12-2010, 06:35 PM

My PC won't allow me to expand the file, it keeps saying there is an error. Any hints?

rawr · 03-12-2010, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by The Kurly One

My PC won't allow me to expand the file, it keeps saying there is an error. Any hints?

What number step did you get up to in Firmware Update Instructions?

If it is the exe file, the downloaded file may have become corrupt, so download the exe file again, into a new folder this time. Then try running it a 2nd time.

The exe file should unzip and dump out the BIN file and a readme.txt.

Double-clicking on the BIN file won't do anything - the BIN file is not meant to be run on your computer.

Then follow the instructions for how to handle the BIN file. (Step 3 and onwards)

The Kurly One · 03-12-2010, 07:10 PM

I got to step 2. And I tried to DL it to 2 different paths. Even tried Running instead of saving with the same result. My Laptop is kinda quirky so I may be outta luck... BTW what are the Processing upgrades?

rawr · 03-12-2010, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by The Kurly One

I got to step 2. And I tried to DL it to 2 different paths. Even tried Running instead of saving with the same result. My Laptop is kinda quirky so I may be outta luck... BTW what are the Processing upgrades?

Try downloading the firmware directly from Pentax:

Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

The cross-processing upgrades are the addition of a few minor effects. But I've had the camera now for ages and never used any of those filters/HDR/cross-processing geegaws, so I'm not the best person to ask about those features of the firmware upgrade.

Lab · 03-17-2010, 07:49 PM

I attempted to upgrade the firmware almos 4 weeks ago (from the Pentax site). I was checking the forum to determine if the update was necessary, and after reading the horror stories I re-read the instructions a couple more times to make absolutely sure I had no questions. So I formatted the memory card, downloaded the files to the root directory, opened a new pack of batteries and installed them, checked the camera to make sure it turned on, off and on again to make sure the camera turned on, the finally started the update process and got stuck in Phase 1 of 2 (or whatever that screen showed) for 20 minutes. It took me about 5 more minutes to finally decide that something was wrong...you can guess the rest.

So a question and a suggestion

1. I am still waiting for its return and I am wondering if when I get it back it will have the latest firmware in it? I know I would be hesitant to try it again.
2. Maybe a general thread on firmware updates should be stickied in the Beginner's Corner of the forum.

02-18-2010, 04:09 PM	#1
Pentastic Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 60	Firmware I should know this, but I have a new K-x and want to know if I have the most recent version of the Firmware or whether I should update or not. How do you check the firmware on your camera and/or udate??

02-18-2010, 04:16 PM	#2
dadoftheyear New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: South East Idaho Photos: Albums Posts: 9	This is straight from the pentaximaging.com site. Manuals and Literature - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site If you just purchased the K-x you will need to upgrade the firmware. I did mine the night that I got it, about a week ago. The orginal firmware version is 1.0 and the upgrade bumps you up to 1.01. Follow the directions exactly, you don't want to brick your K-x! Good luck. Selected Model: K-x Black Manuals Available for Download Literature Available for Download Software Available for Download Search did not find any available documents. Firmware Available for Download PENTAX K-x FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION 1.01 VERSION HISTORY Version 1.01 Added 3 effects to the Cross Processing presets 1, 2, and 3. Added Cross Processing function to the Green Mode. Improved battery level indicator accuracy and stability. PREPARATION You will need a blank, formatted memory card with a capacity of 32 MB or higher. You will need your camera's USB cable, or a memory card reader. Make sure your batteries are fully charged (or that you are using an optional AC adapter) to prevent power interruptions during the update process. FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - WINDOWS Click the Windows link below to download the self-extracting firmware archive file (kx_e101w.exe). Click SAVE to save the download file to your computer's hard drive. Saving it to your desktop, for example, will make it easy to find after the download is complete. Please note: this download file is not the firmware update file itself, but a compressed archive that must be expanded in the following step. Next, double click thedownload file to expand it. Once expanded, you will see a readme text file (README.TXT) and the firmware update file itself (FWDC206B.BIN). The readme file contains instructions similar to what you are reading on this page. You must now copy the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card. When you connect the camera directly to your computer (or if you use a card reader), the memory card appears as a removable disk drive in the My Computer window. Make sure you are using a blank/formatted memory card, then drag & drop (or copy & paste) the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) from the desktop to your removable disk window, which is the camera's memory card. Please note: You must put the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) directly onto the removable disk; it cannot be in any sub-folders. It must be on the top (or root) level of the memory card. Now that you have copied the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, you are ready to install it. Make sure your camera is turned off and disconnected from the computer. Make sure that the memory card containing the firmware update file is inserted into your camera. Also, make sure you that you have adequate power in your camera with fully charged batteries. To begin the update, turn your camera on while holding down the MENU button. If you have followed the above instructions precisely, the camera will begin to load the new firmware. You will see the message "NOW LOADING" then the camera will display the firmware update menu. Select "YES" using your camera's 4-way controller (the default is "NO") then press your camera's OK button. The camera will now update its firmware. This may take a couple of minutes, so be careful to not interrupt the process. When the update is complete, you will see "COMPLETE" on your camera's LCD screen. Turn the camera off and remove the memory card. With the memory card removed from the camera, check your new firmware version by turning the camera back on while holding down the MENU button. Before you begin to take pictures again, be sure to format your memory card to erase the firmware update file. FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - MACINTOSH Mac users can follow this same process after clicking on the Macintosh download link below. Download and save the Macintosh download file. Decompress it with your Stuffit expander program if necessary (this step may be automatic). Connect the camera to the computer. Copy the firmware file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, then disconnect the camera from the computer. Proceed with the installation of the firmware as outlined above. Copyright December, 2009 Hoya Corporation. All rights reserved. "PENTAX" and "K-x" are trademarks of Hoya Corporation. Any other product and company names shown here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. DOWNLOADS DOWNLOAD MACINTOSH FILE (8.63 MB) DOWNLOAD WINDOWS FILE (8.77 MB)

02-18-2010, 04:19 PM	#4
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Originally posted by dadoftheyear This is straight from the pentaximaging.com site. Manuals and Literature - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site If you just purchased the K-x you will need to upgrade the firmware. I did mine the night that I got it, about a week ago. The orginal firmware version is 1.0 and the upgrade bumps you up to 1.01. Follow the directions exactly, you don't want to brick your K-x! Good luck. Selected Model: K-x Black Manuals Available for Download Literature Available for Download Software Available for Download Search did not find any available documents. Firmware Available for Download PENTAX K-x FIRMWARE UPDATE VERSION 1.01 VERSION HISTORY Version 1.01 Added 3 effects to the Cross Processing presets 1, 2, and 3. Added Cross Processing function to the Green Mode. Improved battery level indicator accuracy and stability. PREPARATION You will need a blank, formatted memory card with a capacity of 32 MB or higher. You will need your camera's USB cable, or a memory card reader. Make sure your batteries are fully charged (or that you are using an optional AC adapter) to prevent power interruptions during the update process. FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - WINDOWS Click the Windows link below to download the self-extracting firmware archive file (kx_e101w.exe). Click SAVE to save the download file to your computer's hard drive. Saving it to your desktop, for example, will make it easy to find after the download is complete. Please note: this download file is not the firmware update file itself, but a compressed archive that must be expanded in the following step. Next, double click thedownload file to expand it. Once expanded, you will see a readme text file (README.TXT) and the firmware update file itself (FWDC206B.BIN). The readme file contains instructions similar to what you are reading on this page. You must now copy the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card. When you connect the camera directly to your computer (or if you use a card reader), the memory card appears as a removable disk drive in the My Computer window. Make sure you are using a blank/formatted memory card, then drag & drop (or copy & paste) the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) from the desktop to your removable disk window, which is the camera's memory card. Please note: You must put the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) directly onto the removable disk; it cannot be in any sub-folders. It must be on the top (or root) level of the memory card. Now that you have copied the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, you are ready to install it. Make sure your camera is turned off and disconnected from the computer. Make sure that the memory card containing the firmware update file is inserted into your camera. Also, make sure you that you have adequate power in your camera with fully charged batteries. To begin the update, turn your camera on while holding down the MENU button. If you have followed the above instructions precisely, the camera will begin to load the new firmware. You will see the message "NOW LOADING" then the camera will display the firmware update menu. Select "YES" using your camera's 4-way controller (the default is "NO") then press your camera's OK button. The camera will now update its firmware. This may take a couple of minutes, so be careful to not interrupt the process. When the update is complete, you will see "COMPLETE" on your camera's LCD screen. Turn the camera off and remove the memory card. With the memory card removed from the camera, check your new firmware version by turning the camera back on while holding down the MENU button. Before you begin to take pictures again, be sure to format your memory card to erase the firmware update file. FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS - MACINTOSH Mac users can follow this same process after clicking on the Macintosh download link below. Download and save the Macintosh download file. Decompress it with your Stuffit expander program if necessary (this step may be automatic). Connect the camera to the computer. Copy the firmware file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera's memory card, then disconnect the camera from the computer. Proceed with the installation of the firmware as outlined above. Copyright December, 2009 Hoya Corporation. All rights reserved. "PENTAX" and "K-x" are trademarks of Hoya Corporation. Any other product and company names shown here are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. DOWNLOADS DOWNLOAD MACINTOSH FILE (8.63 MB) DOWNLOAD WINDOWS FILE (8.77 MB) HEED THE WARNING!!! or you may be admiring your new brick instead of taking pictures.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Firmware?	Naturenut	Pentax DSLR Discussion	10	08-03-2010 06:37 AM
K-7 Firmware 1.02	konraDarnok	Pentax News and Rumors	1	10-22-2009 08:01 AM
New K7 firmware...	dlacouture	Pentax DSLR Discussion	9	10-07-2009 10:09 AM
When do we get the new firmware?	ottoangel	Pentax DSLR Discussion	1	04-19-2009 12:05 PM
Firmware 1.11	benjikan	Pentax DSLR Discussion	21	03-15-2007 10:41 AM

02-18-2010, 04:17 PM	#3
flyer Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ste-Anne des Plaines, Qc., Canada Posts: 2,013	To see which firmware is in your camera, just hold the "menu" button while you turn the camera on. The firmware will be displayed on the LCD screen. edit.: Dadoftheyear types faster than me.

03-12-2010, 06:35 PM	#5
The Kurly One Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 233	My PC won't allow me to expand the file, it keeps saying there is an error. Any hints?

03-12-2010, 07:04 PM	#6
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by The Kurly One My PC won't allow me to expand the file, it keeps saying there is an error. Any hints? What number step did you get up to in Firmware Update Instructions? If it is the exe file, the downloaded file may have become corrupt, so download the exe file again, into a new folder this time. Then try running it a 2nd time. The exe file should unzip and dump out the BIN file and a readme.txt. Double-clicking on the BIN file won't do anything - the BIN file is not meant to be run on your computer. Then follow the instructions for how to handle the BIN file. (Step 3 and onwards)

03-12-2010, 07:10 PM	#7
The Kurly One Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 233	I got to step 2. And I tried to DL it to 2 different paths. Even tried Running instead of saving with the same result. My Laptop is kinda quirky so I may be outta luck... BTW what are the Processing upgrades?

03-12-2010, 07:22 PM	#8
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by The Kurly One I got to step 2. And I tried to DL it to 2 different paths. Even tried Running instead of saving with the same result. My Laptop is kinda quirky so I may be outta luck... BTW what are the Processing upgrades? Try downloading the firmware directly from Pentax: Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX The cross-processing upgrades are the addition of a few minor effects. But I've had the camera now for ages and never used any of those filters/HDR/cross-processing geegaws, so I'm not the best person to ask about those features of the firmware upgrade.

03-17-2010, 07:49 PM	#9
Lab Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 155	I attempted to upgrade the firmware almos 4 weeks ago (from the Pentax site). I was checking the forum to determine if the update was necessary, and after reading the horror stories I re-read the instructions a couple more times to make absolutely sure I had no questions. So I formatted the memory card, downloaded the files to the root directory, opened a new pack of batteries and installed them, checked the camera to make sure it turned on, off and on again to make sure the camera turned on, the finally started the update process and got stuck in Phase 1 of 2 (or whatever that screen showed) for 20 minutes. It took me about 5 more minutes to finally decide that something was wrong...you can guess the rest. So a question and a suggestion 1. I am still waiting for its return and I am wondering if when I get it back it will have the latest firmware in it? I know I would be hesitant to try it again. 2. Maybe a general thread on firmware updates should be stickied in the Beginner's Corner of the forum.