How do I check which version firmware I have?

*Rich · 12-23-2011, 10:22 PM

Just got a K-5 and I read everywhere to make sure you have the latest firmware version. How do I check which version the camera has?

Found nothing in the manual about it, nor can I find a menu item to choose like I can do with my Canon DSLR. Thanks.

vonBaloney · 12-23-2011, 10:30 PM - **1 Like**

Turn the camera off. Now press and hold the menu button while turning it on. It should say firmware version on the screen. I think you will find you do not have most recent version. Go here and follow directions carefully:

Downloads & Literature - PENTAX Imaging USA

*Rich · 12-24-2011, 09:25 PM

Thanks. I had v 1.01, so I updated to v 1.11. It's odd that this procedure is not mentioned in the otherwise excellent Operating Manual for the K5.

A search on this forum also showed me how to check the manufacture date and frame count on my unit from the EXIF data of a JPEG shot. Great forum.

vonBaloney · 12-25-2011, 11:08 AM

Firmware updates for most things seem to be a bit of a secret, probably because they are a dangerous procedure if you aren't too bright. But if you have a problem and go looking for support, you'll then be pointed to it, and if you send in the camera for service for any reason they automatically update you to the latest. But sometimes they do add new features, etc -- it is not all fixing problems. I guess they figure anyone "serious" will find it...

civiletti · 12-25-2011, 12:26 PM

Originally posted by vonBaloney

Firmware updates for most things seem to be a bit of a secret, probably because they are a dangerous procedure if you aren't too bright. But if you have a problem and go looking for support, you'll then be pointed to it, and if you send in the camera for service for any reason they automatically update you to the latest. But sometimes they do add new features, etc -- it is not all fixing problems. I guess they figure anyone "serious" will find it...

Bright people make silly mistakes - often.

vonBaloney · 12-25-2011, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by civiletti

Bright people make silly mistakes - often.

Errr...I meant "inexperienced".

trublubiker · 12-30-2011, 01:20 AM

I picked up my new K5 yesterday.

Ran the checks and was a little bit surprised to see my camera, with a build date 2011:08:31, has firmware version 1.01.00.14, which I assume is the original version.

I'm guessing the original firmware version is embedded in the PCB.

12-23-2011, 10:22 PM	#1
*Rich Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Silver City, New Mexico, USA Posts: 31	How do I check which version firmware I have? Just got a K-5 and I read everywhere to make sure you have the latest firmware version. How do I check which version the camera has? Found nothing in the manual about it, nor can I find a menu item to choose like I can do with my Canon DSLR. Thanks.

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12-23-2011, 10:30 PM - 1 Like	#2
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Turn the camera off. Now press and hold the menu button while turning it on. It should say firmware version on the screen. I think you will find you do not have most recent version. Go here and follow directions carefully: Downloads & Literature - PENTAX Imaging USA

12-24-2011, 09:25 PM	#3
Rich Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Silver City, New Mexico, USA Posts: 31 Original Poster*	Thanks. I had v 1.01, so I updated to v 1.11. It's odd that this procedure is not mentioned in the otherwise excellent Operating Manual for the K5. A search on this forum also showed me how to check the manufacture date and frame count on my unit from the EXIF data of a JPEG shot. Great forum.

12-25-2011, 11:08 AM	#4
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Firmware updates for most things seem to be a bit of a secret, probably because they are a dangerous procedure if you aren't too bright. But if you have a problem and go looking for support, you'll then be pointed to it, and if you send in the camera for service for any reason they automatically update you to the latest. But sometimes they do add new features, etc -- it is not all fixing problems. I guess they figure anyone "serious" will find it...

12-25-2011, 12:26 PM	#5
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	Originally posted by vonBaloney Firmware updates for most things seem to be a bit of a secret, probably because they are a dangerous procedure if you aren't too bright. But if you have a problem and go looking for support, you'll then be pointed to it, and if you send in the camera for service for any reason they automatically update you to the latest. But sometimes they do add new features, etc -- it is not all fixing problems. I guess they figure anyone "serious" will find it... Bright people make silly mistakes - often.

12-25-2011, 01:57 PM	#6
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Originally posted by civiletti Bright people make silly mistakes - often. Errr...I meant "inexperienced".

12-30-2011, 01:20 AM	#7
trublubiker Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Hunter Valley NSW AUSTRALIA Posts: 143	I picked up my new K5 yesterday. Ran the checks and was a little bit surprised to see my camera, with a build date 2011:08:31, has firmware version 1.01.00.14, which I assume is the original version. I'm guessing the original firmware version is embedded in the PCB.

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