New function-expansion firmware updates for Pentax K-1, K-1 Mark II, and K-3 Mark III cameras

New function-expansion firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III cameras: Featuring special-edition Custom Images to optimize the imaging performance of PENTAX Limited-series lenses; KATEN mode released the first season-specific Custom Images option

TOKYO, June 23, 2022, -RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the release of new function-expansion firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III digital SLR cameras. This firmware lets users take advantage of special-edition Custom Images in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses. The KATEN (summer sky) mode has been released as the first season-specific Custom Images option.

firmware download page

● Special-edition Custom Images
To make photographic experiences with PENTAX digital SLR cameras even more enjoyable and exciting, PENTAX is providing a new approach to SLR photography, through special-edition Custom Images designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with certain PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. PENTAX will release a series of season-specific Custom Images to create distinctive finishing touches dedicated to the spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons. As a lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects compatibility with the firmware. Once compatibility is confirmed, the user can then select special-edition Custom Images.

● KATEN (summer sky)
This special-edition, season-specific Custom Image mode is designed to emphasize the rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds. This mode can be selected in combination with HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR and HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited lenses. Both lenses feature an ultra-wide angle of view and the latest HD (High Definition) coating, which effectively minimizes the generation of ghost images even with images captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. They have been selected as the best partners for the KATEN mode because they optimize the intended visual effects of the mode.

● Upcoming schedule
Following on the KATEN mode, PENTAX will release specific-edition, season-specific Custom Images specially designed for SLR photography in autumn, winter and spring. Check the chart below for detailed information.

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Another class-action lawsuit against Ricoh for Pentax cameras aperture defects was dismissed by a federal judge in Illinois


After the New York State class-action lawsuit against Ricoh for Pentax cameras aperture defects was dismissed back in February, Law360 reports that a similar lawsuit was also thrown out by an Illinois federal judge (the full article is behind a paywall):


Just a reminder that a similar class-action lawsuit was recently filed also n Pennsylvania:

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The new Pentax O-GPS2 GPS unit is now available for pre-order, will be in short supply


The new Pentax O-GPS2 GPS unit for Pentax DSLR cameras is now available for pre-order at:

Ricoh Japan announced a supply shortage for the Pentax O-GPS2 GPS unit

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DxO Nik Collection 5 now available


Today DxO announced the all-new Nik Collection 5. The suite consists of eight different plug-ins, Major improvements were introduced in Color Efex and Analog Efex. The design of the user interface has been rebuilt from scratch and now has also several new features. Here are the details:

Via PhotoRumors

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Pentax digest #47


The Camera & Imaging Products Association in Japan (CIPA) released the latest camera production data.


New Ricoh Theta “HDRI” plug-in released.


A Shift in Strategy: What is Pentax’s “Workshop-like” Model?



Ricoh announced the opening of “PENTAX Clubhouse” in Yotsuya.


Ricoh GR meet in Japan.

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Ricoh announced a new Pentax O-GPS2 GPS unit for Pentax DSLR cameras





Ricoh announced a new Pentax O-GPS2 GPS unit for Pentax DSLR cameras. The new version makes it easy to capture stellar images of the night sky and is developed as a successor to the current Pentax O-GPS1 model. The new Pentax O-GPS2 provides more reliable and higher-precision positioning data gathered from GPS in the U.S., QZSS in Japan, GLONASS, and Galileo.

Pre-orders should be open soon at Adorama and B&H Photo.

Updated pre-orders are now open at:

Additional information:

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Ricoh GR IIIx offer at WEX UK: free BD-110 battery and free GC-11 case


The Ricoh GR IIIx camera now comes with a free BD-110 battery and a free GC-11 case at WEX UK and you can get 30% off on selected other accessories:

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