Elements and K100 RAW

I'm using PS Elements 4 and want to use it to edit RAW files from my K100. Trouble is, while I've apparently downloaded the correct plug-in, I'm not entirely sure what to do with it.

Elements won't load .PEF files, telling me they're the wrong type of file...

Help !

Ta.

One thing is to use the Pentax Browser and processing software to convert from PEF to JPG
Better is to get a RAW converter like Silkypix, or even Capture One LE (which was free with Sandisk Extreme III 2Gb cards).

Matt

I use Elements too, nd have d/l'd ACR but have not yet been able to integrate it into Elements like I understood was possible. I was under the impression that it could be done in such a way so as to allow PEF or DNG files to be opened in Elements, rather than using ACR as a stand-alone...

I've probably skipped a small but vital step in the process... could someone provide a link or set of instructions on how to do this?

Thanks...

I cannot open PEF files in Elements V5 as it says unsupported file type but they do open fine in V6.

It depends on the PEF of course. Weren't there any instructions on how to install the Camera Raw upgrade for Elements? The Adobe site is painfully slow at the mo so I can't have a look for you.
Maybe you can find the answer at www.photoshopelementsuser.com. Don't be put off by all the subscriber only areas -have a look at the forum - see if there is an answer there. Don't only look for updating for PEFs - any new camera needs an update.

Just FYI, the Photoshop Elements 6 loads RAW files from the K100D (PEF format). Maybe you need an upgrade?

Also, I would like to recommend Scott Kelby's book on Elements 6. Very educational, at least for me.

An upgrade isn't necessary - nice but not necessary - there is an update to Adobe Camera Raw which includes PEFs for all the latest cameras, up to and including K20D and K200D. Noddy just needs help installing this update in Elements.
Not having a newer camera I can't help. I am sure the instructions are somewhere on the Adobe site though. Just a question of finding them.

PSE 6 is a huge improvement on PSE 4 I have to say although any plugins you have for 4 won't work in 6.

I haven't got Scott Kelby's PSE6 book yet but I do have "the Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage which is what it says on the cover. I like Scott Kelby's style but I know that not everyone does. Unfortunately the Missing manual doesn't cover updating the Raw converter.

The installation instructions are here: http://tinyurl.com/6r5zcc along with info on error messages you may get.
I hope that helps you.

I don't think the Raw Converter update for Elements 4 can open K100D 's version of Pef. Adobe have stopped compatibility for new cameras unfortunately, for newer cameras you have to upgrade to the newer version.
I know that CS2 can open the Pef files for the K10D and the K100D which was in the very last upgrade, but any subsequent Pentax model will need CS3.

This is why Pentax allow Raw to be saved in DNG format, any version of Elements or Photoshop can open these. There is a penalty to pay in that the files are larger, but it does get around the compatibility problem.

Chris

All sorted ! Got hold of Camera RAW 3.7 (the latest version that will work with PE4), replaced the existing file as per Adobes instructions and Bingo ! I can now import my .PEF's !

Works really well - thanks to everyone who took the time to help out !

Glad you were able to sort it out!
PSE 4 is a great program. PSE 6 is even better when you feel like upgrading, but PSE 4 will do most things you need.

The ACR file needs to be copied into the 'plugins/file formats' folder in your Photoshop Elements program folder.