Firmware query

I note that the K7 had a firmware update from the pre-production model before it was released for sale. I believe one thing that this software did was improve AF speed.

I was wondering whether a similar update could happen for the K10d as focusing with the otherwise superb new 60-250 f4 lens is slow. Is there anyone who has tried re-writing firmware to come up with a third party version? Surely it would be possible to bring the part of the focusing from the K7 firmware onto the K10d etc.

Its beyond my technical ability but I just wondered whether it was possible.

Something fishy here because with my GX20, the 60-250 locks on focus impressively fast.

Could this be a lens rather than camera issue?

I think that we can expect no firmware updates for older Pentax DSLR's that are no longer in production. Some of the fixes in newer models could so easily be incorporated into old model firmware, but Pentax will not do it.

Have also found my 60-250 to be a slow focusser as well!

In no particular order I have tried it on:-

K10 - Via screw drive
K10 - K10 Via SDM
K20 - 2x Via SDM
K-7 - 3x Pre production models all with pre V1.0 Firmware
K-7 - 2x Pre production models with V1.0 Firmware
K-7 - 2x Retail versions with both V1.0 & V1.01 Firmware

It is slow at focussing on all of them.

The glass moves the fastest via the screw drive on the K10 with V1.0 Firmware, but is the slowest to confirm.

Everything else seems just about the same speed i.e. slooooow.

But.....

Of the 3x K-7 pre production models I have tried it on, one of them massively outperformed the other 2. It was a hell of a difference, Amin was there and blown away, Will from SRS can confirm and John from Pentax was there as well, quite surprised (t'was SRS open day!).

That body was Lyndsey's (from Pentax) one. I genuinely thought I had a new lens! Now, I can't tell you wether this was a firmware issue or not. They were all pre production, but maybe this one had more power, or maybe it was firmware, or maybe they were testing different algorithms in that body, or maybe......

All I know is, if anyone is listening out there, whatever you did to Lyndsey's K-7, can you do it to the rest of them please!

I'm seriously thinking of getting a K7, focus speed on this lens is a major point.

I've seen that there are some people trying to get to grips with firmware so something may happen in the future. However not sure how much I like the idea of using unofficial firmware.