K-1 firmware update 1.4

Rumours on another forum that firmware version 1.4 is near to release. Includes 20 minute bulb timer, noise reduction for white dot. and red light function for LCD for dark environments.

That's good news Jeff and I really think its a positive for Ricoh to support their products in the way that the likes of Fuji do, I just wish they supported their older models like the K5 and K3 series also. Still its a positive message to send to those thinking of investing in Pentax.

Second Fishbones on the (lack of!) support for old bodies - that DOES NOT enamour most of us to Pentax in Japan: they need to learn to support their existing user basis, or else they will never get want they want, which is that we NEED to know that there is a future for the brand - with new bodies OR the older ones. Otherwise, many of us will desert the brand for some other manufacturer that take US seriously when we say that we need "something" - especially the support for new lenses on the older bodies!

I DO hope that Pentax.jp ARE watching/listening to this because, at the moment, once a newer model of the KS, K-5, K-3 (&K1??) ranges is released then NO further f/w updates are being released for the earlier ones in that range! OTOH other manufacturers, at least Fuji for one, DO keep faith with the owners of older bodies and thus DO release suitable updates.

Why, then, does Pentax not release some of the f/w updates to the original K-3 - notably the autofocus one(s) - after they have done that for the K-3-II when, as far as I have read, BOTH models use the same h/w and so there seems no "rational" reason why they CANNOT?

They have done updates for the K-3 but I tend to agree there might be more Pentax could do if technically possible to give it more of what the K-3II has including using the new kaf4 mount.

I bought my K3 29th January 2015 as the current model. It came with firmware 1.18 from factory, manufactured October 2015 I seem to recall. Funny what is considered 'old' these days. it's a system and should be maintained as such. That's what we expensively buy into. I note Ricoh were happy to update earlier GR with GRII features. How come not the Pentax DSLR's anymore or have they just been too busy over in Japan for us, soon to be ex, Europeans?

My biggest grouse is the way Pentax pretend to have any presence in the UK for feedback. Clearly none these days (France, Germany????). I have a little Canon 1 inch compact that I get regular usage tips, competitions, updates on product range etc.

We never did hear back about that big Pentax 'user' survey did we? I've asked in past how come this site gets kit to test but no two way dialogue with Ricoh/Pentax in touch with them. No answer to date.

Communication and dialogue with its customers doesn't appear to be a priority for Ricoh...never a good sign.

While it would most certainly be nice to have somewhat better marketing and PR from Ricoh; truth is, that costs money. We would right away have it reflected in their pricing policy. Frankly, I'm quite happy with things as they are. Keep my expectations low, as long as their cameras remain so affordable and provide the best bang for buck on the market.

Mag

As I said earlier, from what I read when the K-3II came out, there appear to be no h/w changes from the K-3 and so a f/w update to the latest version for the latter should be a relatively easy/quick/cheap thing to do, and so why have they not done that now that the buying frenzy for the former is over?

The K3 is a fully functioning camera. That said, it's not the latest. Lack of firmware updates do not cripple you in any way. You have what you paid for. Everything else is a bonus. Would most certainly be lovely; but is it a rational expectation beyond bug fixes? Don't really know. As for it's compatibility with the new variation of the mount; for all we know, there can be hardware differences between the two models. I'd definitely pester Ricoh for some answers if it was important to me; but assuming it's laziness on their part is far fetched without having insider knowledge. Just my two cents

Mag

Actually, not having the K-3II f/w on the K-3 DOES cripple it to the extent that the K-3II was shown clearly on the US forum to have faster and better A/F (that "little" area that affects a lot of us for shooting BIF and/or planes, and so on), and also the lack of KAF4 compatibility (which would actually be to Pentax' advantage because that would open up the possibilities for sales of the new lenses to owners of the older bodies, especially when we can't afford/justify - I can't, being a pensioner - a body upgrade just for those reasons).

Therefore I don't/can't agree with your opinion - which sounds a bit like an "apology" for Pentax.jp.

OTOH, if there are actually reasons why these requested f/w upgrades CANNOT be applied because of specific h/w differences then we could accept it if Pentax.jp just came out and stated that (with the reasons!)

Not meant to. Don't tend to apologize for others haha. Just generally try to see both sides of the argument And I will not agree about K3 being 'crippled' - when you purchased it, you knew very well what you are getting; inclusive of rather poor AF. The fact that it has been improved in a later model, does not entitle you, in my humble opinion, to an auto upgrade, even if it is possible/easy to implement.

As I said above - Pentax.jp should both listen and explain, but they never ever do!
(FWIW, if they even offered the upgrades at reasonable prices then I/we might well be prepared to pay for them)

This is one of those discussions that is hard to have without referencing other brands.

Whilst Pentax wont, several other brands will provide regular software updates, bringing everything newly developed that the old hardware is capable of supporting/benefiting from.

Think Apple iOS upgrades but for cameras. I wont mention brands, so my post doesn't get deleted, but Pentax could do more to support owners after the initial purchase. -Be that firmware improvements or hardware (k-30/k-50 aperture motor failures).

Interesting remarks. My Pentax DSLR is a 'system' camera designed and sold to work with a unique system of lenses and accessories. I expect it to continue as such with firmware updates for lenses as in the past. As I said Ricoh added most 'new' features to their old GR with no problem.

My K3 focuses fine by the way, no idea what others are moaning about. https://www.pentaxuser.com/user/wvbarnes-10782 for examples

Bill

I cannot but totally agree - I bought into a "system" which, nowadays, just does not "deliver".

Edited: Having looked very briefly at your portfolio, you do not do much "action" shooting, and so I can understand why you have not experienced the AF "issue" - but many of us do!