K5 firmware question
Posted 11/08/2011 - 16:25 - Helpful Comment
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My understanding is you only need the latest version. Recent updates have been for the GPS gadget and then a fix for that.
Many Forums talk of hidden (not listed) fixes and tweaks not mentioned in upgrades. My KR auto focussing seems quicker than before, for example, but who can prove that?
Many Forums talk of hidden (not listed) fixes and tweaks not mentioned in upgrades. My KR auto focussing seems quicker than before, for example, but who can prove that?
Posted 11/08/2011 - 16:34
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Thanks for that, Bill. It would certainly make sense for the later ones to embody the previous ones.
Posted 11/08/2011 - 17:17
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Following on from the above, I visited the Pentax site with a view to down-loading the firmware update, blithely assuming that there would be an instructive “read_me” text document as there was with the K7 updates. Surprisingly, there doesn’t seem to be any such guidance. Does anyone know where I may find enlightenment?
Posted 11/08/2011 - 17:24 - Helpful Comment
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The downloaded file contains the readme text file.
The update process has remained unchanged from the very first *istD.
Download the file and run it (.exe). This will extract two files, the readme.txt being one, the firmware, the other.
Charge your battery.
Format an SD card in the camera.
Remove card from camera and attach it to your PC with a card reader, or leave it in camera and connect camera to PC using the supplied USB cable.
Copy the extracted firmware file to the root directory of the SD card.
Put SD card back in camera, with power off.
Press and hold the menu button on the camera, power on the camera.
You will now see further instructions on the rear screen.
Choose yes to update, wait for the completion message and flashing SD access light.
Turn off camera.
Turn on camera and reformat the SD card.
Job done.
To check the firmware version, press and hold the menu button and power on the camera.
Pentax instructions can be found here, and the latest version is 1.11, not 1.02 as you noted earlier.
The update process has remained unchanged from the very first *istD.
Download the file and run it (.exe). This will extract two files, the readme.txt being one, the firmware, the other.
Charge your battery.
Format an SD card in the camera.
Remove card from camera and attach it to your PC with a card reader, or leave it in camera and connect camera to PC using the supplied USB cable.
Copy the extracted firmware file to the root directory of the SD card.
Put SD card back in camera, with power off.
Press and hold the menu button on the camera, power on the camera.
You will now see further instructions on the rear screen.
Choose yes to update, wait for the completion message and flashing SD access light.
Turn off camera.
Turn on camera and reformat the SD card.
Job done.
To check the firmware version, press and hold the menu button and power on the camera.
Pentax instructions can be found here, and the latest version is 1.11, not 1.02 as you noted earlier.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Posted 11/08/2011 - 17:46
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Mannesty wrote:
and the latest version is 1.11, not 1.02 as you noted earlier.
Thanks a lot, Peter. (By the way, I did think it was odd that 1.02 was later than 1.11. )
and the latest version is 1.11, not 1.02 as you noted earlier.
Posted 11/08/2011 - 21:21 - Helpful Comment
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I am at 1.03 in my K-5s. 1.10 and 1.11 are only in regard to the GPS unit compatibility.
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 11/08/2011 - 21:27
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Smeggypants wrote:
I am at 1.03 in my K-5s. 1.10 and 1.11 are only in regard to the GPS unit compatibility.
Are you 100% certain? I am at 1.03 in my K-5s. 1.10 and 1.11 are only in regard to the GPS unit compatibility.
And no i don't know mroe then you do but it doesn't hurt the have the newest firmware and Pentax is known to not tell everything that's inside an update.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 12/08/2011 - 02:41
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Anvh wrote:
And no i don't know mroe then you do but it doesn't hurt the have the newest firmware and Pentax is known to not tell everything that's inside an update.
Flawed logic.Smeggypants wrote:
I am at 1.03 in my K-5s. 1.10 and 1.11 are only in regard to the GPS unit compatibility.
Are you 100% certain? I am at 1.03 in my K-5s. 1.10 and 1.11 are only in regard to the GPS unit compatibility.
And no i don't know mroe then you do but it doesn't hurt the have the newest firmware and Pentax is known to not tell everything that's inside an update.
Stefan, have you heard the English expression: "If it ain't broke don't fix it" ??
So no I'm not 100% certain, but apart from the AF in low light still not 100% fixed, there's nothing about my K-5s that are broke.
I am an experience beta tester for software and I can tell you that it's not always best to have the latest version.
Unless there's a specific issue to be address, i.e the way 1.03 addressed the AF problem, then I would advise caution in upgrading FW simply becuase it's the latest.
Yes you're right that there can be undocumented(publically) changes, but the nature of software is that change can and do cause more problems than they are intended to fix/improve.
The other issue regarding more caution is that for some odd reason you cannot uninstall the FW from a Pentax Camera and reinstall a previous version.
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 12/08/2011 - 07:14
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Smeggypants wrote:
The other issue regarding more caution is that for some odd reason you cannot uninstall the FW from a Pentax Camera and reinstall a previous version.
you can actually.The other issue regarding more caution is that for some odd reason you cannot uninstall the FW from a Pentax Camera and reinstall a previous version.
If you don't risk something you gain nothing.
They might for example fixed the lowlight AF further but who knows, it's all guess work when they don't tell you.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 12/08/2011 - 10:45
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In my opinion and I have said similar before on this forum. Camera manufactures or their import agents should offer to carry out firmware updates, free of charge, or at least for a small handling charge. It should not be assumed that all digital camera owners have the technical skills necessary to carry out, such updates.
I also understand that if you attempt such updates yourself and damage or destroy the camera operating system, you will then be face with a hefty repair bill, by the manufactures agent. Or dump the camera.
Not acceptable.
Anything is easy if you have the know how, if you understand computer systems, then good for you, but there are many of us that don’t .
Take care.
Chris R.
I also understand that if you attempt such updates yourself and damage or destroy the camera operating system, you will then be face with a hefty repair bill, by the manufactures agent. Or dump the camera.
Not acceptable.
Anything is easy if you have the know how, if you understand computer systems, then good for you, but there are many of us that don’t .
Take care.
Chris R.
Chris R.
I. El. (Eng). (Rtd).
I. El. (Eng). (Rtd).
Posted 12/08/2011 - 19:50
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Anvh wrote:
I stand corrected - How?Smeggypants wrote:
The other issue regarding more caution is that for some odd reason you cannot uninstall the FW from a Pentax Camera and reinstall a previous version.
you can actually.The other issue regarding more caution is that for some odd reason you cannot uninstall the FW from a Pentax Camera and reinstall a previous version.
Quote:
If you don't risk something you gain nothing.
They might for example fixed the lowlight AF further but who knows, it's all guess work when they don't tell you.
Actually I'm a speculate to accumulate type of person, but there has to be some rationale behind taking the risk.If you don't risk something you gain nothing.
They might for example fixed the lowlight AF further but who knows, it's all guess work when they don't tell you.
some of my rationale would include the fact that the AF problem was a huge dent in the reputation of the K-5. I would argue that any improvements to the AF system would be advertised in the update.
The sort of changes that would go undocumented are fixes to tiny bugs which probably most would not notice.
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 12/08/2011 - 19:52
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ChrisR wrote:
In my opinion and I have said similar before on this forum. Camera manufactures or their import agents should offer to carry out firmware updates, free of charge, or at least for a small handling charge. It should not be assumed that all digital camera owners have the technical skills necessary to carry out, such updates.
I also understand that if you attempt such updates yourself and damage or destroy the camera operating system, you will then be face with a hefty repair bill, by the manufactures agent. Or dump the camera.
Not acceptable.
Anything is easy if you have the know how, if you understand computer systems, then good for you, but there are many of us that don’t .
Take care.
Chris R.
Fair comments and when I worked in Musical instrument retail I often carried out free of charge OS updates for customers synthesisers who weren't confident enoguh to tackle it themselves.In my opinion and I have said similar before on this forum. Camera manufactures or their import agents should offer to carry out firmware updates, free of charge, or at least for a small handling charge. It should not be assumed that all digital camera owners have the technical skills necessary to carry out, such updates.
I also understand that if you attempt such updates yourself and damage or destroy the camera operating system, you will then be face with a hefty repair bill, by the manufactures agent. Or dump the camera.
Not acceptable.
Anything is easy if you have the know how, if you understand computer systems, then good for you, but there are many of us that don’t .
Take care.
Chris R.
I would assume that decent Camera dealers would do the same.
[i]Bodies: 1x K-5IIs, 2x K-5, Sony TX-5, Nokia 808
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Lenses: Pentax DA 10-17mm ED(IF) Fish Eye, Pentax DA 14mm f/2.8, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8, Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8, Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.2, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4, Pentax-A 50mm f/1.7, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Sigma 135-400mm APO DG, and more ..
Flash: AF-540FGZ, Vivitar 283
Posted 12/08/2011 - 19:53
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Smeggypants wrote:
I know you could do it with the k10D or did they change things?Anvh wrote:
I stand corrected - How?Smeggypants wrote:
The other issue regarding more caution is that for some odd reason you cannot uninstall the FW from a Pentax Camera and reinstall a previous version.
you can actually.The other issue regarding more caution is that for some odd reason you cannot uninstall the FW from a Pentax Camera and reinstall a previous version.
Or else you can always force it with the debug menu i believe, that way you can get K20D firmware onto the k10D for example.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Posted 12/08/2011 - 20:08
Link
Trying to put the wrong firmware on a camera now does go a bit beyond good advice though. Why would you want to do that? Updates are designed for a particular model and they are quite specific.
Best regards, John
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374 posts
16 years
South of Scotland
Does anyone know whether the latest version applies the intervening upgrades, or do you have to download and install all the upgrades one after the other rather than just the latest version on its own?