New Pentax Firmware updates for 6 cameras

Pentax has released firmware updates for the K-r, K-5, K-01, K-30, K-5II, and K-5IIs cameras.

This update addresses:

1. Optimized contrast AF when using [HD PENTAX-DA 560mmF5.6ED AW] lens.
2. Improved stability for general performance.

Go to this page: http://www.pentax.jp/engl...ort/download_digital.html and download the appropriate update for your camera. Follow the directions on the download page for the particulars of your camera.

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Peter E Smith

My flickr Photostream

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/download_digital.html








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[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

Interesting that contrast AF ( through sensor ) has needed a FW tweak for the 'mortgage requiring' DA 560mm

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[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

Quite, I doubt there's many here that will see the benefit of this update. I'm not sure that the lens is even available yet.

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Peter E Smith

My flickr Photostream

I hope they've allowed a colour change for Focus Peaking. White is often next to useless.

Update or not?
Does anyone know what the K-5's Improved stability for general performance entails? I know manufacturers always advise to update to latest firmware but sometimes is it better to leave well alone? I do wish Pentax would give more details on Firmware content.

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6th Year Apprentice Pensioner

It casn remove minor bugs, which is probably rarely mentioned except as "improves stability", and can add useful features. I updated the Q, without which the adapter for K lenses could not be used.

It is a simple process, just follow the instructions and make sure the battery is fully charged.

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Best regards, John

In reality, firmware updates are performance tweaks. In order to get the best performance from our computers, we (or experts on our behalf) will tweak settings within the main console, or dig deep into the registry in order to get that improved performance. These firmware updates may not necessarily provide visible improvements, but they are improvements nonetheless, so I'd advise to update in order to keep your camera performing at its peak.

Thanks for the heads - up Peter




I equally doubt that the reasons given are the sole reason for the update. I would suspect/hope that improvements to the firmware found in the K5 mark 2 have been incorporated.

Regards - Steve

Maybe it will change my k5 into a K5 MkII

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Alan


PPG
Flickr

Hopefully it has improved stability, since as I said on the thread about the update for the mkII/s I nearly had a heart attack yesterday when updating mine, as the camera froze. Luckily it all went well after removing the battery, but I had visions of a huge repair bill for a short while.

If you haven't got a K5ii or K%iis, is it really worth doing it, I have downloaded it but reading the website I am wondering if it is worth the bother?

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Pentax K1-ii and MZ6
Pentax Lenses 28-80 F, 300 DA*, 80-200 F, 35 F2.4 AL, M50 F1.7, 28-105 DFA, 20 F4 SMC
ONE UNITED Member

Done. Thanks for the heads up. CHEERS Vic.

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Born again biker with lots of Pentax bits. Every day I wake up is a good day. I'm so old I don't even buy green bananas.

A resounding YES.

Even if you haven't got the 560mm lens(has anybody?), any changes included in "2. Improved stability for general performance." will be of benefit to all owners.

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Peter E Smith

My flickr Photostream

A resounding DEPENDS.

I was involved for too long in software testing in my previous life and I still believe two things:

1. Version releases can include bugfixes. Some documented, some not.

2. Version releases can introduce new bugs. None documented.

If you are experiencing any odd-behaviour with your current version, or if you are in need of the new feature(s), then updating could (should) be well worthwhile. If neither, then there is an argument that you should avoid all risk by holding off.

But I'll probably still upgrade like everyone else. I might just wait a little while first though...