Pentax K10D firmware

I've been looking at other pentax forums and noticed alot of activity on downloading the latest software updates for the K10D. I'm running version 1.0 and the camera works just fine.I doubt I'll ever use a wireless remote as the self timer is fine for me!!.Its just the "perhaps I should update as the camera will be better" thought is bouncing around in my head!!.Do I really need to update any advice fellow Pentaxians

As I recall from my K10D, you have to update to version 1.3 (I think) if you wish to use the SDM focussing which is integral to the DA* lenses and becoming more common on others (such as some of the Pentax-fit Sigma zooms). Without the upgrade the lenses are effectively manual focus I think as they don't have an alternate screw-type drive. After the firmware upgrade they work just fine

Regards

Mat W

Pentaxboyo - firmware upgrade worth doing - won't notice any changes until you try to use an SDM lens - then it comes into it's own. Not doing the upgrade will restrict what you can do with some of the best lenses you can get - just as Mat W says.


Steve

Some of the earlier DA* lenses (such as the infamous 16-50 and 50-135) do indeed have a backup screw drive slot. In fact there have been petition demands for a firmware upgrade to enable screw-drive on these as an option on SDM-capable bodies (for if/when the SDM fails). So while not upgrading closes off SDM-only DA* lenses (e.g. the DA*55 IIRC), it also preserves important functionality in others (ie the confidence that your £900 zoom will not suddenly become a £900 manual focus zoom).

But if the SDM fails, how can you be sure that using the drive-screw does not make more damage to your lens the SDM and the Screw-drive are connected after all?
I think that's one of the reasons Pentax would not make such an option.


A slightly other note, have some of you notice slight improvement with AF speed when Using SDM lenses with the 1.31 firmware or is it just me?
I haven't tried screw-mount lenses so don't know about them.

Anvh

Just updated firmware. Tried focus speed before and after. No change here. Where you on firmware 1.3?

Jason

I think only the 17-70mm f4 and 55mm f1.4 lack the screw drive slot.


My K10D is no faster focusing with SDM after upgrading the firmware.

Yes went from 1.30 to 1.31

It seems it's just me ^^
I never use AF a lot so that could be it...

Upgrading will allow you to change sensitivity without using Sv, a facility I have found useful on several occasions.

What do you mean with that? I could always go into the Fn menu to change the ISO, with the newer firmware you can press OK button and you can change the iso with the front wheel.