New function-expansion firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II
and K-3 Mark III cameras:
Featuring special-edition Custom Images to optimize the imaging performance
of PENTAX Limited-series lenses;
KATEN mode released the first season-specific Custom Images option
TOKYO, June 23, 2022, －RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the release of new function-expansion firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III digital SLR cameras. This firmware lets users take advantage of special-edition Custom Images in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses. The KATEN (summer sky) mode has been released as the first season-specific Custom Images option.
● Special-edition Custom Images
To make photographic experiences with PENTAX digital SLR cameras even more enjoyable and exciting, PENTAX is providing a new approach to SLR photography, through special-edition Custom Images designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with certain PENTAX Limited-series lenses -- lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. PENTAX will release a series of season-specific Custom Images to create distinctive finishing touches dedicated to the spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons. As a lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects compatibility with the firmware. Once compatibility is confirmed, the user can then select special-edition Custom Images.
● KATEN (summer sky)
This special-edition, season-specific Custom Image mode is designed to emphasize the rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds. This mode can be selected in combination with HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR and HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited lenses. Both lenses feature an ultra-wide angle of view and the latest HD (High Definition) coating, which effectively minimizes the generation of ghost images even with images captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. They have been selected as the best partners for the KATEN mode because they optimize the intended visual effects of the mode.
● Upcoming schedule
Following on the KATEN mode, PENTAX will release specific-edition, season-specific Custom Images specially designed for SLR photography in autumn, winter and spring. Check the chart below for detailed information.
| special-edition Custom Image mode | Compatible camera body | Partner lens* (Usable on all compatible camera bodies) |
|---|---|---|
| Summer：KATEN | PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II PENTAX K-3 Mark III |
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited |
| Autumn | PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II PENTAX K-3 Mark III |
HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited HD PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 Limited HD PENTAX-DA 70mmF2.4 Limited |
| Winter | PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II PENTAX K-3 Mark III |
HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited HD PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited |
| Spring | PENTAX K-1 /K-1 Mark II PENTAX K-3 Mark III |
HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mmF2.8-4ED Limited DC WR |
* Lenses compatible with autumn, winter and spring Custom Images are tentative choices and may be changed later.
Note: Special-edition, season-specific Custom Image modes other than KATEN will be named later and announced with the release of each firmware.