Ricoh announces function-expansion firmware update with season-specific Custom Image mode for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III cameras

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Jun 23, 2022, 09:30 ET

Custom Image modes provide unique visual effects when DSLRs are used with PENTAX Limited-series lenses; effects enhance outdoor images based on season of year, first is for summer

PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the release of new function-expansion firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III digital SLR cameras that enables season-specific Custom Image modes when the cameras are used with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses. Throughout the year, a series of season-specific Custom Image modes will be released, the first being issued today - KATEN, in honor of summer. When a compatible limited series lens is mounted, the camera automatically detects and confirms compatibility with the firmware, allowing the user to select the special-edition Custom Image mode. When selected, the mode allows adding unique finishing touches to images to enhance outdoor, seasonal landscapes.

Ricoh Imaging announced new firmware for PENTAX K-1, K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III digital SLR cameras that enables season-specific Custom Image modes when the cameras are used with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses. The first season-specific mode available is called KATEN or “Summer Sky.” It emphasizes the rich blues of summer skies and depicts the fine details of dazzling white clouds. Images taken with the PENTAX K-1 Mark II with the HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR Lens.

The first season-specific mode available today is called KATEN or "Summer Sky." It 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 High Definition (HD) coating, which effectively minimizes ghost images even when photos are captured under harsh summertime sunshine, or when the sun is in the image field. These two lenses have been selected for the KATEN Custom Image mode because they best optimize the intended visual effects of the mode.

Custom Image modes that have been specially designed for capturing autumn, winter and spring scenes will be available later this year. The chart below shares detailed information on compatible cameras and lenses for each season-specific mode.

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