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PENTAX K-1

This function plug-in firmware has been designed to further enhance the performance and operability of your PENTAX K-1 digital SLR camera, by adding the latest functions and new settings to the camera.

Update to the latest firmware have been resumed on January 11, 2024

Changes in Version 2.41Download

Type 2 and Type3 added to ASTROTRACER function

In addition to the existing ASTROTRACER mode (to be called Type 1 after the firmware update), users now have the Type 2 and Type 3 options when using the ASTROTRACER function. They can also activate the Interval Shooting function during ASTROTRACER shooting.

ASTROTRACER Type3 Enlarge
Normal shooting Enlarge

HD FA150-450mmF4.5-5.6ED DC AW
F5.6 , 30sec , 450mm, ISO6400, In-body RAW data development, not trimmed

ASTROTRACER Type1
Conventional ASTROTRACER function. Shift the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movements of stars (diurnal motion) to priortize the celestial bodies and stars to be captured as solid points.

ASTROTRACER Type2
Shift the camera’s image sensor half the speed of Type 1 in synchronization with the movements of stars to prioritize capturing the landscape and stars in a good balance.

ASTROTRACER Type3*
A simplified equatorial function that enables to track and capture celestial bodies without using GPS. Before actual shooting, a preliminary shot is captured automatically, enabling celestial body tracking from star movements. This feature eliminates GPS positioning wait time and able to shoot in locations subject to previously troublesome magnetic fields. As the star movements are being captured on an image, ASTROTRACER’s auto-tracking function may fail when objects other than stars, such as clouds, enter the image field. In such situations, it is recommended that users select the Type 1 or Type 2 mode. When used with interval shooting, it is possible to perform multiple main exposures with a single preliminary shot.

*Time exposure of the mode dial B (Bulb Exposure) is available (Normal bulb exposure is not possible).
*Not compatible with fisheye lenses.
*Only use the zoom lens at the wide or telephoto end. However, the following lenses can be used at any zoom position.
 HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE
 HD PENTAX-DA11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW
 HD PENTAX-DA16-50mmF2.8ED PLM AW

Current menu screen
New menu screen after firmware update





A lens added as compatible with the Focus Range Limiter function

The HD PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited lens has been added to the choice of lenses compatible with the camera-controlled Focus Range Limiter function, which allows users to choose the preferred autofocus range — short range, long range or OFF — from the camera’s on-screen menu. By limiting the tracking range with this function, users are assured of swift, delay-free autofocus operation.

Lens added:
 HD PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited


Another compatible lens:
 HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8ED AW


Others
 ・Bug fix

Click here for firmware update

Update History

Function Expand Information (Version 2.30)

By upgrading PENTAX K-1 (ver. 2.30), the following function is added.

Gold: A new Custom Image mode

This firmware adds the new Gold Custom Image mode to your camera. With scenes accentuated by light, this mode is designed to create gold-tinted images by applying yellow-toned finishes to brighter areas while expressing darker, shadow areas with bluish tones. Yellow tones become more intense in highlighted areas.

Gold smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 Classic
(with an ND filter provided as a standard accessory)
Full size
Bright smc PENTAX-FA 50mmF1.4 Classic
(with an ND filter provided as a standard accessory)
Full size
Gold HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited
Enlarge
Bright HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited
Enlarge

Function Expand Information (Version 2.20)

By upgrading PENTAX K-1 (ver. 2.20), the following function is added.

HARUBENI (spring rouge): a new special-edition Custom Image mode

In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. 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.

The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.

HARUBENI (spring rouge) is the fourth special-edition Custom Image mode. This mode is designed to emphasize the pinkish colors of cherry blossoms — the hint of spring’s arrival — and the subdued blue colors of hazy spring skies. When partnered with a lens that renders a soft, delicate image description, it sets the contrast a high level to deliver an image highlighted with pink and red shades — the symbolic colors of Japan’s spring.

Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mm F2.8 ED Limited DC WR

HARUBENI Enlarge
Bright Enlarge

■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the HARUBENI specific menu screen.

■Standard menu screen
■HARUBENI specific menu screen

Function Expand Information (Version 2.10)

By upgrading PENTAX K-1 (ver. 2.10), the following function is added.

FUYUNO (winter field): a new special-edition Custom Image mode

In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. 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.

The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.

The third season-specific Custom Image mode is FUYUNO (winter field). This mode is designed to emphasize colors depicting the chilly air of winter, and to deliver sharp, high-key, images.

Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited

FUYUNO Full size
Bright Full size

■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the FUYUNO specific menu screen.

■Standard menu screen
■FUYUNO specific menu screen

Other Enhanced Features

Adding focus limiter function
You may select focus limiter function from the body menu screen. You may chose from , “Near side” “Far side” “Off”. By regulating the AF detection range either to short-distance or long-distance shooting, the user can shorten the time required for focusing

Compatible lenses:HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8ED AW

Function Expand Information (Version 2.00)

By upgrading PENTAX K-1 (ver. 2.00), the following function is added.

KYUSHU (nine autumns): a new special-edition Custom Image mode

In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. 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.

The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.

The second season-specific Custom Image mode is KYUSHU (nine autumns). This mode is designed to partner with Limited-series lenses that can capture the diverse scenes and subjects of autumn beautifully and effortlessly. It provides distinctive color renditions, with images that express the passing of autumn and the fleeting feeling of the season.

Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 40mmF2.8 Limited
HD PENTAX-DA 70mmF2.4 Limited

KYUSHU Full size
Bright Full size


■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the KYUSHU specific menu screen.

■Standard menu screen
■KYUSHU specific menu screen

Function Expand Information (Version 1.70)

By upgrading PENTAX K-1 (ver. 1.70), the following function is added.

KATEN (summer sky): a new special-edition Custom Image mode

In a new approach to SLR photography, PENTAX will release a series of new special-edition Custom Images, designed to create subject- or scene-specific finishing touches in combination with specific PENTAX Limited-series lenses — lenses popular for their distinctive image rendition. 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.

The new special-edition Custom Images cover the seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The Custom Image mode specially designed for each season will be available in combination with specific Limited-series lenses. PENTAX will release four season-specific Custom Image modes over the year.

The first season-specific Custom Image mode is KATEN (summer sky). This mode is designed to emphasize the rich blues of summer skies and depict the fine details of dazzling white clouds.

Compatible lenses:
HD PENTAX-D FA 21mmF2.4ED Limited DC WR
HD PENTAX-DA 15mmF4ED AL Limited

KATEN Full size
Bright Full size


■ Menu screen
When a lens is mounted, the camera automatically checks for compatibility, then displays the KATEN-specific menu screen.

Standard menu screen
KATEN-specific menu screen

Function Expand Information (Version 1.60)

By upgrading PENTAX K-1 (ver.1.60), the following functions is added.

New Custom Image “SATOBI”

The Custom Image “SATOBI” has been newly added to the camera.
This Custom Image provides a finishing tone similar to color photos from the 60 and 70s with colors such as cyan blue, dull yellow, and faded red. The unique red expression is suitable for such as portrait photography.
Click here for more information Distinctive color expression

Function Expand Information (Version 1.40)

Several functions which are suitable for astronomical photography have been added.

1. Night Vision Red Lighted LCD Display

Night Vision Red Lighted LCD Display has been added. When using together with outdoor LCD monitor, it works friendly to the photographer’s eye when it has become accustomed to a dark location during astronomical photography.

2. Bulb Timer Function

In addition to Bulb exposure mode, bulb timer function is added. It allows the user to start bulb timer function with Green button, and adjust exposure time from 10 seconds to as long as 20 minutes. This function is useful for astronomical photography.


3. Noise Reduction Function

White Dot Noise Reduction Function has been added. It is applied when Slow-shutter-speed Noise Reduction Function setting is OFF and saved in JPEG file. This is also effective when taking astronomical photography.

Function Expand Information (Version 1.30)

1. Addition of electronic LV shutter release

In addition to the standard focal-plane shutter release, LV electronic shutter release has been added for shutter release operation during Live-View shooting. Unlike mechanical focal-plane shutter release, it generates very little camera shake. This makes it ideal for macro photography of subjects such as flowers.

2. Addition of 1:1 Crop size setting

In addition to the original AUTO, FF and APS-C settings, a 1:1 format has been added as a cropping size option. Since the PENTAX K-1’s viewfinder also provides a 1:1-format cropping frame, this helps in composing the image more precisely.


Note: All viewfinder indications are displayed simultaneously for explanatory purposes.

3. Addition of two-mode setting to the AA filter simulator bracketing

In addition to the original three-frames bracketing (OFF, TYPE1 and TYPE2), a two-frames bracketing (OFF and TYPE2) option has been added to the camera’s AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator bracketing.

4. Cancellation of the Smart Function’s bracketing mode

You can quickly cancel bracketing operations by turning the Function Dial to the BKT (bracketing) position, then shifting the bracketing value to “0” (zero) using the Setting Dial. This eliminates the need to recall the menu screen when you want the same effect.

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