30.10.24 - New Firmware - with new "Premium Function Astro Assist"

Ricoh Imaging often breaks new and unfamiliar ground with its Pentax models. For example, a firmware update about two years ago added a new, very extensive, software-based ND gradient filter ‘premium function’ to the K-1 and K-3 Mark III models.
Interested photographers could initially only purchase this chargeable function extension in Japan, as the domestic market was chosen as a test field to gain experience with its acceptance and implementation.

We are now pleased to announce that the ‘Premium Function Grad ND Simulator’ for the Pentax K-1, Pentax K-1 Mark II (Information here...), Pentax K-3 Mark III (Information here...) and Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome (Information here...) is now also available in Europe. It can be ordered as an ‘accessory’ in the Pentax webshop.

You can find more information on the product page... (link)

This virtual ND filter has already proven very successful and simplifies photography with strong contrast differences, e.g. in landscape photography, because the often time-consuming handling of filters is no longer necessary and all functions are controlled via the menu screen.

Following on from this very successful option, a further function was introduced as a purchase option, initially on the Japanese market, with the ‘Premium Function Astro Assist’, initially for the K-1 and K-1 Mark II (Fw Vers. 2.40).

With the firmware update 2.20, which was released today, the ‘Premium Function Astro Assist’ is now also offered for the Pentax K-3 Mark III and Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome.

You can find an overview of the functions at this link...

Based on the experience with the ‘Premium Function Grad ND Simulator’, we assume that the ‘Premium Function Astro Assist’, which is also very elaborate and complex, will soon be available in our European webshop.

Actual Firmware Versions please finde with this link ...