K-3 New Firmware 1.10 Diffraction Reduction Before Vs After Test

http://www.nphoto.net/news/2014-07/17/1eacb1337aaccb89.shtml
(in Simplified Chinese)

The test picture crops are with f-stops marked. Left side ones are with new firmware, with diffraction reduction enabled. Right side ones are with the last firmware of version 1.03.

It seems that at very large apertures, image sharpness is affected somehow. But reversely, at mid to small apertures, sharpness does have been improved. Anyway, I blog, you measurbate and then decide! ;-)

Nonetheless, if you are a K-3 user and would like to update and try, the official firmware download link is as follows:

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html

New Pentax XG-1, 52X Zoom, 1/2.3" BSI Sensor

http://photorumors.com/2014/07/14/pentax-xg-1-camera-to-replace-the-previous-x5-model/

645Z Sand+Water Test

New K-3 and 645Z Firmwares Coming

See: http://digicame-info.com/2014/06/k-3-12.html

The above page is in Japanese, Google translation into English can be found here.

In short, new firmwares will offer new software function on "diffraction elimination", like which already implemented by the Fuji for their latest X-series bodies, In addition, the effect of the so-called "occasional" K-3 mirror-flapping issue is minimised, for what is told.

A HD 1.4X Unboxing and Test with Cropped/Comparison Samples

http://www.pentaxfans.net/thread-146196-1-1.html

By a Taiwan Pentax user and the above post is in Traditional Chinese.

Most of the test pictures posted are self-explanatory, though. Just browse through the page and inspect yourself and find out all the differences, if you can see any!

Btw, I am impressed with the IQ of this converter, at least on a cropped sensor. This TC is rather expensive, anyway. If it is confirmed to be FF compatible, I would not hesitate to invest. But as all the other Pentax stuff nowadays, not to even mention about their rareness and the lack of new models (there are only a few each year), the problem to buy is only about the lack of faith, frankly. It is all because we cannot see the future nor the direction of the brand, which has been rather unclear for years now! >:-(

645Z Japanese Price

http://kakaku.com/item/K0000644276/
(in Japanese)

777110 Japanese Yens, which means it sells at less than $7500 in US Dollars.

New 645Z Full Sample Images (Not Official)

http://www.pdnonline.com/gear/Pentax-645Z-Medium-F-11034.shtml

Click below links to download. Warning: Very LARGE Files!

1. http://www.pdnonline.com/static/content_images/Pentax_645Z_Food_Test.jpg

2. http://www.pdnonline.com/static/content_images/Pentax_Model_test_1.jpg

3. http://www.pdnonline.com/static/content_images/Pentax_645Z_model_test_2.jpg

Not Official: Pentax K-3 Mirror Flop "Fix" from Ricoh

http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/k-3-mirror-flop-fix-from-ricoh.html

"Thank you for contacting RICOH.
We have been informed that there is now a shop adjustment that can be made to help resolve/reduce the reported K-3 "mirror-flop" issue. I recommend you return your camera directly to RICOH Imaging Company at the address listed below for examination."

Only Pentax is Not Supported but All Other Major Camera Systems

http://www.nissindigital.com/i40_spec.html

"For Canon, Nikon, Sony DSLR System, 4/3 & Fujifilm mirrorless System"

Ony Pentax is not supported and Nissin had no interest to make a Pentax variant for their products! The reason behind must be sound..

Congrats, Pentax! It is noted that Leica is also not supported and hence Pentax has succeeded to become a Leica! That must be great and a really good news for Pentaxians! :-o

Sigma 18-35 F1.8 Art in Pentax K-Mount to be On Sale on June 20

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/new/new_topic.php?id=664
(Announcement in Japanese.)

It seems that Sigma, as a 3rd party lens maker (and that Pentax as the least popular DSLR brand), still produces and markets far more exciting new lenses in K-mount than the original maker Pentax herself. The Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art is a really good example, which is even a high-end 135 FF lens but not selling very dear. In fact, Pentax still has no FF DSLR body of any actually. So, this Sigma lens is still a waste when it is mounted on any Pentax APS-C body! :-(

Besides, the HSM motor of Sigma does have far better reputation than the original SDM of Pentax, too! The Saten Super-easy Die Motor is a contemporary shame of Pentax and it pollutes the Star name for the top-of-the-line Pentax lenses which represented excellent quality and reliability for years for decades in the past! >:(