Ricoh releases firmware updates for nine Pentax DSLR cameras

Ricoh has released multiple firmware updates for nine Pentax DSLR cameras in order to improve support for the newly-launched HD DA lenses, and enhance stability among others.

Many photographers feared that after buying Pentax, Ricoh will kill its newly-acquired brand. However, this could not have been farther from the truth, as the company has been very active throughout 2013.

Five Pentax HD DA Limited prime lenses have been launched in August 2013. The new 15mm, 21mm, 35mm, 40mm, and 70mm are now better supported by the nine Pentax DSLR cameras which have received a firmware update.

Ricoh updates no more and no less than nine Pentax DSLR cameras

Its latest accomplishments consist of launching two Pentax-branded flash guns and five HD DA Limited lenses. The first category refers to the AF540FGZ II and AF360FGZ II, while the latter consists of HD remakes of the 15mm, 21mm, 35mm, 40mm, and 70mm DA Limited primes.

Since older devices need to keep up with newer products, the only way to do this is to supply firmware updates. As a result, eight upgrades are available for nine cameras, as follows: Pentax K-50, K-500, K-30, K-01, K-5 II / K-5 IIs, K-5, K-r, and 645D.

Identical changelogs for the nine firmware updates

This is a pretty long list of cameras, but their firmware update changelogs are identical. The first modification refers to matching the AF assist light functionality by white LED with the AF540FGZ II and AF360FGZ II auto flash units.

The second improvement refers to optimizing contrast autofocus technology when using the cameras in combination with the new HD DA Limited lenses.

Last but not least change, consists of enhancing the stability of the shooters, which is to improve their general performance, Ricoh said. Overall, it is a minor update, but one that will come in handy to the users.

Download links for the Pentax DSLR cameras’ firmware updates

The firmware updates for the Pentax K-50, K-500, K-30, K-01, K-5 II / K-5 IIs, K-5, K-r, and 645D cameras are available for download free at Ricoh’s official product support page.

It is worth noting that, despite the identical changelogs, users should only download and install the firmware update for their respective products, in order to avoid the risk of inflicting any potential damages to their cameras.

Amazon carries Pentax DSLR cameras and some of them are available with amazing discounts, such as the Pentax K-5 IIs, which is available for $938, 22% down from $1,199.95.