The sensor is spectacular. The quality of life features are sadly missing and I don't mean AF. It's all the little things that hold me back from shooting this camera exclusively. Lack of a tilt screen and 1:1 aspect ratio are the two big ones. The lack of raw support, DXO still doesn't process the raws, and the price. And, no native Pentax lens mount camera that shoots any kind of decent video, 50% of what I do is video now. I have a bag full of Pentax lenses already. So cool, but so far away from being actually useful. (for me.) I just don't have the $2200 to drop on a handicapped uni-tasker. If I did, I'd have one. AND, $2200 buys 220 rolls of Tri-X which is 7920 frames of 35mm which is at least 10 years of shooting for me in my LX and 2-MX's.
Hey Ed, I'm a Nikon Z9 and Fujifilm GFX 100 II shooter and seeing these videos(all of them mate!) and being imbued in your passion, made me wish those companies came up with truly monochrome camera(just because I've already invested in their system). Maybe one day... Thanks for the video and PLEASE keep them coming! Cheers, Ray.
A slippery slope for sure. There's probably nothing that the GFX does that your Z9 wouldn't or couldn't do for you. There's probably nothing the Z9 does for you that a Pentax K1 couldn't (unless you shoot sports or wildlife professionally.) There's nothing the K1 couldn't do for you that a Fuji XT5 or Pentax K3 III couldn't. BUT, none of those cameras can do what the K3III Monochrome does. Something to think about, and it's why I have the K3IIIM and why it was worth buying into the Pentax system again. But I have always been a bit of a contrarian anyway. At the end of the day shoot and own what gives you joy regardless of what the interweb thinks you should be doing. (Advice to myself actually.) 🙂
I don't remember specifically, but I know it's one of the button customization choices. The K3 Mark III is a lot more customizable than previous Pentax cameras.
After watching your videos on the Pentax monochrome camera, I am left wondering on your exclusive use of jpeg. Wouldn’t raw give you better quality in editing your images?
Agree completely with square and other crop aspect ratios. The K-01 has 3x4, 16x9 and 1:1 crops. Yes, you can do it in post. BUT, requiring the photographers to guess at what the final image will look like is a negligent design, and goes completely against the reason for still making DSLRs.
I know there's nothing better than an actually monochrome sensor. With that being said, I've been messing around with B&W film simulations in the Fuji X Raw Studio software for the GFX system and you would be impressed with the tonality and depth of the B&W images I am getting with the 50SII. I made a couple really good B&W recipes and stored them in my custom settings. The XT5 does pretty good with these recipes but the 50SII just takes them to another level, especially with the right lenses. I think you'd get an amazing amount of enjoyment and satisfaction from this GFX system. I saw a decent 50SII on Ebay for 2300.00. If you could find a good deal and get a couple decent Pentax 645 lenses, I know you'd have a smile on your face after playing with it for a while. I know you just blew and bunch of cash on these latest cameras, but I know who you are! You'll be getting something else before long!!!! LOL
I have to add that yes actually there is something better than a monochrome sensor, or any digital camera: Film. The tonality of the Monochrome sensor compared to the 8x10 film was very close, close enough. But I printed some small 13x19s and the resolution from the film scan was off the charts. It had that "look" we are all aspiring too. Digital of any kind looks like CGI in comparison... "How much we progress with little or no improvement..." 🙂🙂
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography Nice work on your review. I have no doubt your prints from large format are off the charts. However, my prints from K33M files have the same tonality I remember from the darkroom with analog when you under exposed under the enlarger and overdeveloped in the tray. Pentax Monochrome may look like CGI to some because until you get up to 25,600 ISO, you can't see grain -whoops, noise - and what you see then still looks like it is from slow-speed medium format.
@@robertpillow47 The Monochrome sensor Pentax is the most film like digital. The color interpolated cameras are where the CGI look starts to come into play. And as we move forward in time, it's only going to get worse. Just like your cell phone, AI interpolation is coming to your camera soon...
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography Yes, nothing will replace the film print and look. As time goes by the younger generation will forever never know the difference. Especially when the majority of the population only view images on a phone screen. That's why I'm enjoying these older Pentax 645 lenses on the GFX, they are less clinical and CGI looking. I haven't printed any B&W images from the GFX but the B&W images with a tweeked film recipe on the 27" monitor do look quite incredible. I'll never go back to using film so I have to make the best with digital imaging. I'll order a couple 8x10 prints, some with a little grain added and see what they look like on paper. The average eye will likely never be able to tell the different I suspect.
I wasn't sure that was even a possibility, but considering the GRIII series is all 24 mp it would be really easy for Ricoh to make the GR 4 26mp, using the K3III sensor and then a GR 4 Monochrome with the same off the shelf sensor. If the K3IIIM is successful, which it seems to be, it would be a smart thing for Ricoh to do and well within their (financial) capabilities. The only thing is the price of the GRiv might be around $1500. The monochrome sensor is more expensive. And I'm not sure if that would fly at that price. That might be their concern as well.
Lots of choices. Any 50mm off ebay would work nicely, the FA 50 1.4 can be had for $100.00 or new for $350. The Limited lenses are nice as well. The DA 70mm or FA 77mm are beauties. Or they also make a 50mm and 100mm macro lens that would work for portraits as well. 👍👍
Good morning. I've been following you for a while, well, since I was looking for information on the monochrome K3. I already have a K1 and optics. At one point in your video you talk about the differences between matrix, modified and monochrome sensors. I use darktable as software and in the demosaic module there is an option for sensors without Bayer matrix, modified or not. If you know anyone who has a modified sensor, I would be curious to see the result and your opinion. This is a google translation, my English is not good enough
@@RoastBeefSandwich All depends on the off the shelf sensor selection. Of course if the GRiv is 26 mp's and uses the k3 mark III sensor they could do it easily... so I guess it is a real possibility.
I have K-3/3 color and monochrome really rubs me right way, I love b&w but color to b&w never really worked with me for whatever reasons, even done in camera which Pentax does pretty well. So I would love to get this camera (and I already have lenses), but my wallet still says "no way, ain't gonna happen". Maybe next year.
It's worth saving up for. There is a possibility that Ricoh does a GRiv with the 26mp sensor and then does a monochrome version. So that may be a cheaper option in the future.
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography hahahha !!! I think my Credit Card don’t even get me a Q2 !!! Ohh you know as a amateur photographer, I do really need to sell some prints to give me yours gifs!!! And also where I live I have to pay 13% more just on imports so!! But now that I’m 60 and just begun my Retirement process. I might do something crazy like you !!! (Xt5 and HS2) ? Ummm and a monochrome Pentax !!! Hahaha !! I knew you will be back to the basic !!!
@@JOSEKLRANGEL One of the cool things about Pentax is once you buy the body there's no reason to upgrade (no opportunity either!) for the next 5-10 years, so very cost effective! 🙂🙂
I can imagine the K3mkIII being used in the Ukraine-Russia war and get some classic photos like the WWII photographers took for Life Magazine and others.
Nice that you find your way. That happiness when you talk about it is priceless. Thank you Ed.
Simply superb transitions of the subtle light differences. ❤.
The sensor is spectacular. The quality of life features are sadly missing and I don't mean AF. It's all the little things that hold me back from shooting this camera exclusively. Lack of a tilt screen and 1:1 aspect ratio are the two big ones. The lack of raw support, DXO still doesn't process the raws, and the price. And, no native Pentax lens mount camera that shoots any kind of decent video, 50% of what I do is video now. I have a bag full of Pentax lenses already. So cool, but so far away from being actually useful. (for me.) I just don't have the $2200 to drop on a handicapped uni-tasker. If I did, I'd have one. AND, $2200 buys 220 rolls of Tri-X which is 7920 frames of 35mm which is at least 10 years of shooting for me in my LX and 2-MX's.
Agree on the crop firmware updates, the lack of a tilt screen was not a factor for me buying the K3iii and K3iii Monochrome.
Hey Ed, I'm a Nikon Z9 and Fujifilm GFX 100 II shooter and seeing these videos(all of them mate!) and being imbued in your passion, made me wish those companies came up with truly monochrome camera(just because I've already invested in their system). Maybe one day...
Thanks for the video and PLEASE keep them coming! Cheers, Ray.
A slippery slope for sure. There's probably nothing that the GFX does that your Z9 wouldn't or couldn't do for you. There's probably nothing the Z9 does for you that a Pentax K1 couldn't (unless you shoot sports or wildlife professionally.) There's nothing the K1 couldn't do for you that a Fuji XT5 or Pentax K3 III couldn't. BUT, none of those cameras can do what the K3III Monochrome does. Something to think about, and it's why I have the K3IIIM and why it was worth buying into the Pentax system again. But I have always been a bit of a contrarian anyway. At the end of the day shoot and own what gives you joy regardless of what the interweb thinks you should be doing. (Advice to myself actually.) 🙂
Really good review. You really nailed the positives of the Monochrome. It's a terrific camera.
Thanks!
How did you change Lock button into Live view in Settings? Makes a lot of sense & Very important. As usual, another great video. Thanks.
I don't remember specifically, but I know it's one of the button customization choices. The K3 Mark III is a lot more customizable than previous Pentax cameras.
Pentax stayed true to the original k3 designs without a flippy. I’d love to use this for low light pics
After watching your videos on the Pentax monochrome camera, I am left wondering on your exclusive use of jpeg. Wouldn’t raw give you better quality in editing your images?
Raw would be better, but none of the software I use supports the Monochrome raws, even today in June 2024.
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography DNGs?
@@joaquintrigueros Nope not even the Monochrome DNG's.
Agree completely with square and other crop aspect ratios. The K-01 has 3x4, 16x9 and 1:1 crops. Yes, you can do it in post. BUT, requiring the photographers to guess at what the final image will look like is a negligent design, and goes completely against the reason for still making DSLRs.
The Fuji 40mp cameras have 3/4, 4/5, 1/1, and 9/16 options. Best cropping choices I've used.
great review but i must ask, what draws you to shoot square? ive never liked it myself.
Michael Kenna www.michaelkenna.com/
I know there's nothing better than an actually monochrome sensor. With that being said, I've been messing around with B&W film simulations in the Fuji X Raw Studio software for the GFX system and you would be impressed with the tonality and depth of the B&W images I am getting with the 50SII. I made a couple really good B&W recipes and stored them in my custom settings. The XT5 does pretty good with these recipes but the 50SII just takes them to another level, especially with the right lenses.
I think you'd get an amazing amount of enjoyment and satisfaction from this GFX system. I saw a decent 50SII on Ebay for 2300.00. If you could find a good deal and get a couple decent Pentax 645 lenses, I know you'd have a smile on your face after playing with it for a while. I know you just blew and bunch of cash on these latest cameras, but I know who you are! You'll be getting something else before long!!!! LOL
I'm pacing myself.... 😁😁
I have to add that yes actually there is something better than a monochrome sensor, or any digital camera: Film. The tonality of the Monochrome sensor compared to the 8x10 film was very close, close enough. But I printed some small 13x19s and the resolution from the film scan was off the charts. It had that "look" we are all aspiring too. Digital of any kind looks like CGI in comparison... "How much we progress with little or no improvement..." 🙂🙂
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography Nice work on your review. I have no doubt your prints from large format are off the charts. However, my prints from K33M files have the same tonality I remember from the darkroom with analog when you under exposed under the enlarger and overdeveloped in the tray. Pentax Monochrome may look like CGI to some because until you get up to 25,600 ISO, you can't see grain -whoops, noise - and what you see then still looks like it is from slow-speed medium format.
@@robertpillow47 The Monochrome sensor Pentax is the most film like digital. The color interpolated cameras are where the CGI look starts to come into play. And as we move forward in time, it's only going to get worse. Just like your cell phone, AI interpolation is coming to your camera soon...
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography Yes, nothing will replace the film print and look. As time goes by the younger generation will forever never know the difference. Especially when the majority of the population only view images on a phone screen.
That's why I'm enjoying these older Pentax 645 lenses on the GFX, they are less clinical and CGI looking. I haven't printed any B&W images from the GFX but the B&W images with a tweeked film recipe on the 27" monitor do look quite incredible. I'll never go back to using film so I have to make the best with digital imaging. I'll order a couple 8x10 prints, some with a little grain added and see what they look like on paper. The average eye will likely never be able to tell the different I suspect.
Thanks for the video with the Monochrome. It seems like it's holding up rather well.
It's the most interesting digital camera I've shot.
Pics look amazing. Thanks.
Great video! Loved the photos.
Thanks!
My main system is Sony but I do have a ricoh(pentax) GR3X and would love if they threw that sensor in a GR body, instant buy for me
I wasn't sure that was even a possibility, but considering the GRIII series is all 24 mp it would be really easy for Ricoh to make the GR 4 26mp, using the K3III sensor and then a GR 4 Monochrome with the same off the shelf sensor. If the K3IIIM is successful, which it seems to be, it would be a smart thing for Ricoh to do and well within their (financial) capabilities. The only thing is the price of the GRiv might be around $1500. The monochrome sensor is more expensive. And I'm not sure if that would fly at that price. That might be their concern as well.
I was like ‘I don’t need a touch screen’ rather have tilt… but used it today shooting video…. It’s nice
It would be nice to have both... like the Fuji's.
I believe in another video you had the battery fail. What was the reason or solution like warranted?
Ricoh replaced the battery. No problem at all. 👍👍
Which lens is would you recommend for this camera for portraits and close up? I am not familiar with their lenses. Thanks!
Lots of choices. Any 50mm off ebay would work nicely, the FA 50 1.4 can be had for $100.00 or new for $350. The Limited lenses are nice as well. The DA 70mm or FA 77mm are beauties. Or they also make a 50mm and 100mm macro lens that would work for portraits as well. 👍👍
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography thanks! Appreciate the advice.
Again a great Video! THX
Thank you!
Good morning. I've been following you for a while, well, since I was looking for information on the monochrome K3. I already have a K1 and optics.
At one point in your video you talk about the differences between matrix, modified and monochrome sensors. I use darktable as software and in the demosaic module there is an option for sensors without Bayer matrix, modified or not.
If you know anyone who has a modified sensor, I would be curious to see the result and your opinion.
This is a google translation, my English is not good enough
I do not know of anyone who has a modified sensor camera. Sorry. If you already have a K1 and lenses, then adding a k3IIIM is an easy solution. 🙂👍👍
damn I was just looking for a reason not to buy ;-)
I'd actually love a GRIII Monochrome. I wonder if that's in the cards for them at some point.
They would have to pay for the R&D on the sensor and have it fabbed so I don't think so... But you never know.
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography At this point it's probably only an option with the GRIV or whatever the next model ends up being called.
@@RoastBeefSandwich All depends on the off the shelf sensor selection. Of course if the GRiv is 26 mp's and uses the k3 mark III sensor they could do it easily... so I guess it is a real possibility.
I have K-3/3 color and monochrome really rubs me right way, I love b&w but color to b&w never really worked with me for whatever reasons, even done in camera which Pentax does pretty well. So I would love to get this camera (and I already have lenses), but my wallet still says "no way, ain't gonna happen". Maybe next year.
It's worth saving up for. There is a possibility that Ricoh does a GRiv with the 26mp sensor and then does a monochrome version. So that may be a cheaper option in the future.
Now I’m in a Dilema !!! Hahahha !! I’m into Fuji up to my hears!!! GFX 100s). Man !!! I was wishing you will drop the monochrome!!! 😢😢😢😢
You could always get the Leica... :)
@@EdwardMartinsPhotography hahahha !!! I think my Credit Card don’t even get me a Q2 !!! Ohh you know as a amateur photographer, I do really need to sell some prints to give me yours gifs!!! And also where I live I have to pay 13% more just on imports so!! But now that I’m 60 and just begun my Retirement process. I might do something crazy like you !!! (Xt5 and HS2) ? Ummm and a monochrome Pentax !!! Hahaha !! I knew you will be back to the basic !!!
@@JOSEKLRANGEL One of the cool things about Pentax is once you buy the body there's no reason to upgrade (no opportunity either!) for the next 5-10 years, so very cost effective! 🙂🙂
that "i shoot raw" fro tho.
Wankers are always going to try to substitute technology for talent...
Nikon please do a Monochrome already
Cropped raws, no thanks.
I can imagine the K3mkIII being used in the Ukraine-Russia war and get some classic photos like the WWII photographers took for Life Magazine and others.
And you can take colour photographs with it!
????