Returning to the starting point of photography: capture images with light and shadow

The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome features an exclusively designed image sensor that delivers the ultimate in black-and-white photography, enabling photographers to express a distinct view of the color-rich world in high-resolution black-and-white images.

K3 GRIII Monochrome

Sample Gallery

  • Photo by Kerrick James. Captured with K-3 Mark III Monochrome and HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8ED AW

  • Photo by Kerrick James. Captured with K-3 Mark III Monochrome and HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW

  • Photo by Kerrick James. Captured with K-3 Mark III Monochrome and smc PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited

  • Photo by Kerrick James. Captured with K-3 Mark III Monochrome and HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE

  • Photo by Kerrick James. Captured with K-3 Mark III Monochrome and HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8ED AW

PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome + HD PENTAX-DA 21mmF3.2AL Limited

 

Distinguishing features of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome

Monochrome-specific CMOS image sensor

Returning to the starting point of photography: capture images with light and shadow

Monochrome (or black-and-white) photography is the origin of photographic expression. Without color data, monochrome can more clearly depict the form and texture of a subject using light, shadow and the in-between gradations. This means that the photographer can create images that are more impressive and persuasive.

For users who want to master monochrome photography, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome features an image sensor specifically designed to capture monochrome images only. By designing the camera solely for the purpose of monochrome photography, each pixel detects brightness data of the light coming through the lens. The obtained data is then directly converted to compose an image.

Typical color image sensors are designed to receive light passing through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) color filters, so each pixel detects only one color data component. To compose a monochrome image, color sensors must convert color data into monochromatic data by interpolating the obtained color data while using adjacent areas of the image field as a reference.

Since a monochrome-specific image sensor can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image — without the interpolation process — the photographer can create extra-fine monochromatic expression, in an image high in resolution and rich in gradation.

Image quality exclusively designed for monochrome photography

Image quality has been re-evaluated and redesigned to optimize the imaging characteristics of the monochrome-specific image sensor. Unlike a color sensor that requires the interpolation process, each pixel of the monochrome-specific image sensor corresponds precisely to each pixel in the resulting image. The result is minimal deterioration of the data obtained, and optimal visual expression. To optimize these advantages, the imaging process has been completely restructured to assure highly sensitive expression with a natural bokeh (defocus) effect, rich gradation and extra-fine sharpness — an image only the monochrome-specific image sensor can deliver.


Image captured with the K-3 Mark III Monochrome


Image captured with the K-3 Mark III

Aperture: 5.6; Shutter speed: 1/20 sec.; ISO: 200
The image captured with the K-3 Mark III Monochrome more clearly and sharply depicts each strand of the thread. The gradation from highlight to shadow is also smoother and more consistent.

Monochrome-specific Custom Image

The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome features three Custom Image modes exclusively designed for the monochrome-specific image sensor: Standard, Hard and Soft. Each mode provides minute adjustment of parameters such as tone, key, contrast and sharpness. This allows the photographer to personalize images for the desired finishing touch.

Exterior design signifying the monochrome photography concept

The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome provides white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel positioned on its upper panel, while featuring the Monochrome lettering printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel. The camera’s User Interface menu features a black-and-white color scheme as default, while the SR (Shake Reduction) badge is finished in silver. The icons printed on buttons and switches across the camera’s exterior are finished in three shades of gray to assist the users with their camera operation. All in all, the concept of monochrome photography is evident throughout the camera body.

Other notable features

Minimum ISO setting at 200

Since the monochrome-specific image sensor is free of the color filters that cause a loss of light, it can take in more light. This allows the camera’s minimum ISO to be set at 200.

Fx button

Unlike full-color photography, in which color reproduction varies depending on the light source (or color temperature), monochrome photography doesn’t require white balance control. In the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome, the white balance button of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III is replaced with the Fx (function) button.

In-body shake reduction mechanism

The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome incorporates an advanced SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which lets the photographer use all types of lenses — from the latest to vintage — and to capture sharp, blur-free images while optimizing the distinctive visual expression of each lens.

 

 

PENTAX K-3 III

Refer to the specifications page for original features of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome.
Refer to the PENTAX K-3 Mark III product page for common features.

 

Model Description

Type TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount (AF coupler, lens information contacts, K-mount with power contacts)
Compatible Lens KAF4, KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom compatible), KAF, KA mount lens

Image Capture Unit

Image Sensor Monochrome, CMOS. Size: 23.3 x 15.5 (mm)
Effective Pixels Approx. 25.73 megapixels
Total Pixels Approx. 26.78 megapixels
Dust Removal Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations “DR II”
Sensitivity(Standard output) ISO AUTO/200 to 1600000 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV)
Image Stabilizer Sensor-shift shake reduction “SR II”(5-axis), Auto/Panning/Off
AA Filter Simulator Moiré reduction using SR unit. OFF/Low/High/Bracketing(2 images)/Bracketing (3 images)

File Formats

File Format RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant
Recorded Pixels JPEG:L(26M:6192×4128)、M(15M:4752×3168)、S(9M:3648×2432)、XS(2M:1920×1280)
RAW:(26M:6192×4128)
Quality Level RAW (14bit): PEF, DNG
JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good), RAW + JPEG simultaneous capturing available
Color Space sRGB、AdobeRGB
Storage Medium SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Cards UHS-1/UHS-II compatible (UHS-II is only available for the memory card inserted in the SD1 slot.)
Dual SD Slot Sequential Use, Save to Both, Separate RAW/JPG, Image copy between slots possible
Storage Folder Folder Name: Date (100_1018,101_1019…) or User assigned folder name (Default “PENTX”)
Recording File File Name: “”IMGP****”” or User assigned file name
File name numbering: Sequential, Reset

Viewfinder

Type Pentaprism Finder
Coverage (FOV) Approx. 100%
Magnification Approx. 1.05x (FA 50mmF1.4 at infinity)
Eye-Relief Length Approx. 20.5mm (from the view window), Approx. 22.0mm (from the center of lens)
Diopter adjustment Approx. -4.0m to + 1.0m-1
Focusing Screen Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen
Viewfinder Overlay AF Points, Grid Display, Electronic Level, AF Frame, Spot Metering Frame, Crop, Smart Function, Operation Control Lock

Live View

Type TTL method using image sensor
Focusing Mechanism Contrast detection (Auto Area, Zone Select, Tracking, Select(L/M/S), Spot)
Functions Focus Peaking, Face detection, Touch AF
Display Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (up to 16x),
Grid Display (4×4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White ), Histogram, Bright area warning, Composition Adjustment

LCD Monitor

Type Wide viewing angle TFT color LCD, Air-gapless glass
Size 3.2 inch (aspect ratio 3:2)
Dots Approx. 1620K dots
Touch Screen Capacitive sensing method
Adjustment Brightness, Saturation and Colors adjustable
Outdoor View Setting Adjustable ±2 step
Night Vision LCD Display ON/OFF

Autofocus System

Type TTL: Phase-matching autofocus
Focus Sensor SAFOX 13, 101 point (25 cross type focus points)
Brightness Range EV-3 to 19 (ISO 200 / at normal temperature)
*-3 EV is only available for AF points that support F2.8 light flux when an F2.8-light-flux compatible lens is attached.
AF mode Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C)
AF Point Selection Auto Area, Zone Select, Select, Expanded Area(S, M, L), Select(S), Select(XS), Spot
AF Assist Light Dedicated LED AF assist light

Metering

Type TTL open aperture metering using 307K pixel RGBIr sensor, Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot and Highlight-weighted
Metering Range EV-2 to 21 (ISO200 at 50mm F1.4)
Exposure Mode Scene Analyze Auto, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, Flash X-sync Speed, USER1, USER2, USER3, USER4, USER5
EV Compensation ±5EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps can be selected)
AE Lock Button type (timer type: two times the meter operating time set in Custom Setting);
Continuous as long as the shutter button is halfway pressed

Shutter

Type Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter / Electronic shutter
Shutter Speed Mechanical shutter:
Auto:1/8000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps), Bulb (Timed exposure setting possible from 1 sec. to 20min.)
Electronic shutter:
Auto:1/16000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/16000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps)

Drive Modes

Mode Selection Single Frame, Continuous (H, M, L), Bracketing (2, 3 or 5 frames), Depth of Field Bracketing, Motion Bracketing, Mirror-up, Multi-Exposure(Average/Additive/Bright), Interval Shooting, Interval Composite
Self-timer 12s, 2s
Remote Control 0s, 3s
Continuous Shooting Max. approx. 12 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to approx. 55 frames, RAW: up to approx. 32 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 30 frames
Max. approx. 7.0 fps, JPEG L: ★★★ at Continuous M): up to approx. 100 frames, RAW: up to approx. 40 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 33 frames
Max. approx. 2.5 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to approx. 100 frames, RAW: up to approx. 100 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 65 frames
* The number of images captured in the continuous shooting mode is an approximate figure, tested at a sensitivity of ISO 200. The number may vary depending on the type of memory card used and/or the photographic conditions.
* The continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on the type of lens used and/or the aperture, shutter speed and sensitivity selected by the user.
* A certain amount of time is required for the playback of images captured in the continuous shooting mode. The time required may vary depending on the number of captured images and/or the recording format.

External Flash

Flash Modes Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync
*Contrast-control-sync and High-speed sync requires 2 or more dedicated external flash
Sync Speed 1/200sec.
Flash Exposure Compensation -2.0 to +1.0EV

Capture Settings

Custom Image Standard, Hard, Soft
Digital Filter Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Tone Expansion, Grainy Monochrome
Clarity Adjustable ±4 step
HDR Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Advanced HDR, Exposure bracket value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function
Lens Correction Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Correction, Diffraction Correction
D-Range Correction Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction
Noise Reduction Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO Noise Reduction
ASTROTRACER Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 * Type 1 and Type 2 available with O-GPS unit(Optional)
Horizon Correction SR On: correction up to 1 degrees, SR Off: correction up to 2 degrees
Composition Adjustment Adjustment range of ±1.5mm up, down, left or right (±1mm when rotated); Rotating range of ±1 degree
Electronic Level Displayed in viewfinder (Horizontal and vertical); Displayed on LCD monitor (Horizontal and vertical)
Program Line AUTO, Normal, Hi-speed Priority, DOF Priority (Deep), DOF Priority (Shallow), MTF Priority

Movie

File Format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV)
Recorded Pixels 4K(3840×2160, 30p/24p)
Full HD(1920×1080, 60p/30p/24p)
Sound Built-in stereo microphone, external microphone (Stereo recording compatible)
Recording Sound Level adjustable, Wind Noise Reduction
Recording Time Up to 25 minutes or 4GB ; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.
Custom Images Standard, Hard, Soft
Digital Filter Retro, High Contrast, Invert Color

Playback

Playback View Single frame, Multi-image display (20, 48, 70 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16, 100% display, quick zoom and Focus Magnification available), Grid display (4×4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White, Rotating, Histogram (Y histogram), Bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, Detailed information, Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), GPS information (latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time) , Orientation, Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display
Delete Single image, All images, Selected images, Folder, Images on the selected shooting date, Instant review image
Digital Filter Base Parameter Adj, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Tone Expansion, Grainy Monochrome, Miniature, Soft, Fish-eye, Slim, Frame Composite
RAW Development RAW file select:
Select Single Image, Select Multiple Images, Select a folder, Select a shooting date
RAW Development Parameter:
Custom Image, Sensitivity, Digital filter, Clarity, HDR, Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Diffraction Correction, High-ISO Noise Reduction, Shadow Correction, File Format (JPEG/TIFF), JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Aspect Ratio, Color Space
Edit Protect, Image Rotation, Image Copy, File Transfer, Save RAW Data in buffer memory, Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Levels Adjustment, Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie

Customization

Settings USER Mode, Fx Button, AF/AE Lock Settings, Preview Dial, E-Dial Programming, Smart Function, Monitor Touch Operation, Eye Sensor, Viewfinder Display, LCD Panel, Monitor Display, Instant Review, Zoom Review, Warning Display, Control Panel, Memory, EV Steps, ISO Sensitivity Steps, Input MF Lens Focal Length, Save Rotation Information, Aperture Information Record, AF Fine Adjustment, Copyright Information
Language English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Thai, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese

Power supply

Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90
AC Adapter AC Adapter Kit K-AC166(Optional)
Battery Life Number of recordable images: Approx. 800 images
Playback time: Approx. 250 minutes
* With a fully-recharged Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery. Tested in compliance with CIPA standard.
Actual results may vary depending on the shooting condition.

Interfaces

Connection Port USB Terminal(USB Type-C), External cable switch terminal(2.5mm diameter), X-sync socket, HDMI output terminal (Type D) , Stereo microphone input terminal, Headphone terminal
USB Connection USB 3.2 Gen1, Data Transfer: MTP/CD-ROM, Battery Recharge/Power Supply (Optional AC Adapter required)

Wireless LAN

Standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Frequency
(Center Frequency)
2412MHz~2462MHz (1ch~11ch)
Security Authentication: WPA2, Encryption: AES

Bluetooth

Standards Bluetooth® v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy)
Frequency
(Center Frequency)
2402MHz~2480MHz(CH0~CH39)

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions Approx. 134.5mm (W) x103.5mm (H) x 73.5mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight Approx. 820g (Including dedicated battery and SD Memory Card),
Approx. 735g (body only)

Operating Environment

Temperature -10°C~40°C (14°F~104°F)
Humidity 85% or less (no condensation)

Accessories

Included Strap O-ST162, ME Viewfinder Cap, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90, USB Power Adapter, Power Plug, USB Cable I-USB166
<Mounted to the camera > Eyecup FU, Hot shoe cover FK, Sync socket 2p cap, Body mount cap KII, Battery Grip terminal cover
Software Digital Camera Utility 5

Storage Capacity

<Still>(approx.)

JPEG RAW
Recorded Pixels L: 26M M: 15M S: 9M XS: 2M 6192 x 4128
6192 x 4128 4752 x 3168 3648 x 2432 1920 x 1280
Quality Level ★★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★ PEF
8GB 411 704 1120 694 1185 1872 1168 1978 3105 4021 6630 9812 126

shots

<Movie>(approx.)

Recorded Pixels 4K
3840 x 2160
Full HD
1920 x 1080
30p 24p 60p 30p 24p
8GB 00:08’39” 00:10’46” 00:12’17” 00:24’09” 00:29’56”

hh:mm:ss

* You can record up to 25 min. or 4GB movie for one shooting.
* ‘Storage Capacity’ refers to confirmed operation by RICOH IMAGING, and is intended for customer convenience but is not a guarantee by RICOH IMAGING to the customer.
* Use a high-speed SD memory card when recording movies. If the writing speed cannot keep up with the recording speed, writing may be interrupted during recording.

System Requirements

The following system environment is required in order to connect the camera to a computer and to install the supplied software “Digital Camera Utility 5”.

<Windows>

OS Windows 11, Windows 10
CPU Intel Core i5 or higher
RAM 8GB or more
Free Disk Space Program installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space
Image file saving: Approximately 15 MB per file (JPEG) / approximately 50MB (RAW)
Monitor 1280 x 1024 dots, 24 bit full-color or more

<Mac>

OS macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 10.15 Catalina
CPU Intel Core i5 or higher
RAM 8GB or more
Free Disk Space Program installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space
Image file saving: Approximately 15 MB per file (JPEG) / approximately 50MB (RAW)
Monitor 1280 x 1024 dots, 24 bit full-color or more
  • Battery Grip D-BG8
    Model No. 37048

  • Auto Flash [AF540FGZ II] Weather Resistant
    Model No. 30456

  • Auto flash [AF201FG]
    Model No. 30458

  • Cable Switch CS-205 Cable Switch CS-205
    Model No. 37248

  • Waterproof Remote Control O-RC1
    Model No. 39892

  • Rechargeable L-ION Battery D-LI90(E)
    Model No. 39993

  • Battery Charger Kit K-BC177
    Model No. 37874

  • Battery Charger D-BC177
    Model No. 37871

  • Battery Charger Kit K-BC90U
    Model No. 39835

  • AC Adapter Kit K-AC166
    Model No. 38372

  • Hot Shoe Cover O-HC177
    Model No. 31081

  • Magnifying Eyecup O-ME53
    Model No. 30150

 

 

K-3 Mark III Monochrome Camera Body

Strap O-ST162

ME Viewfinder Cap

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90

USB Power Adapter

Power Plug

USB Cable I-USB166