Name: Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera
Brand: Pentax
SKU: IPXK3M
Price: 2196.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome

Pentax

Pentax D-BG8 Battery Grip, Black

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Photography

Cameras

Digital SLR Cameras

Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome 

Capture stunning monochrome images with the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR. 25.73MP, advanced autofocus, and robust build. Shop now for unparalleled detail

Because capturing the world in stunning black and white is an art form, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera by Ricoh Imaging is designed to bring your monochromatic visions to life. As the only digital SLR camera on the market specifically engineered for monochrome photography, it delivers high-resolution images rich in gradation, allowing photographers to express a unique perspective of the vibrant world in high-quality black-and-white imagery.Built on the foundation of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III, the flagship model of PENTAX's APS-C-format series, this camera combines exceptional imaging performance with a plethora of advanced features. Its compact, durable body houses a newly designed monochrome-specific image sensor with an impressive 25.73 effective megapixels, ensuring every shot is captured with the utmost detail and clarity.The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome stands out with its three Custom Image modes - Standard, Hard, and Soft - exclusively designed for the monochrome-specific image sensor. These modes allow for fine-tuning of parameters such as tone, key, contrast, and sharpness, enabling photographers to add their personal touch to each image.Reflecting its monochrome capabilities, the camera's exterior design features white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel, "Monochrome" lettering on the back panel, a menu screen with a black-and-white visual scheme, and icons on buttons and switches finished in three shades of gray.The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome incorporates a monochrome-specific, APS-C-format CMOS image sensor, free of an AA (anti-aliasing) filter. Unlike typical color image sensors, this monochrome sensor can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image, without the need for interpolation. This results in high-resolution images rich in gradation, offering an extra-fine monochromatic expression that only a monochrome-specific image sensor can deliver.The image quality produced by the original PENTAX K-3 Mark III has been completely reevaluated and redesigned to optimize the imaging characteristics of the new monochrome-specific image sensor. This results in highly sensitive expression with a natural bokeh (defocus) effect, rich gradation, and extra-fine sharpness.The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome is more than just a camera; it's a tool for artists who see the world in shades of gray. Its unique features and design make it the perfect companion for those who want to explore the captivating world of monochrome photography.

If both of the following are true for you the K3 Monochrome is not the camera for you. 1) You leave your camera on Auto almost all the time. 2) Contrast "snap" in your pictures isn't some you really notice.  

I started with a Nikon FTn primarily using black and white film.  The FTn handled the metering, but the rest was up to the photographer.  As a result one develops a keen awareness of focusing and the interrelationship between shutter speed and aperture.

With black and white shadows and contrast is how you "paint" a picture.  Black and white causes the human eye to focus on detail and color distracts from detail.

The first thing I noticed about this camera is it is designed to enable the photographer to control everything and easily see how the controls are set via the LCD screen after pressing "Info".  Since this is a SLR camera the LCD screen can be used to monitor the cameras settings because unlike a mirrorless camera you don't need the screen to see the image.  The LCD screen information is very well laid out because it is not trying to cram a bunch of icons and information around the edges so you can still see the image.  You can still set the screen to act like a live view screen but for the most part I use the viewfinder to see the image and the screen to provide a complete set of information.

I also have a Nikon Z7, and like all the Nikons I had before it, I used the custom functions buttons to avoid going through the menus.  I haven't done this with the K3 because press the "Info" button and the control panel displays with everything that you want to change for shooting in a grid on the screen. (See Picture - Control Panel)

When not using control panel you can display detailed information which includes information such as shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, and exposure compensation.  It includes showing icons for which control knob to turn to change the setting next to the icon.  At a glance you can tell quickly what the camera is setup for and also which control knob to turn. (See Picture - Detail Panel)

I did a few quick sample black and white pictures which are attached.  There is a snap to them you don't get when converting color to black and white.  This is in part because at best a color sensor is only seeing ½ of detail.  The typical Bayer sensor with 60 megapixels for example, only 30 megapixels will see the what is in the green filter range, 15 megapixels will see what is in the red filter range, and 15 megapixels in the blue filter range.  Then a demosaicing algorithm is applied to reconstruct the image.  None of that is needed for a monochrome sensor.  A monochrome sensor with produce finer gradients of contrast and details without artifacts because a demosaicing algorithm is not needed.  Try shooting a picture of a red brick building with a Camera with a Bayer sensor.  After greatly enlarge and you will often see artifacts where there are wavy lines.

The coolest feature I found in the camera is being able to set a "Finishing Tone" (See Picture - Finishing Tone").  While called Standard, Hard, and Soft I found the out the box settings not to my liking.  You can set the tone curve to whatever you want for each setting.  I changed to the "Soft" setting to something in-between the Standard and Hard and it is what I use most often. Yes you can use post processing software or raw images to do this but it is nice to see the result immediately.

The manual focus on this camera is excellent.  Turn all the features on and raise the volume to max.  It provides an experience like my FTn spit image viewfinder.  While not a spit image it beeps as you go in and out of focus and red lines flash.  Very easy to set the focus manually.  Manual focus is easier than any of my Nikon or Sony Cameras.

Finally, I spent another $450 for a number of used manual lens.  Most of the lens from the film era of Pentax cameras work fine and are sharp.  These are 100% manual - Focus and Aperture.  Read the online reviews for any of the old lens before buying because some are better than others.  Also many online reviews of these old lens cover compatibility.

The joy of B&W Photography is now affordable!

Pentax really did well with this monochrome camera...with the Bayer filter removed, the fine details are revealed with excellent tones of Black & White, I'm able to shoot at ISO 6400 before any fine grain appears and than higher I S O such as 8K, 10k even 25K ISO the fine grain is pleasing....I am so pleased Pentax has listened to it's customers and developed this camera

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera

Includes Free Gift ($296.95 Value)

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