The concept of a monochrome-specific digital SLR camera attracted a great deal of attention and interest from photographers visiting PENTAX Meeting Online 2021, a fan event held in November 2021. PENTAX has since made extensive research on the development of a commercial product based on this concept. The new model’s design is based on the PENTAX K-3 Mark III — the flagship model of PENTAX’s APS-C- format series that integrates remarkable imaging performance and a host of advanced features in a compact, durable body — while adding a new, monochrome-specific image sensor. The camera is the only monochrome-specific digital SLR camera currently on the market. It captures high-resolution monochromatic images rich in gradation, allowing users who enjoy using all their senses when taking photographs and applying their imagination to express a view of the color-rich world in plain, black-and-white images. Although there is no production limit for the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome, it will be produced only in small quantities at a time, because of the difficulty of acquiring the exclusive parts and components on short notice and other unique factors involved in its production process. This means that delivery to buyers can be delayed. We advise them to note this in advance. RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S. 3 <Main features of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome>

1. Monochrome-specific CMOS image sensor  To optimize the quality of monochromatic images, the camera incorporates a monochrome-specific,APS-C-format CMOS image sensor free of an AA (anti-aliasing) filter with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels. 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 color data they collect. The new monochrome-specific image sensor, however, can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image — without the interpolation process —to produce extra-fine monochromatic expression, in images high in resolution and rich in gradation.   

2. Image quality exclusively designed for monochrome photography  The image quality produced by the original PENTAX K-3 Mark III was thoroughly re-evaluated and totally redesigned to optimize the imaging characteristics of the new monochrome-specific image sensor. The result is 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.   

3. A selection of monochrome-specific finishing touches  The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome provides three Custom Image modes exclusively designed for monochrome photography to provide distinctive finishing touches. In addition to Standard mode, it also provides Hard mode to produce high-contrast images, and Soft mode to create high-key, low- contrast images. Each mode provides minute adjustment of parameters such as tone, key, contrast and sharpness. This allows the photographer to personalize their images with the desired finishing touch.   

4. Exterior design reflecting 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 “Monochrome” lettering printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel. Its menu screen features a black-and-white visual 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.