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Monochrome sensors are not a joke: Rumors suggest Pentax may produce a ‘monochrome’ version of the K-3 Mark III.
It is official. April 12, 2023 Pentax announced the release of it's flagship K-3 III Monochrome DSLR. Follow the forum links to find links to reviews, photos and more. I call this announcement "The Shot Heard 'Round The World". This is the first true digital monochrome that is affordable to the masses. At $2199 with a full array of also affordable lenses I believe Ricoh Pentax will sell a million of them.
I have seen what I believe to be an unfounded complaint in every review. That the Pentax K-3 III has no articulating screen. I believe there is an even better option, Image Sync. "Image Sync is a phone application that, when combined with supported cameras enables remote capture, image view, copying image to a mobile device, uploads to social media, and other functionality." Nuf said!
The Pentax KiiMono DSLR is designed for classic b&w photography which primarily uses the viewfinder. It makes the user experience similar to b&w film photography with the added digital features that in many ways surpass using film in speed, simplicity and cost. It mimics b&w film photography to whatever extent one wishes, with the benefit of instant gratification and image review feedback.
The Pentax K-3 III Monochrome is so Popular, Ricoh Can’t Keep it in Stock Apr 21, 2023
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome In Depth Pentax Forums Review
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Review: A DSLR Just for B&W Photo Lovers May 24, 2023 Jeremy Gray A professional review with many image samples.
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Luigi Barbano: Several Hands on Reviews
Pentax Forums: My initial thread just after the release of the K-3 III Monochrome
Pentax Forums: The Official Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Forum
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome User Manual |
8 Cameras for Monochrome Photography: Excellent article delving into the nostalgia of b&w photography and the science of monochromatic imaging.
Here is a list of the more traditional dedicated digital monochrome cameras and conversions.
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Why use a true monochromatic camera system?
Modern digital camera systems utilize a color pass filter that disallows for true monochromatic (or panchromatic) images to be taken. In a true monochromatic camera system the sharpness and clarity of the image will consistently outshine the capture that the faux system has produced.
If you are not a purist or don't have deep pockets to purchase a dedicated monochrome camera system there is an alternative. Today every digital camera has a monochrome mode. Additionally, both JPG and RAW camera files can easily be post processed into most any monochromatic style, including classic b&w films.
I don't have a true monochrome camera yet, but I still enjoy shooting b&w.
Taken with a Pentax K-70 and post processed with Affinity Photo
Zone Method for Post Processing into B&W
Nail the look you want every time! Video
How Color Influences B&W Photography: Video
Tips for shooting monochrome with a Pentax. Choose raw + jpg, Monochrome, HDR on, Auto Levels, ev + - 2 as needed. up contrast and sharpness and add a Red or Orange filter to darken the sky. Video showing how this works.
Pentax Forums: A How-To for Digital Black and White Photography
Black and white photography: how to see and shoot in memorable monochrome
ExpertPhotography: Best Camera Settings for Black and White Photography
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