Parsippany, NJ—Ricoh Imaging Americas debuted the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome camera. The new digital SLR is exclusively designed to capture high-resolution black-and-white images.
“The concept of a monochrome-specific digital SLR camera attracted a great deal of attention and interest from photographers who participated in an online fan event held in November 2021,” said Ken Curry, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas.
“Pentax has since conducted extensive research on the development of a commercial product based on this concept. We’re excited to announce it.”
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
The new model’s design is based on the Pentax K-3 Mark III—the flagship model of Pentax’s APS-C-format DSLRs. However, because it is solely for black-and-white photography, some of its features and functions differ from those of the Pentax K-3 Mark III.
It does adopt the K-3 Mark III’s advanced features in a compact, durable body. Yet, its imaging characteristics were totally redesigned and optimized by adding a new, monochrome-specific 25.7-megapixel image sensor.
The APS-C-format CMOS sensor is free of an AA (anti-aliasing) filter. Typical color image sensors receive light passing through red, green and blue 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.
However, the new monochrome-specific sensor reflects the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image without interpolation. As a result, it can produce extra-fine monochromatic expression, in high-res images with rich gradation. Moreover, the sensor produces a natural bokeh (defocus) effect.
In addition, the new DSLR features three custom image modes for black-and-white photography, to provide distinctive finishing touches. Beyond standard mode, it offers hard mode, which produces high-contrast images. Soft mode creates high-key, low-contrast images. Each mode allows minute adjustment of tone, key, contrast and sharpness for further personalization.
What’s more, the camera’s exterior was customized to reflect its monochrome capabilities. Design features include white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel; “Monochrome” lettering on the back panel; a menu screen with a black-and-white visual default scheme; and icons printed on buttons and switches across the exterior finished in three shades of gray.
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome camera body has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,199.95.
