I made a BIG mistake in the comparison section. At 16:13 the close up images are on the wrong side! Of course the monochrome sensor is the one with less noise... Sorry for the confusion!
not always true: many many users asked for a tilt screen on the K3iii, better focus point detection thru the OVF. Many few of them asked for fancy seasonal JPG profile. Pentax did not care.
Look they listen to some people and ignore others. Plenty of people like myself have ionvested in another system now and slowly moving away also. Its not that I think this camera shouldn't exist, i'm glad it does, but Pentax has let other projects like digital MF slowly wither away, while Fujifilm IMO is pretty much consuming the space Pentax once occupied as its market share shrinks. I love Pentax, I love the gear I have, but they are going too niche for me now. But I may get this monochrome camera (if it goes on sale) and keep a prime or two, while selling off my other stuff slowly
Also, don't forget that Pentax is pulling the stunt of giving certain features to Japanese only consumers while others outside of the country don't get access. That's not caring about their customers. I love their products and believe that they are one of the best values out on the market, but it doesn't help that they alienate a portion of their consumer base while favoring another.
@@costascosta273 Yeah but they are also losing existing customers. I've used Pentax formy whole life and I just bought a fujifilm X-H2S and its impressed me so much. I always used to defend Pentax, the so called slowness of Af etc. etc. but because they weren't listening to many of their users and just some, they'll lose those users also and possibly me. I'm not saying they shouldn't have made this camera though, i'm just saying they've not done a lot of other stuff and they'll end up being a very small niche company, like Leica but less prestigious and their gear will become more expensive also, when they used to be one of the more affordable brands. Thats ok if thats where they want to head, but it s not listening to customers, its listening to what SOME customers wanted. Many will leave if they don't keep the mainstream R&D going.
I like it too. I thought the tonal quality was better. I think Pentax is smart to avoid the mirrorless experiment. I dislike mirrorless EVF's. They feel unreal like screenshot photography.
Thanks for doing a video on this guy!! So cool :) I have my Pentax k5 monochrome someone converted for me. My findings were similar to yours, in that there are some actual differences, but most of the difference is just in the way it makes you shoot/think
My thoughts exactly, just like using a prime lens and "limiting" yourself sometimes actually opens up your creativity process. I can't wait for your review in 10 years... 🤣 (I'm being funny to be clear).
Converted K5 sounds cool. I actually have a semi-broken K5 here (shoots only manual mode because the mode dial is broken), I wonder how that could be converted to mono. Do you perchance know anything about that?
As an m246 user, I am thrilled that Pentax is A. Sticking to DSLR. B. Made a monochrome camera. Great tip on highlight metering. A lot of m246 users use -1/3 or -2/3 exposure comp. An added tip for those starting in monochrome shooting. When composing, SQUINT. It’s an old painters technique that kills details and focuses on lightness-darkness values, edges, and SHAPE. That’s they key to any composition. Something you might grow to appreciate in a monochrome camera is that there is an abundance of grey tonality compared to color, which I feel makes it open up more options in post. Also, give a try to some color filters like a yellow, orange, or green depending what you’re doing. You may not even need to edit anything by doing so.
As a Q2M shooter, I have no issues with using an OVF and appreciate the EVF helping me see the world in B&W. So I would still be incredibly interested in a GR III (or IV) Monochrome.
Perhaps more sensible, and cost effective, to optimise the current GR sensor and software for B&W without losing any of the colour attributes. Call it a GR111MX as an homage to Pentax. Yes I'd like good video and a sensibly priced add on viewfinder too.
I’ve just switched to Pentax about 6 months ago and I wish I had done this earlier. The interface is perfect for me and I love the way the company values the user experience! Need to add this one to my line up at some point!
Great to see Pentax/Ricoh responding to their customers so well! I'be been fortunate enough to own the Leica Monochrom 240 for a number of years. I traded up from the original M Monochrom when Leica had their sensor corrosion issue. Your analysis is spot on: the is a noticeable gain in visual acuity with the monochrome file and well exposed RAW files look like perfectly exposed Tri-X. (I never shot much HP5!). You still do need to be a bit careful with highlights, but the 240 isn't nearly as bad as the M Monochrom-that would cook the highlights if you looked at the camera funny 😂 As I'm old and learned on photography on B&W film, I still see photographically in terms of shape and contrast first, color second. So, it's the perfect camera for me 😀 I would be all in on a monochrome GR!!!!
Omar!! That’s why I prefer the M Monochrom vs the Q Monochrom, shooting via rangefinder vs LCD or EVF to see more shadow detail while underexposing to maintain the highlights. Good job reviewing Lintaro-kun!
What a cool camera. I love the idea of monochrome cameras, like you say it is about the process. It really means you commit to b&w when you use it. I also get why you would prefer a camera with an optical viewfinder in this case. Well that's the USP of Pentax these days ... but yes, I would still also love a b&w Fuji body. R.I.P. Ryuichi Sakamoto ... totally outstanding artist!
I am prompted to comment on how much I appreciate your unique take on your personal experience shooting a particular camera and photography in general. All the recent talk about camera reviewers originating with Gerald Undone's latest video reminds me of how I choose which ones to watch. I have felt this way for the last decade so I am very conscious of changes in RU-vidrs and their channels. I frequently unsubscribe when I witness RU-vidrs pivot as they transgress to the dark side (yes many viewers can tell when this occurs). Thank you for remaining true to yourself and maintaining your channel as one of the most sincere and informative when it comes to photography. While I may not be a "serious photographer, I do take photography seriously" to borrow a quote from Blunty's 9-year-old video on the Pentax Q-S1.
Hey Spaghetti Paparazzi : ) Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words! I really appreciate hearing that. And I remember watching Blunty a long time ago. Hope he is doing alright! Best wishes from Germany, Samuel.
thanks for taking us with you. I know its far of beeing the same thing, but on most mirrorless you can at least turn of exposure preview, so you get a bright image in the EVF while shooting underexposed :)
With optical you have no need to turn up finder as it makes no difference to underexpose on the view. You also do not suffer the pixelation in low light that blights EVfs. Horses for courses.
I love the EVF on my Q2M especially when shooting manually because you can very easily avoid blowing out the highlights that way and see the photo exactly as it will appear.
Q2M user here. Would love to try the Pentax Mini too! I also started with Pentax, 35 years ago. For me the main advantage of the Monochrome camera is the amazingly smooth skin tones and low light capabilities. Also, the resolution is so high (47mpx) that you effectively have a built-in optical zoom with outstanding image quality. Lastly, black and white prints, especially the platinum/palladium process, can really exploit the ultra deep tonal range of these monochrome cameras, so please use those and not some side-by-sides on LCD screen with crappy dynamic range
I absolutely love the concept of a monochrome digital camera. Many of my photos are colour, and would only work in colour, but I feel I sometimes yearn to have the same kind of creative restriction I would have had when I put a roll of black and white film in my camera back in the film days. I also don't want to go back to carrying around a DSLR, though, so I'd have loved to see a monochrome sensor in something like an Olympus Pen, Canon G, Ricoh GR, or Panasonic LX series of cameras. Sure, you can do a lot when converting to black and white in Lightroom, but the high ISO advantage to a monochrome sensor is simply astounding.
I was 12 years old when I started shooting with a Pentax Spotmatic with a Takumar 50mm 1.4 smct and developing my own Kodak Plus x & Tri x. At 25, I started shooting with Leica M3. Both are excellent in b&w. Shooting with Pentax Monochrome will surely bring back so many memories. Good work, Pentax !!!
Wow, I love that Pentax did this. Great test images, I think I especially liked ones you shot for yourself but the final marketing set made a good grouping. Extra bonus points for slide whistle. But goodness, R.I.P. Ryuichi Sakamoto, I hadn’t heard of his passing before you mentioned it. I first found out about him through a book of his sheet music at my library, but his music is so mesmerizing and inventive. What an amazing composer, performer, and man.
Great photography. After a 7 year photography hiatus I have picked up my 3 Sigma DPMs once again and they make great mono photographs. I guess this camera can also do pixel shifting for higher resolution images. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s passing is sad and huge loss to music. I loved my old Pentax film cameras LX MX until they were stolen, then moved to Canon.
An overlooked gem, this video, but only by myself, so my bad. Now that I have the privilege of using the regular Mark III, I really appreciate what you've done here.
Agree on the optical view finder and always exposing for the highlights. I own Leica incl M10M and Pentax and this excites the hell out of me. Even though I am late to the party. Both platforms I think have similar ethos (quality products, quality lenses, backward compatibility and sticking to their core values), even though they are totally different shooting experiences.
Greets from Munich mate, I thought buying a new K3 III two month ago wasn't the best idea but I love it ! Good to see you finaly holding a Pentax. Keep it up !
I started with a Spotmatic, Entry Level KX, K20D, K7, then K5 Silver Edition Played around with a a K01 and the Pentax Q7 complete kit I miss my Pentax cameras, if it wasn't for my hands and back getting too tired and sore from lugging around a DSLR camera and a couple of lenses, I'd stick with em. They're the best in terms of durability with tried and tested weather sealing and ruggedness The K3 was my dream camera when it came out and then this one came up now tears run down from my eyes -- K3II + Monochrome its like Pentax made the perfect camera for me and trying to call me back
My dad was a collector of Pentax for many many years, now I got all of the k lenses and bought a k1 markII and love the usability of the old glass on a modern full frame.
Sadly it costs a grand more than the a K1-mkII here in Norway. I 'll just shoot my K-5, GR-D IV or X-Pro1 in mono mode. Great summary! Just what I needed to learn. Btw. I remember Fujifilm's S5's great sensor for doing B&W. Could not afford that back then either.
I lol'd when Omar showed up. I managed to score an original CCD Leica M Monochrom and I really love it. I've primarily used it in lower light situations, where it really excels (especially compared to the M9) - the grain is beautiful and filmic. It has the same benefit as the OVF by being a rangefinder - I can underexpose as necessary and not have it affect my composition.
@@christopherbgriffith yes, can be. But Iin this case it is to compare apples with oranges. Digital noise is not grain. If people want grain they shoot film,. I shoot both 😉
Me encantan tus reflexiones sobre estas cámaras "nicho", claras, interesantes, dan una idea muy buena de como debe de ser la experiencia de utilizar la cámara
You made the best point I've heard in relation to a GR monochrome. Even if it happens, I'm not sure using B&W on an LCD will work for me 100% of the time... an optical viewfinder is just better for shooting B&W.
Most EVFs have an option where you can have it give you a bright image no matter what, and the exposure can still be dark. So you shouldn't really have a problem like you're describing. That would only be if it's in "real exposure preview" or whatever mode.
The main advantage you get from this isn't on a spec sheet. Its the experience of relying solely on monochrome. Seeing exposure, tones, shapes, and composing them simply. This makes you a better photographer automatically. You begin to see in monochrome with your eyes and mind, its crazy but it happens, you begin to relate the brightness and tones to how the image will look out and you can spot better light and subjects for monochrome images. This happens with practice. Much like how a prime lens will force you to see the world differently by working within stricter parameters.
I can simply turn my Colour Mode to Mono in my camera and get the same effect. Don't need a monochrome sensor unless you only take B&W photos and it gives better DR/tonality/noise
@@innstikk The point is lost on you. I forgive you for that. The effect may be similar but the experience won't be close. There's something to be said about having a lack of options. Its a lot like shooting film in that way. You'll be a better photographer in many ways because it will force you to look at the world differently and do more with less. Experience vs. theory. Until you've experienced it, you are just theorizing. Good luck!
@@camillebrenes Well I shoot film, I shoot B&W. I don't need a camera that is monochrome only to shoot B&W for months. I would consider a monochrome camera if it was clearly better at capturing B&W.
First YT video on this camera. Might be the best one, likely. Looking at your earlier Pentax images, I was not sure if it was digital or film. I got my first Pentax DSLR this year, K-3. And I was looking for digital camera to replace my darkroom and film cameras. This might be it. I was using mostly bw film, so monochrome is just to replace bw film, even if it looks different.
This is a great review of this monochrome camera and I liked the self portraits best of all, really nice tonality. Ryuichi Sakamoto is a great loss, I remember listening to Yellow Magic Orchestra back in the early 80's. He was also brilliant as actor and the theme composer for "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" when he wrote the score and the vocal theme "Forbidden Colours". We will be listening to the same themes I think.
20:07 haha. Pentax k100 was my first camera. When I got the FA77 (an absolute BEAST), it quickly became my grail series lenses, even today. Itʻs probably why I leaned on getting a iiix because it reminded me of that old school pentax look. Iʻll probably pick up a k100d + FA31mm someday, when I have extra funds. Thanks for putting this video out!
My first camera was a spotmatic 2 and it was great to use. I used it along with my mamiyaflex medium format camera. I have long since moved on to Nikon and recently bought the Pentax 645 and the digital 645z. Both are great. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your images turn out.
I've never held a Pentax camera. Being that my favorite camera is a Nikon D7200, the Pentax K3 III has intrigued me since its release. Watching videos like this one, reinforces the desire to try one.
This is a camera made for prime lenses. Heavy zooms have too many glass elements, too generic image rendering, not enough tonal separation. And they are too "slow". But a couple of Pentax prime lenses (Limiteds) will deliver outstanding image quality on this monochrome sensor, that will rival Leica's. The secret of Leica Monochrome is not in the camera, but the lenses; monochrome sensor makes prime lenses shine in full glory.
I only shot as a news photog in the 70's.... I believe that I learned to see in B&W (most people do not understand).... ThankYou for the Vid !!!!!!! I always enjoy Your Hard Work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
very nice video bro, very nice energy output, very nice overall feel from you as an artist, and very thechnician soul either ! - I think you nailed it here with your final conclusion - and I'm glad you pointed out - how little winning points mono have, versus the same or similar color sensor. I was , and I'm thinking in the same way as you do. - For the overall shooting experience with and without OVF in low light - I remember my Ricoh Caplio and my Oly Pen - which were mirrorless - both having the LCD preview with well litted scene when you looking for framing, but when you do the pic - the final results can be overblown, or very dark image - depends what you've choosed for you Iso, shutter speed, and apperture . - So there is no that way as you described the EVF - because you can still see the well litted scene, despite the fact you choose from M Mode - to be in overdark, or overblown side. - Cheers ! - PS Some really good art photos here ! ;)
Very interesting video! I actually sold all my camera stuff except for an old used Pentax K5 in February (I was prepared to go back to Fuji once the X-Pro 4 gets released but things happened and today I‘ll receive an X-T5 with the 33mm) and in general… every photographer should own a DSLR and use it from time to time. They are so rugged, the handling (apart from the weight) is so good, the viewfinders - even older ones - are just a joy to use and reconnect you with what you‘re photographing. This monochrome version is something I would love to own, but not going to lie: it‘s difficult to justify such an investment if you‘re not either a hardcore Pentax fan with spare money lying around or a b/w photographer with money lying around and even then those people often own some kind of monochrome Leica already. Maybe, some day…. 😅
I love the Pentax DSLRs, also my first and my last DSLR i think. Between other cameras;) I have the K3 ii and im still happy, very good macro lenses... Etc. if u like fotos and you dont need a good autofocus...
I was researching pentax cameras and I just found out that they made a mc version. I would love to have a Pentax one day, but they don't sell here where I live and customs would cost me a lot to order online. Anyhow - I enjoyed this video very much. I agree with you about the optical viewfinder thing for monochrome (I ''converted'' my old D3000 and have shot only in mc mode for quite a while). Recently I got the x-pro 2 (day before Omar did that video) I need to try it out in mc mode tomorrow! Odd thing is that I listened to Ryuichi quite a lot today and you mention him in this video (may he rest in peace). Idk why am I writing this comment, but I liked the video and the images that you took. Best regards!
I have been thinking about getting the K-3iii Mono when available and this keeps me interested. It looks great and I’d love to work with those mono files. I’ve got those sweet Pentax Limited primes and that’s what I prefer. Although I use my Fuji cameras a lot I do find picking up a Pentax still the most ergonomic and comfortable experience. And despite the benefits of mirrorless I do like an optical viewfinder
You know Mike, what this offers is a shooting experience that’s not otherwise available in a camera unless you do a monochrome conversion to an existing camera or put down a lot of cash for a Leica Monochrome. I really get what Sam says when you are out with it you are committed to B&W. No switching to colour. No changing the file at home later. It’s like dropping B&W film in your SLR and walking out the door - you are committed that simplifies the choices. Ok, this K-3 iii Monochrome isn’t cheap either but due it’s uniqueness in my mind I can justify it as an investment! And at this stage of my financial life, dropping $3k on a camera isn’t going to kill me. There - justifiable investment!
@@shred3005 I like your reasoning Brett. For me the camera really triggerd me to explore the world in luminance instead of colour and luminance. It's harder work to make a B&W image stand out. And after 30+ years of photography I welcome this new challenge with open arms. Can't wait till I have my copy of the camera :-)
I was relieved to see a very honest review, without being overly complimentary. Nice review. The monochrome sensor is very beautiful, but for me I could decide that the monochrome of the GR3 is enough.
I'm really excited about an affordable b&w camera, especially from Pentax. In the film days I usually shot b&w except for when I shot for other people. Have you tried shooting with traditional b&w filters? I liked using a yellow/green for a different rendering of skin/ foliage/sky. What is the red sensitivity? If it can go down to hydrogen alpha and or sulphur Ii it would also be great for astro photography. In any event, I can't wait to see the tech specks.
Somehow this page came up in my feed! 🤩 I once owned 4 Pentax LXs, got a ton of lenses, plus I've Leica M,R user since the 70s, I really like this camera, I only shoot digital with an EOS M, OnePlus 7, everything else film. I would like to try this camera with my vision, and studio.gteat job, loved your SFX too! 🖖🏿🍻
Samuel, really enjoyed all your B&W's esp the carnival one w/the leaves on the edges of the frame (17:20--frame on the far right side)! Finally, if Ricoh makes a Monochrome GR III I will absolutely buy one! Thank you.
Great review. Love the focus (no pun intended) on the experience, less on the technical side. I shoot Nikon Z, and I have a Z5 converted to full spectrum which I mostly use with 720nm or 850nm infrared filters, which also results in black&white images. Setting aside that infrared has different brightnesses for different subjects, I also enjoy being forced to stay in the black&white mindset (because changing clip-in filters is a bit involved). But of course I also have the b&w image in the viewfinder. Previously I had a D70 converted, so I know how it is to have a color viewfinder while shooting b&w, but I didn't enjoy that. Always had to bracket exposures to be safe.
GR III monocrome ❤ But really like the K3 Mono, was thinking of getting a dedicated B/W camera for long, maybe this is financially viable 😂 with a nice pancake lense.
Eine wunderschöne Camera von Pentax, ... Klasse! Schade, dass man nicht mehr von dieser diskreten, hervorragenden Marke hört! Du könntest doch 'n Video über das letzte Pentax KF-Model machen, von dem es eine weisse und eine blaue Version gibt!
Thank you for the video Samuel. When I shoot B&W I usually short about 1/3 to 1/2 under. I was looking at a Q2 Monochrome and a M11 Monochrome but for the price I decided to move to the Sony A7R5 (I have a lot of Sony glass) but that's still 6k plus I hauling around on the street. The K3 really interest me and I can get into a nice street outfit 3.3k plus out the door. I hope Ricoh keeps support for this camera..
I'm with you, you don't necessarily need a monochrome sensor to work out reasonable BW tonal values. But that's exactly what it is, you HAVE to work it out and you can't expect a miracle from the monochrome sensor by pressing the shutter button... So I would take her ;)
You definitely don't need a monochrome sensor to work out B&W tonal values, but you do need one to get these sort of results. Simply omitting the Bayer filter adds slightly over a full stop of light gathering ability at the pixel level. Moreover, there is no de-mosaicing required and that smooths out gradients more evenly than a simple desaturated, de-mosaiced color image. It also means faster processing in camera resulting in higher burst rates.
I appreciate your effort here. I found this video because it was linked at another photography site that was discussing this camera. I enjoyed your presentation.
Hey Samuel, I'm a fan of your personal and not-so-mainstream approach. I do a lot of documentary and street photography in B&W myself, I shoot FujiFilm and PENTAX, so probably you can imagine how pleased I was seeing your current experience with the Monochrome PENTAX! However, I wish you could dedicate some more time to the Monochrome PENTAX camera. Maybe you get another chance for a bit longer usage? I would definitely be interested in that.
Samuel, it's so great to see you shooting with a Pentax in this video! This is a very interesting product offering from Pentax, but my photography has a heavy emphasis on colour. I picked up my own Pentax K1ii after after spending over a decade shooting shooting with mirrorless cameras and I do agree that there's something nice about using an OVF (disclaimer, I still have a mirrorless camera). Interesting perspective you have with an OVF being well-suited to this Monochrome camera in order to allow the shooter to preview the details that might be hidden in the shadows. I think there is definitely a market for a camera such as this. I'd definitely consider it if I was more of a B/W shooter. I absolutely agree with the others here that this sensor should be brought into the Ricoh GR series.
Great insights...I have a lot of APSC Pentax glass and was hoping you would see a huge advantage in image quality with the monochrome sensor. So, in a nutshell, you just saved me $2,100 (US dollars)...I'll keep using my K5IIs and Lightroom. Oh, I really enjoy your style and subscribed to your channel. Thanks for an excellent video.
I use a K3 with only manual focus lenses. I think my newest lens, in terms of manufacturer date, is a Vivitar Series 1 70-210. It is from 1976. I am only a hobbiest and just haven't spent the money on an auto focus lens yet. I think I just want one general purpose af lens in my kit. Someday.
Thanks for sharing this video.. your videos are a joy to watch..i did not know that the Japanese music artist sakamoto past a way. Listening to his music - beautifull.. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for this great video and for these amazing images, it really gives me inspiration for the future! In my country it's also quite hard to taking photos about people on the streets.. sometimes, they just looking back on me angrily and it's difficult to explain them about 'Street Photography'. Nowadays I'm a little bit lack of energy and time to take a shot.. it gets me frustrated but I'll try to do my best. I'm happy to see these wonderful photographs of yours! Also, thank you so much for your remembering about Ryuichi Sakamoto. I really admire him and will always listening his music.
Great video as usual, Samuel! I come with a video request: could you teach us how to create our own Ricoh GR III recipes? I'm trying here, but I really don't know what "High/Low Key Adjustment" and "Shading", for example, do to my image. Maybe you could team up with Ricoh and share these informations, that'd be super helpful! Thanks in advance.
i don`t know how many pentax users out there, maybe the buy a monochrom cam. for me i had the chance to test a leica m10 mono, i like the pics from the cam, but leica is too expensive for me plus a good lens, i could buy it but it is not worth the money for me, it is the size of the m10 that i like for a monochrome cam, not that typical slr camera-look. digital i use sony, a7r series and i love my a7c !!, this cam with a mono sensor would be great !! 🙂 greets from austria BM
Interesting. When I was shooting film there were times I used monochrome. I shot my parents' 50th wedding anniversary on 24 rolls of Ilford FP4. One shot I stood them next to an 8x10 b&w from the reception at their wedding, and this was the only shot in color. I don't think I'll be buying this camera, though. It would be okay for street photography, butI wouldn't use it often enough to justify the expense.
I went A7iii coz i wanted FF and wanted a decent AF, now that i got the A7iii i shoot MF only in BW. 😅 i love unfolding the color in LR, gives me something to look forward when developing the images.
Thank you for this interesting and informative video. My bias is towards flexibility so being able to choose bw or color, and then the added benefit of the freedom to separately adjust color channel brightness, puts me firmly in the color sensor camp. But of course I understand those who feel differently. And I'm a huge Pentax fan, primarily based on my love for their early -- i.e., 50's and 60's film cameras.
