Thanks everyone for your fantastic comments. I've been occupied with other things and haven't been able reply. I have read every comment though and appreciate every single one.
I have the original Leica M Monochrom and it’s fantastic. For only an 18MP sensor, the detail is beautiful. The difference is subtle but noticeable in editing. I’m absolutely delighted to see Pentax to enter this market. If they release a GR Monochrome I will get it 100%
Having started my photographic journey, watching an image slowly emerge on the paper in a tray under red light, that magical moment of seeing an image in black and white appear, is what made me pay and pre-order the K3iii Monochrome camera. Wonderful mono images from the likes of Salgado, Adams and Cartier-Bresson show the power of great images over the years. I am not expecting any great results with award winning images from myself, I am just a passionate amateur photographer looking forward to a new chapter in my photographic adventures. My first camera back in the 70's was the venerable K1000, followed by the MX and then the amazingly long lasting LX. I have stayed with the brand all these years and even through the digital era and have a regular K3iii and a K1ii. I still use the lens that was on my original K1000 with my current cameras and when my new camera arrives, that will be the lens I use for my first images with the new camera. The process of working and thinking in shades of grey is a skill that I hope to learn and enjoy all over again, thanks for reminding me that I have more photographic lessons ahead.
I would definitely go for a ricoh GRIIIx monochrome but not for the Pentax. I'm done with mirrors 😂 I would even prefer a monochrome Olympus, even if it only was an e-pl10 with 16MP that would be cool. Having shot b/w film until 2012 I may fall for this. When the first Leica M Monochrome came out it was my dream camera. Back then I did not like quality & character of the DSLRs. But now in 2023 the differences in the pictures seem academic... I still have my Olympus mostly set in a monochrome mode and shoot b/w (JPEG + RAW). So I decide later on the colours.
I've shot B&W _film_ forever, and absolutely love it, but I can only imagine explaining to my wife that I've bought a digital _camera_ that only shoots in B&W! Nonetheless, I'm intrigued by the Pentax. The Leica will be forever out of my price range, but I would love to try a monochrome camera.
Pentax is a fantastic and overlooked brand every damn body (or almost is weather resistent) many lenses are too , IBS is also standard and the lenses are quite good plus there is a ton of affordble ones.Pentax is bad at video but they make excellent phtotography bodies i hope they get the recognition in that type of niche .Im buying a KP OR a K3 and then i'm getting this monochrome madness for sure!
Great to see Pentax keeping the DSLR interesting. They are fantastic cameras and very addictive and engaging to use. I think Pentax are trying to keep the essence of photography alive. It will be certainly interesting to see where they head next, when they eventually do!
I'm very interested in a monochrome digital camera and the only things that keep me from buying one has been the price and the range finder aspect of the Leica. While I do own and use some of the time a Voigtlander Bessa range finder, I really prefer a slr. I shoot a lot of B&W film but the processing is a drawback for me and I have been impressed by the pictures the Leica monochromes can render. The possibility of a GR monochrome should make it the low cost option. I hope Ricoh follows through with that idea.
The move by Pentax is remarkable indeed. It invites to imagine a world where Ricoh/Pentax also releases a B&W GR. Imagine a high build quality, B&W OM System Pen F successor. Or a B&W Fuji XPro.
Life long Pentax lover, I have the k3 iii Jet Black and I think this CMOS sensor monochrome is a stroke of genius. Apparently very healthy sales, well played sir.
Ricoh seems to be moving the Pentax brand away from the mainstream camera market (if such a thing still exists) and aiming at the enthusiast/art niche. This niche is a smaller market, but one inhabited by discerning customers with deep pockets, I think it is an inspired move. The top end of this market niche may be dominated by the aspirational Leica brand, but I think Ricoh/Pentax now has the opportunity to create their own specialist/enthusiast/artist area. Watch Nikon, Canon, Sony and Fuji scramble to follow. I would love to see a monochrome Ricoh GRiii with an add-on viewfinder. Bravo Ricoh/Pentax,
I love B&W! As a longtime Pentaxian, I am excited for this new K3 Monochrome edition! I saved all my old filters etc. I wonder which lenses are best with this new configuration? Sign me up!
Monochrome or whatever other version of it, people who've never held a Pentax K-3 III in their hands don't know what amazing fun they are missing. Pentax is also one of the few systems that have been taking APS-C seriously.
Good video Matti! I'm definitely intrigued by the Pentax monochrome camera, but I probably wouldn't buy it. But I also really like Pentax's DA limited lenses, and I could see a small kit with the monochrome, DA21 and DA70 lenses.
for the past year I have been shooting the L monochrome D setting on my panasonic S5 full frame camera and its been a complete joy. that being said matte, you are correct, to really get the best results its definitely necessary to spend a considerable amount of time shooting in monochrome to come to achieving and understanding working in monchrome. and yes, attaching various colour filters to obtain different results is extremely useful. whats holding me back from purchasing this camera is the crop sensor. My panasonic S5 full-frame camera produces stunning images. zen billings in canada
I have the Pentax K-1 full frame and the Pentax K-3 iii. I agree with L. Nauwelaerts, both produce amazing photographs. If the only think holding you back is the sensor size you will be missing out.
Thank you for the informative video. I have been shooting for 55-60 years and yes I like the idea of a monochrome digital camera makes sense to us that have shot B&W in the past. It just hasn't been affordable up to this point . Not making any negative statements about Leica because I have used Leica for years. It just makes another more sense to have $2200, dollars involved instead of $9300. And let's not forget we are only talking bodies here. Thanks for the chance to spout off. And by the way I shot with Pentax equipment up to the point when I went digital. You are pretty hard pressed to shoot with better glass then the old screw mounts.Thanks again.
I bought a PEN-F for its capabilities to take great B&W pictures. But it has a color sensor. Should I buy a Monochrome PEN-F if it existed once? Probably yes.
I really enjoy your videos Matti. I'm glad Pentax has come out with this camera for those serious B&W shooters who can't afford Leica's like me, Haha. I think the majority of present day shooters are young and will never get into B&W like us/me who really love B&W. A great 2nd camera that forces you to use what you carried on any particular day. Pentax should be very happy with you and this video. Your expertise and explanation of this camera was excellent and yes, very tempting!! Thanks!
Cheers Matti, it’s Sean in Atlanta! I love shooting in black and white, although I mostly shoot colour. But I would definitely buy a GRIII Monochrome! I love the look of the Pentax, but it’s just a little too pricey! I hope you are well and enjoying your super-duper long vacation! I’m living my life vicariously through you, haha! Sean
I would have preferred the Monochrome version, but having recently bought the K3 III, it will have to wait a while. Although people who buy Pentax DSLR's, of which Pentax is the best of the bunch by far, invariably know what they are doing. They know and have studied the Art of Composition and what it takes to make a photograph work. They know B&W is Art and that everything else is documentary. Which is why I shall probably buy one of these when they become readily available. As will most other Pentax users. Leica are famous for the way their B&W negatives pop. If this Monochrome comes anywhere close to the legendary Leica, then I shall be delighted to get my hands on one. We shall have to encourage a few dedicated RU-vidrs to test one.
If I saw this new camera for sale through B&H, who I trust, I am sure I'd buy it immediately. I didn't know I could preorder it. In the film era I shot mostly B&W for myself and color for friends and family. Using b&w filters is no problem - still have my collection. I'm thinking I will buy one immediately. If I do fall in love with it, I will probably buy a second and have it's UV-IR filter removed to make it full spectrum - I suspect a B&W full spectrum conversion may give me cleaner results compared to by color full spectrum concerted camera. Bottom line, I'm excited about this offering.
Back in the 1970's developing B&W, I waded through an Ansel Adams book on his Zone System of exposure. Expose for the highlights and develop for the shadows if I remember correctly. Sounds like this Pentax might need the same attention to exposure as Tri-X. Sounds like a blast, I want one!
this is amazing to see another company challenging Leica. it is such a simple concept that i took too long for another company to get onboard. if love to try it.
Excellent info…your timing is impeccable. I was going to look into with my camera distributor to see if Ricoh has any GR plans of offering a monochrome camera? It would be a great addition to their line IMO
I'd love buy the new Pentax Monochrome, I just can't justify £2000, I'm just an ordinary guy living an ordinary life, trying to survive like most of us. I can dream. Great video, many thanks.
A brilliant review, Matti; as they always are. I do, from time to time some black & white photography with my Pentax MX with several vintage Pentax lenses. The old MX, is by the way an excellent camera with the largest SLR-viewfinder ever made, so extremely bright and clear.., like looking into a large widescreen old 70 mm movie. Bought it brand new back in 1977, it still works extremely well…even without batteries.
Matti, I really enjoyed this presentation on the new monochrome camera. I liked you explanation on monochrome sensors. I tend to think you may be on to something regarding your “ feeling “ about the possibility of a Ricoh GR monochrome camera as well. I think street photographers would embrace that addition to the GR line.
People are tired of color photos. That's an irrefutable fact. I know many passionate photographers who have gone from digital photography to shooting on black-and-white film. Otherwise Matti, your content is exceptional, definitely keep it up.
Ricoh GR Mi.... That looks, reads and sounds the most exciting thing to come in photography world since a long long time. Ricoh will first have to build a couple of dedicated factories before releasing it in the market!! Till that happens the universe will wait.❤
Very fair video. I like the idea of monochrome dedicated camera. At the moment I use debayered K-1 mono and GR III mono, but have tried more models from Pentax and Ricoh GR.
I’ve seen a lot of speculation that Fujifilm is getting ready to release a monochrome camera, too, with the same sensor. It would be kind of cool to have a handful of high quality monochrome cameras to choose from in the coming years.
thanks for the video. I like monochrome. the leicas are too expensive for me and the pentax is too classic for me. I would like a Ricoh GR3 monochrome better and I would buy it immediately!
Oh wow, I never knew that camera was coming. I love shooting b&w, especially with my pen f, but have lusted after a leica monochrom for a long time (but would struggle to justify this in the family budget!). I think I'm this camera's target market...
A monochrome camera is definitively on my list! I am thinking of the Leica Q2 monochrome as my dream camera, something to look forward to when I do not have to pay for mortgage anymore and I can afford that kind of money. An affordable monochrome camera! Now, that's something truly fascinating. I really wish it was a full frame sensor....
Thank you for the video 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.. so YES I want it! Ricoh - Shut up and take my money!
It feels interesting, and certainly more than the Leica M11 or the Phase. But there's also the M9 monochrom with a larger, and CCD sensor. They are around the same price. It would be a matter of comparing both.
Thanks for doing such an in-depth discussion of monochrome photography. The clipping highlights issue that you mention never occurred to me before. I think these cameras are expensive because the uptake is likely to be small. For me personally, black and white photography is too depressing. I once did a whole street photography session in black and white jsut to see what it was about, there are still on my instagram. Black and white makes everything look melancholy even if it's not.
I am considering it. I have fair amount of Pentax equipment already. Other bodies, lenses and the same battery that this camera will use. I did shoot some black and white film back in the day, and have never felt that color converted to black and white to be the same.
It's a very smart move from Pentax. It would be nice if other companies offered different sensors in the same system, like Fuji is offering normal Bayer COMOS and X-Trans sensors. Pentax should also try with Foveon sensor.
Need a real world review hands on. Love the idea another manufacturer has brought out an affordable monochrome camera. I shoot black and white film and there is so much I could learn from this camera. Especially using filters. Just need a pancake 28 or 35mm lens and good to go for street and landscape.
I'm invested in the Fujifilm stratosphere and shoot B&W films as well. If Fuji came out with a dedicated B&W camera I'd be saving up my $ I have to get it. For the mirrorless crowd, a lens adapter with drop-in filters would be great. Getting to use my old lenses with only one set of color filters.. heaven.
I think Fujifilm are the only other manufacturer likely to do this, but their Acros and even their anonymous b&w simulation are excellent so a Fujifilm monochrome camera would have to be very significantly better than those.
I use an old X100S with only 7K mileage on it for B&W--great photos. But I have often wondered why Fuji has not delivered a monochrome rangefinder. I thought, perhaps Fuji and Leica are owned by the same parent company?? I'm intrigued by this Pentax offering; DSLR size and weight don't bother me ...need to sample it first. Peace.
@@caw25sha Agree regarding the simulations…I keep my Fuji set on B&W w/ simulations. But, it might prove to be a novel product for Fuji…certainly not a product of significant revenue…but perhaps give Fuji photogs a little spice. 😉
The best review, on the KIII MONOCHROME, the ambassador failed, No I won't be buying the mono version of the KIII, but I would support the camera for what it is and it's price range within the mono environment. A appreciated move by Pentax.
Monochrome image sensor have existed for a very long time, but have largely been confined to the CCTV / industrial / scientific imaging fields. I've pondered what it would take to convert a monochrome machine vision camera into something that could do handheld photography. I'm happy to see a product like this for the consumer market.
I think it would be totally fun to have, and a must for anyone who just wants a black and white camera. Would be great if you can review it sometime. Thanks for your thoughts.
I am super interested and excited about this camera. I was looking at converting my Nikon Z7II to a monochrome camera but I got to know that I will lose some AF functionality and it would cost me almost twice as much as the price of my camera body just for the conversion. A Leica monochrome poses that very same issue with even a higher price barrier when you consider glass. I have been ocnsidering a monochrome camera for over a decade, and I am very glad that there is one I can finally afford. Even better, I already have Pentax glass, so I'm all setup!
It's a nice camera but as a b&w fanatic, I use only film cameras for b&w (Bronica ETRSi, Rolleiflex, Olympus OM4 and a Pentax 67), I use digital only for color images. I love processing films, and imho, film are better for b&w. But this Pentax is indeed an amazing camera.
It would be cool to see side by side shots with a color digital and the exact same picture, shot within a few seconds, with the K-3 III. Then a very close comparison could be made. I believe there is truly a real difference, I would just like to see the side by side look.
Wow! I have always marveled Pentax/Ricoh digital. cameras.... of course I cannot afford a new "true" monochrome body... but maybe a used one later... LOL currently...and for years..I have kept one or more "full spectrum" modified bodies... of course its a compromise but I get some pretty cool BW images when I desaturate of partially desaturate the images in post...maybe a non bayer sensor will show up in the Ricoh someday...Great Video! side note...Pentax has some wonderful small pancake lenses! and... My GX9 bodies shoot wonderful BW images straight out of the camera...
Monochrome sensors do produce astonishing results, but only if the iso is set very high, otherwise you'd be hard pushed to see the difference in conversion from a ' colour ' sensor. This is where the strenght of the monochrome sensor lies. Lack of noise in shadow areas with high iso settings. As for the price, yes the M11 is ridiculous at nearly $10000, but it does have full frame sensor and its 60MP, and also that red badge. Personally, I carry on shooting film, B&W film.
I'm surprised they didn't do a monochrome GR first. The K3 III is a beautiful camera, but a bit out of reach for me. Might go for a GR though if they do one.
Interesting camera. When I dream I deem in color. Monochrome has its niche. But since color I use my color sensor for both I stay there. Thanks for the video.
I have a E- 1 mark ii; and from the time I heard of the coming mark iii and on Robins channel he asked what we would like Olympus to do. I said Mono among other things. Robin said too niche of a product. Well look at Pentax reintroducing a film camera and now a monochrome version of the K3. If Pentax would produce a mirrorless camera. I think they could make a nice come back.
I'll believe in a new Pentax film camera when i see it. Ricoh doesn't have the money or the production facilities for such a thing. We'll see, or we won't.
I saw Samuel's (Samuel Streetlife) thoughts on this camera and I think it is a really cool camera. I would be very interested to see your experiences with this camera as you have shot so much black and white film. I myself shoot quite a lot of black and white film. On the digital side my Pen-f has the art dial set to monochrome 90% of the time.
Thanks so much for this video! I'm in the market for a more affordable monochrome digital camera. I really love how you staged this video - an in-color monochrome video.
The main downside of a monochrome sensor is the necessity to use filters. I am still shooting B&W film from time to time. Using filters is not practical , not as flexible and it reduces light. You have to think before pushing the button and that is fine. The flexibility of the colour sensor is so user friendly that I cannot imagine using a monochrome digital camera.
With color cameras, there has to be an IR (Infrared) Block filter, because IR light will mess up the colors. With Black & White, the IR block filter isn't as important. This raises the question, does the Pentax have an IR Block filter or not? If the IR Block is there, the grayscale values match visible light, but IR Photos aren't possible. On the other hand, if the IR Block isn't there, IR Photos are possible, but normal grayscale photos may look odd due to IR being part of the light received.
I used to shoot and develop b&w film and had to retrain my eye for color digital. I just switched to Lumix mft from Canon APC and am enjoying the viewfinder’s ability to display b&w. But I can’t see much yet why losing the option to shoot color, shoot both simultaneously, and simulate different filters in post trumps the marginal benefits of a mono camera. I especially can’t see the rationale for a color viewfinder.
Ok, I'll go ahead and piss off the "purists", I'd prefer a mirrorless camera for pure b&w. Since pentax is a DSLR, you see in color (also the same as the Leica M's rangefinder window), with mirrorless of course you see basically what you get, i.e. what the sensor sees. This is why I continue to shoot my Z7 for b&w, I can switch to B&W viewing for a closer to what I will get after conversion to b&w in either DXO or CaptureOne. Anyway my 2 cents worth (mostly due to inflation.....)
If you want to see what the B&W would be then use LiveView on the K3III Mono. It will display the image in monochrome on the 3.2" touch sensitive rear screen before you take it. My myself, I can't give up the advantages of an OVF, but LiveView will give me the psuedo-EVF if I need it.
There's an interest point made in @SamuelStreetlife great review of this camera. The thing is, your eyes have far better dynamic range, even than an M11 Monochrome, so for composition, it actually makes a lot of sense to use an optical view finder. You get to compose with the amazing abilities of your eyes in low light). And the end of the day, you have to have the idea for your image before you aim the camera.
I have the Leica M Monochrom (original CCD sensor, in my opinion the better one), and also a Sony RX1 which i had converted to monochrome, i prefer B&W images so it was a natural choice for me; i carry a small Ricoh GR in my pocket when i am not carrying one of my other cameras and, while the B&W conversion works out really well on the GR, it would be great to have one with a proper monochrome sensor.
Back in the day... (okay, I'm a dinosaur) cameras had no means of showing what the final image would look like. One loaded black and white film into one's camera, and looked through the viewfinder at a world in colour and only saw the image hours or days later. I shot mostly B&W then because I had my own darkroom, and processing and printing colour film was just too much of a faff, and rather expensive. In any case, I preferred monochrome. After a little while, I developed (pun maybe intended) an ability to "see" the shapes and shades in a scene, freed of the distraction of colour. Now, as another commenter has pointed out, one can use the LCD on the back of the camera to preview the image before taking the photo. I have pre-ordered the K3 III monochrome. I don't expect the final results to be greatly different from a converted colour image at low ISOs. I think it will come into its own in low light situations, as reviewers of the various Leica Monochroms have pointed out. They also mention an increase in acuity. Myself, I feel that being restrained by the camera to think only in terms of shapes and light will add a new dimension and new challenges to my photography.
Yes Brian, you’re right of course and this is the way I shot B&W with my D300. But it requires an extra step (or you lose the general advantages of a DSLR) and a mirrorless system makes shooting in B&W a more flawless activity.
If it were not for practical budget limitations I would buy a Pentax Monochrome. I shoot black and white often, using raw+jpeg and setting a monochrome mode with contrast and sharpness boosted. I seldom need to use the raw file as the jpegs have enough malleability to adjust to my tastes.
Thank so much for this review. Nevertheless we must keep in mind if I need the last Bugatti to go to the baker the French baguette will not have the same taste than if I use a Renault Twingo for the same use! 😜😜
Thanks for your insights on this topic and camera!📷👍🏻 Definitely not a sensible prospect for me. I love black and white photography and have dedicated black and white shooting days. The Fujifilm monochrome simulations are really terrific and in a package like my X100V, easy to carry around all day with great results…… ✌🏻📷
Thanks nice video! I'm waiting for a monochrome gr4 with adjustable screen. The B\W profiles of the GR3 are fantastic, not even with the FUJI XT5 can I have such beautiful files even with the Fujiweekly film simulations.
Interesting video, when I convert a colour picture into monochrome my experience is that it looks a little flat. As an art form BNW is great and I would be interested if camera are made with a monochrome alternative. I have the Ricoh 3X and I love it so a pure monochrome alternative could be interesting. The Petax on offer is both to heavy and to costly but say a budget example was available I would go for it. Thank you for your interesting thoughts. Mike
It's sad because I told all my Pentax gear a couple years ago to switch to Olympus, so if I wanted this I'd have to repurchase all those lenses... I'd pay a LOT for an Olympus OM-1 Monochrome...the M4/3 sensor would benefit most from this kind of treatment for IQ.
As a long time black and white film shooter, digital monochrome doesn't have the same feel. The roll off in tones seems flatter and kind of sterile, from examples I have seen. Whatever, it's good to see Pentax innovating in the DSLR space.
Excellent. Very well explained/argued. I would not buy a monochrome only camera as my exclusive camera and I probably should not buy into this camera body/system as a second camera/system, given my limited financial resources and dislike of the idea of having multiple cameras and not using all of them much. But I could make could make an exception for this Pentax K3 Mark 3 Monochrome 😊
