Pentax Monochrome Broke Leica Hegemony

[@mattisulanto]

Many people comment that I should have used a smaller lens on the Pentax. The camera is not mine, it's a demo unit and it came with that zoom. I would have wanted a small prime, but Pentax obviously wants highlight that huge zoom. However, it's still a big and heavy camera no matter what lens you put on it, compared to any modern mirrorless camera. Please watch the full video for the rest of my comments about the Pentax.

[@karlbrodowsky7744]

In the early 1980s it was a huge plus of pentax that their cameras were smal and light. I think 460g for an MX or MESuper with a 50/1.7, not much more with the 1.4. Why is the K1 mark ii or even the monochrome K3 heavier actually a lot heavier, than the MX 45 years ago? I like Pentax anyway and are stuck with it. But it is a huge minus. I start to find mft interesting.

[@MaximMuir]

I was a custom black and white printer for other photographers for 25 years+. I was an editor and major contributor for "The Darkroom Cookbook, 1st Edition" by Steve Anchell. All I can say is this: I have been using the K3 III monochrome since it was first released, and I will never go back to color conversions. Working with its files is like being back in the wet darkroom again, and the results are so much more satisfying. As to the weight-don't use a big assed lens like the 16-50 DA*. Get the 20-40 DA limited 2.8/4.0 lens, or use a DA prime.

[@christopheroliver148]

Your name seems very familiar. Were you part of the APUG forum? BTW: I helped run a college darkroom (now gone) for a number of years, and while I have nowhere near your experience, I do think we're missing something. I used to shoot street, and while I saw a lot of pictures, both actual exposures and times I didn't have a camera to take them, I think I can count on the fingers of one hand those for which color played a part. I wish this were mirrorless and FF; mainly so it would be a quiet camera that would give me the behavior I'd expect from my old m42 SMC Takumars, expecially the 50/1.4 and 85/1.8.

[@nicolas-arg-o3u]

Thank you, I'm on the fence between get back into shooting mf film and getting the monochrome and the Pentax files I could download for evaluation absolutely amazed me

[@RonScibilia]

You are so right, a mono GR would be a massive hit. May it happen.

[@billwinward9324]

I love the idea of a monochrome GR, I would buy one.

[@nanoulandia]

When I got back into photography a few years ago, I was very keen on having small and light cameras. However, I have slowly started to give more weight to the camera build quality. Not just materials but also menus, viewfinder, ergonomics, etc. I am now shooting with a Pentax 645N and just bought a 645D to replace my Fuji GFX50R. Yes, they are big, bulky and heavy (and it will be a bit of a pain when I travel), but there's something about the experience of shooting the Pentax that makes me want to take pictures. Taking pictures should also be about the experience, not just the convenience.

[@PsychedelicChameleon]

Thank you Matti Sulanto, I didn't really know how a monochrome camera and sensor worked. I'm so glad that I found your channel a few weeks ago because you explain things so clearly and smoothly!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks so much!

[@alfabravo80]

The pictures this sensor is producing, particularly the picture of the ferns, are gorgeous!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks.

[@paulanderson24]

I’d love a GR monochrome. I have the original Leica M Mono and it’s a brilliant camera. Much respect for Leica and now Pentax for just going and making a monochromatic digital camera when most think it’s madness still to do so

[@actionimagesphotography]

I'm impressed by the camera but also impressed by the use of "hegemony". 🤣

[@mattisulanto]

Glad to hear my choice of word impressed you😀

[@mikejankowski6321]

Really great presentation. Loved it and loved your images.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@kirkpine8342]

Hey really enjoyed this video. I primarily shoot black and white but financially wasn't ever in the market for a Leica. I appreciate you going over the differences of the monochrome and color censor and the advantages and disadvantages! Great work!

[@JacobHubertus]

I kinda disagree about the body, people who use Pentax wants an ergonomic and sturdy, tough body, I love it - I do believe also that Pentax buyers have different preferences than Sony customers. I purchased this camera a few months ago, and it takes absolutely incredible photos, way, way, waaaay better than I was expecting. Blown away really. I can't convert color to bnw anymore, the difference is just that big. Can recommend this camera wholeheartedly. I have a big collection of cameras ranging from Nikons, Leicas, Lumix etc so I do have experience using other systems. Ricoh Pentax are my favorites, not because they are simpler, but once you understand the menus and buttons they make so much sense. ISO performance and dynamic range is superb. Interesting video Matti, thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing your experience with this camera.

[@Weidemeyer]

ein toller Beitrag zur spentax K3 III monochrom. Ich verwende eine „normale“ K3III die tolle Bilder liefert. probiere das 77mm und das 31mm diese sind mit alten Leica Linsen zu vergleichen. Wenn RICOH eine GR3 oder 4 in Monochrom bringt werde ich sie kaufen. Eine K3 Mono ist für mich kein Thema da diese fast alles kann was meine K3III kann und das ist mir zu viel.das Menü der K3II war nicht toll aber besser als das der K3III. Ich verwende überwiegend den AV Modus. Punkt. Das ist es. Grüße aus Deutschland

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi matti, you are right about the great image quality, the pictures you took are of high quality. Loved the Boats and the Flower with the Bug. It's a good idea having a Ricoh GR in Monochrome, hope Pentax is watching this video 😂. Its a shame Pentax didn't move to Mirrorless cameras. The Black and White video you presented looked really nice. Thanks Matti 😊

[@cameraprepper7938]

Pentax is only a brand name today, Ricoh owns the Pentax brand name.

[@caw25sha]

It's only a small player these days so I doubt if they could afford to develop a complete new system to compete with the big companies. They have to find themselves a distinct niche.

[@seaeagles6025]

@@caw25sha Good point, they found there niche in making DSLR'S.

[@seaeagles6025]

@@cameraprepper7938 That's true, Pentax used to be a big player in the Film days.

[@caw25sha]

​@@seaeagles6025 They were one of the Big Five but didn't really have a particulary USP with 35mm SLRs unlike for example Nikon which was "the" pro camera or Olympus which made small light travel friendly cameras. Pentax did have a very nice range of medium format cameras though, including the legendary 67. It's a pity they didn't concentrate more on that in the digital age. I don't think the 645Z was as appealing as it should and could have been.

[@billwinward9324]

Thanks

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for the support and taking the time to watch.

[@yuandeita5844]

If Ricoh-Pentax would make a monchrome GR3 I would jump in completely

[@genernator]

It would be close to leica $$

[@87solarsky]

A FOVEON-sensor gives you full color-data for every pixel AND allows you to chose which of the color channel components you want included in your monochrome conversions in SIGMA PhotoPro. This is effectively the same as having three similar monochrome captures with three different color filters applied, taken at the exact same moment. Nothing else does this.

[@seanho3095]

that is in theory! in practice, there is color shift if you have seriously looked at it! therefore, DR is poor!

[@87solarsky]

@@seanho3095 What's even more interesting is the better colour frequency response of the FOVEON sensor principle compared to the colour filter array (Bayer, X-Trans, BMD...) channel separation principle. So, while this might come at the penalty of sightly reduced colour accuracy, it's still a real advantage. And the lower DR is down to the construction principle of the FOVEON sensor, which isn't the last word on sensors that capture full colour information for every pixel site, as demonstrated by similarities between sensors to this effect and the FOVEON sensor contained in patents filed by Canon and Sony in the past.

[@richardhale9664]

@@seanho3095 DR is not poor. It is excellent and at high ISO's too. Any low dynamic range you see is down to poor metering technique. Basically most of the time with the K3 iii Mono you should expose for the highlights. There are a number of videos showing what can be achieved.

[@lordovravens]

@@richardhale9664 He is speaking about the foveon sensors. And he is probably right. The K-3 MKIII monochrome has great high ISO performance, while the Sigmas' struggle with high ISO therefore the above mentioned advantages of foveon sensors for monochrome photography only apply to low ISO shots.

[@JJARCHIE]

​@@lordovravens not even high iso lmao, foveons break apart above iso 200

[@stochasticdan]

I love the idea of a monochrome GR III w/40mm equiv. lens.

[@mattisulanto]

You are not alone😀

[@michaellong9526]

I think the reason for choosing B&W would be similar to why you choose 1 prime lens vs a zoom ,it places a restriction on you and that somehow has a paradoxical effect on how you approach your vision and frees you up somehow👍

[@ShawnPerryVideoPhotoS5]

That was great! You gave me a lot to think about. Thanks so much!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! Always a pleasure to be able to deliver something useful.

[@saalikreynolds3064]

The problem is see with comments about this helps see in b&w is that you still see colour through the viewfinder. That is why an electronic viewfinder is required.

[@JaJutWa]

I own the k3 mono and for me it’s the opposite. The electronic viewfinder is by no means required. It’s a question of what you prefer

[@koningslakkie2498]

Love the video. I as a Sony user would love a Sony FF affordable monochrome camera, since I already have a lot of sony lenses. You would say a sensor without a bayer filter is cheaper to produce, but it is such a nice that it would cost way more. But let's say an A7 C monochrome would be an instant buy for me!

[@jasongold6751]

A decent honest review! I shoot BW in some of my digital boxes. They are small, SMALL, older CCD sensors! Minolta, older Canon, Samsung cameras. All weigh, almost nothing.They dont do high ISO! No. But I never really shot film, faster than 400~800.. I luv my old Pentax bodies and then expose real film, grain and all! Kentmere 100,400 before price became same as HP5+! I'm 80, never liked heavy gear. Travel light on walks, seldom a spare film! Bravo!

[@diforbes]

I recently got one of these and a few Pentax primes. A very different shooting experience, from being mono only to being a dSLR to considering using color filters on the lenses. SOOC RAW files have a lot of mid-tone values when shooting evenly-lit scenes. The highlights-protect matrix metering is useful but you need to carefully edit in post to recover the underexposed areas. My early take is you need to be more careful with exposure to get the most out of the mono files. Regarding weight, well it is a dSLR after all with its mirror box (no way to get around that if you want to use an optical viewfinder) and the camera is very well built. Try some of Pentax's well-regarded primes, some of which are pancakes, to keep the weight down.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing you first hand experience.

[@berndschimpf89]

Hi Matti, very well explained, what it is and what are the limitiations: no color channels . If you look through a Leica M monochrome, you see colored through the finder. This irritates me. I love b/w and hope for a b/w GR.

[@billkennon319]

Good review! The Pentax K3 Mk III monochrome is very "film-like". The issue with blown-highlights is very similar to film, as well. It would be great if you could get K3 monochrome with a couple of the limited lenses, they are very light and high quality. I do find the ergonomics of Pentax cameras outstanding and tend to forget the size and weight (even with serious arthritis and spinal damage).

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Regarding the size and small lenses, please see the pinned comment at the top.

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Excellent video 😮!

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you very much!

[@fistfulloflenses]

Really enjoyed your video, I've been using Pentax vintage lenses recently and been impressed, hope Pentax continues to prosper

[@Shiunbird]

Pentax, listen to this man! I am considering getting one, even though I am fully into Nikon (main BW camera is a F6), and if there would be a tiny monochrome Pentax, I'd walk to my local camera shop tomorrow.

[@thedarkslide]

Very good talking points. I'd also love to see a monochrome GRIII.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@HansLellelid]

Wonderful review; thank you. I love watching your videos. I started with Pentax and while I love mirrorless (currently using MFT), I keep looking back at Pentax wondering if I made a mistake to move away. Before watching this mini-review, it had never occurred to me that these monochrome sensors did not actually store color information at all so you could not mix the colors. For me that is probably the dealbreaker that will keep me shooting B&W (for the little that I do) on a color body rather than diving into this. I really wouldn't want to have to add optical filters to my lens to play with the color mix.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@lohikarhu734]

Moi Matti, hyää päivää! Nice to see you.... 🇨🇦 melkein 🇫🇮

[@mattisulanto]

Päivää vaan sinnekin😀

[@marknathan7744]

love it great video Matti. Panasonic should make a gx8 with a monochrome sensor preferably in square format which could be done within the m43 mount.

[@Weidemeyer]

a great article about the spentax K3 III monochrome. I use a "normal" K3III which produces great pictures. I'm trying the 77mm and the 31mm, these are comparable to old Leica lenses. If RICOH brings out a GR3 or 4 in monochrome I'll buy it. A K3 Mono is not an issue for me as it can do almost everything my K3III can and that's too much for me. The menu on the K3II wasn't great but it was better than that of the K3III. I mainly use the AV mode. Period. That's it. Greetings from Germany

[@chrissimmonds4383]

I once wrote to Olympus before they ceased trading and sugested they should bring out a monochrome version of the Pen-F. The Pen-F has a nice mono mode via it's front custom dial which resembles Tri-X but a dedicated mono version I would have bought. Trouble with the Pentax Monochrome is the smaller sensor copared to Leica's full frame equive.

[@Dr.GeoDave]

I’m going to buy the new film camera when I can find one, but I would buy a monochrome GR!

[@christians.9058]

👍🏻good comment on the monochromatic camera subject. I wish there would be more alternatives. Please consider Sigma cameras. There FOVEON sensor give you nearly native bw images.

[@b.h.w.stuhlmann2112]

I wish the small Ricoh GR3 with this Sensor!

[@Galeidan]

Ricoh GR IV Monochrome would be nice.

[@kalinmir]

the regular K3iii has the same sensor as GR so its probably doable

[@mg-leisure-monochrome]

@@kalinmir different sensors - 26 BSI in K-3III, 24 FSI in GR III.

[@kalinmir]

@@mg-leisure-monochrome ou...I was missinformed then, sorry

[@GastonShutters]

Awesome discussion Matti. A 26MP APS-C sensor is more than sufficient for even large prints, providing ample resolution. While I use and love the M11M, a monochrome camera, I find that a color sensor offers greater control over the final image. With a color sensor, you can adjust white balance and individually tweak the brightness of each color, while a monochrome sensor limits you to shades of black. Despite this, shooting in monochrome presents an intriguing and challenging exercise. It requires a lot of pre-planning before pressing the shutter, which, at times, makes it more enjoyable for me. On a side note, Pentax needs to hire new engineers :) no question about that.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@trevorbrooks813]

Hi Matti, a very thoughtful video, thank you. I echo the sentiments of others, if the GR3X appeared as a mono camera I would join the queue.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@janvirtanen9110]

I Wish there was more monochrome cameras.

[@mattisulanto]

Makes you wonder why not and why Fuji has not entered the B&W game yet.

[@samki_foto]

Ricoh even has this HDF version. Certainly a niche camera inside niche genre of street photography. So monochrome would fit in just fine

[@mattisulanto]

@@samki_foto That's a good point😀

[@sgroadie6367]

Phase One have always made an Achromatic model in their lineup. Of course even more expensive than Leica.

[@Narsuitus]

I shoot black & white film in my Pentax 35mm Spotmatic and seven prime lenses. I would consider a Pentax b&w digital if the price is right and if I can easily mount my M42 lenses.

[@IsawUupThere]

I've played a bit with the monochrome settings in the G9II. When you go in the settings you can add color filters digitally. That's really neat, and the leica.monochrome profile looks really good. But like you say, I find myself getting distracted and just going back to shooting RAW and editing later. Just for the shooting experience a pocketable monochrome camera would be neat, but I'm not paying $6000 for one :D

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I was considering purchasing a K3 MKIII monochrome as I have a number of Pentax cameras and lens, I have three of the K3 models and the MKIII is my favorite, I was surprised how many monochrome cameras were sold and even though I pre-ordered one it was never shipped and went to back order status, after a period of time Nikon ZF was being released and I didn't have a Nikon in my collection as I was hoping that they would release something special, the Zf was not a dedicated monochrome camera but it was the kind of camera that would add an old school film experience and allow me to take color and B&W photos easily. The Nikon ZF was also priced below the Pentax monochrome so for me it was a better addition to my camera collection than another Pentax camera. Pentax bodies tend to be on the heavy side but I have never had any problems with any of them and the Pentax limited series primes help to keep size and weight down. Thanks for the review. I might have started with many Pentax cameras but over the years have added a variety of different cameras from other manufacturers, I have no brand loyalty, I just love ❤️ photography and using different cameras.

[@awajiislander3843]

Very enjoyable review, thank you! I often use K-3 MarkIII with the lens DA16-85mmF3.5-5.6ED(488g) attached, which is a good combination for me. PENTAX has other lighter lenses like DA18-135mm or pancake lens(Limited), so it might be good to try other ones, if you are interested in.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing! The demo camera came with that lens and I don't own any Pentax glass.

[@welshskies]

An excellent video, thank you Matti! I'm waiting for a Ricoh GR3mono.

[@mattisulanto]

Thank you.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

The story about green pixels is that green pixel see red and blue part of spectrum but other two are pretty much blind for it.The green pixel light spectrum is used to recreate red and especially blue which is actually more difficult then other two colors.This is also one of the reasons that Xtrans sensor has even more green pixels then bayer sensor

[@PhotoTrekr]

I've always wanted a monochrome camera. When I shot film I shot as much B&W as color. A monochrome GR is a good idea.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Maybe we'll see that GR one day.

[@digitalrex5]

I have a Fuji x100vi and really can’t tell the difference between 24 and 40mp in fact using a dedicated macro lens for close up my old a99 sometimes looks sharper (of course the x100 were never designed for such things and once I got it outside on the street that thing really comes to life) I’m really interested in this Pentax so thanks for this video…. I wonder how it would work for “scanning” black and white film negatives vs a color sensor.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! The scanning is an interesting thought. At least you'd get neutral scans without any color cast straight from the camera.

[@davidbcg286]

GR monochrome is a good idea given the variations we have

[@Elisha_the_bald_headed_prophet]

You _can_ take color pictures with a monochrome sensor, by using external color filters and merging the resulting 'channels', as in the early days of color photography 😉

[@mattisulanto]

I would have been disappointed if no one made this comment😀

[@mikejankowski6321]

🎵Mama don't take my Kodachrome away... 🎵

[@christopherward5065]

This was conceived as a niche product like Leicas and it needs filters. Good filters will make the images more compelling than they already are. Filters are expensive and hard to come by. My choice was always yellow Y2 and I guess I would buy a few to cover my needs. I liked your images they showcased the quality of that lens and you could easily live with a two zoom kit of that quality. Pentax also have tiny primes if you wanted a compact system. The lens choices in m42 and k mount are enormous and most will be compatible. I can see huge possibilities once the workflow in post is worked out. The loss of the BW colour mixer in Lightroom is the greatest hardship but, once you start making deliberate in camera filter choices, the images will be fine.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! Thanks! That camera is a Pentax demo and that's the lens it came with. So, actually Pentax wants to highlight that lens, not me😀 I would have wanted a small prime. However, it is a big and heavy camera body if compared to any modern mirrorless APS-C camera and therefore not ideal for travel, for example.

[@ben12079]

Good video, but in a way you are missing the Pentax point. You’re showing it with the HD Pentax-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW lens. It’s a great lens but it is very, very heavy. If you get a chance try a K-3 iii or K-3 iii Monochrome with Pentax’s pancake lenses. They’re an absolute joy to use and can create beautiful images. The smaller camera you compared it to did not look comfortable to me. I’ve had my monochrome for a month and am absolutely loving it. The tonality, sharpness, high ISO capabilities make for a wonderful camera.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! That camera is a Pentax demo and that's the lens it came with. So, actually Pentax wants to highlight that lens, not me😀 I would have wanted a small prime. However, it is a big and heavy camera body if compared to any modern mirrorless APS-C camera and therefore not ideal for travel, for example.

[@clintjohnson5914]

Hi Matti,, Nice reality check on getting one of these types of monochrome cameras and what they can and can't do. A local rental shop bought a Leica Q monochrome for their rental shop... I put my name in a couple of days after they announced they had it and Sept is the earliest open date..$77/day!!.(A Sony a7rmk IV is $40/day).. wouldn't mind trying the Pentax out with a bag full of vintage Takumar primes!!

[@mattisulanto]

Wow, looks like quite a few people want to get the monochrome experience. I hope you’ll enjoy it when your turn comes up.

[@anthony-qm3pn]

I would like OM systems to bring out a monochrome OM-1, would that interest you?

[@mattisulanto]

Maybe, my interest would depend on the price.

[@whafrog]

I'd definitely buy one, I'm totally invested in the OM system (lenses etc.). I'd just need to invest in a good quick filter change system.

[@michaellong9526]

Hi Matti am also awaiting Ricoh to make a B&W sensor. I think you could have hilighted the many very small prime lenses in the Pentax lineup that greatly reduces the weight and form factor👍😀

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. Well, compared to the A6700 it's still a giant regardless of the lens😀

[@dunnymonster]

I've owned Pentax camera's in the past so when this monochrome version was announced it did pique my interest. I still shoot film regularly, mostly Black & White so a monochrome sensor really could work for me. I still have a few pentax lenses knocking about, if the price came down to under $1500 I'd probably buy one. Even though compared to a monochrome Leica this Pentax is quite a bargain, I still would find it hard to justify its current price. Still, I don't dismiss this camera, as you suggest, for those who love only B&W I think this opens up that opportunity without spending " Leica " money 🙂

[@geogu3images]

Thanks Matti, your reviews cover more than camera performance, they’re also a thought chamber for what the ‘tool’ actually brings to the artist. I’m a 75% monochrome shooter but can’t afford a 2nd camera that only shoots monochrome. So I have had my eye on the Pixii camera because of their monochrome de-Bayering algorithm. Not perfect but with the press of a button you can effectively turn off the Bayer filters (algorithm) and capture monochrome images as Raw files. The best of both worlds. I wonder why other manufacturers don’t go down this path with their sensors.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! I agree one B&W only camera is big step. The Pixii system sounds intriguing and would be nice to try it.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Nice video. I am thinking od renting this camera and a 400mm lens to do wildlife and bird photography ...

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! That sounds awesome and I'm sure you'll get some great shots.

[@thomasmenzel165]

No, se oli mielenkiintoinen! Kiitos!

[@mattisulanto]

Kiitos itsellesi😀

[@Needacreate]

Appreciate your personal assessment of the K-3 Mark III Monochrome, Matti, which will introduce more people to this unique Pentax-branded Ricoh offering, and therefore left a like. When you were discussing the weight and form factor, however, I couldn't help thinking, "Okay, he does know that he's talking about a flagship APS-C DSLR that is meant to be built like a tank, and utilizes a massive pentaprism for its extra-bright and -big OVF, which means a certain weight, and he couples it with just about the most uncompromising, most 'pro' standard zoom, the latest DA*, arguably one of the best zoom lenses for APS-C that Ricoh currently makes - and then concludes it's too heavy for him." Now, for your shooting styles and use scenarios that may well be the case; you duly stressed that you were giving your personal preferences. But then again, nobody forces you to put such a honking lens on the body. I own and use the regular colour version of the Mark III, and the HD DA 40 F2.8 Limited on my camera right now adds a mere 89 grams to the whole weight of the combo. My (extended) standard zoom for the camera is the DA 16-85, which is considerably less heavy than the DA*, or I could even opt for the quite compact DA 20-40 Limited (which I don't own). I'm not saying this in some fanboy reflex, but to add a little perspective and to show options for people who might be genuinely curious about Pentax.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks so much. Of course the A6700 is not a perfect match in terms of features etc. but I also said that many probably really like the Pentax. I would have wanted a small prime but unfortunately the demo camera came with that lens and I don't own any Pentax glass. Appreciate your insights, thanks once more.

[@carlod803]

I'm a Pentax shooter however I don't have a K3III Monochrome, but I believe that people that have it will enjoy pairing it with some of the lovely Pentax DA Limited lenses namely the DA15 and the DA21 Limiteds.

[@petemellows]

I really love the idea of a monochrome camera. You are correct in your assessment though: too costly and you need to consider filters as well. I wouldn't be surprised if Ricoh release a monochrome edition.

[@JaJutWa]

Get one on mpb, I bought one last week, like new, for 1360€

[@HerbertPollard]

Once again a straightforward video. I find it kind of strange; I have rented a Leica M10 mono and this Pentax mono. I found out that a true rangefinder was not my cup of tea. I would take the Pentax over the Leica. But I wish Pentax would make a mirrorless version and a series of compact primes; of course these lenses would have to be top of the line. The best that Pentax could make so that they could squeeze out all the resolution from the sensor. Also strange is Sigma with the Foveon sensor does have rgb data at all pixels. This in some respects makes the Sigma’s ideal. You can shoot color or mono and have the ability to play with the channels. Unfortunately the Foveon sensor has its limitations. What do think?

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your thoughts and insights. The Foveon seems to have limitations in so many ways and that's why we have not seen a new Foveon camera for long time. Maybe Sigma can sort out the issues and one day we'll see another Foveon camera.

[@sdhute]

I’ve had this one on my radar

[@HarryLewinASR]

I'd love to see a BW version of the GRIII.

[@juhavuorinen6305]

Good video I liked it. 👍 However for me 3k camera including a lens, i would rather spend that money in mamiya rb67 + lens + enlarger + some film stock and chemicals plus paper . Yes that is not exactly a street photography kit, but it could make some awesome landscapes, portraits, anything static, both b&w and color ( disclaimer: i am just a hobbyist shooting digital + 35mm film on a camera from 1974, that thing being 1 year older than i am ) 😍 Video idea for the future could be a test one of those 3d printed 4X5 cameras that are currently made new. or pinhole photography as a genre.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks! To each their own😀 The traditional B&W process is rewarding but it's also so different from digital that it doesn't make much sense to put them side by side. In my opinion, that is😀

[@rodmehta5356]

Great and useful explanation, thank you :-)

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@CartyCantDance]

Lumix gives you monochrome live view as an option, so I feel like that’s my b&w shooting experience without needing to invest in such a specialized camera. I rarely ever convert my photos to black and white because I put so much time into my film color work flow. This might be a great camera for a friend I have though….

[@mattisulanto]

Every mirrorless camera has a monochrome live view option.

[@CartyCantDance]

@@mattisulanto even better

[@KingfisherSeven]

Very interesting video - thank you!

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@caw25sha]

Thanks Matti, very interesting. I knew you were going to say they should make a monochrome GR! If they do I'll seriously consider buying one. Do colour filters work well with the Pentax? I tried using the old yellow, orange and red filters I used with film on a Nikon DSLR and the results were very disappointing. I've heard other people say it doesn't work well.

[@mattisulanto]

I actually don’t have any quality red filters and could not try that. I have to return the camera soon so that experiment has to wait until next time.

[@GuitarVocalHEroes]

APS-C?! Gosh,thanks for noting this out. This camera is now out of the equasion. Too big for apsc and im not trading ff for apsc. Thanks!

[@califmike2003]

FF and APSC, there is not a whole of difference, your overthinking it.

[@GuitarVocalHEroes]

@califmike2003 nopeziam not. I've got a Sony a6400 and a7riii on my hands - the difference is huge.

[@swampscott2670]

What does a 25 MP apsc slr with autofocus have to do with anything Leica?

[@mattisulanto]

Please watch the video and you'll find out😀

[@ricblessing3400]

As a M9M owner I was very excited about this launch and almost jumped on an order, but I have to admit after a year the silence of few positive reviews and really not a ton of user sample images, has me wondering.

[@mattisulanto]

This camera would deserve much more exposure and reviews. I’d love to make more but I have to return the camera soon, unfortunately.

[@neutrinissimo5118]

If I weren't so invested in the analog process and only or mostly shot digital, I probably would've gotten this camera a while ago. Bur alas, I like darkroom printing of my images too much and only shoot digital in the few instances where I shoot colour (or when I can't shoot film/plates for whatever reason).

[@RadovanFaltus]

Matti, the combination of K3Mk.3 Mono with tiny Ltd. primes is no more heavy and obstructing. E.g. DA21/f3.2. That is fitting fairly small camera bag. Regarding GR and Fuji, I do not believe in Monochrome cameras from those anymore. K3 is wonderful but extremely niche and does not sell well.

[@mattisulanto]

I would have wanted a small prime with the Pentax but the demo camera came with that zoom. With a small prime it would be smaller, of course. However, it is a big and heavy camera body compared to any modern APS-C mirrorless camera and there is no way around it. Some like it as it is but for some it's too much.

[@vinceriggio72]

That camera couldn't be that heavy. Guess people aren't used to normal size and weight cameras anymore. Try loading an F4 with B&W and lugging it around all day. It was quite normal in my day and still doesn't bother me. This Pentax looks fabulous to and old film shooter.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your thoughts. Things change and this not a normal size any more. Today the normal size not the same as it was decades ago. However, like I said in the video, no doubt that many shooters still like this Pentax form factor.

[@joedusel]

LOL, I normally carry both a K-1 and a K-1ii when I am shooting events, so it would be nice to be shooting with a nice light camera like a Pentax K-3iii Mono. As an event shooter I think that having one monochrome body might be a nice way of dealing with awful lighting situations in low light or mixed light where a colored light is bleeding onto a subject. I often end up converting some of those images to black and white, and it would be nice to shoot at a higher ISO with less noise.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks. You should try DxO PureRAW4. It can do wonders to noisy files.

[@joedusel]

@@mattisulanto thanks for the reply. For noise I use the Topaz AI software, which also works well, but it produces massive files.

[@FLMUSACanada]

Stop waiting for Ricoh to make a Mono GR. Send your GR to MG Leisure Monochrome conversion. For about $500 he'll convert the sensor to full monochrome.

[@bradleybunk6463]

Leica being 13:08 so highly regarded, what happened that competitors no longer make Leica copies? Perhaps China or Russia will come through with either copies or outside the box innovation.

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you Matti, great video. I apologise but I will never understand monochrome. To me, life is in colour and I feel that I diminish the view of my life if I do not photograph in colour.

[@pfbentley1019]

Can you make the color viewfinder black & white?

[@mattisulanto]

On a color camera yes if you turn on B&W picture style.

[@HansLellelid]

Since this is a DSLR, you're actually seeing straight through the lens (not looking at an EVF screen), so I assume *that* view is in color here.

[@gurugamer8632]

What do you think of hassleblad x2d?

[@mattisulanto]

It's a good idea to do a search on the channel😀 Her is what I think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6uvY4eIp9Rnr5o

[@pbasswil]

I don't know, b&w images from digital cameras always looks like old video tape output to me. With the right tonal curve added on top I can get closer to the Tri-X look I love, but only, like, 70% there, tbh. In particular, Leica's built-in b&w tonality looks _horrible_ to a film lover like me.

[@davidbcg286]

I don’t believe so much in the monochrome proposition as in camera filters can replicate different film looks (Fuji style). But it’s an interesting topic, definitely niche.

[@emperorofrats]

why they didn´t produce it with a fullframe-sensor ?? every Leica Monochrome has that .... I use my Leica SL (601-old) with DNG-files and fullframe and I doubt this Pentax produces better s/w pics with an APS-C sensor....

[@whafrog]

Unless you make a print the size of your house, and stand 3 feet from it, you won't notice a difference.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

If Pentax made the GR in B&W it would kill sales of the B&W DSLR model. Those sales are probably already low volume, so it would end production before the DSLR could ROI.

[@jensbomholt4529]

Maybe the opposite would happen? Different target groups. Also people who'd own both and use the smaller for everyday carry and scouting / note-taking, the larger for preplanned and pre-scouted projects. And then, having B&W cameras in several body form factors would establish the brand as the specialist of modern B&W. Also: sensor and data processing of both models, being the same, would improve the ROI of the critical system components.

[@whafrog]

Why would that matter? They would make up for it in GR sales. I've never considered a GR (not flexible enough), but a GR mono with 40mm I would buy in a heartbeat, since that's my favourite "walk around" focal length. The K3 mono is interesting, and I have a soft spot for Pentax having grown up with them (had a K1000 back in the day, after using my dad's spotmatic for years), but it's bulky, and it's a huge re-investment in lenses etc. I'm sure I'm not alone, the GR is more of an "impulse buy" than a K3, and would probably sell a lot more.

[@richardwalker4518]

GR Monochrom, would buy for sure. I guess Pentax want to milk as much sales revenue as possible from the DSLR before they go down that path

[@Bearhawk58]

Good speaker.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Come on Pentax!! Make a retro style DSLR camera.

[@kalinmir]

likely not possible...electronics wont fit...the closest thing from them is the MX-1 compact

[@kalinmir]

@@steven3557 same

[@kevins8575]

There was a "dedicated monochrome segment?"

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Oh yes more BW sensors please. On smaller cameras, like the GR. Oh definitely.

[@Stop-All-War]

If it were a more compact design..sure

[@caw25sha]

I agree with Matti that it's a strange choice and they should have gone with a GR, at least as their first mono camera.

[@johnnyViDeO]

Put the camera down before you drop it! What a workout! Thanks for the interesting video.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for your interesting comment. May I suggest you start going to the gym if that looks like a workout to you😀 Lifting weights will also improve your grip so you are not constantly afraid of dropping your camera😀

[@johnnyViDeO]

@@mattisulanto Jest kidding!

[@mattisulanto]

@@johnnyViDeO Me too😀

[@p.rautio]

It was kind of funny when you compared the GR camera to that Pentax. Haven't you heard that RICOH owns the Pentax brand?

[@mattisulanto]

It is kind of funny you did not understand what I said from 9:40 on. It is kind of funny that EVERYONE else who left a comment understand what I said in the video. Please, read some of the comments. You are the ONLY ONE suggesting I don't know what I'm talking about. I do appreciate every comment, I really do. But, please watch the full video first and make sure you understand the content before leaving a comment. All the best.

[@p.rautio]

@@mattisulanto anteeksi jos loukkasin kommentoimalla videoasi. Enkä ole jaksanut selata kaikkia kommentteja asiasta. Mukavaa aurinkoista päivää sinne Helsinkiin kuitenkin.

[@j2thebee]

That camera is an absolute brick for sure! I'm betting Fuji do a monochrome x100 soon enough, maybe theyre waiting for other camera companies to take the risk

[@guyphoto9437]

Although I no longer shoot with a Pentax, many years ago I did. When I was a photojournalist, I was given the Nikon F3HP, their flagship film camera at the time. I hated it. I bought my own Pentax along with some lenses and never looked back. Pentax had great glass, but for some reason they never really promoted their lenses. And I'm tired of hearing people whine about APS-C sensors not being up to snuff. I shot weddings for 25 years and for 20 of those years I used Canon APS-C cameras. (EOS 20D, 30D, 40D and & 7D). I printed photos up to 20x40" with no problem. When I moved to full frame, I bought the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I think the highest megapixel Canons I used then had from 12 to 18 megapixels. You don't need a ton of megapixels to get a great image if you know what you're doing. When you want an image sharper than the eye can see, then you need to get into another field, not photography. Maybe macular biology. Depending on the price and the price of a few Pentax lenses I will seriously consider this camera. I may get one on loan to try it out. I think the 26 MP sensor is more than enough. Pentax has always made great cameras, and even though I don't use them now, I highly respect the Pentax bodies and glass.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks for sharing your camera gear journey. We tend to complain too much and shoot too little😀

[@joanarling]

Comparing the two noiselevels is probably unfair: The artifacts in the DNGs show that noisereduction has been done, even if in-camera. So the resulting PNG (or TIFF, or ...) from the Sony might have been better for comparison. But it certainly looks like a nice camera (for non-Leica people, that is).

[@mattisulanto]

Every comparison is unfair to someone😀

[@brugj03]

The images look really cool. Even on low res youtube compression. But why must this thing be a heavy and clunky dinosaur DSLR. A small an d light mirrorless with this small sensor and i would buy it. The leica is small too, Pentax just doesn`t get i think.

[@mattisulanto]

Thanks!

[@brugj03]

@@mattisulanto I mean it, if Sony would do that i`d buy it instantly.

[@th0big23]

Can it take video?

[@mattisulanto]

Yes it can 4k quality.

[@th0big23]

nice point