On March 3, Ricoh Imaging released a new firmware version 1.41 for the K-3 Mark III single-lens reflex camera currently on sale. The starscape photography function "Astro Tracer Type 3" can be newly introduced and can be applied for free.
By using the previously sold PENTAX camera GPS unit "O-GPS1", the company's camera can enjoy starscape photography without using an equatorial mount with the "astrotracer" function. The main feature of the new firmware provided this time is that it is equipped with a simple equatorial mount function "Astrotracer Type 3" that allows astronomical tracking photography without using this GPS unit. By automatically performing preliminary shooting before the actual shooting, it is said that celestial tracking is performed from the movement of the stars.
This method eliminates the need for positioning and precision calibration that was required when using the conventional GPS unit "O-GPS1". It is said that shooting can be performed without problems even at shooting locations where the influence of magnetism is strong. Interval shooting is also possible.
Bulb shooting is not supported, and it is necessary to use timer exposure in bulb exposure mode. If clouds or the ground other than stars are reflected in the screen, the preliminary shooting may fail or the tracking may not be performed correctly. It cannot be used with fisheye lenses, and only supports wide and telephoto ends with zoom lenses. However, the following lenses can use ASTROTRACER Type3 over the entire zoom range.