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Photography without limits
The PENTAX K10D opens new perspectives to you,
the photographer, with maximum speed and maximum
performance. This camera produces images more
rapidly, more precisely, and more realistically than
any other digital SLR in its class. All components and
functions are attuned to the highest photographic
requirements. The K10D can shoot up to 3 fps – with
a resolution of 10 megapixels. Recording delays are
virtually non-existent because the new PRIME (PENTAX
Real IMage Engine) image processing system calculates the graphic data with remarkable speed. Brilliance
in sharpness and color, as well as simplicity in operation and comfort are always there. Further intelligent
systems include supersonic direct-drive technology
for ultrafast focusing, “Dust Reduction” (DR) to help
eliminate the fine dust particles on the CCD and “Shake
Reduction” for blur-free photographs. All these features
allow you to concentrate on what is really important:
creative perfection.
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Shake Reduction
The PENTAX-developed “Shake Reduction”
technology solves one of the oldest photographic
problems: blur caused by handheld camera
shake. The K10D produces sharp photos in
challenging situations without having to use a
tripod. Hand-held photography is now possible
with long telephoto lenses or when long exposure times are required due to poor lighting.
The PENTAX “Shake Reduction” system is
integrated into the camera body and is independent of the lens in use. The principle behind
its operation is simple: movement sensors in
the body recognize camera shake. The system
ensures that at the moment of exposure the
compensating movement of the CCD sensor
provides blur-free pictures.
The advantage is obvious: you can increase your
hand-held shooting by 2.5 to 4 stops.
If you are intentionally moving the camera when
shooting – while panning with a Formula 1 race
car along the track, for example – you can simply
deactivate the “Shake Reduction” system.
PENTAX has filed for over 30 patents for this
SR system, which uses a ball-bearing-mounted
oscillator unit with four electromagnets that
position the free-floating image sensor. Angular
velocity sensors detect camera movement and
relay the amount of compensation necessary
to the electromagnets that move the sensor to
compensate for any shake.
The Shake Reduction unit consists of
the rear bearing plate, the central plate
containing the CCD and controlling
electromagnets, and the front plate
containing the permanent magnets.
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10 Megapixels
The 23.5 x 15.7mm CCD sensor records
photos with a resolution of up to 10 megapixels. This is enough for you to produce
truly astounding prints even at 20 x 30
inches or more without difficulty.
22 Bit A/D Converter
Analog information from the K10D’s 10
megapixel CCD is delivered over two
channels to the 22 bit analog-to-digital
converters, where the image information is
transformed from an analog signal to digital
data. This new technology affords a substantially higher dynamic range resulting in finer
tuning of colors compared to conventional
12 bit converters. With this new technology
PENTAX is again a step ahead of the market.
The photographer is the winner: digital
pictures are now virtually indistinguishable
from analog film pictures in terms of color
and dynamic range.
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The Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) was developed
specifically by PENTAX for our cameras in order to meet the
performance requirements of a higher resolution CCD sensor.
The PRIME engine converts the digital signal into the image
you desire by assuring truer color tones, a wider dynamic
range, and natural looking high ISO images. Ultimately
PRIME provides natural results similar to what you would
see shooting with film.
The new PRIME processor greatly accelerates the image
processing of the PENTAX K10D compared to other current
digital SLRs by seamlessly transferring data through the DDR2
memory component. This buffer memory has a read/write rate
of 800 MB/sec making it 600% faster than SDRAM and 100%
faster than conventional DDR memory.
Not only does the combination of PRIME and DDR2 memory
allow you to take images at a faster rate, up to 3 frames per
second until the memory card is full with JPEG images, but it
also allows you to process RAW images in-camera without the
need for a computer. The advanced circuitry frees you to focus
on the image and capture the perfect shot.
PRIME Image Processing
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Whether you’re shooting on a drizzling Autumn morning, on a snowy mountainside, along a dusty desert trail or in a tropical rain forest; the seals around the
durable K10D body reliably protect the inner components against humidity and
the finest dust particles. Other design elements further protect the K10D from the
forces of nature. The fiber-reinforced polycarbonate body surrounding the highrigidity, stainless-steel chassis provides plenty of strength for every day use.
A complete system: the K10D is protected by 72 seals and the optional battery
grip with an additional 38, assuring complete protection against humidity, dust
or sand. PENTAX offers the highest level of protection in this class. Durable
and solid: the stainless-steel chassis is also impermeable to corrosion and
is extremely stable.
Dust Removal
Behind the “Dust Removal” designation lies an entire system unto itself. The surface of the low pass filter is sealed with a nanotechnology based fluorine coating.
This ensures that dust cannot adhere to the sensor surface. Dust that still remains
on the surface is shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed.
The dust that is shaken off the CCD, then falls onto an adhesive sheet eliminating
any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface. Dust flecks are now a thing of
the past, along with annoying and time consuming retouching work.
Weather Resistance
Dust
Removal
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You’ll always get the right exposure and with
the settings you want. Shooting with the K10D
in the Program Automatic Mode offers a Hyper
Program (Shift Function) to instantly change the
shutter speed or aperture. When you change
either of these settings, the other exposure
parameter automatically changes accordingly
for proper exposure. The Hyper Program function is accessible by two ergonomically placed
dials on the front and the back of the camera.
The K10D presents multiple options for automatic exposure. The new Sensitivity-Priority AE
(Sv) mode, is designed to automatically select
the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. In the
Sv mode you can shift the sensitivity simply by
turning a dial. The Shutter-Priority (Tv) mode
lets you choose the optimal shutter speed and
the Aperture-Priority (Av) mode lets you select
the appropriate aperture. Another exposure
mode offered by the K10D is Shutter & AperturePriority AE (TAv), which is designed to
automatically select the most appropriate
sensitivity for a user-selected shutter speed
& aperture combination.
If you are working with PENTAX F,- FA-, DA- or
DFA- series lenses, you can benefit from the MTF
data: a microchip in the lens passes information
to the camera regarding the optically optimal and
lens-specific aperture to use.
Unique Exposure Modes
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16 Segment Metering
The K10D easily handles even the
most difficult lighting conditions with
its 16 segment metering system.
It can accurately assess the balance
between the bright and dark areas
within the segments automatically,
or, alternatively, you can opt for
center weighted or spot metering.
11 Point Autofocus
The K10D uses an 11 point autofocus system. In automatic operation
(AUTO) the camera recognizes which
object is nearest and chooses that
object as the main focus point. If you
want more direct control you can select any of the 11 points individually.
It is also possible to simply select
the center of the image as your main
point of focus.
With continuous autofocus, the focus
adjusts as your subject moves within
the frame, or should you prefer more
direct control, you can always
focus manually.
Sensitivity Range
The K10D operates between ISO
100 and ISO 1600. Naturally, you
can select the ISO value manually,
or, in automatic operation, you can
determine the ISO range in which you
want to work. With the new Sensitivity Priority mode (Sv) the ISO can
be changed by simply turning the
selector wheel.
The Color White
With the K10D you can either specify
one of the standard white balance
settings, set your color temperature,
or manually set the white balance. If
that isn’t enough, you can fine-tune
color temperatures and preview the
results to verify your settings. If you
find yourself shooting regularly under
certain conditions, you can manually
save 3 color temperature settings
into memory.
The Perfect Exposure
Image Capture
Image processing begins in the camera.
With the K10D you can set how you want your
pictures to appear. Do you prefer the images to
be neutral in color rendition, or would you prefer
something a bit more elaborate and colorful?
The K10D can store the preferred parameters for
sharpening, contrast and color saturation.
Something entirely new is the RAW converter in
the camera. Photos that were taken in RAW can
be directly converted to JPEG files in-camera, as
they are stored, or you can capture in the Adobe
Standard DNG format.
Finally, with the RAW button, you can quickly
change from shooting just JPEG’s to RAW +
JPEG’s on the fly. You don’t have to go through
a series of menus, simply press the button and
keep on shooting.
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Pentaprism Viewnder
The pentaprism viewfinder in the K10D is designed to give you the best view while composing
your image. The viewfinder gives a 95% field
of view and 0.95x magnification so you see as
much of the image as possible before capture.
The viewfinder also gives all the important image
information in a concise manner: focus
point indicated in red, in-focus indicator, focus
mode status, shutter speed, aperture, exposure
compensation, number of images remaining,
Shake Reduction status, and with a press of the
OK button on the back of the camera the current
ISO setting. Additionally, the focusing screen is
interchangeable so you can use a PENTAX grid
screen or scale screen.
The world does not always look so rosy. Sometimes you
have to work a little extra to make it appear more interesting. One proven and important method for doing this is
with a filter. Whether for color photography or for blackand-white, the PENTAX K10D offers a rich selection of
digital filters. During processing a mysterious and interesting black-and-white picture may develop from a color shot.
For fun effects there is even a filter to make your subject
appear to be slimmer – or broader (if you dare!).
The K10D also allows you to develop JPEG images from
RAW files in the camera. It lets you adjust image size,
compression, white balance, image tone, saturation, sharpness and contrast. This eliminates the need for a computer
and lets you output directly to a printer, or allows you to
free up memory.
In Camera Processing
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• Speedy transfer of recorded images to a PC
• Thumbnail display in four different sizes
• Instant preview of a selected image
• Detailed image data display, including a
Scene mode name
• A variety of image editing functions
• Extraction and filing of JPEG format
from RAW data
• Data conversion function to Adobe DNG format
• Image-rotation, image magnification and
slide show functions
• Automatic image quality compensation function
• Simple print function
PENTAX Photo BrowserTM 3.1
This software facilitates various post-shooting operations, including the download of recorded images and the
filing, browsing, editing, simple revision, and printing of downloaded images on a PC. PENTAX Photo Browser™
3.1 offers fast image-processing speed, simplified image transfer operations, enhanced docketing and protect
functions, and a detailed image data display plus the ability to convert files to the Adobe DNG format.
PENTAX Photo LaboratoryTM 3.1
This software not only processes undeveloped RAW data, but also offers a variety of image-editing
functions on a PC. Featuring SILKYPIX (developed by ICHIKAWA SOFT LABORATORY) as its imagedevelopment engine, it assures fast data processing speeds and also performs various image-editing
and data-manipulation functions without requiring additional retouching software.
• Display of PENTAX RAW data files
• Development and filing of RAW data in JPEG
and TIFF formats
• Simplified image editing, with sensitivity,
brightness, saturation, contrast and outline controls
• Gradation control using a tone curve
• Histogram display, with over and underexposure
warnings
• White-balance control using a gray point
• Direct printing of RAW data files
• Noise reduction, peripheral brightness control,
distortion compensation and chromatic aberration
compensation functions
• Image compensation for digital shift
Histogram
A Histogram with HotSpot indication is available
in the preview mode and can show separate
color channels.
Picture Information
All relevant data can be shown for every photograph
captured.
Camera Setting Overview
Confirm the camera settings at a glance. When the
camera is switched on, or an exposure function is
changed the settings are shown on the monitor.
Custom Settings
Individualize your camera. Camera parameters are
grouped and color coded. You have access to 32
options with 81 choices in this menu.
“Shake Reduction”
The “Shake Reduction” works fast and reliably up to
focal lengths of 800mm. Under normal conditions
the camera automatically recognizes the focal
length. The focal length of older manual lenses must
be entered manually.
Multi Exposure
What photographer doesn’t know about multiple
exposures? Up to 5 shots can be taken to produce a
single image. The K10D can even calculate the
proper exposures for you.
Image Preview
Opt for either digital preview (as test shot function)
or for depth-of-field preview. You will always know
the result before you shoot.
Battery Selection and Status
You can choose which battery to use first, or let the
camera decide. Regardless of the option selected,
the battery status is visible on the monitor.
Allocation of e-dials
With so many functions to choose from, you may
want to reprogram the e-dials to suit your own style.
The K10D data always at your ngertips.
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VIEWFINDER
The viewfinder provides 0.95x
enlargement of the scene and
shows precisely the shot that
will be stored into memory. It
features an integrated diopter
control.
LCD DISPLAY
The upper display can be illuminated to give an
overview of important settings such as shutter
speed, aperture, ISO value, exposure mode of
operation, battery life indication, available
memory, exposures remaining and exposure
compensation.
4-WAY CONTROLLER
Just as you need a mouse to
navigate your way around a
computer, with the K10D you
use a 4-Way Controller. The
controller is also used to select
AF functions.
PROGRAM SELECTION DIAL
Program selector for exposure
modes, user settings and flash
sync setting.
1. Exposure bracketing button
2. Rear e-dial
3. AE-L button
4. +/- button
5. AF button
6. AF point switching dial
7. Card cover unlock lever
8. Shake Reduction switch
9. Fn button
10. Playback button
11. Info button
12. Delete button
13. MENU button
14. Front e-dial
15. Main switch
16. Flash up button
17. Metering mode lever
18. RAW button
19. Focus mode lever
20. Infared remote sensor
21. Built-in flash
22. Green button
23. Shutter release button
Functions
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Specications
Digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses
TTL metering and integrated P-TTL automatic flash
Metal chassis with fibre-reinforced polycarbonate body
23.5 x 15.7mm Interline Interlace CCD
with primary color filter
10.75 Megapixel – total
10.2 Megapixel – effective
Opto-mechanical sensor with “Shake Reduction” function
KAF bayonet, compatible with K
AF2-
, KAF-, KA- lens mounts, KAF power zoom function
available, K- lens mounts with restrictions, M42 and medium format lenses with adapter
subject to restrictions with exposure metering and control
3 x 8 bit in JPEG, 3 x 12 bit in RAW (internal 3 x 22 bit)
RAW (PEF, DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.21), DCF,
RAW (PEF, DNG) + JPEG
RAW JPEG JPEG JPEG
3,872 x 2,592 3,872 x 2,592 3,008 x 2,000 1,824 x 1,216
237 804 1340 3657
1371 2277 6034
2366 3892 10057
All capacities with 4 GB memory card
(available optionally)
SD, SDHC card compatible
Built-in pentaprism finder with a 95% field of view and 0.95x magnification (with 50mm
F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m–1), with interchangeable “Natural Bright Matt II” focusing screen.
Diopter correction –2.5 – +1 dpt.
Optical depth of field preview, digital preview on LCD monitor
2.5” low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD Monitor with 210,000 pixels, brightness
control and wide viewing angle (approx. 140°), single image review with 20x magnification, Hot Spot indicator and Histogram display with RGB channel indicators (also in
Preview function), auto image rotation for orientation viewing
TTL Phase Matching with 11 focus points (SAFOX VIII) with viewfinder indications
adjustable between automatic and manual focus point selection, spot focus. Support for
lenses with supersonic focusing motors. Manual focus
Program (Green Mode), Hyper Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture
Priority, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Manual (Hyper Manual), Bulb, X-sync,
Shutter speeds 1/4,000 to 30 sec.
TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering coupled with lens and AF information, adjustable
between multi-segment, center-weighted and spot metering. Metering range 0 – 21 EV (at
Standard Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm f/1.4 lens)
Type
CCD
Lens Mount
Color Depth
Image Formats/
Resolution
Memory
Viewfinder
Preview
Monitor
Focus
Exposure
Modes
Metering
System
Exposure
Drive Modes
Flash
White Balance
Digital Filters
Custom Function
Print Options
Menu Languages
Camera Options
Power
Requirements
Dimensions
Weight
System
Requirements
Connectivity
Standard
Accessories
Exposure compensation: ±2EV (1/3 or 1/2EV steps), Sensitivity: automatic, manually
selectable
(ISO 100 – 1,600 in 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV steps)
Single, Continuous (3fps unlimited JPEG, 9 RAW images), Auto Bracketing 3 or 5
frames, Self Timer 12 or 2sec. (with mirror lock up), IR remote control instant or
3sec. delay
Built-in P-TTL Automatic Flash with automatic operation in low light conditions,
Guide number 15.6 at ISO 200, flash coverage 28mm (35mm equivalent) hotshoe on
camera top for system flash, flash sync 1/180sec.
Automatic or manual, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light (W,
D, N), Flash, manual balance, 3 different settings for Kelvin and Mired values with
fine adjustments
Black &White (4 choices), Sepia (3 choices), 18 color, special effect, Slim filters and
Playback Brightness
32 custom-programmable functions available
DPOF (Digital Print Order Form),
Print Image Matching III, PictBridge
12 languages, including GB, D, F, E, I
Dust Removal, Shake Reduction, Supersonic Autofocus
Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-Li50 for approx. 500 exposures, Battery Grip D-BG2
for D-Li50 with vertical shutter release, AC mains adapter (available optionally)
141.5 x 101 x 70mm (W x H x D)
710g (without batteries or card),
790g loaded and ready with battery and SD card
PC: Windows 2000, XP Home Edition/XP Professional
Mac: OS x 10.2 or higher
USB 2.0, AV connector (compatible with NTSC or PAL)
AV Cable I-IVC28
USB Cable I-USB17
Shoulder strap O-ST53
Body cap
Eyepiece cap ME
Eye cup FP
Hot shoe cover FK
1 x Li-Ion rechargeable Lithium Ion battery D-LI50
Battery Charger D-BC50
Software S-SW55 includes PENTAX Photo Browser 3, PENTAX Photo Laboratory 3
Best
Better
Good
Accessories
Sold separately
BATTERY GRIP D-BG2
The PENTAX battery grip offers the necessary power to ensure an optimal
performance of the K10D camera while it’s in continuous use. The grip
uses the D-Li50 Li-Ion battery (sold separately). The battery grip features
an additional shutter release, adjusting dial for selecting aperture or shutter speed and other functional controls – particularly practical if shooting
vertically. With proven PENTAX ergonomics the camera fits reliably and
comfortably in the hand. The battery compartment provides storage
space for a memory card and remote control next to the batteries.
REPLACEMENT BATTERY D-Li50
Interchangeable power: with a pre-charged spare battery you’ll never
have to stop shooting.
REMOTE CONTROL F
Shutter release without blur: With the infrared remote control you operate
the shutter from in front of or behind the camera up to 5 metres away.
VIEWFINDER LOUPE O-ME53
With the Viewfinder Loupe attached the finest details will grab your
attention. The 1.2x magnification facilitates the assessment of fine
details more accurately.
OPTIONAL FOCUSING SCREENS LL80 AND LI80
PENTAX offers two optional focusing screens for the K10D to replace the
standard screen. The AF Divided Matte screen combines the focus area
brackets with a grid to assure proper composition. The AF Scale Matte
screen provides a scale to verify subject placement for critical applications.
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The highest quality optical systems have been the goal of PENTAX since 1919. PENTAX has always followed the
principle of manufacturing timeless high-quality lenses that will be compatible with future camera models. Regardless
of their targeted application the new lenses are noted for being particularly bright, flexible and compact. Whether a
zoom for an increased focal length range, a telephoto to bring distant objects near or a macro lens to give life to the
smallest subject – The PENTAX lens system offers the range for today’s cameras.
Premium Lenses: Limited Edition
In the time when the rest of the photographic industry was controlled by key words like “budget price, enormous
zoom range”, plastic lenses and plastic lens housings, PENTAX embarked on a unique program of producing very
special lenses. Very soon the first lenses bearing the designation “Limited Edition” were offered for our 35mm SLR
range. These were comprised of high-quality lenses with fixed focal lengths. The first-rate optical quality is underlined through their costly precision lens housings: the f/stop numbers and depth-of-field scales are engraved into the
metal lens barrel instead of being screen printed. The lens hood is a rigid component part of the lens construction
– that reflects the beauty and function of the design – and is precisely adapted to the lens. The new 70mm f/2.4 is
the latest representative of this acclaimed series.
And why Limited?
Given these very refined details, it is easily understood that lenses such as these do not roll off the assembly line in
great quantities. The daily output may be limited, but the lifetime of the lens most certainly is not.
smc-DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited
smc-DA 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 AL
(28–83mm)
smc-DA 16–45mm f/4.0 ED
(24–67mm)
smc-DA 12–24mm f/4.0 ED (IF)
(18–36mm)
smc-DA 10–17mm f/3.5–4.5 ED (IF)
(15–25.5mm) Fish-Eye
smc-DA 14mm/2.8 ED
smc-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro
(150mm)
smc-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro
(75mm)
smc-DA 50–200mm f/4.0–5.6 ED
(75–300mm)
AF-36 0 FGZ ELEC TRONI C FLA SH WI TH ZO OM HE AD
36 @ 80mm / 30 @ 50mm (ISO 100)
Flash exposure –3.0 to +1.0 EV , in 0.5 EV steps
P-TTL, A-TTL, Automatic , Manual (6 steps 1/1–1/32), Slave, Wireless, Flash with 1st and
2nd curtain sync, SB function for distance measurement, Contrast Control, High-SpeedSynchronization
Auto zoom, manual zoom,
vertical bounce: -10°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°
0.7 – 5.4m at f/ 5.6 / ISO 100
4X AA batteries
Recycle time No. of flashes
Alkali-Manganese (LR6) approx. 6sec. approx. 250
Nickel Metal Hydrid approx. 6sec. approx. 160
(Ni-MH)
Digital, 35mm, 645, 67 (medium format)
76 x 142 x 107mm (WxHxD)
270g (without batteries)
Soft case
Type
Guide number
Compensation
Flash functions
Head
Flash range
Power requirements
Battery life
Compatibility
Dimensions
Weight
Accessories
Type
Guide number
Compensation
Flash functions
Head
Flash range
Power requirements
Battery life
Compatibility
Dimensions
Weight
Accessories
Hot Shoe
Adapter F/FG
AF-540 FGZ/
500 FTZ
AF-360 FGZ AF-540 FGZAF-360 FGZ
Hot Shoe Adapter F
Sync Cable F
Hot Shoe Adapter FG
PENTAX Flash System
There are numerous ways that the PENTAX flash accessory system can be integrated. Shown here is just one example.
AF-54 0 FGZ Elec troni c fla sh wi th zo om he ad
54 @ 80mm, 45 @ 5 mm (ISO 100)
Flash exposure –3.0 to +1.0 EV , in 0.5 EV steps
P-TTL, A-TTL, Automatic , Manual (7 steps 1/1–1/64), Slave, Wireless, Flash with 1st and
2nd curtain sync, SB function for distance measurement, Contrast Control, High-SpeedSynchronization
Auto zoom, manual zoom,
vertical bounce: -10°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°
horizontal rotation: right: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180° / left: 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 135°
0.8–8m at f/ 5.6 / ISO 100
4X AA batteries
Recycle time No. of flashes
Alkali-Manganese (LR6) approx. 6sec. approx. 200
Nickel Metal Hydrid approx. 6sec. approx. 160
(Ni-MH)
Digital, 35mm, 645, 67 (medium format)
76x142x107mm (WxHxD)
380g (without batteries)
Soft case, flash stand
smc-DA 21mm f/3.2 Limited
smc P-FA 43mm f/1.9
(33mm)
DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited
PENTAX has the perfect lens for every shot
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PENTAX and smc PENTAX are trademarks for PENTAX corporation. @2006 PENTAX Corporation.
Essential to the experience.
pentaxslr.com
pentaximaging.com
Photography of France by Katsuhiro Ichikawa ©2006
K10D shown with optional battery grip
All rights reserved. SD logo and SDHC logo are trademarks
L1013
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