Recover Deleted PEF Files Successfully(2024 Update)

Finley updated on Nov 11, 2025 to Data Recovery Solution | How-to Articles

Accidentally deleted PEF files from your Pentax camera? This post will help you restore your PEF files and give tips to prevent further data loss on your cameras.

The PEF file is the RAW, uncompressed image format captured by Pentax DSLR cameras, containing the highest-quality image data. The accidental deletion, formatting, or card corruption can all lead to data damage and loss. But you do not have to be worried because you can always get your files back thanks to data recovery tools. Keep reading to recover deleted PEF files.

Is PEF File Recovery Possible

The short answer is a big YES. NO matter when you delete the PEF file from your camera, computer, or any other storage device, your files are not just gone or erased. They are just marked as available for new data. Your files are permanently deleted even when new images overwrite the space. So you still get the chance to recover your files and get them back intact.

To improve data recovery success, stop using the storage device as soon as possible to prevent further data writing. Then, try a reliable and useful data recovery tool to scan and restore your lost files.

First Choice: Recover Deleted PEF Files with Data Recovery Tool

While there are many data recovery tools available, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard stands out as a top-tier solution for photographers. This photo recovery tool can help you restore RAW files with three clicks. Other than PEF files, you can restore Sony RSV files and other mainstream cameras with ease.

 

You Can Trust EaseUS Data Recovery Software

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard has acquired an extensive technical base in data recovery and trusted by billions of users since 2005. Check out reviews on Trustpilot.

Now follow the detailed stpes here to restore deleted phtos on from your SD card:

🏆EaseUS SD card recovery leverages patented video fragment reconstruction technology to deeply repair video files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, or corruption. Explicitly designed for cameras, action cameras, drones, and dashcams, it accurately restores complete and playable precious footage.

Step 1. Select the SD card to scan

  • Download and install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows PC.
  • Use the proper way to connect your SanDisk/Lexar/Transcend SD card to the computer. 
  • Open EaseUS SD card recovery software and choose SD Card Recovery on the left panel. All connected drives will display here. Select your SD card and click "Scan for lost data".

Step 2. Check for scan results

  • Wait for the scanning process to complete.
  • Specify one or several file types to show up, like Pictures or Videos.
  • Click "Preview" to check if they are the wanted files.

Step 3. Recover SD card data

  • Preview the recovered files and click "Recover".
  • Choose a different location to save the recovered files instead of the original SD card.

💡Want to know more about SD card data recovery? For example, what is the best SD card data recovery software? How to recover a damaged SD card? How to recover data from an unreadable SD card...Go for SD Card Data Recovery FAQs and restore your precious lost files.

You can share this tool with users who are facing the same PEF file loss scenarios:

Workable Solution: Recover Deleted PEF Files from Backups

Also, if you have enabled the Windows built-in backup utility on your Windows, you can choose to recover deleted Pentax camera RAW images from previous backups. Here is how:

Step 1. Type Control Panel into the search bar, then press Enter to open the window.

Step 2. Go to "System and Security" > "File History" and look for the backup that contains the lost PEF photo.

Step 3. Choose the file you want, then tap the green button to restore your files.

Closure

This post from EaseUS has looked at how to recover deleted PEF files with a data recovery tool or from the Windows backup. Though you can always get your precious photos back, itis best to nip the problem in the bud, so make a regular backup of your important photos.

FAQ About PEF File Recovery

1. Can I recover PEF files after formatting my camera's memory card?

Yes. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can recover data from formatted drives, provided the data hasn't been overwritten. You can restore your lost photos from even corrupted or inaccessible SD cards with this tool or online services.

2. What if the software can't find my PEF files?

If the Deep Scan doesn't find your files, it's likely they have been permanently overwritten. In severe cases of physical damage, you may need to consult a professional data recovery service.