Ricoh/Pentax released the Pentax 17 half-frame 35mm film camera. It shoots 72 frames per roll. It’s also the first film camera from Pentax in about 20 years.
What is the Pentax 17 film camera?
The Pentax 17 is the first film camera from the Film Camera Project. It’s a new hand-winding point-and-shoot camera that uses an auto-exposure system and zone focus system to get the shot easily. The camera uses a reasonably wide-angle built-in 25mm f/3.5 lens (37mm equivalent on a full frame camera).
The camera is not an SLR, meaning that the viewfinder does not look through the lens. It does, however, adjust its guide brackets for macro photos automatically when you are looking through the viewfinder. Early reviews so far report that the brackets are very accurate in determining your frame.
The Pentax 17 also has a fixed lens. I suspect that Pentax will release film cameras with interchangeable lenses at some point.
This is the first of two film cameras that Pentax will release this year.
Simplicity in design
The camera uses a program auto mode, as mentioned. However, it does have an exposure compensation dial as well as slow shutter and bulb modes for additional choices. You may adjust by +/- 2 EV.
You do not have full manual control over focus, as this is designed for ease of use. Instead, Pentax 17 uses one of six focus zones:
- Macro/Flower: 0.82′ / 0.25m
- Close-Up/Knife & Fork: 1.7′ / 0.5m
- Single Person: 4′ / 1.2m
- Two People: 5.6′ / 1.7m
- Three People: 10′ / 3m
- Mountain: infinity
You can see the icons for these choices at the top of the lens as well as when you are looking through the viewfinder. The specific measurements are printed on the front of the camera body.
You can adjust ISO/ASA from 50-3200 manually via one of the top knobs.
Auto-exposure system
There are six modes. There are even some modes for us night photographers!
- Auto (“I don’t wanna think about any settings, even flash!”)
- Program (with and without flash, a good general setting to use)
- Bokeh (forces a very narrow range of focus, useful for separating the subject from the background)
- Moon without flash (useful for long exposure photos…of course as a night photographer, you know I would love this mode!)
- Moon with flash (good for dark environments where you need to expose the subject near the lens, with the camera continuing in long exposure to expose the background)
- Bulb (long, long exposures where the camera’s built-in filter ain’t gonna help you…think night photography, light painting, and that kind of thing!)
What is a half-frame film camera?
The Pentax 17 photographs two images on a single 35mm frame, which measures 36 x 24mm. Half the width of a 35mm frame, minus one millimeter in between, is 17mm, hence the name of the film camera. Since the camera uses half the space, you get twice the exposures per roll. On a 36-exposure roll of film, for instance, you will get approximately 72 exposures.
This will be in portrait orientation instead of landscape. This form factor is helpful for social media platforms such as Instagram. Future Pentax film cameras may be full-frame, utilizing the full 35mm.
Olympus, Canon and Yashica made half-frame film cameras in the 1960s. Currently, Kodak Ektar H35 and Corex also take half-frame photos.
Reactions to Pentax 17
If you have read some of the comments on the Pentax Forums and elsewhere, you’ll know that there’s been a mixed reaction to the Film Camera Project and Pentax 17.
Some point out that film is not dead, and has been enjoying a resurgence for years. Others are more dismissive, labeling young people as “hipsters” or “Instagrammers.”
A few point out how nice it is to finally have new film cameras designed with a modern touch, with the ability to have a warranty, parts, and service. Others say that you can save money by purchasing used Pentax ME Super or K1000 cameras and a fistful of legacy lenses and call it good.
A few would rather Ricoh/Pentax put their energy into developing a third iteration of the Pentax K-1, which is woefully overdue. Others are hoping Pentax can walk and chew gum at the same time.
There’s a lot of excitement and chatter. And there’s a lot of anger (what would social media be without anger and overreaction?). There’s a lot of puzzled responses as well. And of course, there’s a bit of “You darn kids get off my lawn!”
When Pentax releases more advanced full-frame film cameras, I have no doubt this will create more excitement. One thing for sure, though. Pentax seems to have stuck the landing with their marketing. There is a lot of chatter on YouTube, social media, news outlets, and photography reviewers, and a lot of the reviews seem to be quite positive.
For further information
For more information on the Pentax 17 film camera, check out the Ricoh/Pentax page. The Pentax 17 is available for pre-order now from B&H.