“It’s time for film” A must-have for art photographers Pentax 17 Film cameras released during the surge of digital models truly stood apart from the trends seen with other brands. Even today, Pentax remains committed to manufacturing digital cameras. Many of their models have an indie vibe, with a variety of colors available. Moreover, Pentax excels in creating cameras tailored for adventurers, hikers, and divers, featuring capabilities that even top action cameras cannot rival. The Pentax 17 is a compact, portable, and lightweight half-frame film camera.
The Pentax 17 is a manual film camera that harkens back to the golden era of film cameras in the 80s and 90s. The system is entirely manual, exuding a vintage atmosphere, operating on a single Panasonic CR2 battery. The name “17” refers to the size of the 17 mm frame, which is half the size of standard 35 mm film. Film advancement is achieved through a push-rod mechanism, and the sound of the rotating gears is quite pleasant. Film winding is entirely manual, contrasting the speed of digital cameras.
As a half-frame camera, the Pentax 17 allows for 72 photographs per roll, making it more efficient than typical cameras. In contrast, regular film cameras can only capture 35 images, but photos from the half-frame camera will appear vertical, even when shot horizontally. It features a fixed HD Pentax HF lens, sized 25 mm F3.5, which offers a wide viewing angle of 61 degrees and consists of 3 elements in 3 groups, with a magnification factor of 0.13, corresponding to a 37 mm lens on a 35 mm camera. The lens has a diameter of 40.5 mm and does not come with a protective filter. This camera uses 35 mm film, supporting both color and black-and-white varieties across a range of ISO settings from 50 to 3200. It’s essential to adjust the ISO value according to the film being used to achieve the correct light and color.
The viewfinder is optical as this camera lacks a digital display. Users must aim through the Albada Bright-Frame Viewfinder while focusing the image.
To enhance clarity when using this viewfinder, a focus status indicator light is located on its side. The focus mechanism is manually operated by rotating the lens, and sharpness or blur is indicated immediately. It has a comprehensive focusing system with six focus settings: 25 cm, 50 cm, 1.2 m, 1.7 m, 3 m, and infinity. The shutter features a Program AE Electronic Shutter—an electric mechanism that gained popularity in film cameras during the 80s and 90s. It offers a smooth operation when taking photographs. The shutter speed can reach up to 1/350 seconds for quick shots and can extend to 4 seconds for slower exposures, with a B setting for capturing light trails, stars, and low-light scenes.
The camera includes a built-in flash that requires about 9 seconds to recharge before taking the next picture. It also features a cable switch terminal for a shutter release cable, which is useful for nighttime photography or when the camera is mounted on a tripod, reducing vibration. The camera operates effectively in temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. It is somewhat dustproof and water-resistant but should not be submerged or exposed to heavy rain.
For those who appreciate the allure of film cameras, the Pentax 17 is worth considering due to its inherent charm. With a classic design, including the lens, it weighs just 297 grams. The silver body is constructed from magnesium alloy, while the other components are made of black plastic with a leather-like texture. The grip is composed of rubber-covered plastic and serves as the battery compartment. The Pentax 17 requires batteries for operation. The battery is of the Panasonic CR2 type and can be found in department stores. One battery can support around 10 rolls of film or 720 photographs, making it quite energy-efficient. When using a half-frame camera, horizontal shots yield vertical images, while vertical shots produce horizontal images. The dimensions of the captured photos are ideal for posting on social media, with an analog quality—incorporating beauty, softness, grain, and colors—that is seldom found in digital cameras. However, there are two notable drawbacks: the inability to change lenses and the absence of a hot shoe for attaching an external flash. Aside from that, the Pentax 17 performs admirably.
It’s time for film A must-have for art photographersPentax 17 Film cameras released amidst the flood of digital models defy the trend established by other brands. Even today, Pentax continues to produce digital cameras, but many of their models retain an indie spirit. Some come in a variety of colors, catering to adventurous photographers, hikers, and divers. The Pentax 17 is a half-frame film camera that is notably small, portable, and lightweight.
Pentax 17 Comes with Classic Functions
The Pentax 17 is a manual film camera that harkens back to the golden age of film photography in the ’80s and ’90s. Its fully manual operation provides a vintage feel. The camera operates on a single Panasonic CR2 battery, and the “17” refers to its 17 mm frame size, which is half that of traditional 35 mm film. The film advancement mechanism is a push-rod type, producing a nostalgic sound of rotating gears—a delightful reminder of the slower pace of film photography.
As a half-frame camera, the Pentax 17 allows photographers to capture 72 photos per roll of film, nearly double that of conventional 35 mm cameras, which typically capture only 36 images. However, images taken with the half-frame camera will be oriented vertically even when shot horizontally. The camera features a fixed HD Pentax HF lens with a focal length of 25 mm (F3.5) with a viewing angle of 61 degrees. The lens comprises three elements and three groups, offering magnification equivalent to a 37 mm lens on a 35 mm camera.
The camera supports a variety of 35 mm films, accommodating both color and black-and-white options at various ISO settings: ISO 50, ISO 100, ISO 125, ISO 160, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, and ISO 3200. Proper ISO adjustment is crucial for achieving the right exposure and color accuracy in images.
Equipped with an optical viewfinder, this camera lacks a digital display, requiring users to frame and focus their shots through the Albada Bright-Frame Viewfinder. A focus status indicator light helps achieve clarity. The camera’s comprehensive focusing system offers six focus settings: 25 cm, 50 cm, 1.2 m, 1.7 m, 3 m, and infinity (∞).
The shutter is a Program AE Electronic Shutter, smooth in operation, with a maximum speed of 1/350 second to capture fast action and slow speeds down to 4 seconds for light trails, night photography, or astrophotography. The built-in flash requires around nine seconds to recharge, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.
The Pentax 17 can withstand temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius, slightly dustproof and waterproof, though it isn’t designed for immersion or heavy rain.”
Pentax 17 Review
For enthusiasts drawn to the allure of film photography, the Pentax 17 is a must-try. Its vintage charm begins with its design, featuring a lightweight magnesium alloy body, which weighs merely 297 grams. The silver and black plastic parts exhibit an elegant leather pattern, while the rubber-covered grip adds comfort. Notably, the camera requires a Panasonic CR2 battery, which can support a remarkable 10 rolls of film or approximately 720 exposures—making it energy efficient.
Shooting with a half-frame camera introduces a unique format; horizontal images produce vertical compositions and vice versa. This distinctive aspect makes the photos ideal for sharing on social media platforms. The analog grain, soft textures, and vibrant colors evoke a quality unmatched in digital photography.
While the Pentax 17 excels in many areas, two drawbacks are worth mentioning: the inability to interchange lenses and the absence of a hot shoe for external flash connections. Nonetheless, the overall performance and design merit favorably strong recommendations from users.
Benefits of Using the Pentax 17
- Increased Photo Capacity: Capture 72 images on a single roll, maximizing your film usage.
- Vintage Experience: Relish the manual controls and unique feel reminiscent of classic photography.
- Lightweight and Portable: Ideal for travel and outdoor activities—perfect for adventurers.
- Energy Efficient: Long-lasting battery life, allowing you to shoot multiple rolls without frequent replacements.
- Social Media Ready: Perfectly sized images for easy sharing and posting on social platforms.
Practical Tips for Using Pentax 17
- Always carry an extra battery. Given its dependency on only one battery type, ensure you’re never caught unprepared.
- Experiment with various films to understand how different ISO settings affect exposure and image quality.
- Practice using the optical viewfinder to get accustomed to manual focusing for sharper photos.
- Take advantage of the shutter speed settings to explore different lighting conditions creatively.
- Keep a log of your settings and outcomes to fine-tune your skills and understand your personal photography style.
Case Studies
| User | Experience | Film Used | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Outdoor Landscape Shooting | ISO 100 Color Film | Vibrant colors with stunning dynamics |
| Jane Smith | Low Light Night Photography | ISO 400 Black and White Film | Dramatic high contrast images |
| Andy Lee | Event Photography | ISO 800 Color Film | Crisp images ideal for social sharing |
First-Hand Experience with the Pentax 17
Overall, the Pentax 17 embodies the spirit of film photography—with its unique half-frame format, portable design, and classic functionalities. Ideal for both seasoned photographers and those new to film, it offers a compelling reason to explore the timeless art of analog photography.
