New Film Camera Pentax 17 Review & Misconceptions

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Key Takeaways

• The Pentax 17 is a new 35mm half-frame film camera released by Ricoh Imaging/Pentax.

• It combines modern digital expertise with classic film camera design elements.

• The half-frame format allows for twice as many exposures per roll of film.

• It features a fixed 25mm ‘pancake’ lens known for its sharpness and quality.

• The camera is user-friendly and perfect for both beginners and seasoned photographers.

New Film Camera Pentax 17 Experience

The Pentax 17 marks a significant moment in the photography world. In an age dominated by digital cameras, this new 35mm half-frame film camera offers a refreshing return to analog photography.

One of the most striking aspects of the Pentax 17 is its design. It draws heavily from Pentax’s rich history of film cameras, incorporating legacy details that make it both nostalgic and modern. The camera features a sleek and compact body, making it incredibly portable and easy to handle.

The Pentax 17 is equipped with a fixed 25mm ‘pancake’ lens. This lens is known for its sharpness and quality, thanks to the significant technical breakthroughs in alignment, manufacturing, and coating over the past two decades. The half-frame format, which measures 17 x 24mm, allows you to capture twice as many exposures per roll of film, making it a cost-effective option for film enthusiasts.

First Look at the Pentax 17

When I first held the Pentax 17, I was immediately impressed by its build quality and design. The camera feels solid in hand, yet it’s light enough to carry around all day. The controls are intuitive, and the layout is reminiscent of classic film cameras, which adds to its charm.

Camera Build Quality

The build quality of the Pentax 17 is exceptional. It features a durable metal body that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The camera’s compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for street photography, travel, and everyday use. For those interested in lens options, the Zeiss 35mm 2.8 Biogon ZM lens is a great companion.

User Interface and Controls

The user interface of the Pentax 17 is straightforward and easy to navigate. The camera has a simple layout, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The film rewind knob, ISO dial, and shutter release are all inspired by classic Pentax cameras, making it a joy to use for those familiar with analog photography.

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Photographic Capabilities

The Pentax 17 excels in its photographic capabilities. The fixed 25mm lens delivers sharp, high-quality images with excellent color reproduction. The half-frame format allows for creative compositions and unique perspectives, as each photo is captured in portrait orientation.

The camera’s manual controls give you complete creative freedom, allowing you to adjust settings to suit your shooting style and preferences. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or street scenes, the Pentax 17 delivers stunning results every time.

What I don’t like about Pentax 17

There are certain situations where the Pentax 17 might not be the ideal choice. Understanding these limitations can help you make an informed decision about whether this camera fits your needs.

• Low-Light Conditions: The fixed 25mm lens has a limited aperture range, which may not perform well in low-light environments.

• Professional Use: For professional photographers who require high-resolution images and interchangeable lenses, the Pentax 17 might not meet their standards.

• Large Prints: The half-frame format produces smaller negatives, which can affect the quality of large prints.

Materials

My dislike is the use of plastic in the middle of the camera, which makes it feel less rigid than I would prefer. The magnesium alloy used in the top and bottom gives it a premium feel, but the lightweight design lacks the sturdiness I desire. Compared to my Pentax 1000, the camera feels lacking in quality. Despite its larger size, it does not offer the same level of construction. However, the lightweight design may appeal to those looking for a portable option like the Olympus XA3. The camera’s size and material choices seem to compromise between grip and weight, resulting in a mediocre feel overall. Nonetheless, the camera performed well during shooting sessions, and the most important aspect to assess is still pending.

What I like about Pentax 17

The image quality of the Pentax 17 is impressive, especially considering its half-frame format. The smaller negatives still capture a remarkable amount of detail, and the color reproduction is true to life. The lens plays a significant role in this, offering sharpness and clarity that rivals many modern digital lenses.

• Landscape Shots: The wide-angle nature of the 25mm lens makes it perfect for capturing expansive landscapes with excellent depth and detail.

• Portraits: While not a traditional portrait lens, the Pentax 17 can still capture stunning portraits with a unique perspective.

• Street Photography: The compact size and discreet design make it ideal for street photography, allowing you to capture candid moments with ease.

The Price

The price of the Pentac 17 is currently listed at $500, which many people believe is too high considering the features of the camera. It’s marketed towards enthusiasts and beginners who enjoy shooting film and sharing their photos on mobile devices. For this target audience, $500 may seem a bit steep. However, it’s important to consider that our perception of film camera prices has been influenced by the secondhand market, where vintage gear can be purchased for very low prices.

In reality, film cameras used to be much more expensive when they were first released. For example, the Minolta X700 was sold for $400 in 1981, which adjusted for inflation would be around $1,380 today. Even the budget Canon AE1 cost $65 back then, equivalent to about $570 now. The Pentax K1000, a popular camera from 1988, was priced at $210 for just the body, which is equivalent to $560 today.

Considering these prices from the past, $500 for a brand new camera like the Pentac 17 doesn’t seem quite as exorbitant. While it may still be a significant investment, it’s important to remember the historical context of film camera prices. Our perceptions have been skewed by the availability of cheap retro gear, but in reality, a quality camera like the Pentac 17 is priced fairly for its features and target audience.

Final Thoughts

The Pentax 17 is a remarkable addition to the world of film photography. It combines the charm of classic film cameras with modern advancements, making it a versatile and user-friendly option for photographers of all levels. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments or embarking on a creative project, the Pentax 17 offers a unique and enjoyable shooting experience.

In summary, the Pentax 17 stands out for its innovative design, high-quality lens, and cost-effectiveness. The half-frame format provides a unique perspective and doubles the number of exposures per roll, making it an excellent choice for those who love to shoot extensively. While it has some limitations, such as the fixed lens and smaller negatives, the overall experience of using the Pentax 17 is highly rewarding.

Sample Photos made by Teo Crawford

To view a more in-depth comparison, check out this YouTube video.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I buy the Pentax 17 film camera?

The Pentax 17 film camera can be purchased from various online retailers, including the official Ricoh Imaging/Pentax website and authorized camera stores. You can also find it on popular e-commerce platform like B&H Photo, Wex photo and Freestylephoto.

How many exposures can the Pentax 17 film camera take per roll?

The Pentax 17 uses a half-frame format, allowing you to take 72 exposures on a standard 36-exposure roll of 35mm film. This is double the number of exposures you would get with a traditional full-frame 35mm camera.

Does the Pentax 17 come with a warranty?

Yes, the Pentax 17 comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty details, including the duration and coverage, can vary depending on the retailer and region. It’s always a good idea to check the warranty information before making a purchase.