Pentax 17 - First Release from the Film Project
A new film camera in the age of digital, the Pentax 17 is a 35mm half-frame film camera built from the ground up. This svelte point-and-shoot is the first launch from Ricoh Imaging/Pentax's Film Project initiative and is designed using a wealth of influence from Pentax's legacy of past film cameras.
Half-Frame 35mm Film Camera
Distinct from 35mm "full-frame" cameras with a 36 x 24mm format, the Pentax 17 is a half-frame format camera with a recording area of 17 x 24mm. This smaller, more unique format has a few added benefits:
- Since the frames take up about half as much space on the roll of film, you get twice as many exposures per roll compared to full-frame format cameras. On a 36-exposure roll of film, you can expect to take about 72 exposures.
- Since the film is running horizontally through the camera, the 17 x 24mm image area is inherently vertical; the viewfinder is setup in a vertical orientation and the camera handles best when shooting vertically.
Handling and Operation
One of the key attributes of the 17 is its simplicity and ease of use; it's a true point-and-shoot that uses an accurate autoexposure system to allow you to focus on getting the shot.
In terms of exposure variables, users are able to manually set ISO/ASA (from 50-3200), adjust exposure compensation by +/- 2 EV, and use a mode dial.
HD PENTAX HF 25mm f/3.5 Traditional Lens
The fixed prime lens is an HD PENTAX HF 25mm f/3.5 Traditional; it's a slightly wide-angle lens, equivalent to the field of view of a 37mm lens in full-frame, offering impressive sharpness and color rendering. It features Pentax's contemporary HD anti-reflective coating, helping to boost contrast and clarity.
The lens focuses using a manual six-stage zone focusing method:
Macro/Flower: 0.82' / 0.25 m
Close-Up/Knife & Fork: 1.7' / 0.5 m
Single Person: 4' / 1.2 m
Two People: 5.6' / 1.7 m
Group of People: 10' / 3 m
Mountain/Infinity: ∞
The icons are visible on top of the lens, which can also be seen when looking through the viewfinder, and the specific measurements are printed on the front of the camera body.
The lens focuses using a manual six-stage zone focusing method:
The icons are visible on top of the lens, which can also be seen when looking through the viewfinder, and the specific measurements are printed on the front of the camera body.
Legacy in Design
Despite being a brand-new camera, the Pentax 17 borrows many legacy details from past Pentax cameras to inform its distinct design: the film rewind knob is taken from the Pentax LX, the ISO dial from the SP, the flash and shutter release from the KP, the lens housing from the Espio Mini, the front logo text from the 67, the knurled battery cover from the DA WR series of lenses, the film advance lever from the Auto 110, and the magnesium alloy top plate from a special edition LX. Also, the viewfinder includes Pentax's own classic logo along with the Asahi AOCo logo and a film plane indicator taken from their line of DSLRs.