Pentax 17 film camera launches today - and you can watch along
Are there any anticipated technological advancements included in the Pentax 17?
The Pentax 17 half-frame film camera is an exciting development in the photography world, as it represents the first new film camera from a major manufacturer in many years. While it is not expected to include groundbreaking technological advancements, the camera does feature several noteworthy aspects.
Firstly, the Pentax 17 is designed for vertical-position shooting, utilizing a half-size format. This design choice is aimed at appealing to a younger generation of photographers who are more accustomed to taking vertical photos with their smartphones. The camera is also expected to feature a 25mm f/3.5 lens, built-in flash, and a viewfinder.
Secondly, the camera will have a mechanical film advance and rewind system, which is a nod to the analog nature of film photography. This feature is likely to be appreciated by film enthusiasts who enjoy the tactile experience of manually advancing and rewinding the film.
Additionally, the Pentax 17 is expected to offer some level of user control over exposure settings, though the specifics have not been officially confirmed. It is also anticipated that the camera will be compatible with modern film stocks, ensuring that users can take advantage of the latest film offerings from various manufacturers.
While the Pentax 17 may not introduce any groundbreaking technological advancements, it is an exciting development for film photography enthusiasts, as it demonstrates a renewed interest in the analog format from a major camera manufacturer.
Who is the target audience for the Pentax 17 half-frame compact film camera?
The target audience for the Pentax 17 half-frame compact film camera is primarily first-time film camera users and the younger generation who are interested in analog photography6. The camera is designed to appeal to those who want a small film camera that is a step up from toy cameras and want to avoid potential maintenance and reliability issues that come with decades-old used equipment6. The half-frame format also makes it more affordable to shoot film, as it doubles the number of shots per roll. Additionally, the camera's vertical format is familiar to smartphone users, making it an easy transition for them to explore film photography.
What are the specific features of the new Pentax 17 half-frame compact film camera?
The Pentax 17 half-frame compact film camera comes with several notable features:
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Half-size format: The camera captures two 17mm x 24mm pictures within a single 35mm-format frame (36mm x 24mm). This allows for vertical-format pictures, similar to those captured by smartphones.
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Manual camera operation: The Pentax 17 features a manual film-winding mechanism, a film advance lever, exposure compensation, and ISO sensitivity adjustments, each with its own dials.
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Newly developed lens: The camera has a newly developed 25mm F3.5 lens (equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format). The lens is based on the optics incorporated in the acclaimed PENTAX Espio Mini and features three elements in three groups.
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High-quality body: The camera body is made of solid magnesium alloy, and the 40.5mm filter mounting thread allows the use of a range of filters.
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Shooting modes: The Pentax 17 offers seven shooting modes, including Full Auto mode, Slow-speed sync, and Bulb mode.
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Wide selection of ISO film speeds: The camera supports ISO film speeds ranging from 50 to 3200.
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Other features: The Pentax 17 has a note holder on the back cover for inserting the end of the film package as a reminder of the film type in use. It also has three strap lugs to accommodate both horizontal and vertical camera suspensions and is compatible with the optional CS-205 Cable Switch for extended-exposure photography in Bulb mode.
The Pentax 17 is priced at $499.95 and is expected to be available in late June.