Pentax’s new $500 film camera prioritizes style over quality
What are the main features of the new Pentax 17 film camera?
The Pentax 17 is a new half-frame 35mm film camera, the first of its kind from a major brand in nearly 20 years15. Priced at $499.95, this compact camera offers a unique shooting experience and a cost-effective way to enjoy film photography. Here are some of its main features:
- Half-size format: The Pentax 17 captures two 17mm x 24mm pictures within a single 35mm-format frame, producing vertical-format pictures similar to those captured by smartphones.
- Manual camera operation: The camera features a manual film-winding mechanism, a manual film advance lever, and exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity adjustments, each with its own dials.
- Newly developed lens: The Pentax 17 features a newly developed 25mm F3.5 lens (equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format). Based on the optics incorporated in the acclaimed PENTAX Espio Mini, it has been redesigned to fit perfectly in the half-size format.
- High-quality body: The top and bottom covers of the camera are made of solid, lightweight magnesium alloy, and the 40.5mm filter mounting thread allows the user to mount a range of filters.
- Multiple shooting modes: In addition to the Full Auto mode, the Pentax 17 provides six other shooting modes, including Slow-speed sync and Bulb mode.
- Independent exposure compensation dial: This allows the user to swiftly shift the exposure level to accommodate different types of subjects or express the user's creative intentions.
- Wide ISO film speed range: The camera supports ISO film speeds of 50, 100, 125, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200.
- Classic design: The design of the Pentax 17 is reminiscent of traditional film cameras, with meticulous attention paid to every single detail.
Overall, the Pentax 17 offers a unique combination of manual operation and ease of use, making it an attractive option for both first-time film users and experienced film photographers looking for a compact and stylish camera.
How does the half-frame format of the Pentax 17 affect the number of exposures per roll of film?
The half-frame format of the Pentax 17 allows for double the number of exposures per roll of film compared to a full-frame camera. This is because it captures a vertical 17 x 24mm picture on a 35mm roll, instead of the standard horizontal 24 x 36mm image. As a result, a 36 exposure roll of film can yield 72 half-frame shots. This effectively halves the cost of film and development for users, although it does come with the tradeoff of reduced image resolution due to the smaller image area.
What exposure modes are available on the Pentax 17 and how do they cater to different types of photographers?
The Pentax 17 offers several exposure modes to cater to different types of photographers. These include:
-
Program Auto Mode: This mode is designed for casual photographers who want the camera to handle exposure settings automatically. The camera selects the appropriate aperture and shutter speed to provide the correct exposure level.
-
Exposure Compensation Dial: This mode allows photographers to adjust the exposure settings to their preference. It enables users to increase or decrease the exposure in challenging lighting conditions.
-
Slow Shutter Mode: This mode is suitable for photographers who want to capture motion or create a sense of movement in their images. It allows for a slower shutter speed, which can result in creative blurring effects.
-
Bulb Mode: Bulb mode is ideal for experienced photographers who want full control over the exposure time. In this mode, the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release button is pressed, allowing for long exposure shots.
While the Pentax 17 doesn't offer full manual control, it provides enough flexibility for photographers to experiment with different exposure settings and cater to their specific photography styles.