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:
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.
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.
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.