The New Era of Analog Photography: A Detailed Review of the Pentax 17
In a digital-dominated world, the resurgence of analog photography has piqued the interest of both seasoned professionals and enthusiasts alike. Leading the charge in this revival is Pentax, with its latest release—the Pentax 17, a 35mm half-frame film camera. The Pentax 17 represents a modern take on film photography, merging nostalgic elements with contemporary innovations. This article explores the camera’s features, handling, and why it’s generating such excitement in the analog photography community.
Introduction to the Pentax 17: A Blend of Retro and Modern
The Pentax 17 is the first camera released under Pentax’s Film Project, an initiative designed to reintroduce film cameras in a time when digital technology reigns supreme. Built with simplicity and ease of use in mind, the Pentax 17 caters to both film veterans and newcomers looking to experience the charm of shooting on film. Its half-frame format, compact design, and intuitive operation make it a standout in the current market.
Pentax 17: Key Features and Specifications
Half-Frame Format: More Shots Per Roll
Unlike full-frame 35mm cameras that use a 36 x 24mm format, the Pentax 17 features a half-frame format with a 17 x 24mm recording area. This unique format offers several advantages:
- Twice as Many Shots: A standard 36-exposure roll will yield approximately 72 shots, making the Pentax 17 an economical choice for film shooters.
- Vertical Orientation: The camera’s film runs horizontally, resulting in inherently vertical images, perfect for portrait-oriented photography.
Exposure Controls and Autoexposure System
Despite its simplicity, the Pentax 17 provides plenty of room for creative control. Users can manually set ISO/ASA from 50-3200, adjust exposure compensation by +/- 2 EV, and select from various shooting modes. These features include:
- Program Auto Mode with or without flash.
- Slow Sync Flash for dynamic lighting effects.
- Bokeh Mode, which prioritizes the maximum aperture for a shallow depth of field.
HD Pentax HF 25mm f/3.5 Lens
The fixed HD Pentax HF 25mm f/3.5 lens offers a wide-angle perspective, equivalent to a 37mm lens on a full-frame camera. The lens is treated with Pentax’s HD anti-reflective coating, ensuring sharpness, contrast, and minimal glare. The lens also supports 40.5mm filters, further enhancing creative possibilities.
Zone Focusing System
The zone focusing system is easy to use once you get accustomed to it. The six-stage system allows you to set focus distances ranging from 0.25 meters (macro) to infinity, which is useful for everything from close-up shots to expansive landscapes. The focus zones are clearly marked, making it intuitive for users, especially when viewing through the brightline frame lines in the camera’s simple viewfinder.
Design and Build Quality: A Blend of Legacy and Modernity
Compact and Lightweight
Weighing in at just under 300 grams, the Pentax 17 is incredibly portable, making it a great companion for street photography or travel. Its plastic body keeps it light, yet the metal top and bottom plates lend it a durable, solid feel. The camera handles comfortably and has a sleek design inspired by Pentax’s legacy film cameras.
Legacy-Inspired Design Elements
The camera incorporates several design elements from classic Pentax models:
- Film Rewind Knob from the Pentax LX.
- ISO Dial inspired by the Pentax SP.
- Shutter Release and Flash Housing similar to the Pentax KP.
- Lens Housing that draws inspiration from the Espio Mini.
- Knurled Battery Cover taken from the DA WR lens series.
These design choices highlight Pentax’s dedication to blending retro aesthetics with modern functionality.
Handling and Shooting Experience
Intuitive Operation
The Pentax 17 offers a straightforward, enjoyable shooting experience. It is designed to be user-friendly, with accessible dials and settings that allow photographers to focus on composition rather than technical details. The manual film advance lever and shutter release provide a tactile feel, enhancing the analog experience.
Performance in Different Lighting Conditions
The camera’s light meter works efficiently in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dim environments. The inclusion of a flash with a guide number of 20′ at ISO 100 ensures versatility in low-light scenarios. Whether shooting indoors or out, the Pentax 17 delivers consistent exposure results.
Comfortable Ergonomics
Despite its small size, the Pentax 17 is ergonomically designed for comfort. The removable handgrip offers secure handling, and the overall build quality feels robust. This camera is both compact and portable while remaining comfortable for long shooting sessions.
User Feedback: Real-World Impressions
Solid Build and Retro Vibes
Many users have commented on the Pentax 17’s build quality. Despite being lightweight and made primarily of plastic, the camera feels solid and durable in hand. The metal top and bottom plates add a subtle heft that enhances the premium feel.
A Fun, Nostalgic Experience
Several users, especially those who shot film in the past, have praised the nostalgic experience of using the Pentax 17. One reviewer remarked that using the camera was reminiscent of the point-and-shoots they used in the 1990s, bringing back memories of waiting for film to be developed and scanning negatives.
Learning Curve for Zone Focusing
While the zone focusing system received mixed reviews, many found it intuitive after a few rolls. It allows for quick, no-fuss focusing, which is ideal for street photography and other spontaneous genres. Some reviewers appreciated the simplicity, while others noted that it might take a few rolls to master.
Pentax 17 vs. Vintage Half-Frame Film Cameras: A Comparison
While many photographers are drawn to vintage half-frame film cameras, the Pentax 17 offers several advantages that make it stand out from older models. Here’s why the Pentax 17 may be a more appealing option:
1. New Production
Unlike vintage half-frame cameras, which often require repairs and parts that may be hard to find, the Pentax 17 is a newly produced camera. This ensures better reliability and ease of servicing, giving users the confidence of owning a camera that’s less likely to break down.
2. Improved Light Meter and Exposure Settings
The Pentax 17 boasts a more advanced light meter and a wider range of ISO settings than many vintage half-frame cameras, making it more flexible in various lighting conditions. This allows for more precise exposure control, especially when compared to older models that may have more basic metering systems.
3. Half-Frame Advantage
The half-frame format allows the Pentax 17 to shoot twice as many images per roll of film. This feature is shared with many vintage half-frame cameras, but the Pentax 17 combines this with modern convenience, making it more economical and user-friendly for long photo sessions.
Five Affordable Vintage Half-Frame Cameras
For photographers looking for a vintage alternative to the Pentax 17, here are five half-frame film cameras that are generally more affordable:
- Olympus PEN EE-2
Released in 1968, this camera is one of the most iconic half-frame models. It features a fully automatic exposure system, making it a popular choice for beginners. It’s known for its ease of use and compact design, and it can often be found for less than $200. - Canon Demi
Introduced in 1963, the Canon Demi offers both manual and automatic exposure settings. Its sleek design and reliable performance have made it a favorite among collectors. Prices for a working model usually range from $150 to $250.
- Ricoh Auto Half
Known for its simplicity and automatic winding system, the Ricoh Auto Half was released in the early 1960s. It’s compact and easy to carry, making it a fun, pocketable option. These cameras can typically be found for $100 to $200 in good condition.
- Yashica Half 17
A lesser-known model from 1965, the Yashica Half 17 features a fast 32mm f/1.7 lens, which offers excellent low-light performance. Despite its impressive specs, it’s quite affordable, with prices usually around $150 to $250.
- Agfa Parat I
Released in the 1960s, this German-made half-frame camera is known for its durability and simple design. It features manual exposure control and a zone focus system. Prices typically range from $75 to $150, making it one of the most budget-friendly options.
Poor man’s Pentax 17 Soviet Half-Frame Alternative: Chaika
For those seeking a more budget-friendly introduction to half-frame photography, some Soviet-made cameras provide an even more affordable option. While not as well-known as brands like Olympus or Canon, these Soviet cameras offer a unique retro aesthetic and solid performance at an exceptionally low cost.
Chaika (Чайка)
The Chaika series, produced in the Soviet Union from the 1960s to the 1970s, is a half-frame camera with a simple, no-frills design. Despite its basic construction, the Chaika is known for being rugged and capable of delivering decent image quality, thanks to its Industar-69 28mm f/2.8 lens. The camera uses zone focusing and has manual exposure settings, which can be a learning curve for beginners, but enthusiasts appreciate the creative control it offers.
- Price Range: Usually around $50 to $100, making it one of the cheapest half-frame cameras available.
- Build Quality: While somewhat heavy compared to its competitors, its metal body is built to last.
Conclusion: A Camera for the New Analog Era
The Pentax 17 represents a significant leap forward in half-frame film photography, offering the reliability of a new camera and the versatility of modern features. Although vintage cameras like the Olympus PEN EE-2 or the Canon Demi may offer a nostalgic appeal at a lower cost, the Pentax 17 excels in terms of build quality, light metering, and the convenience of being a modern production camera.
By marrying the tactile, analog experience of film with 21st-century conveniences, the Pentax 17 brings a new level of accessibility to both film veterans and those just starting their journey in analog photography.
FAQs
1. How many exposures can I get on a single roll of film with the Pentax 17?
The half-frame format allows for approximately 72 exposures on a standard 36-exposure roll of film.
2. Is the Pentax 17 suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Pentax 17 is an excellent option for beginners due to its autoexposure mode, intuitive controls, and lightweight design.
3. What kind of film can I use with the Pentax 17?
The camera supports 35mm film with ISO/ASA settings ranging from 50-3200, making it compatible with a wide range of film stocks.
4. Does the Pentax 17 have manual focus?
The camera uses a zone focusing system, which allows for preset focus distances. It’s easy to use after a bit of practice.
5. Can I use filters with the Pentax 17?
Yes, the lens has 40.5mm filter threads, allowing for the use of various filters like UV, ND, or colored filters.
