Pentax 17 Half-frame Film Camera Deep Dive Review by Pentax Forums

[@T1AN1L1U]

Got mine 2 weeks ago, it is my everyday camera already. I'm a big fan of half frame cameras, however I didn't expect the lens on Pentax 17 can be such good, most photos I got from this camera looks even better than my full frame point&shoots (for instance the Olympus Mju III Wide 100). The body sure feels plasticy, but modern plastic is durable enough to last for years of use.

[@GODSPEEDseven]

I know so many are ignoring this camera because it's half-frame. I haven't yet shot THAT many rolls on it, only currently at 5 rolls. Conclusion : the lens, and the coatings on the lens, helps the half-frame punch way above its weight. The "loss" in resolution is nowhere near as severe as some make it out to be (usually because they haven't tried it themselves).

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Are people really complaining about a loss of resolution? With 100ASA film, a half frame camera will have the same resolution as a 4K Digital Cinema Camera, where the sensor is about the same size as a half-frame, and the pixels are similar size to the grains. The 17 and the K-5 should have similar still resolution, with the K-3 family being a little higher resolution.

[@NoToobForYou]

I love mine. It has replaced my Rollei 35 as my grab-and-go camera, for when I don't want to carry a bag around but still want to be able to make film images. It's operation and dimensions is very similar, but it weighs a little less than my Rollei, has less sharp corners (which can really be annoying in a pocketed camera), and the autoexposure increases my speed of operation. Getting a Peak Design anchor laced through the lower strap lug was an exercise is pure faith, but I managed it without breaking anything! I tucked to supplied Pentax-branded lens cap into the box and use an $10/doz aftermarket cap on it, which tends to pop off in the pocket. I think I'll either 3D print or purchase a press-on cap which stays in place with friction, instead. I'm also considering skinning my copy with leatherette.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

One of these, with a mount that takes a version of the current lens, and an adapter to handle film-era K-mount glass would be a lot of fun. Add in a pancake wide lens and something along the lines of an 85mm for portraits,.... What a lot of fun. Imagine what it'd be like to use LensBaby optics on a 17 style body! I still want Pentax to get off their collective asses and fix the video features in the firmware of the DSLR's, so the video can fully take advantage of their Colour Science, but also looking forward to seeing if they can do a really good SLR.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

That repeated shot of the fence on each film sample,... really shows how much better the Ilford is for dynamic range compared to the previous samples - The Panther Air and Flic Aurora are absolute junk, the Tri-X is only just slightly better. Would love to see some samples done on some decent and fresh Fuji film.

[@doozledumbler5393]

Flic Aurora junk? 🤣🤣 Some people will just say stupid stuff for the hell of it.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

@@doozledumbler5393 I will take that in good spirit, but it still look crap to my eyes 🙂

[@jw48335]

Give me a rangefinder version, or an autofocus version, and SOLD. Unfortunately zone focus is not my thing. Glad to hear it's a solid camera.

[@RobA_Oz]

The next film camera will probably provide that for you. Their plan from the start was for a simple compact first, followed by a more advanced compact and then an SLR.

[@jw48335]

@@RobA_Oz Yeah I know - the general design of the 17 appears to have more than enough room to fit the autofocus motor and electronics. I and how much more excited about the prospect of a rangefinder, but either one would do:-)

[@RobA_Oz]

@@jw48335 Yes, it makes sense particularly for a small unit like Pentax to have a flexible basic design that can be developed into a more sophisticated product.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Wouldn't have minded half frame, but I do mind zone focusing.

[@johnbowman657]

If you use the auto mode, it overrides zone focusing. It sticks to fixed focus and works out the appropriate exposure and aperture to get everything in range. It will trigger the flash if low light though. TBH, the zone focus is no big deal once you get used to it.

[@JulienPASTEL]

Tbh I do love zone focusing more than auto or fixed focus. At least we do have some control over it. And you can always shoot in Auto mode (fixed focus) but, imo, that would make it even less worth of the price if you don’t use the other modes it has to offer.

[@johncollins2452]

This half-frame camera is not for me. I don’t doubt the Pentax build quality and appreciate its target market. My preference is for the full-frame 135, and occasionally 120, formats using several film cameras I have purchased over the years. I primarily shoot digital but supplement this by using film to enjoy the analogue experience. It invokes a different discipline that is helpful. I do not compare images shot on film with those taken digitally, they have a different aesthetic.