PENTAX 17 is FINALLY HERE. First Impressions & Hands-On Review and Photos

[@geirfinnlysne712]

I have just ordered the Pentax 17, and believe that what Pentax is doing here is worth supporting.

[@ozbaz99]

I totally agree

[@DaveEtchells]

Me too!

[@1marcelfilms]

A sucker is born each day

[@RCAvhstape]

Angel on left shoulder: "You don't need another camera." Devil on my right shoulder:

[@nwmi23]

Lol, I'm in the same boat, I already have a few very mint 35mm cameras, but I still want to buy this camera, and have it sitting in my cart right now 😂

[@edgarwalk5637]

@@nwmi23 The devil here, but do you have a mint condition half frame camera?

[@nwmi23]

​@edgarwalk5637 no, the Pentax 17 will be my first half camera.

[@RCAvhstape]

@@edgarwalk5637 I have a plastic Diana Mini which is a half frame camera,...

[@nikoladimitrijevic8172]

@@edgarwalk5637 I thought you were only talking to me in private, I didn't know you were active in the comments :P

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

I just love to see a new film camera on the market. I think if it sells well maybe Pentax will produce a full frame film camera with interchangeable lenses. I hope people support Pentax for jumping on what was a "dying" marking and grab these up.

[@bigyin.7710]

Exactly, we want the big manufacturers to start producing film cameras again, a point a lot of people are missing.

[@DaveEtchells]

I've talked to the team members a number of times over the development of the Film Project, and they're definitely looking to make more film models if this one is successful. (Happily, I think they're going to sell TONS of them :-)

[@bobazivkovic7072]

Who produces films?

[@bobazivkovic7072]

Color or B/W?

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

@@DaveEtchells I sure hope so.

[@michaelbrasile1382]

The sample images you showed are really quite nice. They alone provide the best representation of what this camera is capable of. Thanks for such a thorough review as well.

[@katharinemovertonphotographer]

I am glad Pentax have dipped their toe in to water and made a new film camera. Lets hope more will follow

[@1RJ2]

This is my first time watching your channel, I'm really excited about this camera so I watched every video I could find about it. However, I have to say that yours is by far the most detailed and thorough I have seen. Most of the other reviewers didn't even bother to read the manual or explain the different functions of the camera. For example: how the auto mode makes the camera a fixed focus camera from 1m to infinity, like the old Olympus PENs, or that the blinking blue lights mean the isn't enough light. I also found the pace of the video to be really enjoyable since you mixed the parts where you showed the camera with footage of the place you were photographing making it captivating. I just felt I needed to point this out since you don't find too many videos like this. Now, my opinion of the camera has been positive overall. I fell in love with taking snapshots while trying an Olympus PEN EF. It's so relaxing not feeling like everyone is watching you while you carry a SLR and being able to shoot anywhere. I think this camera complements this experience with the auto features and enhances it with the ability to do close-up shots. People said zone focus would be hard for new users but the way they implemented it the zone focus is almost automatic so most of the time you are getting enough depth of field to cover your subject. The only downside I see is the price and being from Venezuela I don't think I will be able to afford it any time soon, but if I could I would definitely buy it not only to support Pentax but also to have a brand new camera I can continue shooting for years!

[@RicardoRMedina]

I enjoyed this review very much! Unlike other reviews which focused on what the reviewers expectations were, you showed us what the camera was designed to do which is pretty amazing! Thank you from Florida, USA!

[@nostalgix8430]

Thank you for the very detailed review and hands-on. I watched a couple of videos on the Pentax 17 in the last hours. I really enjoyed that you haven't just filmed yourself using the camera and showed the dials quick and told me you opinion but tested a few functions in very detail and with the work of setting up a few "studio shots" at home. :) I really appreciate your effort.

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

I feel what ever camera is placed in your hands, you make the most out of it. Lovely shots Roger! I enjoyed them

[@JChaytor86]

Bokeh mode is an auto mode that favours wide open apertures, but when you point it at the bright sky it will close down to correctly expose the shot. Also the wrist strap when attached measures the minimum focus distance which is really handy for macro mode!

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

Lovely results! I very much loved shooting this camera myself, very impressive.

[@RetroTokyo]

Really good review. Congrats to Pentax for its release, and hopefully, we'll see a SLR in the near future.

[@victorcarmelo8606]

According to another KZbinr, the Pentax official clip shown in his video states it’s for young people interested in starting film photography from scratch. It certainly a decent little camera by the images Roger taken and its a wake up call for others manufacturers to produce new film cameras. Photography can do it just as Vinyl has done for music, so good luck. Thanks for sharing.

[@audio1bob]

I agree with you. This will do really well for the film community. I'm considering purchasing one of these. Thanks for the great review.

[@andrewbartram2478]

Just received my Pentax 17 and your video and that from Analogue Wonderland are by far the best . What I love about yours is how well it is presented, the screen info and your wonderful results

[@paulcallaghan8339]

That was a great review. Many thanks for the honest and open approach and thoughts. I've had Pentax since a teenager and ordered the 17 at midnight last night from SRS Microsystems. Thanks again for the review.

[@szabodaniel9447]

Would have been nice to see darkroom prints of those shots

[@markattardo]

It's great to see a new film camera and I hope it does well. It doesn't meet my current needs / wants but I appreciate what they made. Fantastic review!!👍👍

[@DaveEtchells]

Excellent review that really shows off what the camera's meant to do. (Superb sample pics too, great eye!) The "Bokeh" just tells the camera to try to use the largest aperture if it can, given the light level and ISO. It'll still have to stop down if there's too much light, it's just that it'll go as far as it can with the shutter speed before stopping down. I'm SO happy to see this hit the market. I've been following it closely since the beginning (see interviews of the team under my name that I published on PetaPixel and DP Review). It's a true passion project, especially for the designer TKO. I'm an old-line photographer who's always shot with fully-controllable cameras, but immediately plunked down my money for one of these and am more excited than I've been for any camera released in the last 20 years or so 🙂 Pentax definitely plans to make more film models if this one succeeds. Personally, I think they're going to sell TONS of them. (If you want one, order it quick, I predict way more demand than they've made units for.) Once again, kudos on a really great review, it's one of the very best I've seen on YT!

[@Andresen.]

The best video I have seen about this camera. I appreciate the time you took to animate the function wheel and go through all the settings. Great video 😀

[@carltanner9065]

I'll be buying one. Great review, Roger!

[@IainHC1]

Im gonna buy it!! 🙂

[@Nijensikkens]

The biggest fun with a half frame is dip ticks, making two images on one frame. And if you have a darkroom, make a single fullframe print out of it.

[@DaveEtchells]

Most processing outfits will print diptychs by default. The Darkroom here in the US gives you the option of either single or two-up prints and scans, I expect many others will follow suit.

[@mrbwa1]

I love this. I'm not much on full frame, so I may have to wait for the next iteration. It's right at the price point I expected and it looks great.

[@T1AN1L1U]

Thank you so much, this is a very helpful video! I Just got my Pentax 17 last week, and trying to figure out the exposure strategy.

[@colinmel66]

Congratulations! Best review of this camera on KZbin.

[@szabodaniel9447]

That picture of Jess and the one with the ladies is excellent!

[@erichartke4331]

They really knocked it out of the park with that lens! I am excited to use it as a family vacation camera.

[@JamieFurlong]

I've been watching a few review videos of the 17. They're all great but yours and PP's are the most comprehensive, both with great results. Well done. I really hope this camera does well for Pentax.

[@alfredbarten4901]

Thanks. Excellent video. Pictures much sharper than expected.

[@FredWilbury]

So nice full review thanks but do I put away my Pentax MX and get one of these 🤔 regards Fred

[@gmosworld]

Picked up this cutie last weekend and this video is SUPER helpful. I love this little camera, it’s sharp, it’s not perfect but it is so fun. Cheers!

[@JasperBunschoten]

As a film enthusiast a bit bummed out it ain't a SLR. But will get one. I think it'll be really nice to use with Ektar during the summer months or pushed Ilford/Kentmere in lower light days!

[@neilmartin8143]

Great to see Pentax taking the plunge. Really enjoyed your full description (including sounds!). Had an Olympus half frame which was great, but like so many older cameras, it’s failed. Preordered one today and looking forward to having fun with it.

[@mikeking7470]

The loading system reminds of the old Canon QL--a lot! I suppose the patent is long expired on it. I have a Canon G-III and a lot of other P&S including a Canon Dial but I would like one. I think the price is a bit much but we need to encourage makers to make more new camera! And Ricoh bought Pentax years ago.

[@richarddown3594]

A very comprehensive review Roger. I was interested to see exactly what you get for your buck and bearing in mind the development costs, it seems a fair price. I’ve never shot half frame and I can’t see myself starting now, so it’s not for me. I’ve seen it advertised for sale at £499.99 - that will buy a lot of film or fully service the Pentax SV I was given as few years back… now there’s a thought!

[@thomaslong1576]

Beautiful images! You have a terrific sense for composition, and that is a wonderful camera.

[@sjismvil]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you for being so thorough.

[@oneofthelastmen5873]

As a die-hard Pentaxian I have watched all the video reviews of this camera, and yours is by far the best. You totally get the point of this camera, and its target market! You also picked a great location and used it as a point and shoot snapshot camera largely in Auto mode as most of its owners will. And you demonstrated that using it that way can produce photos that are exposed correctly and in focus. I won't be buying it for myself (sticking with my MX, ME Super and K1000), but if any of my three Gen-Z offspring show an interest in film photography they can have one on me!! ...but then again ...maybe ...perhaps if I sold one of the lenses I actually don't use any more?

[@nevillewatkins4997]

It looks like a lot of fun. I want one!

[@epstar83]

Results do look lovely! I'll certainly be giving this a go.

[@davidvierck3938]

I'm In ! I will buy one.

[@Capturethelightraw]

Exciting what a beautiful Camera

[@Iandreid]

What a FANTASTIC review! You need to provide lessons for others reviewing cameras on KZbin! Many years ago I had the Olympus Pen D2 half frame that had a very similar form factor. I loved it and always regretted selling it. Your review covered all my questions and makes me think this camera could be soon on my "Wish List". Many thanks.

[@arsetonugroho5604]

surprisingly sharp results for a half frame and zone focus camera. How's the rewind crank build quality? I did see many broken plastic rewind crank mechanism.

[@michaelacookePDX]

Top quality video like all your other videos. My big question is whether the camera is worth anything close to $500 (USD). After having the camera in your hand would you feel good spending $500 to keep it?

[@Vintage35MM]

Good review Roger. I was most impressed and amazed with the tonality of your images. Pictures of black trains.. that look well look black. For what on the outside appears to be a rather simple metering system it performs well. Roger were you doing any exposure compensation, or just shooting in “P” mode. Again well done! Can you share any developers and times used to process the film?

[@TristanColgate]

Congrats to Pentax! 400, or even 800 iso Half Frame is definitely good enough for Instagram. One tip for b&w is that staining Devs do seem to help, I've mostly used 510 pyro, but Obsidian Aqua, and Pyrocat HD work well too. I'm happy to print any film at 5x7. Most 100 iso is fine for me at 8x10, 400 iso is probably the limit, and probably beyond most people's tastes for grain.

[@pedlpower]

How do you think half-frame at 400iso will look at 8×10? I really want to like this camera, but not too excited about the half-frame format.

[@TristanColgate]

@@pedlpower it depends on the scene, and the film. HP5+ in 510 pyro is a stretch at 8x10, but can be ok. Now, I haven't tried delta400 half frame yet, I think that could be getting more generally practical

[@pedlpower]

@@TristanColgate I shoot Kodak so maybe I would stick with TMax at 100iso.

[@TristanColgate]

@@pedlpower tmax is tabular grain, so I think tmax400 in a staining Dev would be worth a try at least.

[@steveharper3559]

Ok ok I want one even though it’s pricey. BUT is it available in the USA?

[@nicklopro]

Sflab got one too! Nice. Im so excited with new film cams coming out these days, that said i still had to post a scathing review of the 17. Now BIG FILM is after me. They've taken all my aerochrome and i think they're after my rollei infrared next. Soon I'll be reduced to shooting nothing but foma 400 leftovers.😢

[@mattiashaggstrom2049]

Thanks for a very detailed review of the camera. Have you tried making darkroom prints yet? It would be interesting to see if prints in the size 8x10 inches are ok or if the small negative size do not have enough details.

[@RobertFHarrison]

I'll be getting one as I just toasted my remaining Olympus Pen. Sigh. I love the format.

[@ozbaz99]

Exactly. My pen ft shutter broke and cannot be repaired. This new camera has a warranty and presumably spare parts from the manufacturer.

[@andrewmcphee8965]

The Pentax 17 sells for AU$900 here in Australia. That's crazy. It is obviously aimed at the hipster market. I've got three original Olympus Pen cameras, a delight to use and a LOT cheaper, I'll stick with them...but I have to admit Pentax making a film camera again is very cool.

[@Skux720]

The photos look great! I think half-frame image quality will really surprise people when they see the difference a quality lens makes.

[@fhtagn645]

Thank you for a video. Will you print some photos with these negatives? I am thinking to buy 30mm lens for half frame shots but I;m not sure how far I can get with the print size

[@jrnovosel]

I've got an old half-working half-frame camera and really like the 4x3 format which is the same as 6x4.5. I can see one of these in my future!

[@Autorange888]

There's one among the Ross Ensign Selfix cameras from the early 1950's which has the reduced 6 X 4.5 film format. Also, Ross lenses are superb.

[@rickhauser9698]

PENTAX ❤ the Coolest Camera Company Ever 🎉🎉

[@node547]

I think it’s brilliant and see it take its place in my line-up next to 4x5, 6x6 and 35mm. My kids will also love it.

[@dan.allen.digital]

Does it take screw on filters and will the meter adjust properly?

[@anachronismic]

All the vids popped up off-embargo into my feed, I think bad flashes had a warming filter or smth on it.

[@markholm7050]

The answer to both questions is probably yes, just based on the appearance of the front of the lens assembly. The symbol φ40.5 should mean the lens fits 40.5 mm diameter filters. (I don’t know how easy it is to find 40.5 mm filters.) The metering window is inside the filter threads, so it should work like older cameras where, so long as the meter is looking through the filter, filter compensation is automatic.

[@rustandmagic]

Looking at the end of the video with the closeup of the lens there looks like there are filter threads on it, the metering would be covered by the filter so I think it would meter correct but just guessing.

[@thebitterfig9903]

40.5mm filter thread, and the light meter is behind it, similar to a lot of old fixed-lens rangefinders like a Konica S2, so you shouldn’t need to fuss about with compensation.

[@johnkraemer5505]

It’s great to see a new film camera being released! I just wish the camera was something more substantial. Hopefully, sales of the camera will go well, to encourage others to design, develop, and manufacture film cameras! Nice overview! Thank you for sharing! 👍🏻

[@cnicolo]

Hi Roger it looks like a fun gadget, pretty though too. But I don’t know. Just for doubling the shots ? Anyway thank you for reviewing it. Cheers 🍻

[@buyaport]

Some tipps from using the camera: For b/w use the finest grain film, like Ilford PanF, Adox HR 50 and the likes for beautifully detailed pictures, thanks to the great lens. HP5 will provide very large grain and not that much detail. Any consumer grade colour film is ok. You can scan with your smartphone to get acceptable but small files. I also use my old Panasonic G9 with Lomography Digitaliza max and the Olympus 30mm macro lens, and (after the necessary cropping) get ca. 14 Megapixel files (4 time this size in high-res mode) because this macro lens has more than 1:1 magnification. With 150 dpi you could print huge pictures, more than A0! Results with a "fullframe" 30 Mp Canon 5DIV with 100 mm macro are worse as I cannot get close enough to beat the MFT camera...

[@jonathanstokes7332]

Hey great video and shots! What film was used for the images in the video if you don't mind me asking?

[@buyaport]

Nice little camera and fun to use. BTW: Remember that 35mm film is the standard format for filmmaking, a frame being even a bit smaller than "half frame". You have very likely seen the results on the huge screen of a cinema -- did you hear anyone moan about the picture quality? Surely this camera was made for a different kind of photography than large format photography, but both can be fun. (And why not use the Pentax 17 as "scouting camera"?)

[@RogerHyam]

Two questions Roger: 1) I heard somewhere that it was smart enough to take into account the f-number when it set the focus to the focus zone - so it will do hyperfocal distance if it can. Does this seem reasonable? 2) Did anyone spot you when you were testing it? If I'd seen someone using this thing a few weeks ago I'd have pounced on them, aske awkward NDA questions and possibly stolen it! I'd buy one - but I shouldn't! My credit card is twitching like crazy 😉. It is just a bit too expensive but that means they probably priced it right.

[@joecrafted]

I’ve got a Fuji 645 medium format and it has similar default ‘portrait’ mode and switching back and forth between cameras takes some adjustment, but when I use that for a while I get used to. This Pentax looks like a nice travel film camera, pretty low-key for casual/street kind of shots.

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Excellent video 😊!

[@georgesealy4706]

Thanks for doing this review, and you did a great job. I learned a lot.

[@jwbarsby]

You got some great looking shots with this and it makes me want one. For their next project I think they should make some really nice sharp 80’s style manual lenses with a focus on adapting to digital (to increase profits) but also release a native mount (K?) film SLR camera to go with them.

[@jonglass]

I''m almost definitely going to buy one! I'm excited that yyou were able to be one of the ones to get your hands on one! Like yyou, I wish that there was some info about exposure. I think the exposure compensation dial is less useful without that info. Still buying though ;-)

[@jackmatthews9390]

Roger thank you. I’ll add it to the Olympus OMs I repair and shoot. I don’t have a half-frame camera. Never have. This will be a welcome care free addition.

[@brentonc8752]

Brilliant review. I put a deposit on a pre order. This will be a fun camera and worth supporting if you can.

[@thenutter2003]

looks a really fun camera i might get tempted by one.

[@RoodeMenon]

Wow! Those are very sharp photos for half frame.

[@melcu1990]

at the end of the day most important is the quality of the negative or chrome and that lens seems to have something special about it! lovely looking results. I quite enjoy triplets, I used a fifty 2.8 domiplan m42 mount which was a triplet on a Zenit for a week and even though it was a cheap old East German lens it rendered really nicely

[@melcu1990]

also a great little shooter for black and white, screw in a red filter and metering will be already there! and still a lovely clear viewfinder. also appreciate it doesn't have any stupid pokey lcd displays and push button settings

[@VariTimo]

Can you check what the longest shutter speed, that the camera may use in non flash P-Mode and in the Bokeh-Mode is? I don’t think it’ll go down to the full four seconds but I’d like to know how much I need to worry about camera shake, when I shoot these modes handheld in low light.

[@josecolon8143]

What do you use to scan the film and send them to Lightroom or whatever other software?

[@davewalker4991]

It is a lovely camera, great real hands on review of it with some fantastic results shown here. I just wish they'd jumped straight in at full frame. I know film is expensive, and you are doubling the shots per roll and modern film grain is good. Looking at the film back open, it does actually look like it wouldn’t take much in the design to go full frame while keeping the camera size the same. I’ve got my original ME-F and MZ-5 both bought new by me. I personally think, they should have taken the ME from the early 80’s and brought it up to date with a mirror box that doesn’t stick, causing infinite wind on, and the electronics / shooting modes of the 17. My local camera store has a Pentax open day soon and taking early orders for the 17 @ £499 (UK Pounds). This could dent my large format savings fund.

[@jameshenderson5385]

All clicks and sounds seem very reassuring.

[@sperelli87]

I wish it had an aperture ring and shutter speed dial like those soviet compact cameras with glass triplet lenses and leaf shutters (Vilia, Smena)

[@badrulezudin2966]

I missed shooting with film cameras 12 years ago. Watching this new Pentax 17 remind me how fun to shoot my few film cameras (Olympus XA4, Yashica T4/5, Olympus mju ii, Minolta Riva Mini). All of them are gone, just Minolta Riva Mini. If I got opportunity to buy this new camera, I will. Because cameras are meant to be fun shoot with it.

[@TristanColgate]

Re: "are most half frame cameras in portrait", the answer there is yes, the only one I know of that isn't is the Samurai (an extremely funky looking camera, looks more like an old camcorder). I actually quite like it, not because I prefer portrait, but just because it makes me think more about the compositional options.

[@tumaprints]

I'll stick to my Minolta Hi Matic F as my pocket camera. If I had $350-$500 to put into equipment, I would much rather spend it on glass. Nice shots Roger! Was it just me or was your CU shot of the books composed using the CU small rectangle? The final print had way more background the what was showing through your pentax viewfinder. Maybe the angle your video camera was angled maybe? Might just be me.

[@digitalrex5]

Any suggestions for scanning half frame? Great review of all the KZbinrs out there when it comes to film photography your option has the most weight.

[@Toad_Hugger]

You can usually scan 2 frames at once. I have an old Mercury II, and that has some freakish format between half frame and square, so I have to scan each photo individually. Works plenty well though. How do you scan your film? I use an old slide copier on my DSLR, so it may be different for me.

[@digitalrex5]

@@Toad_Hugger I’m lazy and let the lab do it XD but I need to set something up at home likely a full frame camera with macro lens I have a 50 and 100

[@Toad_Hugger]

@@digitalrex5 50mm and 100mm macros? I'd go with the 100mm over the 50, but either should work great if they can do 1:1. I have an old APS-C Pentax K-5 that I use with a bellows and 55mm lens. It's a complicated setup, but I'm happy with it. Definitely try it out. I've seen great results using macro lenses with light tables. There's some nice film guide/holders out there to help keep the film flat while you scan too!

[@frankzappa3834]

I scan at home and have no issues on my V850+Vuescan

[@shiroganesam]

Valoi has a half frame holder for their easy35 camera scanning system - could be one option worth looking into.

[@jonjanson8021]

I mostly shoot 6x7 medium format and 35mm when I need the grainy low- fidelity look. This would be even better for what I need. I'll be buying one.

[@telstarradio7974]

Thanks for reviewing it. At £499 it’s twice the price of my Pen F which does all this and more. Yeah it’s a new film camera, but it’s laughable that 1/2 frame would be considered economical when you drop half a grand on it. If you’re feeling FOMO just pick the Kodak 1/2 frame, all the fun and none of the worry it’s gonna get nicked.

[@eintotrefire]

Apparently, when you attach the strap and stretch it out in front of the camera, it reaches exactly 0.25 m from the film plane, which is the closest focusing distance for the macro mode. So the strap can be used to measure the distance to the subject for macro (or "macro") shooting.

[@doctorbohr1585]

My Pentax 105r Zoom from the early 90s had the same feature, so this makes sense.

[@miguelwaterhouse1551]

Great video. After 40 years still shooting analog

[@rugglez]

And a great review too. I can't wait to get one of these.

[@keironstoneman6938]

What a cute little thing! However: I have a Pentax MX from the 70s and a nice load of lenses for it so probably not for me. I can see how the young'uns would want it.

[@Toad_Hugger]

I'm in a similar boat as you with my MX and assorted lenses. But I'd still love to have this one to keep in my pocket for those less-serious occasions. Now I just need to save up a little! :P Enjoy your MX! Such a great camera!

[@carlomaccheroni]

Can you please compare a typical 35mm with a half frame enlarging them to the same size?

[@colinwaylett9122]

Another great video, however for my choice I´d go for a Pentax K1000 or another classic film camera costing half the amount and with a fantastic build quality. It is nice to see that film is still alive and hope that this camera is a success.

[@lindanorman2589]

handson experience very helpful. Appreciate your review. Outstanding

[@diapozitīvs]

This might be the only instance where I'm rooting about a camera, a hardware item. And I was thinking that I should try half frame!!! If I have to be picky - that battery grip - I find it too digital and would love pure mechanical one...

[@heinzhagenbucher4714]

Well done Pentax. I've still got my SFX. 😂

[@theclovercross]

thanks for the thorough mode testing!

[@print-master]

What would be really cool in this day and age is to have digital and film in the same thing. How hard would be to incorporate a sensor either flips down or slid cross? Also, I love film but it’s such a faf to get it processed. Can’t just walk into boots and pick it up an hour later.

[@largophoto]

had to look up bokeh mode ...allows you to shoot wide open ..would like to see hughlights stopped down..the aperture blades looked unusual...Roger question ..if you do not advance the film does it allow you to do exposure over lay ..guess that's why there is a warning light..

[@captaindebug]

Looking at the size of body and the interior it looks as though Pentax have designed this to accommodate a full frame lens. I wouldn't be surprised that if this sells well a similar looking, but full frame camera appears on the market next year - before they do an interchangeable lens camera. I think I just might buy one though...

[@ThePhotofit]

Do you know what the maximum print size you can get from each frame? I’d guess 6x9 but I’d be interested to know if you made any prints after development.