Pentax 17 Review | A Great Starter Camera

[@reformedfilmlab]

There is an spam account placing replies/comments out saying we've picked the winner and to contact them. Ignore this as they have been reported to KZbin! Winners will be announced in a few weeks and we never will ask you for money if you are picked!

[@jmcgonnell]

aw no! i got real excited for a second there! no worries, thanks for letting us know!

[@Dennisoneiljr]

Such a bummer! I got so excited when I saw the reply saying I had won 🥹

[@krautnapped]

Good work on responding so fast to this.

[@qnetx]

Thanks for clarifying!

[@Org80]

Scamming is lame

[@omegaoz]

I’ve been shooting film for a bit now at my therapist’s recommendation and this camera has been living in my head rent free since the moment I found out about it 😂. It’s so exciting to have a brand new film camera come out in 2024 and it’s even more exciting that it’s from a brand that I’ve come to love. If Sierra doesn’t wind up swiping both I’d love to get my hands on one. Sold some magic cards to justify the expense, but if I’m lucky enough to nab one I’ll probably use that for more film or on a road trip.

[@anm6648]

Hope it works out for you!

[@z3alious]

im a street photographer and i get some of my best shots on the cannon range finder. second only to a compact nikon j 1 set to black and white. any time im walking around with a huge dslr people just are not very candid.

[@omegaoz]

@@z3alious I just really liked the hype around it, I love Pentax and I love film. So when everything lined up I just fell in love with the camera. The design and the concept. Film for me has been a way to step back and take a look at the world in a different way than I have been. If I was going to buy a compact camera I’d want a certain level of intimacy with it. Getting a brand new camera film camera in 2024 was just crazy to me as a concept so I just /had/ to see it lol. I wasn’t chosen but I still might get one. As far as your other comments go let’s be honest, anyone shooting film instead of digital in 2024 already has made peace with getting a certain level of “I don’t get it”, TBH you sound like the kind of person who swears phone camera supremacy.

[@Penguln_]

The fact that it’s 2024 and we’re getting brand new film cameras is amazing, big props to Pentax for their innovation and determination to keep film going. Would love to take one of these around the world would make it possible to travel with less rolls and less worry about the airport ruining them 😂

[@geovardila]

The new Pentax 17 analog camera has truly impressed me with its exceptional build quality and timeless design. As a wedding photographer, I particularly appreciate its ability to capture authentic, nostalgic moments on film. This camera would be an invaluable addition to my toolkit, helping me create unique and memorable images for my clients that digital cameras simply can't replicate.

[@z3alious]

i dont get it. for this price you could get a leica... come on... or a roli twin reflex...

[@sin-weichiu475]

I'm new to film photography. This new half frame camera looks awesome.

[@fredericklyne8275]

Love that we have a new film camera on the market! Nice review - thanks!

[@pacheaco727]

Love that we actually have a new film camera in 2024. I’ve recently started playing around with film and would definitely appreciate a fun daily driver. Might even be able to get my kids to give it a shot.

[@atlshortay62]

It blows my mind that photos from a half frame camera can be blown up so large and still be so sharp. I love the way a Kodak Ektar H35 photos look because of the grain and while this still features the grain, they're so much crispier! I also love that they won't Lomography on us with the Zone Focusing, there's something liberating about zone focus because you don't have to think much - set it and shoot! BOOOM! Can't wait to get my hands on one!

[@gabgallant]

Wow, what a cool camera. Congratz to Pentax and thank you for the review!

[@samdecock1496]

Honestly impressed with the image quality! I love the idea of a half frame camera with more modern lens optics. It’d make the perfect daily carry.

[@doobdabs]

i love the compact sleeve design and how easy it is to shoot with it! would love to carry this for an everyday shoot!

[@asdfqwertytypewriter6225]

Super cool camera!! It’s exciting seeing a new film camera in this era as a 20 year old who wasn’t able to experience film in its heyday!

[@CamMead]

I could see myself documenting daily life with this or even travel photos when your on the move and don’t want to over think the process. Great review and lots of nice sample shots.

[@ryszardkoziel]

I think it’s a great daily carry and a big win to have a brand new major manufacturer camera!

[@ziiiko9072]

Not only is it awesome to have new products being developed for the film community. It’s especially motivating to see that film photography has a future in this digital world. Film not dead!!!

[@husshardan3511]

Heads up - in Auto mode it becomes a fixed focus camera. No matter how much you turn the focus ring it doesn't matter as the focus is actually set electronically when you press the shutter button. You can only focus it in the P settings.

[@paternocappelli2674]

I've always wanted to get into film, especially as a daily journal type camera. This looks amazing! I've definitely went in a rabbit-hole looking at every review for this camera. So exciting! Hopefully I can get my hands on one

[@jm-bn9sy]

i think its crazy that a brand new film camera has been released. perfect time to get into film i think, hopefully this leads to a prolific resurgence

[@erichartke4331]

I'm on my fourth roll in my Pentax 17 and I haven't bumped the mode dial 🤷🏻. I am loving the camera and the lens is top shelf!

[@thetoybreaker2735]

This looks like a very good travel camera. Definitely going to buy one.

[@analog_venture]

The fact that a new film camera was released is crazy to me, I love the way it looks and operates they did such a good job on ease of use. Definitely want to try to snag one eventually.

[@Cdre-Barbossa]

So having watched the new podcast I would have to say, it's exciting to see a new film camera being made. I'm loving the half frame, budget friendly is always welcome. Only con I can think of is the settings changing when advancing film. Thank you for the honest reviews everyone.

[@beduinolounge]

This is the perfect camera for candid moments. I need one for sure!

[@kcaleb]

Looks fun, love that you demonstrated so many different films in the video!

[@kiarahpierre-louis7282]

I really think this camera is going to be an interesting addition to the film market especially in 2024! The pictures came out in a really great yet different way. Can’t wait to see how it holds up as we learn more about it!❤️

[@JacobCopetillo-x6k]

Loving the potential that a new camera by Pentax provides for the next generation. I want to give this camera to my 12 yesr old son who has recently gotten into digital but is really wanting to shoot film. Having 72 frames would make this the perfect camera to get my boy into the game!

[@austintrochinski2330]

I think its a great sign that companies are willing to put the time, effort, R&D into a new film camera. This definitely tailors to the social media scene but looks like a fun travel camera that would be easy to bring on trips, to events with friends, etc without the bulk.

[@pushflowers4978]

so excited to see a new camera entering the scene & helping film stay alive & well! this camera would help me fulfill my brat summer if i won it 0:) thanks reformed film lab for the review and for being a reliable & trustworthy source for film developing!

[@Hannah-Gimblett]

The Pentax 17 looks like such a fantastic every day camera, especially with how compact and lightweight it is. And with having 72 frames on a roll, it's ideal as an EDC. Great video Reformed Film Lab that really highlights the strengths and quirks of this Pentax.

[@flipn24]

I think it is amazing that we are have a new film camera from pentax in 2024. Shows that film is alive and well! Good luck to everyone with the giveaway.

[@Kelei01]

It is absolutely amazing that we have a brand new film camera in 2024👏. I hope it will sell well and I am looking forward what Pentax will bring next. PENTAX PENTAX PENTAX

[@saraherwin2451]

As someone that’s just getting into film photography, this seems like a great first camera! I would love to use it to document everyday life. I’ve always loved flipping through my parents’ old photo albums and seeing all the memories they’ve captured over the years. I want to do the same, and this camera seems like a great way to do it. Thank you for the review!

[@shinjanaytor]

The Pentax 17 is a really exciting and fun camera to enter the scene right now. It's awesome to see new film cameras being made to make the barrier to entry a little less daunting. I started shooting film last March, so I'm still fairly new, and the Kodak H35 was my first camera. I loved that it was half frame (this isn't a cheap hobby!) and it became my daily carry camera. Since then I've bought a point and shoot and SLR, and I can't describe how much joy film photography has given me over a very tumultuous time in my life. I actually just surprised my friend last week and gifted her my H35 + a roll of Gold 200 after she told me she wanted to start shooting film but was too broke to start. I have a lot of fond memories with the H35 and am really excited to pass on the love to her, though I'll miss shooting with a half frame. This review was perfect for me with the comparisons to the H35, and I would love to win one of the Pentax 17's so that I can have another half frame daily carry in my life! Much love to the RFL team - I discovered y'all late last year and have been sending all my film over to you guys to get developed. Cheers, and good luck everyone!

[@KiannaElmes]

i think this cam being half frame is sick for like candid memories you really can't beat 72 pictures a roll, i'd absolutely love to this new fangled film camera

[@optotronix4788]

I'm excited to see half-frames get some love- thank you pentax!! Perfect format for taking to work and clicking away!!

[@i_amnieves7187]

Thanks for all the film content you guys put out! Y’all have definitely inspired me to get out and shoot more film 👀

[@avaclark415]

Love working with you guys and making reviews! ;)

[@girlupstairs3819]

I never regret the money I spend on film and developing with this crew.

[@benholt6135]

Great video. Glad that there is a new film camera on the market.

[@carlosgrajeda1986]

This seems like a really fun camera and half frame really does make it perfect as an everyday/journal camera!

[@NickMakesBreaksStuff]

I’m can understand how it isn’t for everyone or for every situation, but no camera really is. More than anything I’m just glad Pentax is making it, and I can’t wait to see more photos shot on them

[@geebes2112]

This is exciting that they’re putting love into film still as a new camera! I would love to have a half frame in my arsenal. 🤞

[@jwinkler]

I'm just glad to see a new film camera released. I have been shooting some half-frame recently on an old Ricoh Auto-Half and it can be a lot of fun. It makes the rolls seemingly last forever when you are getting 72 shots on a roll. I am hoping some other manufacturers are willing to take the leap and release a film camera.

[@rcbecool8]

Hi Reformed labs! I want to shoot photography for the rest of my life and you guys have made it so easy to process my film so all I have to worry about it getting out there and have fun. Having the Pentax will really give me a change to experiment and access new functions and quality I never had. Good luck and crossing my fingers!

[@manuelhornos9597]

Seeing a new film camera is such great thing! half frame looks so interesting. Greetings from Argentina

[@carlbobarle]

I love that new film cameras are being made. I have a variety of 35mm format cameras and the half frames are a blast to shoot with.

[@darrenkumar8419]

pretty awesome that with the rise of film shooting is going up you can take more photos with half frame and get more out of a single roll of film considering the price of film is going up. LOVE IT!

[@Sparkplug151]

Mike I like the comment you made about this being a great daily camera. For me, I'm always apprehensive about "wasting a shot" (and I think thats more of a film issue rather than camera) but the fact that the camera is friendly enough for daily pics is awesome.

[@taliaphoenix]

I’m so so excited for a new film camera, especially one from Pentax! I’d absolutely LOVE to get one or win one. I liked the Metropolis pics a LOT!

[@breakfastlunchdinner857]

"Wow, what a thorough review! Reform Lab in Ormond Beach always delivers quality insights. Can't wait to try out the Pentax 17 myself on my next visit there. Got 30 rolls of film ready to develop with them - it's going to be epic!"got in the chance to experience a half frame camera as of yet. The way you all described the modes definitely would like to try one out. Shout out to you all for being such a young film lab and doing such big things!

[@JenLeonVazquez]

It’s awesome that there’s a new film camera being released in 2024! It retails at a good price point. It’s looks like a great beginner camera. It’s smaller, you get more shots for your buck, it has a wide selection of iso speeds, there’s an auto mode. It’s relatively straight forward. Also since it’s a newer camera I’m sure there’s some sort of warranty policy for it. I know that anxiety too well with older cameras that one day it might just go out on ya LOL. Love that’s it’s a half frame. Definitely something different but enticing. Regardless it still looks of superb quality but what else can you expect from an awesome company like Pentax! Love this review. Thank you RFL. 📸

[@FLYSOLOArtworks]

It's a great new half frame film camera. Props to Pentax for releasing the 17. I've seen scans in a local film lab, and i was satistied with what i saw. Held the Pentax 17 in my hands and actually liked the fact that it felt lightweight and "pocketable". I definitly want to shoot it.

[@selvinwright1558]

Glad to see new film cameras being produced. The 17 looks like a great size to carry everyday.

[@MrBurt2013]

Love that Pentax took a leap of faith on a new film camera!! I can definitely see this as a daily carry or a weekend trip camera. I'm digging that it is half frame! Love saving some money to buy more film or upgrade those scans!!

[@Defnotbot]

I like the concept of a half frame camera. Awesome to see it applied to a new film pentax!

[@Valthesly40]

A camera made in 2024 is a win. Made with modern parts, under warranty and serviceable with no headaches. Despite what people say, you cannot beat that. I think it’s a great tool to have if you like photographing with film (like me), save cost, and post your results online. I would be happy to win one and snap my heart out! From what I’ve seen, I would definitely print small 4x6 frames from this little guy. You guys are like a great little family. Keep it up!

[@Sirxelot]

Definitly amazing to have a new proper film camera from a major manufacturer other than Leica again. Personally I really like the design they went with as well as the size. Looks really nice to handle too and is small enough to have it with you and work as sort of point & shoot replacement. I think I would mainly use it for that too with some affordable film loaded and the 72 frames you can get out of it.

[@theplaygroundcommittee]

Shooting half frame has been so much more fun than expected. Would love to try this camera out someday 📸

[@DahRoman]

As a beginner exploring film photography, I see the 17 as a great gateway. I’ve found, myself burning through so much film and not having the opportunity to test them in different environments. This camera enables that, but with quality images as opposed to cheaper options on the market. My first camera was a Pentax ME Super so my love for brand loyalty is taking advantage of my attention haha

[@alexanderjeffery9339]

Great to see a new film camera coming out. I don’t have a (working) point and shoot so this looks fun!

[@courtpokey]

I just got back into film photography after years of digital. RFL made it easy and exciting to jump back in. And now Pentax is producing a brand new film camera. I think I got back into the analog game at the perfect moment. I’ve never shot half frame. Can’t wait to try this camera.

[@jonphillips5773]

I think it’s great a new camera is out on the market. I hear it’s geared to younger photographers or people who are starting at. Which also would be good to get more people into photography. I hope to see more like this, more cameras and film coming out. I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of us in this field. And yeah I would love to have it, it’s kinda out of my price range as of now. But who knows! Thanks guys you are doing a great job over there!

[@switchnollie]

The camera performs much better than I would have thought! Wasn’t sure about the focus system at first but it seems to work pretty well. Definitely a welcome addition to the new readily available film cameras we have today.

[@jraytinkaleohano769]

That camera just feels like it would be so fun to create photos with. The retro feel and look is fire!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@eerieemi9913]

I was a little concerned about the image quality because of the smaller frame and fixed lens but I'm happy that the images come out to sharp. My first film camera is a Pentax P30T and I'm excited that the company is still developing new equipment.

[@daniellefernandes8423]

I can't wait to see what they will do in the future. We want new film cameras all across the board

[@edgarveliz1055]

Excited to see a new film camera hit the market. Curious about the zone focusing.

[@PoetryOf]

I LOOOOOVE how this camera is set to vertical!!!! I have always wanted a film camera that does that without actually flipping the camera vertical. I use most of my pics for reels, so that’s the way I take pics. So yeah, awesome! I love that it’s half frame too because you can take more pics. I don’t know why half frame gets mixed reviews-most of our film pics in this digital age don’t get printed anyways. So, that works perfectly for me! Anyways, great video y’all! I would LOVE to get my hands on one of these!!!

[@gregoryisntmyname]

Honestly, I was just happy to hear that a new Pentax film camera was coming out. A half frame wasn't what I was expecting, but I think it's interesting and would love to win one. Something like this would be nice for stretching the rolls of film I already have ahold of, and/or making myself shoot more with the different orientation.

[@genahusman1302]

Loved your video! Looks like the Pentax 17 will be a great addition to film photography!

[@cape3015]

Hats off to Pentax for desinging a new film camera. The design of the camera is nice. Would love to put it up against my Olympus Pen FT and see how it compares in image quality. Great video!

[@cidoor33]

I LOVE that there’s a company releasing brand new things for the fun photography world! I would absolutely love to get to shoot one of these! It seems like it would be a great everyday/document my own life kindof camera! Easy to take with you wherever you go! Man, how freaking cool would it be to win one of these! ❤️😮❤️

[@elk3407]

Honestly, it seems like a great casual camera to carry with you whenever you go out hiking or something like that. I'm glad that Pentax is commiting to making brand new film cameras, because we could really use more new ones that are in the middle of lomography/reloadable disposals and a several thousand dollar Leica

[@Jstgetitovrwith]

Love the look of it and that it fills a gap between point and shoots and slrs!

[@becca_adams]

This looks like such a fun camera, especially as someone relatively new to film who's only used a point and shoot film camera so far! If I won one, I'd use it as a daily camera to hopefully learn more about shooting film! Thanks for the opportunity and another great video :)

[@josephvanas6352]

I think its great to see a new film camera on the market especially one in that specific niche. I think old point and shoots will be some of the first film cameras that go away as far as not being able to be repaired or serviced anymore. A lot of them were not built to the same quality as many SLRs so they are more likely to break in ways you cant repair them and be relegated to sitting on a shelf somewhere so I am excited to see something brand new in the point and shoot space. I hope pentax also comes out with a point and shoot full frame as well. There are many high quality SLRs out there that still have decades of service in them but not so much for point and shoots.

[@dwm_hc]

The lens looks sharp. Could be an excellent daily carry. I'd rock that.

[@Zatoichi_dev]

I absolutely love the way this camera looks. They nailed the design aesthetic. It also seems like a great way to shoot film economically. I appreciate the videos! You guys seem like you have a great team!

[@robinarnold7035]

Great video, Mike and crew! We just received our Pentax 17 from Reformed Film Lab yesterday. My partner and I are sharing it and we already have a list started of who shot what. Nice, cooler weather today in Ohio so we will be out and about doing some photo walks.

[@jjmackie]

So cool, we are getting a brand new film camera in 2024. I think this would be a great camera to bring on trips and hand off to friends and family. 72 shots gives you so much more freedom to just take pictures any way you want!. Keep up the great work yall!

[@rr9278]

ive never used a half frame camera but I love that its brand new and I cant wait to try it

[@DominikMarczuk]

I own six film cameras and every single one of them went to a repair shop for one reason or another. One even simply became a parts donor and later on, a fancy desk lamp (an E14 bulb socket fits inside the camera without the need to remove the mirror). A brand new camera would be so much more reliable. And it would be fun shooting half frame.

[@imkarmakar]

Seems like a perfect nifty everyday carry. Really loved the retro-ish looks ❤

[@lucaspaul3740]

This looks like a fantastic camera! Would love to document my little one with this!

[@FYC_Toni]

Pentax makes nice cameras this would be a great camera to carry with you everyday😊…I would absolutely love to shoot with this camera!📸

[@jasonosmond6896]

New film cameras on the market is always good. Great new film cameras on the market is always fantastic.

[@jamescullen3252]

In the case of 'bumping the mode dial' the camera, like many other manual film wind Pentax cameras, has a 'stand-off' angle which allows the thumb to get to the lever quicker and allows rapid winding without having to tuck the lever back in place.

[@KunWu-mt6yd]

Pentax 17 seems like a great and fun compact camera. For me, it resembles Fujifilm's X100 models, the lens seems admirably sharp, and the half-frame format is more relevant than ever in today's smartphone-led photography world. I also love the viewfinder design, I think it's quite nice. I definitely would love to win it.

[@JacobCopetillo-x6k]

Commenting again! I’ve got a 12yr old son who REALLY wants to get into film. (He’s jealous of my film cameras and the colors and depth they produce on film. Help us get him hooked for the next film generation!

[@mactog._]

It looks like a great camera to start out in film photography and get your feet wet ! thanks for the review :)

[@willjlambr]

The idea of this being a journaling camera is great! This seems like a great camera to take around and snap quick shots around. Really excited to see if this means more film cameras are in the works from Pentax

[@maxstansell711]

I think it's fantastic that Pentax has come out with a new camera. I like the half frame concept especially to shoot diptychs. This is a great camera for casual walk around. It also looks pretty sharp. Wish it had a full manual feature.

[@shannastiles3004]

So exciting that you have these!! I remember walking in the lab asking if you knew when it was coming out a few months ago! I love the idea of having a half frame with better quality than my Kodak Ektar for my every day “journal” of life with my toddler and baby! Documenting them growing up on film has been a blast but I love having a half frame so I can hand my 2 year old the camera to take some shots without stressing about him using the entire roll of film! Starting a love for photography young!! Plus, handing a film camera with auto to my husband has been the only way Mom gets in some photos too so it’s a win win for everyone! Now hoping to win this bad boy to up our quality!!

[@aldourquiza]

I am very excited to try it out! It seems like a fun camera for everyday use and easy to carry around with quality results!

[@AndrewPerkowski]

Been shooting film for about a year now, so far have had it all developed at scanned at Reformed Film Lab. Excited to see a new film camera come out!

[@razpenguin]

Nice. Just bought one from you guys for my wife the other day, can't wait to get it. Maybe I'll win my own, too, since no one wants to share ;) Used to have a ton of fun with film during college and expected to keep shooting that way for the rest of my life, but digital really took over in the 2010s and left few truly viable film options; while it's great to own a bunch of old working cameras, relying on vintage equipment or Leicas was entirely unsustainable. The resurgence of film photography these past few years is amazing, though, and Pentax putting this unexpected camera out there as a new product really breathes new life into the format. Great video with a ton of awesome example shots that inspire a ton of confidence in the camera's capabilities. Thanks!

[@dicewrites]

I really dig the pentax 17, I think it would be such a great camera for every day use like yall said, but also just to hand to friends and say "hey play with this" perfect for fun and relaxing photo walks with the homies

[@nwmi23]

Kudos to @reformedfilmlab for the very in-depth camera review. If I were to win this camera, I would use it every day to document my family, our trips, and adventures. Based on your review, I like the compact size, usability and image quality.

[@sn1krep1]

A new film camera in 2024 is a great thing to see, even if it is half frame. I do agree this would likely be an every day journal camera! Would love to win one and good luck to everyone! 😊

[@thet0dd]

First off, I’m so happy to see a company release a new film camera. My hope is this inspires other companies to release new film cameras as well. I’d be very interested in trying this one mainly to teach my 6 year old how to shoot film. For the price point, it’d be hard to recommend as you can get other intro film cameras such as the fantastic Nikon FG for an insane amount cheaper than the 17. Hears to hoping I win 🤞🤞