Pentax 17 Road Trip Across The USA

I took the Pentax 17 film camera on a road trip across America. This is a new film camera developed by Pentax. It shoots 35mm half frame images and is designed for easy access into film photography.
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#landscapephotography #pentax17 #film

[@grahamhobbs3501]

A serious photographer getting the idea that this is meant to be a fun camera! Good to see - good for Pentax sending them out to people like Thomas, and thanks to Thomas for taking up the challenge!

[@juliustravels]

Storm Chasing and Thomas Heaton what a combo!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Just wait until the next series of videos 😮

[@snappiness]

It's so funny seeing you on my home turf in the midwest. Hope you enjoyed the scenery. It's simple, but I think really beautiful.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

So cool, best trip of my life!

[@apocalypse487]

Drove through there before. It's simple and serene.

[@jonfletcher147]

I love the fact Pentax are still innovating! As a kid a I had the Pentax ME Super, and absolutely loved it! They've made some beautiful cameras.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

I shot film for 46 years before I tried digital. I figured digital was just a fad. Now I wouldn't want to have to go back to film at all. But, your shots with that little Pentax surely had a nostalgic feel to them. One of my friends had a half-frame and he shot 35mm slide film with it exclusively. He made some good images when we got stuck in Hawaii for a month in 1964.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Nice place to get stuck, especially in the 60's.

[@olavl8827]

Half frame in 1964, you say. Would the camera have been an Olympus Pen? Absolute collector's item nowadays.

[@The_Cyberz]

I love driving through the high plains. Makes you feel small with all the vast open space. Makes me think back to the settlers that crossed that on foot or horse and carriage.

[@apocalypso1564]

I've seen many give this camera an absolute ribbing as a disrespectful take on film cameras made just for social influencers. Therefore your real world experience and balanced thoughts are very refreshing. Kudos to Pentax for not taking themselves too seriously, but still producing what looks like an excellent tool that has its place.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Yeah, Ive seen it too, but it's an ok little camera. I thought I was a little negative actually, but hats off to Pentax. I don't see anyone else trying to get photographers into film (that includes Leica ) 👍

[@peteanddrake4242]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto most labs can't scan 1/2 frame. I run Kodak's lab in Raleigh, NC and we can't deliver 1/2 frame scans and we're freaking Kodak. Most Noritsu LS600 and Frontier scanners last made 30 years ago have no feature to scan 1/2 frame. You would be asking a lab to spend extra time going in and cropping 2 pictures to make a frame delivered. It's madness. If I got a 1/2 frame roll in, I would send the negatives back to the customer. You have no idea the havoc that can ensue with Noritsu drivers when they see something they can't interpret. Your scanner can be down for hours on the fritz. Pentax did not think for a minute about how customers would obtain scans of these negatives.

[@MeasuredLight]

​@peteanddrake4242 any of the three labs I use with regularity here in Australia have no issue scanning half frame. The Noritsu and Frontier scanners have an actual half frame mask that makes scanning half frame easy. I worked in one of those labs, and we had no issues with haf frame 👍

[@ianslingsby3415]

​@@MeasuredLight Australia is great for handling film

[@MeasuredLight]

@@ianslingsby3415 agreed! We have some very passionate and capable film labs!

[@jasongold6751]

A great use of camera! I began my pro career with Olympus Pen-S!! Front page news, the whole front page of largest morning paper in South Africa! I was Stunned by your shoot! It's exactly the way I shoot! Geez! I still shoot similar, many more verticals, in FF 35mm. The lil Oly long dead! wish Pentax would have used a wheel to advance film! Like motor drive!Oh! 1/2 frame FITS standard paper perfectly! It can be enlarged easily! Self developing, cut out shorter lengths exposed.. Pentax ought to congratulated! Bravo!

[@lesliewiggins98]

Making even the dead end sign a work of art.

[@TheScottab]

Good review of the Pentax 17. Very cool to see that you made it to Monument Rocks in Kansas, it is a great place to photograph especially at sunrise or sunset. I have watched several reviews of the Pentax 17, you are the first to mention the dial getting changed while advancing the film when shooting quickly. It is good to know about the possibility of this happening. I don't think that most users will be shooting at a rapid rate. I am considering getting the camera, your review was helpful. Looking forward to the upcoming videos of the USA trip.

[@ryejack]

I waffled on this camera with the initial release and almost pre-ordered it. In the last few weeks I've watched people posting videos and images of their photos from the Pentax 17, and I have to say, I'm impressed. I think a lot of the price is in the quality of the lens. I've seen some amazing photos taken with this camera. I'm definitely picking one up at some point.

[@connorschaal2729]

It’s soooo overpriced though

[@ryejack]

@@connorschaal2729 The price is what held me back from the initial pre-order, but I'm going to grit my teeth and go for it in a month or so. I think there is a lot to love about this camera. I can see myself using this camera a ton, and that helps me justify the price. I get it, though. It's not for everyone.

[@jkarlsonsrv]

​@@connorschaal2729the old film cameras we all buy used were "overpriced" when they brand new also.

[@Jrfeimst2]

@@connorschaal2729100 percent correct. You could by a killer used rangefinder for less and way better build quality.

[@peteanddrake4242]

impressed? Did you develop your own film? Who in your market was willing to deliver 1/2 frame scans? I'm at Kodak and we cannot.

[@davidhuth5659]

WOW! Storm chasing! Can't wait to see the rest of this series!

[@nwmi23]

A lot of ppl are upset about the release of this camera. However, I purchased it and will open it today. Last time I checked, an experienced photographer can capture great images with any camera you hand them, so I don't see what all the fuss is about. I have a few fully featured 35mm cameras, but I am also looking forward to using this camera.

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

"Toto, I don't think we're in Whitley Bay anymore..." 🙂 And I think the wind lever is designed to be left out while in use, like the Pentax MX and LX before it. Just tuck it back in when you're done shooting. Though I always am a fan of dials that can be locked or unlocked based upon the users preference. And... if you think that was cool, try the Pentax K3 Mark III Monochrome, it will completely up-end what you thought was possible with digital. 👍👍

[@scotty4418]

The images certainly had a vintage feel to them Thomas. As you said it comes across as a niche product especially when you consider the number of images uploaded to Instagram from mobile devices. Very much looking forward to the storm chasing series as the snippets you have shared have definitely heightened the anticipation as well as your comments in your newsletter

[@paulbingham4326]

Perhaps if the program selection dial only turned clockwise it would prevent accidentally changing the program while advancing the film.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Yes, that would do it 👍👍

[@kennygo8300]

Thanks for coming to my part of the world. I'm really glad that you photographed the most important part of where I live... the amazing people, that are my neighbors. It isn't the storms, it's the people that make this part of America like nowhere else.

[@MrMoDriven]

I started following you a year ago. Your videos have been inspiring and entertaining. I never expected to see you in America chasing storms. That was a surprise. Kudos on another great video.

[@michaeltillman886]

What's up Thomas? What I like about you is that you're not afraid to learn everything about photography. Most young photographers can't think past digital. After digital they are really lost. My first reloadable film camera was a Pentax 725 point and shoot, purchased back in 1995 after a trip to Sedona, Az. Looking at you handle that camera brings back fun times with that camera. There's a back-story to the camera that would take up way too much space to write. As always, great video, God Bless. Peace!

[@neilmartin8143]

Glad you liked the end result even though you seemed a bit skeptical before you got the photos back. Looking forward to getting one but seems it’s quite popular so will have to wait a bit. Great video, can’t wait to see more of the storm chasing.

[@liveinaweorg]

Bravo to Pentax for taking the leap and thanks for the very balanced review.

[@davidsaylors]

Now this is my kind of photography. I love you documenting the trip, that is cool. Thanks for taking us along too. That is special.

[@btapplegate02]

It blows my mind that film is experiencing a renaissance when I'm over here just digitizing my negatives and slides from 20-40 years ago trying to make them NOT look so grainy.

[@CristianGeelen]

The people who dump on this camera don't get it is not made for them. I think it is a magnificent thing what Pentax did. Finally a real new film camera. Not only it is amazing what they did. It also is a beautiful opening to more to come. :)

[@brycepinson8641]

Seems like Pentax really went out of their way to get this camera into the hands of influencers. It's good to see that let you give real criticism and not just praise for it. I hope this camera does well for them.

[@dansmouse7393]

Excellent video! I think you gave a very even-handed review of the new Pentax. Unlike many reviewers, your pictures were quality shots with thought and intention behind them to properly shoot what the camera was undoubtedly designed for.

[@gschweiger]

Saving this for later. I completed a 21 day roadtrip across the country in May. It is interesting that we might have crossed paths.

[@Randy-Erb]

The Opera House in Lake Benton MN....awesome! You were in my backyard as I've shot 1000's of images on the prairie in SW MN As always another great video Thomas.

[@nancydenham1480]

nice to hear about the Pentax.It's only been out a very short time. I'm a Pentax user, have been for 10ish years. I get teased (good natured) from fellow photographers, but I am very happy with it.

[@hoythausgsp]

Great to see that you are in the US, look forward to your storm photos. Having started photography in film, am happy with digital these days but appreciate your review.

[@FelixCervantes]

Half frame is similar to Super 35mm format. That was good enough to project up on to a large movie screen. Any of the details captured on most films should have good resolution with this camera. If the lens is not sharp, then you would have an issue.

[@zwsplac]

That's awesome you're on Mike's tour. I'm doing one of his trips next year, and really looking forward to it.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

You will love it!!!

[@EdBPhoto]

i think for the price i would rather go with a Pentax K-1000. That was my first real camera and learned a lot with it. I live in Texas and I can't get enough of storms. I freaking LOVE them... cant wait for the videos.

[@scottmcgonagle3102]

Thomas, I have been following your channel for a number of years and Love It!!!! I started with Pentax film cameras 45 years ago and have continued with Pentax Digital to today! They are comfortable and user friendly with exceptional image quality! I have to say that I got goose bumps when you showed up at Monument Rocks with a Pentax camera!!! I grew up in Scott City Kansas just a few miles south of the Rocks!!! Welcome to Kansas, There's No Place Like Home!! Thanks for taking us on your adventure and storm chasing!!

[@JerredZ]

Thomas - you were in Nebraska. I live here man. That schoolhouse at 7:47 is one of my favorite to photograph! Great shots my man. Hope you had a good time here.

[@tobiashahn7539]

Nice pictures. Like them even more than your usual stuff nowadays.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Love what you did there with the doco style shots you got , not convinced that I'd go back to film, not seriously - due to time and money ,but ok occasionally for a bit of fun 😊

[@norbertdecker4636]

Brilliant!! The look of the pictures are just a beautiful reminder of the past. But also what you pointed the camera at is different and shows that snapshots can be beautiful and that it´s not always necessary to work your frame in every detail.

[@MrMacroJesseSky]

Love when you make content of shooting film. Even if it is half frame. Would love to see more of this

[@gallucci_net]

Great review of the Pentax 17. You captured the essence of storm chasing while giving us a practical look at this camera. The detailed insights on both its quirks and strengths were helpful. Looking forward to the storm chasing series.

[@timjoinson7232]

You didnt mention the square frame on the back of the camera. Pentax fitted this to their film cameras so that you could tear off the end of the box the film came in and slot it in so that you knew which film you were using. Very useful in those days when film could stay in a camera for months at a time. Also useful now if you change film frequently.

[@72Webber]

wow! Great start and love the images as always. Looking forward to the future videos 🌀⚡👍🏻

[@huwalban]

What a brilliant way to document this experience! I picked up the 17 at the Wales and West Photo Show and I was really surprised at how light weight it was. It also felt a little "plasticky" especially with the £500 UK price tag. Take it easy out there sir

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Glad it's not just me that felt it was a little too plasticy.

[@scrptwic]

Ditto on Pentax cameras i four Pentax DSLR cameras a istDL from 2005 i bought new a K100D from 2006 i bought my son and i traded it back to him for Pentax K50, a Pentax K3-11 & a Pentax K3-3 i use them all even the old ones have never given me problems

[@Jarrych83]

The overall photo quality looks great. Thinking about the half-frame element, I can see either going very fine grain, or SUPER coarse grain to lean into it. For travel and tourist shooting, it feels like something that could be a lot of fun with a lomochrome 92 film. I think, also, with the fixed lens, the symbols absolutely fit the tourist and vacation vibe. This feels like the kinda design similar to old Trip cameras and the like.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Nice look at the 17! It is an interesting camera. 👍 Good point about the mode dial and film advance ergonomics. I used Pentax for quite a while with the *ist DS being my first DSLR, so I've got a general fondness for the brand. Hopefully this camera is a success for them so they will make more models and do some Kaizen magic on the 17 with another look at the ergonomics and material choices.

[@ryandocpolk]

I'm glad you had fun chasing that storm. It dented the hell out of my car. Stoked you made it out to my area, though!

[@ToddBannor]

I remember the Pentax UC-1 I had way back when. Great little point and shoot film camera. Sharp 32mm f3.5 lens. I actually shot a cover photo with it. It too was plasticy though.

[@annaparry.]

Great video! Looks so much fun. Can’t wait for the rest of your storm chasing videos!

[@kats428]

Love the Photos you made with it, good to see the old film comes back more and more, but i stick to my digital camera😃 already waiting for the stormchasing😁

[@86zero86]

Love this thing those shots look great!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Looking forward to the storm chasing series I love shooting in grim weather doing a storm chase trip to the states is way up on my bucket list 📷

[@mikej9564]

In the early 1960’s my dad gave me his Canon Dial35 to use. It was a half frame camera and did ok. Quite a bit of grain when printed. I’ll keep my R5 for now. Love your videos!

[@speecher1959]

Time to get my dad's 70s Asahi Pentax Spotmatic out and play with it. It returned to Japan in '76 when I was an exchange student and when I first discovered that photography just might be for me.

[@darrenshawphotography]

I am a storm chaser from Australia I am very much looking forward to this series mate keep up the awesome work

[@TristanColgate]

Now *this* I was not expecting!!

[@Nedski42YT]

Nice video. I'd really like someone with your experience to compare the Pentax 17 with one of its grandparents, the Pentax Auto 110. Allegedly the film wider knob of the Pentax 17 and its mechanism is derived directly from the Auto 110. The frame size of the Auto 110 is 13mm × 17mm, so it's smaller that the 17mm x 24mm of the Pentax 17. Thanks.

[@deborahacolephotography7823]

This is so different from what you usually do….and I like it!!! Welcome to the States!! Now, show us our land and the people-keep clicking 🇺🇸

[@kenbranstetter2354]

Very nice ! My very first camera was a Pentax K1000 bought in about 1979. Awesome tough little bugger. Too bad you didn’t make it to Wisconsin, but maybe next time.

[@kathyjurgens7153]

I think that Pentax could be a really nice gift for a young teenager or tween just getting into photography. Good for the purposes you detail, yes, but it just also looks like a film camera a youngster could really get excited about. I do hope Pentax takes the hint and installs the lock on that dial. Can't wait for the Tornado segments!

[@christyberry4553]

Storm chasing is on my list! Looking forward to the series. Love Thor, he should be good luck for storms .

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Those images turned out way better than I expected from this camera. I reckoned half frame would be too small but not with that lens on it, hats off to Pentax.

[@tysmith924]

I can't wait to see the series seeing you Strom chasing! One of my bucket shot photos that I would love to get is lighting strike or lighting in the clouds.

[@crainseye8499]

loving this style of photography from you!!!

[@Sarmor1985]

Great one here with this first film camera released for a looooong time. Can't wait to see if the storm chasing series !

[@keessonnema]

Honestly I love how Porta film looks. It's so peaceful to look at with the soft colours. 400 is my favourite (also the most overhyped film lately I guess)

[@ChristineGreggPhoto]

Thomas Heaton meteorology era, LETS GOOOOO!!!! Haven't had the chance to chase, but as a met, I really loved this. 😊

[@guycl2381]

Loved it when you took the first ..... landscape image with it :-) Kind regards, Guy.

[@PhilSledge]

The key takeaway from this video is that photos don't have to be Instagram-perfect. They're meant to capture the essence of the moment you're in, creating memories to look back on. So, focus on making memories, not just on perfect pictures.

[@chris_perea]

Epic mountain man as well as Mike Mez in one video how can this get more exciting! I want to know how many time Mike said CONVECTIVE INSTABILITY during this road trip😂Great to see you all together!

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Video Thomas, Pentax, the brand I started with, albeit it was a full frame 35 mm camera, but it was film and fixed focal length prime lenses, thanks for sharing

[@christianpatton1852]

Nice review on the new Pentax 17 something worth considering ...can`t wait to see the storm chasing video very excited!!

[@JonahLorsung]

Absolutely bonkers the negativity on here, lol. Y'all need to crack a beer or touch some grass. Cool shots, Thomas! Could definitely see half-frame and diptych's being a cool look for a zine.

[@LarryManiccia]

Thomas Heaton and storm chaser. Two things I never thought I'd see in the same sentence. Well done Thomas. Good to see you branch out and try something different.

[@seth.graham]

I totally get why you don't announce your trips ahead of time, but I gotta admit it's a bummer you were within an hour of me and I didn't know. It would have been cool to shake a hand or buy a beer, so if you ever come through Denver again there's a free lunch waiting for you. Gonna be a thrill to see your storm chasing stuff!

[@VlirisTv]

as it a bucket list item for me, storm chasing , I can not wait to see your video's about the storm chasing!

[@ErikStensland]

Wish I'd known. I would have come down from Estes Park and taken you out to dinner. :) Hope you have a great trip.

[@kylewood8327]

Looks nice, I think especially for social media or street Photography!

[@FrasSmith]

The Pentax 17 (Seventeen, not One Seven) is very much on my wish list. I just need to get back to the UK to offload some kit.

[@petermcgowan2973]

I'm not so sure, The Pentax 67 isn't called the "sixty-seven" even though it's written as "67" (on the later ones)

[@mattbuckley7645]

Props to pentax for making a new film camera. I dont understand the need to shoot film so i can turn it into digital, but apparently its an itch for some. I just hope this can fund a new q series of pentax. Great video though thomas cant wait for more storm chasing!

[@Fotoe]

I can't wait for the rest of the videos. I've only ever managed to get one shot of lightning and it was pretty crap.

[@AdamKinMI]

You should totally come to Northern Michigan and visit!

[@tobiasyoder]

As a tornado chaser and very long time fan of Tom and Mike Mex this is an epic crossover haha

[@jameschilton3556]

I started with film in the late 70s and used a K1000 in the early 80s. Loved it then but wouldn't want to use it now. Each to their own.

[@genekied]

Grew up taking film photos on a cheapo color pocket camera and later in University I got a Canon AE-1 and took a few photography courses shooting and developing B&W film. I think you are more in tune with the whole process of making an image when shooting film, you have to get it right cause there isn't much post processing most of the time. However, $500 is a bit much for this one.

[@Chromatomic]

I don't know how the team at Pentax sold this idea to leadership, like I really want to know! I'll be honest, probably never going to shoot film again, but it makes for a really wonderful aesthetic, even shooting behind the scenes or just random moments that it is all final and collected in a single roll, you're not culling through images or checking focus, it just is what it is. No faffin about as they say. I should throw my X100 into jpeg mode and treat it the same honestly. Not the same but I do enjoy the immediate results.

[@MeasuredLight]

Great video, Tom! As an avid film photographer, this was a great review. I do love a bit of half frame, but I won't buy one. But I do think it is awesome that Pentax are making a new film camera!

[@NonofyaBusiness-ri4ih]

Looks like a smashing wee camera. For clarity though I believe its the Pentax "seventeen" as it's 17mm not the "one seven".

[@denisesavage2382]

An interesting little camera it would seem. I am surprised that a film camera is even being produced in this day and age now. But there you go. Great to see really. Looking forward to those storm chasing videos. Love a good storm, although sometimes the damage doesn't make it so good.

[@eskomies]

Photos look great! I was more excited about Pentax 17 than I should have been. The only issue I have is the around 500 moneys it costs. 149 moneys and I would have recommened it instead of Kodak Ektar 35 or similar products. Looking for your tornado photos. Those will be twisting good for sure :)

[@yolo_hans]

Dang, I would have loved to show you around some of the epic spots in Shenandoah National Park! There are some amazing hidden gems practically in my back yard too!

[@ritchiereview]

I like the idea of the camera but unsure about the price vs functionality of this iteration. There’s the Mint Rollei 35 coming out in Sep which I might be more interested in.

[@lead-dog]

I had a Pentax half-frame camera as they called them when I was in Vietnam in 1969. It appealed to me then because I got twice as many photos out of a roll of film as my buddies did. Not sure they make much sense in this day and age.

[@rickatace]

Had one also the same time but I was nine.

[@bradshea3379]

As far as I know, Pentax never made a half frame. Ricoh did, long before acquiring Pentax.

[@jonstout7635]

Looking forward to the storm episodes. I have to confess that even though I enjoyed my film camera years, my income tells me to stay in the digital world.

[@tompoynton]

Much more interested in the Rollei 35AF coming soon, now that’s a proper film camera

[@13squier]

Agreed. Pentax (or whomever) did a great job handing out these toys to filmfluencers to generate hype. But when a real camera comes out in autumn this thing will be forgotten. The price delta between the Rollei 35AF and the Pen17 is $300 and more than justified by the improved image quality and camera features.

[@marlinphotography5514]

Welcome to the USA! 🇺🇸 I’m surprised why post to IG when you had to wait for the film to be developed? Selling point to me would be nostalgia of film photography, print production and the quality of the prints. Looking forward to your USA travels.!

[@NicolasAlexanderOtto]

Pentax seems to be on to something here. Lucky analogue people. I'm a digital guy, but this is tempting just for fun in between the professional work.

[@tommyvonknorring715]

I really like the pictures you show here! (Why am I thinking of James Popsys...! 😉)🌞/Tommy.

[@raymondecyrenne5661]

I was thinking of the same aka James Popsys ; Thomas is a skilled/versatile photographer.

[@kenhicksjr]

Nice seeing you in Merica

[@BradMangas]

Dude! You were in may neck of the woods! Awesome! I expereinced those storms, as I do every year in the midwest. Were you at the chalk pyamids in Kansas? No way!