THE NEW PENTAX 17

[@Pepsiphopia]

People complaining about price. We have been spoiled by cheap film cameras for decades now. The price is about what an Olympus Trip 35 cost in the 60's adjusted for inflation. Cameras were never cheap.

[@BadFlashes]

Amen .... PREACH!

[@Francois15031967]

This is a non argument. Btw the same non argument we can find in any of these advertisements.

[@theaussiewhinger]

Agreed. And to Francois, how is it a non-argument? Didn't even explain why/how.🤦

[@Francois15031967]

@@theaussiewhinger The inflation adjusted BS has been used by anyone who has "reviewed" this box with a hole in it to justify its price point (I imagine that it is pure Pentax sales dept stuff). You can't only consider inflation: you must also look at how production processes have evolved for a specific item. We don't produce pieces the same way and assemble them in the same places we did 60 years ago. Some very good today's camera are dirt cheap, especially compared to this Pentax joke... I mean... come on... for 100 bucks less that the Pentax 17 you can get a Canon R100 with a kit lens.

[@WheezeTheJuice.]

Regardless of how you feel about the camera it’s great to see an actual film camera come out in 2024, I just started shooting a few weeks ago and I’m already in love

[@BadFlashes]

Nice!!! Got addicted 🥰

[@ffll8427]

the fact that you're using Ektar here is actually good, because most other reviewers have used ultramax and complained about the low resolution in half-frame. duh. ektar is such fine grain it actually shows the capability of the lens very well.

[@BadFlashes]

That’s a good point!

[@mjfan653]

It might buy it... Just because it is a new camera with full support and it might push Pentax to make more new film cameras. Too much pessimism from the film people. Enjoy the Phoenix and Pentax17!

[@BadFlashes]

100000000% That’s what I’m hoping for

[@ezradja]

for 500 dollars? Nope for me.

[@erichartke4331]

Yes I was too a bit surprised by the amount of negativity. I'm looking at the big picture and I am excited, I am also excited to try out the Pentax 17, it will be something to unpackaged a brand new film camera! I haven't had a new film camera since 2002!! And it was a Pentax funny enough!

[@coastalartistlivingonislan8395]

the low sound shutter slap is good for that fly on the wall moments....street..in a bus...in a train....

[@BadFlashes]

what was that ... did you take a photo ... no ... no i did not 😆

[@willprice7475]

This makes my heart sing ❤ love Pentax

[@BadFlashes]

Sing baby!!!! Sing!!!!!!!

[@tim31415]

The zone focusing is the best part. It is senseless to increase the cost, weight and complexity of a camera to solve a nonexistent "problem". Most cameras with exposure compensation will not go beyond the standard exposure range.

[@BadFlashes]

One for team zone focus 🧘 😋😝

[@maxmagnus15]

@@BadFlashes i also mean that zone focus is relax mode ..... Just shoot it god damn it ! :P And you actually learn it very quickly ;)

[@VariTimo]

If I wanted a loud camera I’d be shooting a K1000. So that somebody I’m shooting on the street from 50 yards away can hear that I’m taking a picture. That’s why I’m using a Leica and actually one of the biggest reasons I might get the 17. I have a lot of fun with one of the old Canon Sure Shot cameras right now, but it’s soo incredibly loud that even family and friends are a bit weirded out by it. And they’ve been totally desensitized to me taking pictures. A quiet shutter is great, especially in such an unassuming camera as the 17 that still has a very good lens.

[@fivearrowsnhphoto8804]

I'll buck the trend. I want one, even for $500. It's small and tidy and seems to take nice pictures. I have a few vintage SLRs to sell. Anyone want an OM10 or X-370?

[@BadFlashes]

Hahhha funnnnnn 🥰

[@JayCatterson]

I bought it and damn, it’s fun! And it takes AMAZING shots. Glad this exists. Can’t wait to see what other film cameras come out in the next bit!

[@BadFlashes]

🤘🏼 agreeeeee

[@qphase49]

Used Olympus half frame cameras back in the 60's alongside my TLR's. They were great for what they were. Use Micro 4/3 today alongside My full frames. They all have their place and are all great fun!

[@BadFlashes]

Totally, they all have their place!

[@CamMead]

For me these cameras are just hands down fun. It allows you to shoot film not really understanding or having to think about exposure which can be quite nice sometimes especially while on vacation and it means you wont miss those really fast moments. IQ is often a bit lack luster with half frame but as you show its capable and the pentax 17 seems to have a nicely constructed lens. My GF has the Kodak H35 which has an built in flash and very similar in most ways to this, scale focus etc. Give one a go for not a lot of money ($45us).. if you love it then grab this more serious version.

[@BadFlashes]

I LOVE FUNNNNNNNNNNN

[@GlaciaDay]

Already back-ordered in Japan, Pentax staff are orobably wiping their tears right now.

[@BadFlashes]

I can see that lol

[@CristianGeelen]

I think Pentax did a great job. :)

[@BadFlashes]

🥳🥳🥳

[@terrydear4038]

Great review Caleb - pleased you didn’t get bogged down with the specs. Great pictures from this is really all that matters.

[@BadFlashes]

Aw thanks! I’m happy with them. 🥳

[@jasongold6751]

Great 1st Look! I see my 1st pro Camera! The 1960's Olympus Pen-S ! 1/2 frame easily prints larger! grain is your friend .. Compact and light! Don't carry in pockets! Too much Dirt,Dust,Debris! Bravo Pentax, Bravo Bad flashes!

[@BadFlashes]

😗

[@refard5]

Great video dude, I think Pentax made something great, probably cost them more in R&D then they will get back from this model, but hopefully a good setup for future models.

[@BadFlashes]

Thanks so much! It’s a super fun little thing to play with for sure. I hope they sell out so they can make more cameras.

[@refard5]

@@BadFlashes great shots btw, I love how sharp they are for half frame

[@peteanddrake4242]

R&D???? Ricoh/ Pentax have made film cameras for over 60 years. They have every blueprint, every supplier, every factory connection....R&D??? Hilarious. By the way there are film cameras being produced every second by many manufacturers every day. So it is the furthest thing from rocket science.

[@refard5]

@@peteanddrake4242 clearly a lot more went into this then a Holga, if it's not for you it's not for you buddy.

[@sultanvoices]

@@peteanddrake4242 they’ve made videos outlining the process - much of the expertise is on the verge of being lost, the engineers are retired or gone, etc. This new camera is a passion project and a way to train the younger engineers and designers in how to produce a new film camera from the old. A small first step but apparently the first of four cameras planned.

[@97nelsn]

I normally comment about searching you when I see Jason but holy crap it’s a Pentax Double Feature, enough to fill a whole roll!

[@BadFlashes]

You know of how we roll 🤣

[@thatguyoverthere115]

This camera looks like something I would love to slap endless Ektachrome and Color '92 with. The best vacation film camera right here!

[@BadFlashes]

Vacay bae

[@chexter-wang]

I think half frame paired well with ektar! Great photos!

[@BadFlashes]

Aw thanks

[@thumperjdm]

I'm glad to see a new 35mm camera (who thought we'd really get one?) but at $500, there are plenty of "mint condition" cameras on eBay with better build and more features, for a lot less money.

[@gplayinggames]

I was there for it indeed until the price was mentioned. For a focus scale camera, nope...

[@mjfan653]

I kind of want to get it, just to push Pentax into making more film cameras... But I just got a half-frame camera for 25€ that has got like 90% of this this things functionality. I guess I'll support the cause by buying more Phoenix and ORWO. Without film the cameras are dead weight anyways. But, I'll buy a beer for and cheer on anyone who supports the big push by buying this thing. And I will try to buy it when I get a chance. Maybe when it goes on sale, because Pentax releases a fullframe version. Or a v2 with more features. Or when my camera dies and I realise I dont have any service options because the nation my camera was made in hasn't existed for the last 35 years....

[@BadFlashes]

All fair points. 😆

[@hemangdama5007]

Yeah I recently picked up a full Pen FT kit with the 25mm 2.8, 38mm 1.8, 150mm 4, an extension tube, and some other loose accessories for less than that.

[@BadFlashes]

🌭🙌🏼

[@gregmarcus3064]

Pentax handed the camera to the best arhitectural film shooters ever! All the photos are bangers! ❤❤❤

[@BadFlashes]

🥵😝🥰

[@jonathanhobson7534]

Came for the review, stayed for the knob twisting pleasure.

[@BadFlashes]

Hahahaha that’s the good stuff.

[@husshardan3511]

@5:35 you do know there is a distance scale in feet and meters on the bottom side of the lens, opposite from the pictograms, right?

[@agamemnon54]

What's the yellow hip bag you're using?

[@BadFlashes]

its a moment one ... lots of rooms for activities

[@starling1360]

This is very interesting, mix of SLR and point-and-shoot camera! PS. which app do you use for measuring light?

[@BadFlashes]

Lumu

[@ReinoldFZ]

You have a good lab to develop the negatives : ) the camera looks like a lot of fun to use.

[@erichartke4331]

The lens is 🔥 it shows Pentax still has game as an optics company.

[@BadFlashes]

I can’t be mad at it

[@Shmooexe3440]

Amazing and insightful video too! Thank you so much dude! Do you think you will be getting your hands on the new Rollei 35AF when it comes out?

[@BadFlashes]

I’m so glad that you enjoyed it!!! And I have no idea … and if I did … couldn’t tell ya 😝 But honestly… no idea 🤷🏼

[@maxmagnus15]

great photos mate, specificaly night ones ! ..... Othesrwise also well learned with great sound background...... Enjoj !

[@BadFlashes]

Aw thanks

[@infernalcapricorn]

There's no reason for them not to have autofocus for 500 bones. It looks nice and great. I cannot do zone focus.

[@BadFlashes]

🐚

[@WRCzATL]

I really don't like the scale-focusing thing either, but the images look awfully good. Or maybe my expectations were too low. Bonus points for the knife & fork, Pentax.

[@BadFlashes]

Depending on what you shoot. It’s great. But even the macro stuff is awesome… no lie

[@mikejankowski6321]

Interesting presentation and comments about the camera and its features or lack thereof. Your photos are great - sharp and crisp. Ektar was a good choice. As I noted on Jason's post, the limited shutter speed being bad for fast film, it thus tilts toward being more for slower film. There, the greater resolution and lower grain will make up for the half frame and balance out.

[@BadFlashes]

Today. I wanna try more long exposures though for sure.

[@mibnsharpals]

About 500usd is a sporty price for the camera, but far better than what the new yashica produce. But I think it's a shame that I can't use it completely manually. Quote : At the same time, Pentax limits manual focus and exposure settings. The focus distance can be determined across multiple zones from landscape to macro. The exposure time and aperture can only be changed using the program controller. In macro mode, the camera selects the widest aperture and in night mode, a longer exposure time.

[@ratgirl13]

I don’t know what the people at Pentax are smoking, but it must be some high grade stuff for them to have built, priced and marketed this fantastic plastic whatyoumacallit! 😂

[@AndyGarcia-oe5nf]

Every time I see a point and shoot review I want to see flash/ night photos but never get it :(

[@BadFlashes]

FLASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH FINE ill give it do you

[@BadFlashes]

next time

[@neerajschannel]

its very very tempting to use as a everyday carry with some 50-100 iso film, this is a pretty good point and shoot solution FAQ request - iso vs sharpness limit on half frame with this lens

[@BadFlashes]

That’s a good idea!

[@adamhymel2386]

We all know that Ektar requires A LOT of light for it to really showcase it's color rendition. Rating it at 50 is really its highlight

[@BadFlashes]

Maybe that’s what I should dooooo

[@DaveEtchells]

Great review! I'm SO happy to see this hitting the market, have been following the project closely since it was first announced. (See interviews under my name on PetaPixel and DP Review.) I knew almost no details until it was publicly launched, and man, they *nailed* it (IMHO). I'm an old-line photo guy, have always been SLR/Mirrorless ILC oriented, lots of manual control and adjustments. I've already gone and ordered one of these though (get yours quick, first production run is likely to sell out fast), and am more excited than I've been about any product in the last couple of decades. To me, this camera is all about fun and the "analog experience". I'm looking forward to working within the limitations of a camera with almost no manual controls, and the anticipation factor before seeing my pics. I love the look of the shots I've seen coming from this camera (am particularly surprised by how good the simple 3-element lens seems to be). The fact that it's half-frame does a lot to make film and processing costs more reasonable, and I think I'm going to actually like the default vertical format.

[@BadFlashes]

That's such a good review of what this is good for :) also I'll have to check out your Reviews 🥰

[@HoLeeChit11]

What’s with elf look?

[@BadFlashes]

idk

[@rockyBalboa6699]

It's fancy but a well designed camera!

[@BadFlashes]

Fancy

[@mikefreelandphoto]

Dude iPods should’ve had really cool cameras back in the day. That shot when I paused at 6:36 took me back to 2008. I used to have a similar model and walked to my local bus stop on my way to work with it every day for almost 2 years. I wouldn’t have an iPhone for almost another six years. Wouldn’t have had my first camera for another two years after that. For those walks to the bus, having a camera on that iPod probably would’ve caused me to take some of my favorite photos ever. I still think about never having that camera sometimes.🤘📸

[@BadFlashes]

iPods rule. Thanks for noticing 😘

[@chinatones]

I liked your review Caleb ! Pictures turned out very nice, well done. Could be cool do to a comparison with other famous half frames like an Olympus Trip 35.

[@BadFlashes]

It’s definitely light enough for it

[@Srulio]

My first real camera was a Pentax. Such bliss!

[@BadFlashes]

Pentax pals

[@danncorbit3623]

I would like to see a film camera in the style of the Nikon f6 and Canon 1v, which is to say, all the bells and whistles or none of them (your choice). Mount a modern stabilized lens on it and it stabilizes. Matrix meter, spot meter, no meter, you choose. If I want to put in in manual (sometimes we know better, having spot metered the darkest and lightest places in the frame) then I can do so. I don't want "the film camera for stupid people" but maybe I am just not cool enough to know what is on fire.

[@danncorbit3623]

P.S. Why not medium format that can go from 6x4.5 to 6x12 on a single roll? Anyway, I want more negative area, not less. But I am very, very hard to please. In fact, I would really like 6x9.7082cm (the golden ratio).

[@BadFlashes]

I love your switching between 645 to 67 idea!!!! That would be sick

[@TristanColgate]

Ektar is the only colour film I've shot half frame and I was pretty impressed with the results. 5x7 print was pretty much grainless, and I reckon 8x10 would have been perfectly acceptable. I think Pentax have done a great job with the 17. I'm not sure it's really aimed at those of us analogue gear heads who would rather burn money this money on CLAs, definitely going for a younger, hipper crowd. But it's pretty cool anyway.

[@BadFlashes]

🐚✨🌂

[@mkrainwater]

Ordered 🎉🎉

[@BadFlashes]

🥰

[@LaskyLabs]

I look forward to the next version. I pray it's a rangefinder.

[@BadFlashes]

I love rangefinders but they are hard to

[@LaskyLabs]

@@BadFlashes maybe a laser rangefinder like the ones reflex labs sell for mounting on a camera? It would still be manual focus but there'd be a built in laser distance meter. That would be pretty handy for a lot of situations.

[@dvdaltizer]

i think this is great

[@BadFlashes]

😍😍😍

[@charleyfolkes]

Nice review. You brought up things other reviewers left out for sure. Blue flashing for low light? Strap length focusing aid? But $500?!?

[@BadFlashes]

Yeah. It’s for some and not others but I’m glad I was able to have some different info :)

[@LittleMissIssues]

Heeeeeyyy there! I love Pentax and still use my 1980s Pentax ME Super! It is a fantastic camera....i have the Pentax Q which is a tiny little thing that takes amazing photos actually!! I would love to get this camera, and I don't mind the half frame....but will have to see...I have been having a lot of fun doing diptycs again with the fujifilm instax mini evo...

[@BadFlashes]

Pentax pals!!!!!! Love

[@Minolta_Gal]

Def looks like a fun camera, I have enough half frame cameras, and then the price tag is to rich for my blood. Enjoy all who is gonna purchase it. Nice shots as always!

[@BadFlashes]

ahhhhh thanks!

[@cuauharrietavisualcreative]

Where you go in Mexico?

[@BadFlashes]

In New Mexico ? ABQ

[@cuauharrietavisualcreative]

@@BadFlashes You have to go to Mexico City to take "la santa muerte cult" is a trip and many other things (3 hours from here)

[@acidpanic]

500 for a half frame with no autofocus? For almost the same price the new rollei 35 af is obviously the way to go with modern film cameras.

[@BadFlashes]

We will have to wait and seee when that comes out.

[@gatsbye53]

Love a new camera, but man, that price. Ouch. Do like the styling though.

[@BadFlashes]

Yeah I feel ya

[@gatsbye53]

I wonder who the market is for this. I know they've got to recoup their development costs, but eeek.

[@PhilKnall]

I do believe people no longer say "fleek."

[@BadFlashes]

Shit! Lol

[@DLivingston]

Hello, just leaving a comment to let you know I was here per usual. Won't be buying at that price but its cool pentax put time into something film related. The images I have been seeing from this camera are pretty solid from everyone so thats cool as well. Okay, BYYEEE

[@BadFlashes]

Thanks for sharing 😘😘😘 Glad you’re here

[@thevoiceman6192]

Nice review. Next review should be the new Rollei 35 made by Mint camera.

[@BadFlashes]

I mean. If I can get my hands on it

[@deathchopvhs]

Subbed because Canter's Fairfax and Pentax 17

[@BadFlashes]

oh sick! love

[@Thecalebpoe]

Scale focus and this price. Who did they think was buying this?

[@BadFlashes]

Yeah, we do love our autofocus

[@staswlad]

Дякую за вашу роботу!

[@IFrAnIKOz]

They really nailed the design! Shame about the scale focussing this will lead to a lot of frustration for beginners and apart from automatic exposure and flash there is no point in taking this over a mint rollei 35. except if you really need half-frame

[@BadFlashes]

Yeah. I can understand that. But will will have to see how that camera turns out.

[@IFrAnIKOz]

@@BadFlashes Oh my bad i meant an original Rollei 35 in mint condition. That is already peak scale focus camera imo.

[@BadFlashes]

Haahahhahahahaha gotcha

[@Caballeroshot]

That shutter sounds whimpy as hell.....like a mamiya 7 but at least it's 1/8 the price!

[@BadFlashes]

Whoa whoa the mam7 is god lol

[@Caballeroshot]

@@BadFlashes Pentax 67 shutter is GOD, Mamiya 7 shutter is god's air biscuit! 🤣

[@MrBaskins2010]

finally an announcement, must cop for that price point great video never say fleek brother lol

[@BadFlashes]

Hahahaha never ?????

[@srt10acrx]

$500!?! Hell no. For a half frame? With scale focus? Who tf is gonna buy that? This is exactly what I was afraid of when they announced it. This is too expensive to be for people who don't already shoot film and nobody who already shoots film wants a camera like this... It's gonna flop and the whole industry is gonna give up on film again.

[@BadFlashes]

hahah that's a bit dramatic .... but that's chill lol

[@srt10acrx]

@@BadFlashes I'm nothing without drama

[@BadFlashes]

lol fair!

[@whothennow24]

Isn’t it sold out already, and wasn’t the development of this guided by surveys in Japan asking what people wanted?

[@BadFlashes]

@whothennow24 that’s what I heard

[@zerobladehonmono]

I was wondering how you and Jason were out shooting together when he was clearly using a camera that would have been under NDA, of course you also got one

[@BadFlashes]

Hahaha 😆

[@GimmeSomeAdventure]

Lost me at half frame. Still cool but it drops 80% just on half frame, why they made that choice I’ll never understand I know films expensive but not expensive lol your scans look great though!!! And you make amazing vids and photos as always!!

[@BadFlashes]

It’s a way to get more on 36 frames I think

[@nickcosh5947]

Why does Caleb appear in Jason videos but not vice versa, I think that scarf lovin' guy thinks he is too good 🤣

[@BadFlashes]

Haha wowo Maybe it’s bc Jason was out of town and we both didn’t want the same shots for our videos hahaha 😂

[@michaelnewmanphotography]

I want to love this thing but for $500 and zone focusing I just can’t.

[@BadFlashes]

Might force you to get batter at it lol

[@michaelnewmanphotography]

@@BadFlashes insert Christine snaps trying kombucha meme

[@Francois15031967]

"pocketable" 😂

[@BadFlashes]

Everting is pocketable lol

[@NothingToInfinity]

In my search to shoot every format this might just be the half-frame camera that crosses that one off the list

[@BadFlashes]

I mean. I got some good images from it

[@mascmedia_]

3:55 Pentax 617? Wishful thinking 😂 Great video though!

[@BadFlashes]

🌭💅🏻🪣

[@firstletterofthealphabet7308]

It's 2 pentax 67s bolted together, with the mirror box in the middle.

[@firstletterofthealphabet7308]

someone should totally make that.

[@gera13sa]

Well, how it’s better then 30$ old Soviet Lomo LK-A? It’s not full frame, fastest shutter is 1/320 (compared to 1/500 of LK-A), lens is 3.5 (compared to 2.8). To be honest I could ignore all of the downsides, but 500$ for that…

[@BadFlashes]

I get

[@gera13sa]

@@BadFlashes sorry for bad England

[@BadFlashes]

😘

[@Roterknopff]

pentax conspiracy that we are witnessing here

[@BadFlashes]

And what’s the conspiracy? Haha

[@Roterknopff]

@@BadFlashes Press F5 once and suddenly every appreciated film youtuber has a video about the new pentax out

[@piketubeman]

As always I love your video! BUT, $500 (approximately) for a scale focus camera is absolutely insane. I'd rather buy a cheaper camera and spend the extra cash on film and development.

[@BadFlashes]

Fair enough! This has a warranty tho … does that count for something? lol

[@dflf]

I'm glad Pentax released a new flim camera but half frame is not for me

[@BadFlashes]

Awww half frame ain’t that bad haha

[@dflf]

@@BadFlashes You mean half bad?

[@kiwipics]

Although I wouldn't personally pay out £500 of my hard earned money, your review is certainly one of the best out there ... 👍

[@BadFlashes]

Oh yay 😀

[@kiwipics]

@@BadFlashes ... I forgot the PS: PS: I don't need to buy a Pentax 17, as I won a Leica M6 Titanium body for the cost of a £20 draw ticket with LCH competions ... Now all I have to do is get a 35mm for it, and your 7 Artisans 35mm f2 Wen video made the decision for me .... Thanks

[@BadFlashes]

Wow lucky!!!!!!

[@kiwipics]

@BadFlashes ... Maybe it's a good time to ditch the T4 and a few other items of my GAS (my collection is bigger than "one month two cameras") induced camera collection to fund a lens or two. Great video as always, as you and Jason never fail to entertain and educate. PPS: I do already have the 7 Artisans 28mm f5.6 Wen M mount, which I use adapted to M43, so I do have a start on the M lens front.

[@BadFlashes]

🥰🥰🥰 omg. Thanks so much!!!!

[@malypavel25]

I was following this project for the last year and presaved money for the camera! Now I hope my serial number is 00069

[@BadFlashes]

Hahahaha that would be hawt

[@adamhymel2386]

For $500, this camera ain'tttttttttttt it. Half frame rangefinder just brings it down to a more lightly increased brain powered point and shoot. Id rather buy 2 Nikon L35AFs with amazing glass, backlit compensation, and the crazy good flash output while still exposing it flawlessly. Which by the way, you never spoke on the flash aspect of it?!!! That's a biggie

[@LinoCrafts]

Or canon f2 or 3

[@cala6asa]

A NEW FILM CAMERA IN 2024?! Holy moly, we are in the best timeline.

[@BadFlashes]

Oh yeah we are

[@depotmsa2362]

it's way to much money for this at 500 bucks , I get that this profit will go into their r and d project and allow the next camera from pentax to come out but 500 bucks its just too much money these days , 250 bucks would be top market

[@BadFlashes]

I get it

[@thedarkslide]

1:17 35? Nope. 17! Pay attention, man!

[@MultiSigil]

New film cameras need to happen but at the same time it's basically this or a pro level SLR / medium format film camera. With some good ebay luck you may even find the Pentax 67 for the same price... Hard sell unfortunately

[@BadFlashes]

True, very true… But Pentax 67 are fragile and break easily. Trust me I have experience on this front ☹️ But p67 are sexy

[@owenrodgers8020]

No one looking to get into film is cross shopping this and a 67. The same way no one is cross shopping a second hand old sorts car and a new hatchback...

[@_randombob]

Gonna hold off on the massage until I get to know you a little better

[@BadFlashes]

Hahaha deal

[@sunrisewow3077]

Senpai Posted on a Monday!!!! I Lovee this camera!!! do I dare say it?? Is this is the CONTAX of Half Frames??? #ContaxT3VideoWhen?

[@BadFlashes]

🫠🫠😝

[@ezradja]

GREAT 100 USD camera. BAD 500 USD camera. END.

[@BadFlashes]

Hahaha 100 gets you nothing these days

[@13squier]

@@BadFlashes $100 gets you a Kodak Ektar H35 and 5 rolls of film

[@immortal.bog.wizard]

Awesome review! However, this camera really confuses me. Maybe I have a bias because I've never been much of a fan of half frame to begin with, but I don't understand who the target audience is with this kind of camera. Half frame was never *that* popular to begin with, and with zone focusing instead of autofocus (or fixed focus), it sits just outside of beginner friendly but not technical enough for more seasoned shooters. But with all that, I still feel compelled to buy it in order to support Pentax and getting more film cameras lol

[@BadFlashes]

I know. I’m in this same boat

[@nicklopro]

CAleb!!!! Please don't tell me BIG FILM has forced you to do their bidding lol OMG! I just trashed this camera in my review. It does not compare to the 1988 made yashica samurai X4.0 half frame 35mm SLR point & Shoot! More bang for your buck! So glad new film cams are being made but that's my 2 cents.I'm kinda sore about it... how 'bout that massage? To be fair, I was only sent a .png copy of the pentax 17 so I may have been to harsh on it. Watching your vid is giving me uncontrollable G.A.S. so I think I didn't give it a fair shake. For now I need to go call 1800-NO-TOOTS for G.A.S. relief. Anyway in all seriousness you coped well with the scale focus and got some nice shots. Not "HALF" bad... you get it? =) Thank you for sharing and always being the realest of #reeldawgies ! Does this media blitz piece mean we miss out on the next flashy thursday?

[@BadFlashes]

Hahaha I mean drink up that kool-aid Jk But I get it. That’s why this is an initial review and will actually go deeper in after I’ve shot with it more… I get those reservations but I did like using it and this Friday it’s going on a trip with me soo…. Stay tuned.

[@markgoostree6334]

Back in the dark ages... you know, the '60's.... there were half frame cameras. I wasn't interested in them then either.

[@BadFlashes]

Fair. I feel ya

[@Vanadse]

Sadly, a bit disappointed. I was really looking forward to what Pentax was going to do. Half Frame? Sure, liking that. Zone Focus? not even range finder? mkay... No manual controls? Okay, just a point and shoot then, without the 'point' part, because zone focus. Kind of lightweight plasticky construction? And 500 dollars price tag? Yeah no. Just get a vintage Pentax Espio for a fraction, and you get auto focus and zoom. Or a Spotmatic, or K1000, or ME.. anything.

[@BadFlashes]

Totally fair… I get all those point. But the only thing that is great about this is the support for fixing from Pentax. That one good benefit

[@Vanadse]

That is a positive, sure. The thing is, to me this is not a great proposition for a person starting with film, or for a person who is already into film. I am wondering if people will stick to using their 17s, or if they will turn into expensive novelties. Like when someone gets an instax for Christmas they think it is super cool, then run out of film and never use it again. Like. Will these hold their value long enough that people will want Ricoh to service them down the line?

[@shawn3502]

500$ means that for now, it is as same price as a late version Pentax LX + 50/1.4….. that’s kinda overpriced for a half-frame zone focus camera ngl

[@stawberryphotobutspanish]

Cream of wheat

[@BadFlashes]

Yum yum

[@nunoteixeiradesign]

Horrible design and idiotic price tag for a half-frame camera, you can buy a gorgeous Olympus Pen-F for that price.

[@BadFlashes]

Pen F!

[@artur.charaev]

It's 2024. It costs 500$. There is literally nothing interesting, I would expect something unique in this price: rangefinder, autofocus (at least focus confirmation), ultra compact size, interchangeable lens mount compatible with old pentax mount, or unique fast (at least f2) and compact fixed lens. And there is nothing. So when you say "Good job Pentax" could you tell what is actually worth in this camera for 500$?

[@BadFlashes]

Well that “good job” was more so … they were able to make a film camera again. I know this isn’t the ideal camera for everyone but other than Leica no one is making film cameras. What I’m hoping is this is just the beginning of the new film camera journey, and even more join in the game. My hope is that if this does well they make an SLR and up the game. The thing people don’t realize is that making cameras again, or products in general take a lot of effort and it’s not as easy as just go back to the original. I’m hopeful … but I also totally get it. 🙌🏼

[@NewmanVisual]

$500??? lol screw that. I better get some Auto focus and real titanium for that price.

[@BadFlashes]

lol real titanium????? 😝😝😝

[@peteanddrake4242]

I'm not an elitist. My first camera was a Ricoh SLR in 1995. I have 4 Pentax film cameras, a K-5 and a K-01. I'm sorry, but this camera is garbage. First, it is 1/2 frame. I could stop there--complete garbage. Your lab will hate you. Scanners are not set up for 1/2 frame. But let's look at it as a photography tool. Max shutter speed of 350 and no manual mode???????? Only ONE METER MODE???? Pentax could have made a ZX-M type camera that could accept all K-mount lenses and still be all manual THEY USED TO MAKE IT AND SELL IT. This camera is in every way inferior to any other film camera Pentax ever made. Pentax likes to be weird and that has consistently ruined their business decade after decade. I think Bad Flashes did as well as they could making this sound interesting, but it's garbage. There are still 100's of millions of full-frame pocket film cameras out there for $5-10 that will do better than this disappointment.

[@BadFlashes]

I definitely understand for sure. Lots of those feeling I had… and super valid. I do however think it’s better than a lot of point and shoots that now cost $5 Mostly bc of the meter... new tech. Now is the 17 worth 500.. to some maybe. At the end of the day. I want it to be successful for more to get back into the space. I still would have loved to see an updated Ricoh R1s Thanks for sharing 🙌🏼🤘🏼

[@GreenlifeFin]

The shutter sound is quiet and good. Your photos are a bit dull and the film is not flattering either. So it is not about the gear but the photographer, mostly.

[@BadFlashes]

Oh wow … you’re so right.

[@bekerashes]

Shooting Film became a normie thing

[@BadFlashes]

Kinda yeah

[@danielvelasquez7256]

that's the only way to keep it alive!

[@Isac3000]

I can’t understand the praise this crap camera gets. Seems like people are just giving Pentax praise for doing a new film camera. Any camera since the early 80s is better. They should have just ripped out the display and sensor from the Ricoh GR and made place for a roll of film.

[@BadFlashes]

I do wish that Pentax would tell us how hard it is to make a film camera again bc I think that might help people understand the limitations of production

[@Isac3000]

I think that applies to mechanical products generally. But not in this case. I just think that Pentax have given the film team a low budget and very little resources for R&D.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

That looks the most annoying camera ever. The only thing I wanted to see was a piece of exposed and developed film.