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 😂
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.
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 :-)
Don't listen to the rats, they're just haters. They compare a piece of plastic junk like a Lomo, or an Olympus that's been rotting away in some grandpa's attic for 60 years, to a brand new premium compact camera, with a Program mode, a sharp prime lens, an exposure compensation dial, a magnesium alloy top and bottom, a film advance lever and rewind knob. All for only $500. There are no good new digital or film cameras for $500, and none with all the features this one has, in a compact body that fits in your pocket.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
According to another RUclipsr, 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.
That's a tough one. On one hand I'd like to cheer Pentax on for making a new film camera. On the other if a young person starting out asked me about it I couldn't in good conscience recommend it, certainly not for $500.
@@Fluffymagicalbunny Not sure why I get so upset about this new camera lol. I just have this feeling that people buying it are being taken advantage of in a way. Right now on ebay there are a ton of Pentax (just to stay with the Pentax brand) ZX series cameras that can be had for as little as $25 all the way up to $500 for their top of the line ZX-S. Any of these are going to be far superior to this new camera in pretty much every way, even their simplest double digit models (e.g. ZX-50, etc). Really it's not even close. As to the economics of shooting half frame a person can buy/dev a lot of film for the money saved. Afraid an old one might break? Heck, buy two. Still be $300 ahead. Not sure the warranty period on these new ones but I can guarantee that once out of warranty they won't be repaired if broken. These Pentax 17's are modern consumer electronics in that "If it breaks - through it away".
Seeing this positioned in other youtube videos as an entry point is beyond me. Why spend 500 quid for a taste of film. I picked up a point and shoot and two rolls of film on ebay for a tenner recently, thats an entry point. The new “Kodak” half frame camera is an entry point, this isn’t
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.
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!
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.
Agreed. I can have the aperture of my Olympus PEN EES-2 Repaired for less than half of that. My Cannon Dial-2 works perfectly and cost less than $40. As long as there are good used film cameras around there's no reason to buy a new one, unfortunately.
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.
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.
When I bought my first SLR, the Pentax Spotmatic F, it was a work of art made of metal and glass, not cheap plastic. It was an awesome camera. Why not buy one of these used and relive the real past.
Is $500 expensive? Yes, will i still buy it? Yup😂 I have a bunch of film cameras, but it will be nice having a quality compact that isn't 30+ years old.
That's pure fast fashion an consumerism. The hype for a half frame zone focusing camera will soon vanish, just as the hundreds of euros spent. Better save all these wonderful vintage cheap cameras, lenses, enlargers etc
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.
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!
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!
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!
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 😀
The focus system is very antiquated. In the 90s film cameras perfected the auto focus system and these compact cameras can be had on eBay for under £100, as many SLRs are too. A Nikon F80 can be had for £60. So I just wonder why anyone would spend £500 on a camera that is so basic in comparison to cheaper second hand cameras on the market.
Good news new film camera being made in 2024. Still however I would prefer to get my hands on the new Rollei AF by MINT. That's another new film camera in 2024 so even better news!
I wholly agree. I have the 35S and it is a stunning tiny camera. If you don’t want 72 exposures it will be the obvious choice IMHO. It will be a bit pricier though. I hear around $700-$800.
It surprises me that they didn't make it capable of both full frame and half frame. Appealing to a wider audience would make more sense. Anyway, well done Pentax on taking the leap and thanks Rog.
That existed a long time ago made by Konica. It is a pain in the ass for the lab to cut the film and it makes the cameras mecanics a lot more complicated.
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!!👍👍
Any suggestions for scanning half frame? Great review of all the RUclipsrs out there when it comes to film photography your option has the most weight.
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 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!
Its marketed at the young people with mobile phones posting on social media who may be interested in film photography. The word Bokeh on the top dial says it all. Recently another digital camera from Leica has been launched, aiming exactly for the same market. Sign of things to come?
Okay, the half frame makes sense for insta. But do they really think that young people will shoot a roll of film, wait until it is develop and scanned to then upload the stuff on instagram?! We are living in a world were everything is expected to be available instantly. Can't image this thing will be a big success.
Y'all stuck in the past. Not because it's not for you that it's a bad product. A couple of years ago i would have never imagine a brand new film camera. And the bokeh mode makes a lot of sense.
@@urbanimagespot on… but I also hv seen $5000 Leica film cameras with little use too. People just don’t know how to use them AND not hv instant gratification. Looks like a nice product for film users on the go
@@unpoulet6859 Just examine your own statement. Oldies like me who stuck by film do not need a camera like this. take a look at the social media and se how many young ' photographers ' have sold limbs to go and buy a film camera? This sort of thing which is light, small and almost fool proof is almost perfect for them. So it is obvius to whom it is tagreted at.
I agree. 1/2 frame is a waste of film to me. I think Pentax is trying to appeal to a younger generation that never shot film. The vertical orientation matches how the shoot and view 99% of the photos on phones and social media. Watch a young person shoot a 35mm camera or even mirrorless. They almost always rotate the camera into portrait orientation. It’s just how they see the world. I personally think it’s wrong but I’m no kid. If this camera does well, it may lead Pentax to make other (hopefully traditional) cameras.
@@RonEMarks Kids won't give up their cellphones and make terrible selfies all day long. This camera is a joke and it is cheap in quality. If someone wanted a very small camera with a very small lens, try the Sony ZV-E10 and a TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 pancake lens.
I started out with some of the same attitudes as you three old farts. But then I thought a little deeper and a little harder. You/we are IRRELEVANT to the development or sale of new cameras. Any new full features newly produced film camera film camera would be necessarily have to cost upwards of £/$1000. And that would not be excessive and absolutely match the original cost of a new SLR or top end range finder or even compact in real terms. We will battle on playing the lottery of second hand cameras at a fraction of the cost. But prices are increasing as the supply diminishes. And CLAs and repair opportunities increase in cost and diminish in availability. Ours is effectively a zombie hobby - one accelerating towards its inevitable eventual tomb. I think people are glibly forgetting the challenge of this project in terms of investment, production and marketing. And despite my initial horror at the price and questioning the form factor, I realised Athat new cameras that are at least at an approachable price point and which offer ease of use and something novel for new users has to be thr way to go (and which hopefully offers a step to a new range for more serious photogs in the future)
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.😢
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...
Half frame was goofy when it came out, and is goofy now. Yet another excuse to keep costs down, and profit margins up. Just do it right, and offer “full frame”.
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"?)
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.
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.
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.
$500 no thanks I do love their meters I believe they are the best in the business when it comes to making spotmeters. A half frame camera for five dollars nope!
Yeah, Ricoh says $499 for this full auto (except focus) half frame camera without apertures or shutter speeds to help young new photographers learn the fundamentals of the exposure triangle. Swing and a miss in my opinion.
Stuff, the world doesn't need: a perfectly embarrassing hipster camera for 549 EUR, which is the equivalent of 63 rolls of HP5 Plus! The only thing about this camera, that does make sense, is the half frame format. Brings cost down - certainly important for people who've just spent half a grand on what's basically a toy - while still giving good enough quality photos to show them online. Oh, and easy portrait orientation for smartphone screens, of course.
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.
I am happy and disappointed at the same time. I know Pentax is targeting customers who are most likely beginners in photography who want just snap pictures and post them on instagram but I hope it wont stop with this camera and there will be a brand new camera for more advanced shooters. Manual control mode, interchachgeable lenses, full frame SLR camera. I think it would sell good.
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.
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?
In 1965 I received a Minolta SR-1 SLR for my 13th birthday. 59 years later Pentax offers a film camera that is not nearly as good. (My dad and brother had 1/2 frame cameras like this that I thought were a joke.) How could I get excited about that? I shot film commercially for decades. I had a sophisticated color darkroom too. I always felt that film and chemicals were the weak part of photography...holding me back. I find digital to be liberating from the limitations and cost of film. I guess it is ok to shoot film as a hobby and explore that craftsmanship. But I'll never agree that's the path to becoming a better photographer. (Other than the lessons one can get in image control from using a view camera.)
If young people are willing to learn to develop their own BW or C41 film, the cost compared to Instax packs can make this a winner. It won't take long to make it worth their while. Digital scan and share! Hp5 (72 images) $10, develop $1, scan almost nothing for sharing online. 100 image film pack for Instax $62. Of course cost of a developing tank...$30. Fifteen cents each shot for film. 62 cents for instax. Instax camera (hybrid) $200. So it would take 640 or so frames for costs to wash: less than 9 rolls!. This camera should last a good deal longer and for regular users could be really great! Will I buy it? No. I am spoiled shooting MF, but I'm hoping like heck it sells well!! Congrats to Pentax.
Thx for the video. The first time I saw the Pentax 17 I was very reluctant to have a closer look at the camera. Half-frame cameras were hip in those days when film was expensive. Overall the Pentax 17 looks very old-fashioned. The design is bulky and the overall perceived quality seems far behind a camera which costs 550€. I don't understand why people should buy such a camera. I own an Agfa Parat 1 from 1963. This camera is solid, made of metal, small, easy to use, and cheap (EBAY about 50€). It has an Apotar 30mm 2.8 lens which gives good results, however w/o a flash. The Pentax 17 may be more up-to-date, however, the half-frame film-saving potential will never justify the exorbitant price for this camera. The future sales figures will show if my concerns are right. ;-)
Great video, but WHY, why on God's green earth would they make it a half-frame camera and only a complete idiot would spend £500 on it. You could buy a Canon 5dIII or IIII for that kind of money you could buy a Canon F1 or Nikon F3. It makes absolutely no sense to me even if you get double the amount of exposures ESPECIALLY at £500 I've just looked online at how much they are going for. Please tell me you did not buy that. It would be great to see some new film cameras launched but not at that price, I only paid £420 for my mint condition Canon F1 in the box, with a manual and everything else from Japan.
Not for me: - more frames to shoot. 72 is a lot, takes forever to finish. - Grain is more visible - fixed lens, zone focus only. no manual exposure control - around $500-ish. not exactly cheap That said, I wish Ricoh luck. Hopefully lots of folks buy the P17 so they have sufficient fund for their next camera project. I bet a new, M42-mount SLR will attract much more attention.
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.
Seems a bit pricey at $500 for what little you get. Half frame film photos were never a serious contender for anyone other than those on a razor thin budget or for those who love gimmicks. While the build quality is nice, I think Pentax is chasing more than hobbyists. IMO, film developing prices need to drop before any new film cameras hit the market. If you're a Pentax fan, your money would be better spent on a vintage K1000 and a very nice lens, or 2 even. If you desire a half frame camera, you can find a very nice Olympus Pen F with lens for around 3 bills. Money well spent IMO.
A Macro setting with 2cm range? And a food photo range of 7cm? For a P&S camera they should have just stuck with only Auto mode and make things easy for most people. And the price is way off in my opinion. I have a Ricoh Auto Half Frame that I bought for 145 euros and it is a true P&S, and so much fun to use. And its the same company so why are they complicating things?? Not for me...
Great review as I've watched a few on this camera but I continued watching for the subject matter....trains!! Beautiful location. Great effort Pentax have done but as another review gave the price just short of €550 I'll stick to servicing the Olympus pen that I love to use and also has a great lens. The f2.8 will always have a sticky shutter the f3.5 not as bad. As a poor artist I'll keep the €550 for buying film. I don't need anymore cameras as I have hundreds that I service and sell on.
If this camera had offered control over shutter speed and aperture, I would have been all over it like a rash. Even the Olympus-Pen EE-2, a half-frame I used to own, offered full control over the aperture in flash mode, and with a flash sync speed of 1/40 you could have given Sunny 16 shooting a go. I do appreciate that they put the viewfinder right over the lens, so at least there won't be any unbalanced chopped-off arms when taking group portraits.
Ok. So for 500 we get an analog camera that features just about anything that's been around for ages. And... gives us half the frame. No wonder this review only featured an APX 100 film. Anything above will yield horrible results, esp with the standard processing that most of the target group will use. More money for less quality. Honestly, who needs this?
Not my cup of tea, especially at that price, as I don't really care much for point-and-shoot film cameras, I like them mechanical and manual and I mostly shoot medium format. Also, the 36 exposures/film on full frame 35mm are already a little too much, takes a long time to find so many pictures worth taking. Also, I consider regular 35mm the smallest negative size I want to use for any "serious" shooting where image quality matters though it is fun to play with things like "spy cameras" or 110 pocket cameras. Besides I already have something of that size for when I want an easy automatic and pocketable camera, a Rollei XF35. It's even smaller than the Pentax 17, though the lens protrudes more, and it has a range finder which to me is wastly better than zone focusing. But it is nice to see a new film camera on the market, it was a brave thing to do from Pentax, I hope it sells well enough to make it worth their effort.
$756 AUD strewth, not too bad when you consider the R & D that went into making it. I mean Pentax have had to produce all new tooling to build it. I do love the results you got from it and am pleasantly surprised...I guess if you want to whack the film through the enlarger you could make a half frame mask out of mat board or use an LPL universal type neg carrier if you have one to hand, so possible. But as I only shoot (film) process (the negs) and develop (the prints) I am not sure that this would be for me (unless you go in the darkroom and prove me wrong Roger .......I believe that is a challenge lol). I would love to see Pentax come up with something that is a full frame that can take super Takumar lenses, as they were superb and there are still shedloads of them about, and maybe they could sell that with say a modern nifty fifty and that would reduce the need for masses of R&D expense and make the camera accessible to more of the market as you would expect a reasonable sale point......what a dreamer! Great informative Video Roger, great you wheeled out the models understudy for this one, give George a pat from me!
Point and shoot a camera that you have to be already a capable photographer to use it won't encourage beginners to learn photography at that price better off buying an ok Nikon FE + 50 mm pancake E or if you want a rangefinder a Canon canonette with 40 f1.7 or 45 f1.9 lens they both have semi auto modes but also full manual control plus faster lenses program modes teach you nothing Pentax could have reissued their K 1000 with an auto mode 1/2000 sec and a 40mm f2.4 pancake lens much more sensible
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
I’ll pass. Too expensive for a meh-looking half-frame zone focus camera. Maybe if it were half the price. You’re better off with a used Olympus Pen F, which looks a hell of a lot better, is far more capable (just learn to use a light meter or a light meter app-it ain’t hard), produces better results, and is less expensive.
Nice to see a new film camera in 2024, but I’m disappointed with Pentax’s lack of ambition. Half frame; really? Who is this camera aimed at? There’s a huge selection of better film cameras at just about any price point. As someone who only shoots film, I’d be reaching for my cellphone before using one of these.
My heart says “Yes”, but my head says “500 quid? I don’t think so.” I like the idea and your results, but it’s overpriced. At £350 I would snap one up. As it is, I look at what I could get on the used market and just can’t justify the purchase.
This Pentax is half manual focus anyway and as long as you can handle MF, any decent used film era camera in good condition is likely better value than this. The half frame F3.5 is an F7 which makes the new MF LUMIX’s 26mm F8 look less peculiar.
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?
I’ll stick to my Olympus Half-Frame, it’s a lot cheaper, far better looking, no need for batteries. For £500 or so the whole camera should be made from Vibranium. The styling is terrible and a plastic viewfinder. No, no , no.
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! 👍🏻
Worth it? Absolutely not! Buy a real film camera that actually uses the entire 35mm negative and has total control over all its settings AND can take interchangeable lenses. Big name film SLRs are available used for less money AND if you decide you don't like dealing with film, you will be able to sell the camera for what you paid for it. This product is a solution for which there is no problem.
All those modes, and it doesn't have a manual mode? Sure, one could use the EV compensation, but without knowing what settings the camera selects.... Disappointing and a deal breaker. Hope other people buy it, though! Great review!
Angel on left shoulder: "You don't need another camera."
Devil on my right shoulder:
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 😂
@@nwmi23 The devil here, but do you have a mint condition half frame camera?
@edgarwalk5637 no, the Pentax 17 will be my first half camera.
@@edgarwalk5637 I have a plastic Diana Mini which is a half frame camera,...
@@edgarwalk5637 I thought you were only talking to me in private, I didn't know you were active in the comments :P
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.
Exactly, we want the big manufacturers to start producing film cameras again, a point a lot of people are missing.
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 :-)
Who produces films?
Color or B/W?
@@DaveEtchells I sure hope so.
I have just ordered the Pentax 17, and believe that what Pentax is doing here is worth supporting.
I totally agree
Me too!
A sucker is born each day
Don't listen to the rats, they're just haters. They compare a piece of plastic junk like a Lomo, or an Olympus that's been rotting away in some grandpa's attic for 60 years, to a brand new premium compact camera, with a Program mode, a sharp prime lens, an exposure compensation dial, a magnesium alloy top and bottom, a film advance lever and rewind knob. All for only $500. There are no good new digital or film cameras for $500, and none with all the features this one has, in a compact body that fits in your pocket.
It's a toy for hipsters. I'm waiting for the new Rollei 35AF...but good if there is a choice again.
I am glad Pentax have dipped their toe in to water and made a new film camera. Lets hope more will follow
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!
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.
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.
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!
Would have been nice to see darkroom prints of those shots
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!
I feel what ever camera is placed in your hands, you make the most out of it. Lovely shots Roger! I enjoyed them
Im gonna buy it!! 🙂
Lovely results! I very much loved shooting this camera myself, very impressive.
According to another RUclipsr, 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.
That's a tough one. On one hand I'd like to cheer Pentax on for making a new film camera. On the other if a young person starting out asked me about it I couldn't in good conscience recommend it, certainly not for $500.
I agree. $500 is just way to expensive for what it is. Even $400 would have been better to me.
@@Fluffymagicalbunny Not sure why I get so upset about this new camera lol. I just have this feeling that people buying it are being taken advantage of in a way. Right now on ebay there are a ton of Pentax (just to stay with the Pentax brand) ZX series cameras that can be had for as little as $25 all the way up to $500 for their top of the line ZX-S. Any of these are going to be far superior to this new camera in pretty much every way, even their simplest double digit models (e.g. ZX-50, etc). Really it's not even close. As to the economics of shooting half frame a person can buy/dev a lot of film for the money saved. Afraid an old one might break? Heck, buy two. Still be $300 ahead. Not sure the warranty period on these new ones but I can guarantee that once out of warranty they won't be repaired if broken. These Pentax 17's are modern consumer electronics in that "If it breaks - through it away".
Seeing this positioned in other youtube videos as an entry point is beyond me. Why spend 500 quid for a taste of film. I picked up a point and shoot and two rolls of film on ebay for a tenner recently, thats an entry point. The new “Kodak” half frame camera is an entry point, this isn’t
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.
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!
Really good review. Congrats to Pentax for its release, and hopefully, we'll see a SLR in the near future.
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.
I'm In ! I will buy one.
if it wasnt $500 dollars, I would consider getting it. As of now my half-frame Olympus Pen S is good enough for me
Agreed. I can have the aperture of my Olympus PEN EES-2 Repaired for less than half of that. My Cannon Dial-2 works perfectly and cost less than $40. As long as there are good used film cameras around there's no reason to buy a new one, unfortunately.
Pen S is my favourite but I might consider one of these if it’s not $1000 by the time it gets to Australia
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.
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.
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.
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.
It looks like a lot of fun. I want one!
I'll be buying one. Great review, Roger!
Would rather see a full frame slr with interchangeable lens mount, £500 for that is rather expensive for a compact.. I’ll stick to my Yash 35 👍🇬🇧
When I bought my first SLR, the Pentax Spotmatic F, it was a work of art made of metal and glass, not cheap plastic. It was an awesome camera. Why not buy one of these used and relive the real past.
Is $500 expensive? Yes, will i still buy it? Yup😂
I have a bunch of film cameras, but it will be nice having a quality compact that isn't 30+ years old.
That's pure fast fashion an consumerism. The hype for a half frame zone focusing camera will soon vanish, just as the hundreds of euros spent. Better save all these wonderful vintage cheap cameras, lenses, enlargers etc
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.
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!
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)
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!
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!
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 😀
Thanks. Excellent video. Pictures much sharper than expected.
The focus system is very antiquated. In the 90s film cameras perfected the auto focus system and these compact cameras can be had on eBay for under £100, as many SLRs are too. A Nikon F80 can be had for £60. So I just wonder why anyone would spend £500 on a camera that is so basic in comparison to cheaper second hand cameras on the market.
You can get a cheap Pen F or Konica half frame and they are full metal.
It's cool that they made a new film camera, but man a half frame? My phone is good enough. I'm sure this is for someone but not for me.
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!
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.
Good news new film camera being made in 2024. Still however I would prefer to get my hands on the new Rollei AF by MINT. That's another new film camera in 2024 so even better news!
I wholly agree. I have the 35S and it is a stunning tiny camera.
If you don’t want 72 exposures it will be the obvious choice IMHO. It will be a bit pricier though. I hear around $700-$800.
I'll be getting one as I just toasted my remaining Olympus Pen. Sigh. I love the format.
Exactly. My pen ft shutter broke and cannot be repaired. This new camera has a warranty and presumably spare parts from the manufacturer.
That looks really nicely made, but... quite pricey, which may, I feel, put people off?
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.
It surprises me that they didn't make it capable of both full frame and half frame. Appealing to a wider audience would make more sense.
Anyway, well done Pentax on taking the leap and thanks Rog.
That existed a long time ago made by Konica. It is a pain in the ass for the lab to cut the film and it makes the cameras mecanics a lot more complicated.
you would need a much larger lens, larger shutter, larger body, and you lose a lot of the advantages of the half frame in the first place
It's not at all reasonable to do so with a film camera.
I'm happy to see a new film camera but half-frame is a deal breaker for me. 👎
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!!👍👍
I'm not feeling it at $499. I'll stick to my A-1 I bought 40 years ago.
whilst it lasts..
Any suggestions for scanning half frame? Great review of all the RUclipsrs out there when it comes to film photography your option has the most weight.
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.
@@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
@@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!
I scan at home and have no issues on my V850+Vuescan
Valoi has a half frame holder for their easy35 camera scanning system - could be one option worth looking into.
Exciting what a beautiful Camera
That picture of Jess and the one with the ladies is excellent!
Its marketed at the young people with mobile phones posting on social media who may be interested in film photography. The word Bokeh on the top dial says it all. Recently another digital camera from Leica has been launched, aiming exactly for the same market. Sign of things to come?
Okay, the half frame makes sense for insta. But do they really think that young people will shoot a roll of film, wait until it is develop and scanned to then upload the stuff on instagram?! We are living in a world were everything is expected to be available instantly. Can't image this thing will be a big success.
Y'all stuck in the past. Not because it's not for you that it's a bad product. A couple of years ago i would have never imagine a brand new film camera. And the bokeh mode makes a lot of sense.
@@FTropper I suspect a lot of these cameras will see very little use after the first film.
@@urbanimagespot on… but I also hv seen $5000 Leica film cameras with little use too. People just don’t know how to use them AND not hv instant gratification. Looks like a nice product for film users on the go
@@unpoulet6859 Just examine your own statement. Oldies like me who stuck by film do not need a camera like this. take a look at the social media and se how many young ' photographers ' have sold limbs to go and buy a film camera? This sort of thing which is light, small and almost fool proof is almost perfect for them. So it is obvius to whom it is tagreted at.
This will be the first Pentax I will not buy. I don't know WHAT made them think 1/2 frame was a good idea.
Totally agree with you.
I agree. 1/2 frame is a waste of film to me. I think Pentax is trying to appeal to a younger generation that never shot film. The vertical orientation matches how the shoot and view 99% of the photos on phones and social media. Watch a young person shoot a 35mm camera or even mirrorless. They almost always rotate the camera into portrait orientation. It’s just how they see the world. I personally think it’s wrong but I’m no kid. If this camera does well, it may lead Pentax to make other (hopefully traditional) cameras.
@@RonEMarks Kids won't give up their cellphones and make terrible selfies all day long. This camera is a joke and it is cheap in quality. If someone wanted a very small camera with a very small lens, try the Sony ZV-E10 and a TTArtisan 27mm f2.8 pancake lens.
I started out with some of the same attitudes as you three old farts. But then I thought a little deeper and a little harder. You/we are IRRELEVANT to the development or sale of new cameras. Any new full features newly produced film camera film camera would be necessarily have to cost upwards of £/$1000. And that would not be excessive and absolutely match the original cost of a new SLR or top end range finder or even compact in real terms. We will battle on playing the lottery of second hand cameras at a fraction of the cost. But prices are increasing as the supply diminishes. And CLAs and repair opportunities increase in cost and diminish in availability. Ours is effectively a zombie hobby - one accelerating towards its inevitable eventual tomb.
I think people are glibly forgetting the challenge of this project in terms of investment, production and marketing. And despite my initial horror at the price and questioning the form factor, I realised Athat new cameras that are at least at an approachable price point and which offer ease of use and something novel for new users has to be thr way to go (and which hopefully offers a step to a new range for more serious photogs in the future)
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.😢
Not sure who this camera is aimed at. No af. Or rangefinder.
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...
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 🍻
Half frame was goofy when it came out, and is goofy now. Yet another excuse to keep costs down, and profit margins up. Just do it right, and offer “full frame”.
For over 550€ I would rather buy another Canon A1 and for the remaining 400€ I would buy films for the next few years.
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"?)
PENTAX ❤ the Coolest Camera Company Ever 🎉🎉
Does it take screw on filters and will the meter adjust properly?
All the vids popped up off-embargo into my feed, I think bad flashes had a warming filter or smth on it.
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.
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.
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.
$500 no thanks I do love their meters I believe they are the best in the business when it comes to making spotmeters. A half frame camera for five dollars nope!
Yeah, Ricoh says $499 for this full auto (except focus) half frame camera without apertures or shutter speeds to help young new photographers learn the fundamentals of the exposure triangle. Swing and a miss in my opinion.
Stuff, the world doesn't need: a perfectly embarrassing hipster camera for 549 EUR, which is the equivalent of 63 rolls of HP5 Plus!
The only thing about this camera, that does make sense, is the half frame format. Brings cost down - certainly important for people who've just spent half a grand on what's basically a toy - while still giving good enough quality photos to show them online. Oh, and easy portrait orientation for smartphone screens, of course.
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.
I am happy and disappointed at the same time. I know Pentax is targeting customers who are most likely beginners in photography who want just snap pictures and post them on instagram but I hope it wont stop with this camera and there will be a brand new camera for more advanced shooters. Manual control mode, interchachgeable lenses, full frame SLR camera. I think it would sell good.
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.
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?
500 dollars? Ah well plenty of Olympus EE's and Trips about! Wish Pentax best of luck however.
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.
In 1965 I received a Minolta SR-1 SLR for my 13th birthday. 59 years later Pentax offers a film camera that is not nearly as good. (My dad and brother had 1/2 frame cameras like this that I thought were a joke.) How could I get excited about that?
I shot film commercially for decades. I had a sophisticated color darkroom too. I always felt that film and chemicals were the weak part of photography...holding me back. I find digital to be liberating from the limitations and cost of film.
I guess it is ok to shoot film as a hobby and explore that craftsmanship. But I'll never agree that's the path to becoming a better photographer. (Other than the lessons one can get in image control from using a view camera.)
😂
Excellent video 😊!
Disapointing, considering the price...
If you take some care, you should be able to use it for decades
If young people are willing to learn to develop their own BW or C41 film, the cost compared to Instax packs can make this a winner. It won't take long to make it worth their while.
Digital scan and share!
Hp5 (72 images) $10, develop $1, scan almost nothing for sharing online. 100 image film pack for Instax $62. Of course cost of a developing tank...$30. Fifteen cents each shot for film. 62 cents for instax. Instax camera (hybrid) $200. So it would take 640 or so frames for costs to wash: less than 9 rolls!. This camera should last a good deal longer and for regular users could be really great!
Will I buy it? No. I am spoiled shooting MF, but I'm hoping like heck it sells well!! Congrats to Pentax.
Thx for the video. The first time I saw the Pentax 17 I was very reluctant to have a closer look at the camera. Half-frame cameras were hip in those days when film was expensive. Overall the Pentax 17 looks very old-fashioned. The design is bulky and the overall perceived quality seems far behind a camera which costs 550€. I don't understand why people should buy such a camera.
I own an Agfa Parat 1 from 1963. This camera is solid, made of metal, small, easy to use, and cheap (EBAY about 50€). It has an Apotar 30mm 2.8 lens which gives good results, however w/o a flash.
The Pentax 17 may be more up-to-date, however, the half-frame film-saving potential will never justify the exorbitant price for this camera.
The future sales figures will show if my concerns are right. ;-)
Great video, but WHY, why on God's green earth would they make it a half-frame camera and only a complete idiot would spend £500 on it. You could buy a Canon 5dIII or IIII for that kind of money you could buy a Canon F1 or Nikon F3. It makes absolutely no sense to me even if you get double the amount of exposures ESPECIALLY at £500 I've just looked online at how much they are going for. Please tell me you did not buy that. It would be great to see some new film cameras launched but not at that price, I only paid £420 for my mint condition Canon F1 in the box, with a manual and everything else from Japan.
Not for me:
- more frames to shoot. 72 is a lot, takes forever to finish.
- Grain is more visible
- fixed lens, zone focus only. no manual exposure control
- around $500-ish. not exactly cheap
That said, I wish Ricoh luck. Hopefully lots of folks buy the P17 so they have sufficient fund for their next camera project.
I bet a new, M42-mount SLR will attract much more attention.
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.
So nice full review thanks but do I put away my Pentax MX and get one of these 🤔 regards Fred
Seems a bit pricey at $500 for what little you get. Half frame film photos were never a serious contender for anyone other than those on a razor thin budget or for those who love gimmicks. While the build quality is nice, I think Pentax is chasing more than hobbyists. IMO, film developing prices need to drop before any new film cameras hit the market. If you're a Pentax fan, your money would be better spent on a vintage K1000 and a very nice lens, or 2 even. If you desire a half frame camera, you can find a very nice Olympus Pen F with lens for around 3 bills. Money well spent IMO.
A Macro setting with 2cm range? And a food photo range of 7cm? For a P&S camera they should have just stuck with only Auto mode and make things easy for most people. And the price is way off in my opinion. I have a Ricoh Auto Half Frame that I bought for 145 euros and it is a true P&S, and so much fun to use. And its the same company so why are they complicating things?? Not for me...
You could have nice K1000 and lens or any number of other full frame 35mm cameras for half the price!
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!
Great review as I've watched a few on this camera but I continued watching for the subject matter....trains!! Beautiful location. Great effort Pentax have done but as another review gave the price just short of €550 I'll stick to servicing the Olympus pen that I love to use and also has a great lens. The f2.8 will always have a sticky shutter the f3.5 not as bad. As a poor artist I'll keep the €550 for buying film. I don't need anymore cameras as I have hundreds that I service and sell on.
If this camera had offered control over shutter speed and aperture, I would have been all over it like a rash. Even the Olympus-Pen EE-2, a half-frame I used to own, offered full control over the aperture in flash mode, and with a flash sync speed of 1/40 you could have given Sunny 16 shooting a go.
I do appreciate that they put the viewfinder right over the lens, so at least there won't be any unbalanced chopped-off arms when taking group portraits.
Ok. So for 500 we get an analog camera that features just about anything that's been around for ages. And... gives us half the frame. No wonder this review only featured an APX 100 film. Anything above will yield horrible results, esp with the standard processing that most of the target group will use.
More money for less quality. Honestly, who needs this?
Not my cup of tea, especially at that price, as I don't really care much for point-and-shoot film cameras, I like them mechanical and manual and I mostly shoot medium format. Also, the 36 exposures/film on full frame 35mm are already a little too much, takes a long time to find so many pictures worth taking. Also, I consider regular 35mm the smallest negative size I want to use for any "serious" shooting where image quality matters though it is fun to play with things like "spy cameras" or 110 pocket cameras.
Besides I already have something of that size for when I want an easy automatic and pocketable camera, a Rollei XF35. It's even smaller than the Pentax 17, though the lens protrudes more, and it has a range finder which to me is wastly better than zone focusing.
But it is nice to see a new film camera on the market, it was a brave thing to do from Pentax, I hope it sells well enough to make it worth their effort.
$756 AUD strewth, not too bad when you consider the R & D that went into making it.
I mean Pentax have had to produce all new tooling to build it.
I do love the results you got from it and am pleasantly surprised...I guess if you want to whack the film through the enlarger you could make a half frame mask out of mat board or use an LPL universal type neg carrier if you have one to hand, so possible.
But as I only shoot (film) process (the negs) and develop (the prints) I am not sure that this would be for me (unless you go in the darkroom and prove me wrong Roger .......I believe that is a challenge lol).
I would love to see Pentax come up with something that is a full frame that can take super Takumar lenses, as they were superb and there are still shedloads of them about, and maybe they could sell that with say a modern nifty fifty and that would reduce the need for masses of R&D expense and make the camera accessible to more of the market as you would expect a reasonable sale point......what a dreamer!
Great informative Video Roger, great you wheeled out the models understudy for this one, give George a pat from me!
Point and shoot a camera that you have to be already a capable photographer to use it won't encourage beginners to learn photography at that price better off buying an ok Nikon FE + 50 mm pancake E or if you want a rangefinder a Canon canonette with 40 f1.7 or 45 f1.9 lens they both have semi auto modes but also full manual control plus faster lenses program modes teach you nothing Pentax could have reissued their K 1000 with an auto mode 1/2000 sec and a 40mm f2.4 pancake lens much more sensible
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
I’ll pass. Too expensive for a meh-looking half-frame zone focus camera. Maybe if it were half the price. You’re better off with a used Olympus Pen F, which looks a hell of a lot better, is far more capable (just learn to use a light meter or a light meter app-it ain’t hard), produces better results, and is less expensive.
Nice to see a new film camera in 2024, but I’m disappointed with Pentax’s lack of ambition. Half frame; really? Who is this camera aimed at? There’s a huge selection of better film cameras at just about any price point. As someone who only shoots film, I’d be reaching for my cellphone before using one of these.
My heart says “Yes”, but my head says “500 quid? I don’t think so.”
I like the idea and your results, but it’s overpriced. At £350 I would snap one up. As it is, I look at what I could get on the used market and just can’t justify the purchase.
This Pentax is half manual focus anyway and as long as you can handle MF, any decent used film era camera in good condition is likely better value than this. The half frame F3.5 is an F7 which makes the new MF LUMIX’s 26mm F8 look less peculiar.
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?
I’ll stick to my Olympus Half-Frame, it’s a lot cheaper, far better looking, no need for batteries. For £500 or so the whole camera should be made from Vibranium. The styling is terrible and a plastic viewfinder. No, no , no.
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! 👍🏻
Worth it? Absolutely not! Buy a real film camera that actually uses the entire 35mm negative and has total control over all its settings AND can take interchangeable lenses. Big name film SLRs are available used for less money AND if you decide you don't like dealing with film, you will be able to sell the camera for what you paid for it. This product is a solution for which there is no problem.
All those modes, and it doesn't have a manual mode? Sure, one could use the EV compensation, but without knowing what settings the camera selects.... Disappointing and a deal breaker. Hope other people buy it, though! Great review!