Wow! Some people may be disappointed about the half frame thing. I'm actually thrilled! I can't wait, I had a Pen F that just died on me, I love half frame. 48 or 72 frames per film, it's just awesome.
Many people said no to half frame, however they have never even tried one of those. I've been using the Pen F during the last 9 years, it is gorgeous! The sharp lens + fine grain film deliver outstanding image quality, actually sharper than most 35mm P&S. My only concern is vintage half frame cameras are getting old and won't hold up (which happend to my Pen F, Pen S and Ricoh Caddy). I expect Pentax's new half frame camera will solve this reliability issue for film community, and comes up with a modern high quality lens.
I'm an old film git with more cameras than I can shake a stick at and I want one of these! For the young ones it'll be interesting to see if some labs offer special Dev/scan services for the half frames - maybe they do already.
Sounds good. Half frame makes sense when you consider how expensive film is, and the smaller format won't really be an issue when shooting slower, high definition films.
I've been using 35mm film and cameras since 1971 ("full frame") and bought an old Olympus Pen FT about eight years ago mostly for nostalgia - however, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed half-frame. It offered a totally fresh perspective. I think Ricoh/Pentax made a good decision - especially with the cost of film now.
So popular that I haven't heard about it. Wasn't aware that Kodak had done this. I am researching photography daily for many hours/day.and was not aware of this. I have 150+ film cameras. May be interested. Thinking it may not be that popular.
@@garnieross9958 I think it's more of a case that you're deep into the film photography iceberg, and this camera is quite surface level for noobs. There are tons of newer re-usable film cameras that are created by different companies, that are very popular. I didn't realize Garnie Ross is the beacon of truth for what is popular and not popular in this hobby 😭
@@garnieross9958Kodak didn't make it but it is branded Kodak. As to the popularity there have been several videos by different folks out there that have had 100's of thousands of views. B&H even sold out on it at least twice last year. So there is popularity for 1/2 frame out there.
@@garnieross9958No, it's pretty popular. My local camera store sells them and many people picking up film for the first time buy them. It's not really popular with enthusiasts, and is more of a "getting your feet wet" camera
@@garnieross9958 You have me beat - I have only about 112 film cameras since 1971 (but most collected during the digital era). The only reason I know about the Kodak Ektar is that I saw them in the one camera store near me.
Thank you!! Its been hard not to create new videos, even have projects I started and havent finished during this pause, hope to get the time and finish them up and keep making the news.
While more experienced film photographers may be disappointed in the "basic" nature of the new camera, it actually make a lot of sense from a business perspective. They're creating an initial product that appeals to the widest audience possible in order to re-cultivate a market for new film cameras. Everything is designed about maximizing usability (zone focusing, auto exposure) and getting people hooked on the mechanics of film cameras (manual wind and rewind) all while maximizing user value (half frame). Once the market has been established, then you can start introducing higher end features. We essentially have to start the tech tree over, but I'm glad Pentax is getting the ball rolling. I hope other manufacturers take them up on their call to enter the market. It's an exciting time to be a film photographer!
Zone-focusing is fine on a plastic Lomo-cam, but if I'm spending hundreds of dollars, I want real focusing. But I'm in no hurry, my Pentax MXs still work fine.
I think people who are disappointed you don’t really understand marketing. I actually applaud Pentax here. They’re targeting the easy market. And I’m sure if they keep this up it’ll sell well! In the future Pentax has already said they intend to make many more film cameras. Those will likely be targeted toward the wider film photography community.
I feel like the same people here complaining about about it not being a mechanical slr. Would complain about the price if pentax went ahead and made a mechanical slr. Because newsflash, a new slr will always be more expensive then a second hand one. Which will greatly reduce the demand. Also just look at the prices of film compacts in many cases they match many mechanical slrs. Plus these electronic compacts are often both less relably, and use outdated electronics. So for someone wanting a compact it makes more sense to buy one new from pentax. Old mechanical slrs will likely outperform, be nearly as reliable, and be significantly cheaper then whatever slr pentax could create from scratch. I think this is a great move by pentax and hope it is successful. I also hope they do a full frame compact as well, i mean just look at t2 prices to see the demand.
Do that many people really want 72 exposures per roll? Do they really want zone focusing? I just can’t see it. This half-frame camera would seem to hold most interest for camera collectors. I’d prefer a quality full-frame compact with auto focus (sure, I wouldn’t say no to snap focus as well), aperature priority, shutter speed priority, exposure compensation and built-in flash. Manual wind / rewind would be cool but is a want, not a need. I’d find the money for a new film GR.
Finally a reasonable opinion. It really seems like a lot of people who're upset by Pentax's release haven't actually had any idea about Pentax's roadmap or the logic behind the release.
I think the "bang for your buck" angle here is being overstated. I've started seeing labs charge extra fees for scanning half-frame rolls, it's double the work if they are scanning each half-frame individually like a full 35mm frame. I doubt the target audience you are talking about is dev/scanning themselves, and 90%+ are sending rolls to labs and incurring those fees. When you factor in extra dev/scan fees eating into your half-frame roll savings + cost of an overpriced new half-frame film camera + the half-frame image quality loss + other quirks of a zone-focus camera... this whole thing gets less and less compelling. A new modern-take on the Ricoh GR1 35mm P&S was the correct, obvious product for them to make out of the gate, but they've mucked it up. Here's to hoping they go that route after this.
@@elk3407 Yeah that's common of course, but my go to lab just started charging add on fees for half-frame recently and have seen others as well. More experienced photographers are the ones shooting half-frame with the frame pairs scanned together in mind creatively speaking. But more novices just starting out want the individual frames scanned and it's just not economical for labs on a large scale to do so without accounting for it their pricing.
@@MaxFromSydney1 Good news is I've seen rumors that the second new film camera they are launching *might* be an Espio or GR1-style 35mm compact P&S. Bad news is if this half-baked half-frame zone focus camera flops out of the gate then the whole new Pentax/Ricoh film camera product line will likely be scrapped and we won't even see it. I'm pessimistic to say the least. The target consumer that Pentax is aiming at with it's first camera has them competing in an already oversaturated half-frame market, as well as the Instax/insant film market. You've got celebrities and famous photographers touting and using Contax T2's and every other premium compact 35mm P&S that has existed... and yet Pentax/Ricoh just refused to plug that gaping, money-making hole in the film camera market that is the compact 35mm P&S market. Boggles my mind.
Glad to see you back :-) I agree that making some noise about this will help Pentax/Ricoh. I hope they do well. With that said I think its taking them too long and fear that the youth have/will move on.
2:55 Dont understand the text in the video. The H35 is also half-frame just the first iteration before the H35N. What do you mean by "full frame cousin"?
I've also read lots of the older folks are saying this isn't for me and will pass on it. Big mistake. Pentax from the very start said that this was all contingent of being able to even build a film camera again and on sales and market acceptance of the product. All I can say is even if you don't want one buy it anyway and gift to a grandchild or neighborhood kid that is interested in photography. I have an old Olympus Pen FT 1/2 frame camera and while I don't use it that much but every time I do it is so much fun to use. So I will get one and I'll use it to take images of the dogs, and grandkids. Remember if we don't buy it Pentax won't take the next step towards that film camera we all want
If we ever are going to see K mount SLR cameras or 67 again, this is the first step. Something that is not going to bankrupt them on startup cost, and will sell to the largest target audience. I hope it does extremely well.
Exactly, this is the first step. Just the know how of the older cameras is "gone" and they thank old engineers that came from retirement to help, hopefully its not too late to help make great gear again.
The most important aspect of this half-frame camera will be the lens quality. I am hoping Pentax will use an excellent lens in this camera, which will vastly improve the quality of the half-frame images compared to the Kodak plastic Ektar H35. This will make the Pentax camera a success in my opinion. Let’s see what happens!
as someone who left film photography 5 years ago after the rise of film prices, i may pick this up if the price is right. i dont care about supersharp pristine image quality anymore, just the vibe and the moment, so a half frame is fine by me. and i just wanna see more new film cameras to rejuvenate this section of photography so hopefully the prices will go down lmao.
I feel the same way, I sadly doubt prices will go down in used equipment unless the new gear fills in the massive diversity of old cameras we have, but maybe one day...
The only format I have not shot in is half frame and every half frame camera I bid on goodwill online hasn’t worked so I am going to support and hope this translate into them making a new fully manual SLR camera. What was the last fully manual SLR camera produced? Yashica fx3-2000 lol
Can't say I'm not a bit dissapointed. But I'll buy one to support them :) , in the hope they might make a more traditional camera. Maybe I'll like it after trying it.
If the lens is sharp and when using a fine grained film, half frame camera is not a bad thing. Depending on the quality of the lens and the price, I will get one. Maybe also to just support them financially to reward their investment!
From a classic perspective this camera is a toy and thus a failure. But Considering that it does not address us old fools, but a generation that doesn’t care about our pespectives and past usage models it’s a very fair approach. - compact, manual winder, automatic aperture/exposure support, categorized zone focus (likely not in cm/m) with visibility in the viewfinder, the espio mini lens (pretty good), and enough quality but cost saving half-frame I can see this product winning quickly a relevant mass, if it’s not killed by all of us older farts with rigid old-school ideas on what a film camera should be. We have the money, buy a Leica, or restore a proper Pro-SLR or whatever you like, they are around for much longer. You can be smart and get a Pen F or one of the many half-frames, if you like, but I prefer the new Pentax.
I don't understand all the hate people have for half-frame. It's so illogical. If you want resolution shoot 120 film, no person who wants resolution shoots 35mm. I think my biggest problem with this proposed Pentax design is those "Focus-zones". I hate not knowing where my focus is. Even with old and slow auto focus with a single focus spot in the centre of frame, that is better than this zone-focus. I just hate "Guess-focus", no range finder, no prism and focusing screen. Just guess. That might be a deal breaker for me.
I'm super excited for this project and look forward to seeing the cameras they produce. I've seen a some negative push back against this project and I don't understand why anyone would be against it. Why would someone who shoots film want less options? That seems very odd to me. If the new Pentax doesn't fit your needs, don't buy it, but maybe it'll fit someone else's needs. Also, I love my vintage cameras, but sometimes navigating the used market is difficult, full of pitfalls and shady sellers selling damaged gear.
Probably this coming half frame camera would not be for me. Anyhow I am happy to hear fresh news about this Pentax project, I hope it comes to a final product. For sure many people will be very happy shooting 72 frames per roll or for those who are looking for grain. What is important for me is that, in the case the project is a success, they may reuse the layout and hardware to make another new camera later on.
Everything else sounds good except not a big fan of the half frame thing - going to buy it anyway of course. I want a small camera with in built meter to put in my pocket while hiking, but all the 80s-90s plastic cameras keep breaking on me due to a combination of their age and the harsh conditions. My current Minox 35 ML broke after about 20 rolls of my ownership. Was on a -25c hike, started switching modes by itself and keeps doing it even after getting home. 72 exposures is way too much for a single hike in my use, but if this new Pentax camera lasts for the same 30-40 years that the Minox did, I'm set for the rest of my life for compacts. I have all the Hasselblads and Leicas, large format gear etc I need for other more controlled situations already. The people who keep suggesting that this first new camera should have been a manual mechanical SLR are delusional. The market is completely saturated with them, there are millions of them being unused in closets etc. Or a P67III. How many would they sell? 50 or 100? It would cost the same as a used car. A better idea would be a factory refurbishment program first for the existing cameras, so they can start slowly manufacturing the parts needed.
Nico looking like that with 41... and me looking the way i do with 35... makes me really sad... A halfframe point and shoot sounds pretty nice.... if you want a 35, 645, 6x6, 6x7 etc etc etc you already have thousands of options... a 35mm wouldn't really make sense... i'm sure eventually Pentax will make a 35mm with modern AF and all that... if they sell well
Sounds like a cross between Olympus Pen and XA. A good quality pocketable camera with nice lens should do well. My first ‘proper’ camera was an original Olympus Pen gifted by my Grandfather. Learned loads by having 72 frames on a film - cheap for a young teenager. Best of luck to Pentax and hope it’s successful.
Unpopular opinion, I think the zone focusing is a cost saving measure... An SLR is prohibitively expensive for this camera and a rangefinder is too high maintenance for new photographers.
Take my money, I think this is a good move by Pentax. I like it more than the Fuji Instax and I believe it will be cheaper for consumables too. I still would like to see an SLR with K mount lens fit, and dare I wish for a MF body.
I wish Pentax all the best, I started into photography with a K10D three years ago, and they've remained the most interesting modern camera manufacturer to me. This product also isn't for me, but I would be absolutely thrilled about a new film SLR from them, especially a mechanical one. I'm just a bit miffed that they chose a triplet lens. We have had another lens type with a great balance of sharpness and cost for many decades now - the Tessar. People rave about the "super sharp Tessar" on the Yashica T series, maybe Pentax could've caught onto that with a further improved lens with even more modern glass and coatings.
I have no interest in this purported camera. I still hope that it sells well enough to give Pentax the confidence to build a camera that I would be interested in. That would be a 35MM SLR using modern technology that uses K-mount lenses and has the classic look and feel of the M and/or A series cameras. Nope, I don't want to buy anymore any more 40 year old, worn out camera bodies that need serious overhauls. Been there, done that.
A lot of enthousiasts are like "No this is not for me!" Electronics or not manual or mechanical enough! I want to buy one, specifically to give this a chance to succeed! I have the other older stuff for all of the manual goodness, like my F2. We need a new camera to succeed for other manufacturers to follow!
I think its the need for community support on the project that is fuelling the slow announcements. If they had a 100% support from the top it would be out without the pre-hype.
This isnt new. I remember a similar half frame film camera, eother by pentax or olympus back in the mid 80s. We used to use a 36 film roll and get 72 pics from it.
Yeah half frame really isn’t for me. But sure if all you gonna do with your photos is social media I guess it could be compelling to some people. But for the loyal film photographers this won’t do it
Half frame?! Why on earth would they do that? I think I'll wait for the FF option... However, I'm glad they're back, I'm a die-hard Pentaxian since 1985...
...I appreciate your points but being "an older guy" half frame does seem like a really strange choice ...you'd think they'd choose something more compatible with their previous lenses and currently available lab equipment
Question is why one go back on film camera? It is expensive on every steps from being film,process,print,as well as while shooting result is not sure,plus loading film if error then your full tour is in vain.
@ericpalmer3588 a modern autofocus would be ideal. But it might add too much r&d for this first model. Also new users are in weird trends like blurry pics and whatnot, so who knows
I’m disappointed with the half frame because it clearly shows Pentax are pandering to the vertical format social media users. There is no reason to piss off 35mm format users other than that.
Why, after all that hype and expectations build-up, you're rolling out a glorified Lomo camera?! Yes, half-frame saves on film space used - actually, it saves so much that I wouldn't even bother getting one. I use Super 110 up to 8x10 Sinar and am not "full frame" snob, but a new camera in half-frame at this era...who was responsible for the market survey?!
Point and shoot half frame tells us Pentax really isn't interested in manufacturing film cameras but they do want to take advantage of the interest of the youger shooters.Sad state of affairs. There has been no rumors of a proper film camera being manufactured. This definitely is not marketing attempting to revive film.
This camera is a joke. Nobody wants this. Pentax had an opportunity to do something great but screwed up big time. I was really looking forward to this. I don't even need a new film camera because I already have too many cameras, but I would have bought it anyway just to support Pentax and the film industry in general. But not this. Literally anything but this I would have been acceptable.
They had the easiest project in the world: create a new, mostly mechanical film camera. Step 2: profit. Maybe it was too easy? So they had the do something boneheaded like making it half-frame-a format that no one wanted. People didn’t even want it before digital cameras. I’ll buy it to support film, but I think it’s a really stupid decision by Pentax.
Wow! Some people may be disappointed about the half frame thing. I'm actually thrilled! I can't wait, I had a Pen F that just died on me, I love half frame. 48 or 72 frames per film, it's just awesome.
Many people said no to half frame, however they have never even tried one of those. I've been using the Pen F during the last 9 years, it is gorgeous! The sharp lens + fine grain film deliver outstanding image quality, actually sharper than most 35mm P&S. My only concern is vintage half frame cameras are getting old and won't hold up (which happend to my Pen F, Pen S and Ricoh Caddy). I expect Pentax's new half frame camera will solve this reliability issue for film community, and comes up with a modern high quality lens.
I'm an old film git with more cameras than I can shake a stick at and I want one of these! For the young ones it'll be interesting to see if some labs offer special Dev/scan services for the half frames - maybe they do already.
Great to see you back, I've missed your Film News videos
I have started the news at least 3 or 4 times and paused due to time, hopefully I can get back to them soon.
Sounds good. Half frame makes sense when you consider how expensive film is, and the smaller format won't really be an issue when shooting slower, high definition films.
I've been using 35mm film and cameras since 1971 ("full frame") and bought an old Olympus Pen FT about eight years ago mostly for nostalgia - however, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed half-frame. It offered a totally fresh perspective. I think Ricoh/Pentax made a good decision - especially with the cost of film now.
considering how popular the kodak ektar h35 has been, hoping this camera finds success for more cameras from Pentax in the future!
So popular that I haven't heard about it. Wasn't aware that Kodak had done this. I am researching photography daily for many hours/day.and was not aware of this. I have 150+ film cameras. May be interested. Thinking it may not be that popular.
@@garnieross9958 I think it's more of a case that you're deep into the film photography iceberg, and this camera is quite surface level for noobs.
There are tons of newer re-usable film cameras that are created by different companies, that are very popular.
I didn't realize Garnie Ross is the beacon of truth for what is popular and not popular in this hobby 😭
@@garnieross9958Kodak didn't make it but it is branded Kodak. As to the popularity there have been several videos by different folks out there that have had 100's of thousands of views. B&H even sold out on it at least twice last year. So there is popularity for 1/2 frame out there.
@@garnieross9958No, it's pretty popular. My local camera store sells them and many people picking up film for the first time buy them. It's not really popular with enthusiasts, and is more of a "getting your feet wet" camera
@@garnieross9958 You have me beat - I have only about 112 film cameras since 1971 (but most collected during the digital era). The only reason I know about the Kodak Ektar is that I saw them in the one camera store near me.
Hey, Nico! Good to see you back, missed your videos man!
Thank you!! Its been hard not to create new videos, even have projects I started and havent finished during this pause, hope to get the time and finish them up and keep making the news.
Happy to see you back! Love hearing your take on all film related topics, keep up the good work!
Thanks! Will do!
Im happy you are back
Good to see you back Nico!
Thanks! Its good to be back.
While more experienced film photographers may be disappointed in the "basic" nature of the new camera, it actually make a lot of sense from a business perspective. They're creating an initial product that appeals to the widest audience possible in order to re-cultivate a market for new film cameras. Everything is designed about maximizing usability (zone focusing, auto exposure) and getting people hooked on the mechanics of film cameras (manual wind and rewind) all while maximizing user value (half frame).
Once the market has been established, then you can start introducing higher end features. We essentially have to start the tech tree over, but I'm glad Pentax is getting the ball rolling. I hope other manufacturers take them up on their call to enter the market. It's an exciting time to be a film photographer!
Welcome back! We've missed you!
Its been hard not creating videos, but the break was needed.
Nico is back 👍
Yup!
Zone-focusing is fine on a plastic Lomo-cam, but if I'm spending hundreds of dollars, I want real focusing. But I'm in no hurry, my Pentax MXs still work fine.
Yes, you're right. I think a simple distance scale isn't an impediment for those new to film.
Same here. If it's for newbies, isn't it easier if it has autofocus? It will take away a lot of frustration especially when film is so expensive
I think people who are disappointed you don’t really understand marketing. I actually applaud Pentax here. They’re targeting the easy market. And I’m sure if they keep this up it’ll sell well!
In the future Pentax has already said they intend to make many more film cameras. Those will likely be targeted toward the wider film photography community.
I feel like the same people here complaining about about it not being a mechanical slr. Would complain about the price if pentax went ahead and made a mechanical slr. Because newsflash, a new slr will always be more expensive then a second hand one. Which will greatly reduce the demand. Also just look at the prices of film compacts in many cases they match many mechanical slrs. Plus these electronic compacts are often both less relably, and use outdated electronics. So for someone wanting a compact it makes more sense to buy one new from pentax. Old mechanical slrs will likely outperform, be nearly as reliable, and be significantly cheaper then whatever slr pentax could create from scratch. I think this is a great move by pentax and hope it is successful. I also hope they do a full frame compact as well, i mean just look at t2 prices to see the demand.
HE RETURNS!
Hopefully for a good while!!
Love your film news great to see you back Nico
Thank you Elliot!!
I rhink this will be a fantastic option for travel! I am excited, hopefully they put a stellar lens in it, like many half frame camera of the past.
It's great to see the news 👏 again. I think since mint release is so close, if the rollei has a decent sell, it will motivate pentax to move forward
It's a new Pentax film camera.... of course I'm getting it.
Same!
Do that many people really want 72 exposures per roll?
Do they really want zone focusing?
I just can’t see it.
This half-frame camera would seem to hold most interest for camera collectors.
I’d prefer a quality full-frame compact with auto focus (sure, I wouldn’t say no to snap focus as well), aperature priority, shutter speed priority, exposure compensation and built-in flash. Manual wind / rewind would be cool but is a want, not a need.
I’d find the money for a new film GR.
Nico: you’re making the world a better place.
Finally a reasonable opinion. It really seems like a lot of people who're upset by Pentax's release haven't actually had any idea about Pentax's roadmap or the logic behind the release.
I think the "bang for your buck" angle here is being overstated. I've started seeing labs charge extra fees for scanning half-frame rolls, it's double the work if they are scanning each half-frame individually like a full 35mm frame. I doubt the target audience you are talking about is dev/scanning themselves, and 90%+ are sending rolls to labs and incurring those fees.
When you factor in extra dev/scan fees eating into your half-frame roll savings + cost of an overpriced new half-frame film camera + the half-frame image quality loss + other quirks of a zone-focus camera... this whole thing gets less and less compelling.
A new modern-take on the Ricoh GR1 35mm P&S was the correct, obvious product for them to make out of the gate, but they've mucked it up. Here's to hoping they go that route after this.
Most labs where I live just scan in pairs
@@elk3407 Yeah that's common of course, but my go to lab just started charging add on fees for half-frame recently and have seen others as well.
More experienced photographers are the ones shooting half-frame with the frame pairs scanned together in mind creatively speaking. But more novices just starting out want the individual frames scanned and it's just not economical for labs on a large scale to do so without accounting for it their pricing.
Thank you, Nathan! You get it! People would be queuing up for a modern take on the full-frame film GR compact.
@@MaxFromSydney1 Good news is I've seen rumors that the second new film camera they are launching *might* be an Espio or GR1-style 35mm compact P&S. Bad news is if this half-baked half-frame zone focus camera flops out of the gate then the whole new Pentax/Ricoh film camera product line will likely be scrapped and we won't even see it.
I'm pessimistic to say the least. The target consumer that Pentax is aiming at with it's first camera has them competing in an already oversaturated half-frame market, as well as the Instax/insant film market.
You've got celebrities and famous photographers touting and using Contax T2's and every other premium compact 35mm P&S that has existed... and yet Pentax/Ricoh just refused to plug that gaping, money-making hole in the film camera market that is the compact 35mm P&S market. Boggles my mind.
Glad to see you back :-) I agree that making some noise about this will help Pentax/Ricoh. I hope they do well. With that said I think its taking them too long and fear that the youth have/will move on.
Good news! Nice triptychs ahead!
You might mean diptychs...
@@vmcampos add one more and you have triptych
2:55 Dont understand the text in the video. The H35 is also half-frame just the first iteration before the H35N. What do you mean by "full frame cousin"?
very much agreed!
You're alive 🥳
And well!
So cool they’re taking a risk and doing it!
Pentax are the best :)
Perfect time for someone to announce that they will re-spool film as 24 or 36 - in half frame - if the project comes to market.
I've also read lots of the older folks are saying this isn't for me and will pass on it. Big mistake. Pentax from the very start said that this was all contingent of being able to even build a film camera again and on sales and market acceptance of the product. All I can say is even if you don't want one buy it anyway and gift to a grandchild or neighborhood kid that is interested in photography. I have an old Olympus Pen FT 1/2 frame camera and while I don't use it that much but every time I do it is so much fun to use. So I will get one and I'll use it to take images of the dogs, and grandkids. Remember if we don't buy it Pentax won't take the next step towards that film camera we all want
If we ever are going to see K mount SLR cameras or 67 again, this is the first step. Something that is not going to bankrupt them on startup cost, and will sell to the largest target audience. I hope it does extremely well.
Exactly, this is the first step. Just the know how of the older cameras is "gone" and they thank old engineers that came from retirement to help, hopefully its not too late to help make great gear again.
The most important aspect of this half-frame camera will be the lens quality. I am hoping Pentax will use an excellent lens in this camera, which will vastly improve the quality of the half-frame images compared to the Kodak plastic Ektar H35. This will make the Pentax camera a success in my opinion. Let’s see what happens!
as someone who left film photography 5 years ago after the rise of film prices, i may pick this up if the price is right. i dont care about supersharp pristine image quality anymore, just the vibe and the moment, so a half frame is fine by me. and i just wanna see more new film cameras to rejuvenate this section of photography so hopefully the prices will go down lmao.
I feel the same way, I sadly doubt prices will go down in used equipment unless the new gear fills in the massive diversity of old cameras we have, but maybe one day...
i am looking forward to that cmaera and even ias i have loads of old ones, i will buy it and an additional for my niece which is just starting out
I say it till I’m blue in the face. Bring back the Ricoh R1s! ❤😊
I’m interested. Been using Olympus half frame cameras for years but being so old they’re prone to breakdowns. Would be nice to have a ‘new’ one!
Great POV, thank you
A meter scale would be nice (as old cameras had them in the 50s and 60s).
It would be sweet, but Im feeling beginner vibes from this announcement (pre announcement?)
The only format I have not shot in is half frame and every half frame camera I bid on goodwill online hasn’t worked so I am going to support and hope this translate into them making a new fully manual SLR camera. What was the last fully manual SLR camera produced? Yashica fx3-2000 lol
Can't say I'm not a bit dissapointed. But I'll buy one to support them :) , in the hope they might make a more traditional camera. Maybe I'll like it after trying it.
Film and processing are going to be ‘the big deal’. I think it’s a great plan and very innovative.
Would love a video on the new aura 35mm film scanner
link?
Im friends with the project so just would need a flight to Paris...
The Canon Multi Tele is still the best half frame to get. Works as both half and full frame and has autofocus and flash.
If the lens is sharp and when using a fine grained film, half frame camera is not a bad thing. Depending on the quality of the lens and the price, I will get one. Maybe also to just support them financially to reward their investment!
From a classic perspective this camera is a toy and thus a failure.
But
Considering that it does not address us old fools, but a generation that doesn’t care about our pespectives and past usage models it’s a very fair approach.
- compact, manual winder, automatic aperture/exposure support, categorized zone focus (likely not in cm/m) with visibility in the viewfinder, the espio mini lens (pretty good), and enough quality but cost saving half-frame
I can see this product winning quickly a relevant mass, if it’s not killed by all of us older farts with rigid old-school ideas on what a film camera should be. We have the money, buy a Leica, or restore a proper Pro-SLR or whatever you like, they are around for much longer. You can be smart and get a Pen F or one of the many half-frames, if you like, but I prefer the new Pentax.
I think you are spot on. This old fool will buy one for sure, no need for another camera, but maybe the next one I will "need".
Sounds like its gonna be like the Pentax PC35af half frame model
I don't understand all the hate people have for half-frame. It's so illogical. If you want resolution shoot 120 film, no person who wants resolution shoots 35mm. I think my biggest problem with this proposed Pentax design is those "Focus-zones". I hate not knowing where my focus is. Even with old and slow auto focus with a single focus spot in the centre of frame, that is better than this zone-focus. I just hate "Guess-focus", no range finder, no prism and focusing screen. Just guess. That might be a deal breaker for me.
I'm super excited for this project and look forward to seeing the cameras they produce. I've seen a some negative push back against this project and I don't understand why anyone would be against it. Why would someone who shoots film want less options? That seems very odd to me. If the new Pentax doesn't fit your needs, don't buy it, but maybe it'll fit someone else's needs. Also, I love my vintage cameras, but sometimes navigating the used market is difficult, full of pitfalls and shady sellers selling damaged gear.
Probably this coming half frame camera would not be for me. Anyhow I am happy to hear fresh news about this Pentax project, I hope it comes to a final product. For sure many people will be very happy shooting 72 frames per roll or for those who are looking for grain. What is important for me is that, in the case the project is a success, they may reuse the layout and hardware to make another new camera later on.
Everything else sounds good except not a big fan of the half frame thing - going to buy it anyway of course. I want a small camera with in built meter to put in my pocket while hiking, but all the 80s-90s plastic cameras keep breaking on me due to a combination of their age and the harsh conditions. My current Minox 35 ML broke after about 20 rolls of my ownership. Was on a -25c hike, started switching modes by itself and keeps doing it even after getting home. 72 exposures is way too much for a single hike in my use, but if this new Pentax camera lasts for the same 30-40 years that the Minox did, I'm set for the rest of my life for compacts. I have all the Hasselblads and Leicas, large format gear etc I need for other more controlled situations already.
The people who keep suggesting that this first new camera should have been a manual mechanical SLR are delusional. The market is completely saturated with them, there are millions of them being unused in closets etc. Or a P67III. How many would they sell? 50 or 100? It would cost the same as a used car. A better idea would be a factory refurbishment program first for the existing cameras, so they can start slowly manufacturing the parts needed.
Nico looking like that with 41... and me looking the way i do with 35... makes me really sad...
A halfframe point and shoot sounds pretty nice.... if you want a 35, 645, 6x6, 6x7 etc etc etc you already have thousands of options... a 35mm wouldn't really make sense... i'm sure eventually Pentax will make a 35mm with modern AF and all that... if they sell well
Sounds like a cross between Olympus Pen and XA. A good quality pocketable camera with nice lens should do well. My first ‘proper’ camera was an original Olympus Pen gifted by my Grandfather. Learned loads by having 72 frames on a film - cheap for a young teenager. Best of luck to Pentax and hope it’s successful.
Unpopular opinion, I think the zone focusing is a cost saving measure... An SLR is prohibitively expensive for this camera and a rangefinder is too high maintenance for new photographers.
You are probably right. If it helps them get started Im ok with it.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I hope they keep going as well. Keep the film wave going!
Take my money, I think this is a good move by Pentax. I like it more than the Fuji Instax and I believe it will be cheaper for consumables too.
I still would like to see an SLR with K mount lens fit, and dare I wish for a MF body.
I wish they would just rerelease one of their old classics like the K1000 or the MX. they were good cameras why reinvent the wheel?
I wish Pentax all the best, I started into photography with a K10D three years ago, and they've remained the most interesting modern camera manufacturer to me.
This product also isn't for me, but I would be absolutely thrilled about a new film SLR from them, especially a mechanical one.
I'm just a bit miffed that they chose a triplet lens. We have had another lens type with a great balance of sharpness and cost for many decades now - the Tessar. People rave about the "super sharp Tessar" on the Yashica T series, maybe Pentax could've caught onto that with a further improved lens with even more modern glass and coatings.
I have no interest in this purported camera. I still hope that it sells well enough to give Pentax the confidence to build a camera that I would be interested in.
That would be a 35MM SLR using modern technology that uses K-mount lenses and has the classic look and feel of the M and/or A series cameras.
Nope, I don't want to buy anymore any more 40 year old, worn out camera bodies that need serious overhauls. Been there, done that.
A lot of enthousiasts are like "No this is not for me!" Electronics or not manual or mechanical enough!
I want to buy one, specifically to give this a chance to succeed!
I have the other older stuff for all of the manual goodness, like my F2.
We need a new camera to succeed for other manufacturers to follow!
point and shoot half frame is not really my thing. i was hoping more for a new 67 or high end point and shoot
I wish Pentax would just get on and release the thing. These constant 'tease' videos are becoming irritating.
I think its the need for community support on the project that is fuelling the slow announcements. If they had a 100% support from the top it would be out without the pre-hype.
1/2 frame cameras were fine until you wanted to enlarge the negative to say an 8 x 10. Even scanning a half frame will disappoint.
This isnt new. I remember a similar half frame film camera, eother by pentax or olympus back in the mid 80s. We used to use a 36 film roll and get 72 pics from it.
Considering the price of film, half frame could get popular. As people anyhow want the "film" look, and half frame just has more of it.
Half frame is great.
The bitter gatekeeping is insane and nonsensical
Yeah half frame really isn’t for me. But sure if all you gonna do with your photos is social media I guess it could be compelling to some people. But for the loyal film photographers this won’t do it
Primero
Como debe ser!
Half frame?! Why on earth would they do that? I think I'll wait for the FF option...
However, I'm glad they're back, I'm a die-hard Pentaxian since 1985...
...I appreciate your points but being "an older guy" half frame does seem like a really strange choice ...you'd think they'd choose something more compatible with their previous lenses and currently available lab equipment
i wanted a full frame
Question is why one go back on film camera? It is expensive on every steps from being film,process,print,as well as while shooting result is not sure,plus loading film if error then your full tour is in vain.
Zone focusing sounds lame
Its easy to understand for beginners.
@@NicosPhotographyShow I think it may discourage people because it just doesn’t work well. I think what’s needed is an autofocus point and shoot.
@ericpalmer3588 a modern autofocus would be ideal. But it might add too much r&d for this first model. Also new users are in weird trends like blurry pics and whatnot, so who knows
I’m disappointed with the half frame because it clearly shows Pentax are pandering to the vertical format social media users. There is no reason to piss off 35mm format users other than that.
im not buying a half frame camera with zone focus. what an absolutely awful idea.
used market is fine
Im so disappointed by this move by Pentax, where is the love for the manual slr
Disappointed
You are not the only one, but its a step forward to making cameras again, might not be the right one, but the market will decide.
Why, after all that hype and expectations build-up, you're rolling out a glorified Lomo camera?! Yes, half-frame saves on film space used - actually, it saves so much that I wouldn't even bother getting one. I use Super 110 up to 8x10 Sinar and am not "full frame" snob, but a new camera in half-frame at this era...who was responsible for the market survey?!
Point and shoot half frame tells us Pentax really isn't interested in manufacturing film cameras but they do want to take advantage of the interest of the youger shooters.Sad state of affairs. There has been no rumors of a proper film camera being manufactured. This definitely is not marketing attempting to revive film.
yeah its awful. pentax is a shell of its former self and this is an actual disgrace to film.
This camera is a joke. Nobody wants this. Pentax had an opportunity to do something great but screwed up big time. I was really looking forward to this. I don't even need a new film camera because I already have too many cameras, but I would have bought it anyway just to support Pentax and the film industry in general. But not this. Literally anything but this I would have been acceptable.
They had the easiest project in the world: create a new, mostly mechanical film camera. Step 2: profit. Maybe it was too easy? So they had the do something boneheaded like making it half-frame-a format that no one wanted. People didn’t even want it before digital cameras. I’ll buy it to support film, but I think it’s a really stupid decision by Pentax.
what if Pentax would make an all metal rangefinder like the Canon QL17 G3? Pentax never made a rangefinder before.