The Pentax 17 film camera is already listed online in Germany and is available for order. Here are the details (the official announcement is today at 4 pm):
Manual camera operation – unique to film cameras
The PENTAX 17 has a manual film winding mechanism based on the mechanisms of PENTAX SLR film cameras. With the film transport lever, users can enjoy film transport and winding the shutter. A simple loading system has been developed for film loading to avoid errors when loading the film.
This avoids errors, especially for users who are using a film camera for the first time. Image control is carried out via a frame counter that counts up to 72 shots. Rewinding is also done manually, using a rewind crank. There are also other controls such as exposure compensation via a correction wheel or setting the ISO sensitivity via a corresponding selection wheel.
Recording format 17mm x 24mm
The PENTAX 17 takes pictures in half format. Two images are taken in the format 17 mm x 24 mm in the original 35 mm format (36 mm x 24 mm). When the camera is held normally, the images are taken in portrait format, which has the great advantage that the images are delivered “smartphone compatible” immediately after development and scanning, and can therefore be shared directly in the communities.
Another major advantage is the lower costs, because the prices for film and development remain the same, with twice the image yield. This means that 48 images can be taken on a 24-frame film and even 72 images on a 36-frame film.
Newly developed fixed focal length lens with proven optics and the latest coating technology
The PENTAX 17 has a newly developed 25 mm F3.5 fixed focal length lens (equivalent to a 37 mm lens in 35 mm format). It is based on the optics of the successful PENTAX Espio Mini (from 1994), and has been redesigned to fit the half format perfectly. It also features HD (High Definition) coating – a proven multi-layer coating on PENTAX lenses to optimize the clarity and sharpness of half-format images. The model for the universally applicable focal length was the RICOH Auto Half – a bestseller in half-format.
Zone focus system for easy setting of the shooting distance
Many compact cameras in the history of photography have had a zone focus system that was equally simple and precise. We remember the symbols fondly: one person, two people and forest. The zone focus system of the PENTAX 17 now offers six focus zones, each identified by markings – from close-ups to long distances. To set the focus of the camera, the user simply has to select the marking on the zone focus ring that best suits the subject distance. The PENTAX 17 even offers a 25 centimeter macro focus zone.
And so that everyone can quickly find the right distance to the subject, the wrist strap included in the delivery serves to correctly measure the distance.
Bright optical viewfinder for real-time subject composition
The optical viewfinder of the PENTAX 17 has a bright Albada bright-frame viewfinder, which has a frame for parallax compensation at close range. This makes image composition a success even at close range. The symbols of the zone focus system are displayed in the viewfinder for better control of the focus. Right next to the viewfinder are indicator lamps that show various functions, such as flash readiness, or remind you to remove the lens cap to take a photo.
Seven shooting modes for different applications
The PENTAX 17 has an automatic exposure control that adjusts the shutter speed between 4 seconds and 1/350 seconds based on the exposure metering. In addition to full automatic, where all exposure settings are selected by the camera, it offers six other shooting modes, including: Bokeh or slow-speed synchronization, which is particularly suitable for twilight shots, and Bulb, which is ideal for night shots and fireworks. The PENTAX 17 also has an independent exposure compensation dial that allows the user to quickly change the exposure level to respond to special subjects (e.g. backlighting) or to express creative intentions.
High-quality housing with great attention to detail
The housing of the PENTAX 17 has a classic design that is reminiscent of the traditional look of film cameras. The top and bottom of the camera are made from a solid but very light magnesium alloy to optimise the rigidity of the body. There is even a 40.5 mm filter thread, which allows the user to mount filters to create a special effect in black and white photos, for example.
As you can see, the PENTAX 17 has been thought through with great love and attention to detail and designed to be a joy to own and to shoot with: “It’s time for film”.
Other features:
Note:
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Package contents: