Pentax is back in the film game with the all-new Pentax 17

Back in 2022, Ricoh Imaging/Pentax teased a new project involving research and development of new Pentax-brand film cameras. Some info leaked shortly after the teaser, and the wait is finally over. Today, they’ve unveiled the fruits of their labour: the Pentax 17.

This brand new 35mm half-frame film camera is a love letter to Pentax’s rich history of film camera development. It’s designed with simplicity, elegance, and functionality in mind – exactly what a film camera should be. But most importantly, it’s fun. In today’s digital world, a film camera must stand out and inspire creativity, and the Pentax 17 promises to do that. Which is, honestly, what film cameras are all about if you ask me.

Specs

Here are the product highlights:

• Classic 35mm half-frame film format
• HD PENTAX HF 25mm f/3.5 lens
• Manual zone focusing with a handy macro setting for close-up shots
• Window viewfinder with frame lines to help you compose your images
• Multiple shooting modes: auto exposure, program, and even a bokeh mode
• Built-in flash with various flash modes for different lighting conditions
• Exposure compensation and ISO dials for full creative control
• Manual film advance lever and rewind knob for a truly tactile shooting experience
• Powered by a single CR2 battery
• 2.5mm remote cable switch terminal for shutter release flexibility

Half-frame film format

The Pentax 17 is a film camera but with a twist: it is well and truly built for the modern age. The half-frame format means that it takes two 17mm x 24mm pictures within a single 35mm-format (36mm x 24mm) film frame. This makes a single roll of film last longer, because, well, film ain’t cheap ya know!

Secondly, if you take a photo in a vertical position, the resulting photos will have a similar ration to a smart phone. This will cut the amount of time and effort for sharing the images on social media after developing and scanning.

Manual operations

The design of the Pentax 17 optimises manual film camera operations that make shooting much easier and more accessible. These include a selectable zone-focus system, manual film winding, manual film advance lever, and exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity adjustments, each with its own dials. 

Sample images

Retro design

The camera is tapping into the current fever for retro-inspired designs in not just cameras, but fashion, furniture and technology. Shooting film has realised something of a renaissance in recent years, with many of the enthusiasts coming from younger age ranges.

“Many photographers were first introduced to the joys of photography using a PENTAX film camera. We’re hoping to introduce a new generation to the world of film photography with the PENTAX 17,” says Ken Curry, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas. “It is an ideal model not only for film camera enthusiasts who have enjoyed film photography for years, but also for photographers who are excited about trying film photography for the first time.”

The Pentax 17 looks set to be a hit with film photography enthusiasts of all levels. I sense that the younger generations might particularly like it. :) With its classic design, modern features, and focus on fun, it could be a great first … or 50th film camera in your collection.

You can preorder the Pentax 17 for $499.95, it will be available from late June.