Pentax 17 Film Camera Review: A Modern Wonder 📷
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
- Introducing #Pentax17: the brand new half-frame 35mm film camera from Pentax @pentax.film.photography 🎉
The Pentax 17 marks a highly significant launch for the analogue community, as it is the first film camera to be produced by Pentax since 2003, and the first premium film camera produced for the 'consumer' in two decades!
Secure your Pentax 17 here: analoguewonderland.co.uk/prod...
Here's what we'll be covering in this Pentax 17 video review:
00:00 - Introducing the Pentax 17
03:05 - What is half-frame?
04:33 - First impressions
07:23 - Pentax 17 settings
16:20 - The lens
17:48 - Top tips for Pentax 17
22:28 - Paul's favourite things about Pentax 17
26:26 - Paul's wish list for Pentax 17
28:29 - What's next for Pentax?
30:09 - Stock incoming!
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What to expect from the Pentax 17 ✅
This is a half-frame film camera with auto-exposure, a fixed lens and inbuilt flash. With seven diverse shooting modes, the Pentax 17 offers ample opportunities for creative exploration. Its sleek, compact design ensures makes it the perfect choice for any scenario (believe us, we've really put it through its paces!)
You can read our full review of the Pentax 17 camera - we were lucky enough to be involved in the testing and marketing for the camera so have a lot of tips, tricks and sample photos for you to enjoy! analoguewonderland.co.uk/blog...
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Pre-order your Pentax 17 from Analogue Wonderland 🛍️
We are currently accepting pre-orders and will begin shipping to customers this week. As a thank you for your order, we'll also throw in 2 x FREE rolls of film 24 exposure film - Ilford HP5 35mm and Kodak Gold 35mm!
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We'll be sharing tonnes of content in the next few weeks to help you get the best out of the Pentax 17, so stay up to date by following our social channels and having a read of our blogs!
👉 Blog: analoguewonderland.co.uk/blog...
👉 Instagram: / analoguewonderland
👉 TikTok: / analoguewonderland
👉 Facebook: / analoguewonderland
👉 X: x.com/AnalogueWLand
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We hope you love the Pentax 17 as much as we do. Let us know your initial thoughts in the comments 💬
In the words of Pentax themselves, #ItsTimeForFilm 🎞️ - Zábava
Thank you so much for showing us with these beautiful prints what this camera is really capable of. In maybe 20 reviews I watched you're the only one who answered my main question. Until you came I just heard that it was good for social media which I think wouldn't be enough for its price. Now I know it's really worth the money. Good job!
Oh we're so glad we could help - it was an important point to share!
This is the most useful of these videos out there :)
Aw thank you so much we're glad you think so!
What people forget is 35mm film was made for 1/2 frame. It was created for the movie industry and the movie cameras run on 1/2 frame to get the moving image. I wish I could afford this, I love my 1/2 frame cameras I even have a 1/2 frame medium format camera.
whattttt which medium format camera is half-frame??
@@WesleyVerhoevePhotography it's a Bencini Koroll 24s 120 camera. It's a basic camera 1/50 or B mode. F/9 or F/16. You have the number on the backing papervin the left window take a picture then wind it on til the frame number then appears on the second window take picture then wind on til the next number is in the left window.
I assume they mean 645?
@@sdcorrey Bencini Koroll 24s- look it up
@@sdcorrey after a little research, the camera they're referring to shoots 3x4.5, so half of the normal 645. No idea how it works, but seems pretty cool
Anyone notice that this is basically the GRiii snap focus feature without the autofocus component? This is brilliant!!!
What a sensational photographic device. What a fabulous lens. The image quality is exceptional and so is the built quality of the camera. I am going to buy 2 of those because they are so cheap.
Nice to hear you're a fan ☺
The wrist strap idea is the same as the Olympus XA4, a great idea
Great to see the large photo prints at 19:05. I had no idea the resolution was so detailed!! Wonderful!!
Yes! It's really impressive 😁
EXCELLENT choice to show full-size enlargements! Daaang, that lens is tack-sharp!
We are SO impressed with the quality 😱
Very useful review, thank you! The first video review of this camera where it shows that the bokeh mode actually can work despite the 3.5 aperture and half-frame combination, and fantastic to see larger prints - and how good they are.
Glad you enjoyed it 🙏
Mine came today, it’s perfect for me - all I have to consider is which film to pop in.
Yay! So many choices 😍 What are you thinking of first...?
Great video, thanks, really give the best tips on using the camera
Thank you very much ❤
Thanks for the samples and tips, great video.
You're welcome, thank you ☺
Good review. Thank you.
Thank you!
You can always increase the resolution of the images with digital scans. It's extremely easy to take vintage black and white photos and increase their resolution and colorize.
Showing the actual prints was a great call! I print half frame, it's absolutely fine. I also really like pyro staining developers for half frame, it lowers the overall perception of grain just that bit more.
Yeah, some people don’t realise that half frame images do actually enlarge well without losing too much detail!
Pricey! Lower tech but the glass looks sharp. A lot of labs no longer have masking for half frames.
That battery compartment set screw - looks odd. Start making them in black, please!
Thank you, nice review especially with prints part 👌, and for guys where commenting about near cheap second hand cameras from 1960-1980 there big luck is needed , because I have two olympus pen FT's on my table where paid till doors with taxes 250-300EUR each "exc++++" condition 😀 with shutter issues after few months, sticky blades, lens separations, fungus (because 90% old cameras have this issue where cleaned out when selling but not with full process to kill bacteria and after some time you will see these creativities 😃) and other "nice" features 😀. All other cameras what I have ( Rolei 35, Rolleiflex 3.5F, Bronica Zenza) bought with the same "exc +++++" condition was the same story and made full CLA by my self and found very interesting things ... yes I have fixed those cameras works perfectly but for standard customer is not possible without spending extra money and not cheap as I know. Yes I have ordered Pentax 17 to my collection 😀is expensive but I want to have new film camera for traveling or cycling activities without any funny "features" like old ones have in middle of film 😉.
Glad to hear you found the prints explanation useful and have added the Pentax 17 to your collection 😁
One word: brilliant.
💯
Will definitely be a great camera to capture family moments and vacation photos. I know I'll definitely be using it for that. Though, I know I'll also be carrying a full frame camera for slides, since slides are also perfect for vacation stuff if you plan on projecting them as I do.
That sounds like a fair combination! It's a great size for snapping on the go. Enjoy it 😎
I didn't expect to see Hyacinth Bucket here... 😂
A short but sweet appearance - good spot 😂
Great video! Very informative and concise!
I hope to get one of these this year, or early next year.
Maybe you could do a 6 month or 1yr update on this camera if you continue to use it regularly?
Absolutely, we'd love to update you all on the journey we go on with the Pentax 17 😁
I am soooo excited! Are we there yet?
Let's gooooo! 😍
What I know is whoever comes out with a 35mm true panoramic camera will be in the money ! This camera needs some work, but it's a 7:21 good start ! Encouraging especially if film gets magically reasonably priced again !
Well, that's the magic of half-frame - getting more for your money 😎
I would love to see photos taken with Delta 100 on this camera!
Note taken! 🫡
I'm curious about how Pentax set the camera program. We all knew that:
Aperture: F3.5 - F16
Shutter: 4s - 1/350s
1. When set to no flash P mode, when it is in low light, will it limit the shutter at 1/30s and warn you it is insufficient light, or it will go all the way down to 4s?
2. When set to Bokeh mode, using ISO 400 film under sunny day, will it shoot at F3.5 with 1/350s, or it will shoot at F16 with 1/350s?
3. When set to no flash Night mode, will it always prioritize shutter to 4s? or any range?
Great coverage of this new little classic. Perhaps some fujifilm X100 users will be seduced over to analog with this little beauty.
Where do you get the shutter times for the non flash modes from? I couldn’t find them in the manual. Do you know if the camera will go longer than 1/30th in Bokeh Mode?
Add a range finder focusing patch as well as manual controls for aperture and shutter speed and I might think about it. Oh, and a 24mp sensor.
Great video, ordered mine! Loved my Yashica Samurai half frame until it died. I think the price is fair. If they do make a new slr at some point, it will probably have to be $2k or more.
Amazing - you're going to love it! I think an SLR is on the horizon...
What would you recommend for film, anything in the 400 range?
The strap measuring the closest focusing distance is actually common. All those modes and no manual mode?
I will wait for the full frame version of this camera. I wonder if the motorised focusing is there for autofocus as well?
Yep, we're sure there'll be more iterations considering feedback from the community!
If I have an external light meter would I be able to adjust anything within the camera to shoot the meter that I get? Seems I can’t adjust anything except ISO
There’s the exposure adjustment but you are right you can’t choose your shutter speed or aperture (beside bokeh=3.5).
Can I pre-order if I'm in the USA and you'll post it across the pond?
Yes of course! Order away 😎
Looks a super piece of kit, and I'm tempted, however £500 GB is a significant outlay and it will be interest to see how long it is that the £500 price tag sticks around for... One to watch for the lovers of film. Right back to my Mamiya 645J to have my fix for the day :)
Buy an Olympus Pen EE or Pen F, and shoot in style.
That's fair enough, maybe they'll drop the price soon :)
One thing I would add - a multiple exposure toggle.
We agree! There's a way around that though... we'll be releasing a video about it on our channel shortly 👀
Can't you do what the old cameras did for multiple exposure ie depress the button on the bottom while cocking the shutter?
yes!
Very indepth review , Thank You . Like the ideas that Pentax used . Would be Very interested in Buying . Except the Price is quite high . Would buy it at about $350 to a max of $400 . Hopefully the Price with drop in the future . Great review and Kool Camera .
You're welcome 😇 We've been having a lot of fun with it and once you've had it in your hand, the price point makes sense!
Love it! Looking forward to a similar priced full frame! All that could be better is Kodachrome again!
I need a shutter speed dial, an aperture ring, and an ISO dial, a flash sync port and manual focus. I don't need auto modes or built in flash.
It looks like they've tried to simplify the camera by making it more complicated, I like everything else, but the user interface is no good for me.
It's a pity because I really wanted to like the camera, but I don't.
It does take a bit of getting used to without those manual modes!
I've seen a few articles and videos about this wonderful NEW 35mm camera, the biggest moan, yeh you guessed, the price. For those moaning about the price, watch this video. The Pentax 17 wreaks of high build and lens qualty, a lot of thought has gone into the design and engineering of the Pentax 17. I predict that the Pentax 17 is going to be in demand, regardless of price. We now have a new film path to go down. Personally I'm really liking the Pentax 17.
Will we lose the lens cap…?
Will have to be careful with that one!
Does it have a self timer ?
Unfortunately not, but there is an aux cable hole for long-distance shutter tripping using the Pentax CS-205 Cable Switch. We'll be getting some in stock soon 😊
Gosh. It uses "modern electronics" but they couldn't figure out how to put auto or rangefinder focusing in there? I don't feel like carrying a tape measure everywhere so I can estimate distance.
Dear all,
Canny video as always👍
Is there a neck strap available🧐 Don't like wrist straps - bit of a hand waver😳
Regards,
Ta! Nope not included but you're welcome to buy your own for safety purposes 😜
AGAT 18k - version 2 ))
No wonder the guy in the Livestream video took quite a lot of underexposed photos. He was using auto mode (f16) on a not so sunny environment
Oops! 😬
why its so big?
Big? We think it's pretty compact actually - fits nicely in a coat pocket or small bag!
These are good prints.
Prints from a Leica Noctilux 0.95 wide open are less sharp than these. Yet they command 10000$.
We were really impressed by the quality!
I knew it!
Good guess 😁
Smallest aperture in night mode? Don't think so.
Los que comentan que por ese dinero pueden comprar una cámara vieja mejor es que no han entendido nada. Ojalá tenga éxito esta Pentax 17. Su mayor defecto es un precio un poco elevado.
I think it's you that has not understood anything. The camera manufacturer should understand what the photographer wants. For me it's a full frame 35mm slr. something like my x700. But brand new. What they served up is a half frame point and shoot with manual wind, why? And then they over price the thing. No, it's down to the manufacturer to understand the customer. and not down to the customer, to adapt what they want, to the manufacturer wants.
@@anglo-saxonenglish3565 it's not aimed at you🤦🏼♀️it's the youngsters they are the future not you!
@@Resgerr Are you assuming my age? Also if you take the time to look through the comment here, you will see where the consensus lies.
@@anglo-saxonenglish3565 is for young people who use their phones alot to take pictures using the portrait format🙄 not for moaners like you.
This is more like $150 camera at most.
For $500 you can buy an Olympus Pen F half frame, fully serviced probably.
Pentax 17 I think may refer to the fact that its 17 years since Pentax released their last film camera?
Also as mentioned, halve 36 in the actual film.
@@nathansstuff1547 Exactly 👆
Get some better sound.
Noted 😊
What about the video quality’s of it?
$500 is way over priced for what your getting. I love what they're trying to do but come on, that is a crazy price tag.
If you had bought a camera in 1985 for $150 you would have been paying $450 in today’s dollars. And considering what you would have gotten them for that price, this is a nice camera.
Pentax could have saved money with a wheel to advance the film and done other things, but they chose features on purpose for their tactility. I can appreciate that. :-)
Easy pass when you can get older cameras with higher quality for half the price. What was Pentax thinking….. never mind they weren’t.
The Pentax 17 certainly isn't a £500 camera, and anyones money would be better spent on a refurbed Olympus Pen, EE, Canon Demi etc etc.
The leftover money would keep you in film for a while and pay for processing.
I'll stick with my Olympus trip (from new), Olympus Pen EE, Ricoh FF1 and Canon Dial 35 thanks ....
Just to put things into context: A brand new smart phone can easily cost you over $USD1000.
After 6 months, the value on the used market will drop to about 50% of new. After three years it
will be down to 10% of new - making less expensive than a brand new phone with fewer features.
This is the place to save money and I have done it multiple times. I also have lots of experience
with finicky 60 year film cameras - hard pass on this idea. Meanwhile, I could see the Pentax 17
as a companion to my M7 - especially in places known for theft.
@@mknm1349 Valid point 👆We're not used to buying film cameras new out of the box!
Plastic CRAP for Fancy-Schmancy influencers.
Let’s say you went on holiday and used this camera to capture your time abroad.
10 rolls of cheap/ normal everyday film would probably cost you about £120.00
Then developing and scanning, another £12.00 per roll. So that’s £120.00 for 10 rolls.
And these estimations are probably on the low side.
So you’ve spent £240.00 by the time you get back your photos and scanned.
720 / 240 = 3.
So for every three shutter button presses it cost £1.00
So 100 rolls or 7200 shutter actuations will cost you £2,400.00 = $3,000.00 US.
Taking into consideration that this is half frame, normal 35mm is going to cost you almost double, and imagine if you shoot Portra film which costs double of normal film.
Conclusion: don’t be a mug, film is dead. It’s just too damn expensive, and this is from a film shooter of over 35 years.
I wouldn't say film is dead. But as for your holiday snapshot scenario. Yes, that side of film photography is gone. it's digital all the way ( that's why the Pentax 17 misses the mark). But film still has life left in it. Albeit a nuanced creative life.
Film isn't dead at all, and medium/large format is still objectively better than anything digital. Which to me is the problem with this little toy camera. It does nothing that any rudimentary digital camera can't do better, plus you get the expense and inconvenience of film. So what is the point of this thing? Just the grainy half frame aesthetic?
£500 for that rubbish. They could have made a wonderful 35mm camera for film enthusiasts, but instead they made a camera that's worth no more than £99. Pentax think again!
500$... nope...
How much did you expect a new camera to cost? If it was flea market prices, like most film cameras, then it would be less valuable than a plastic lomography toy.
For context, the 1981 Canon Sureshot or Canon 35AF was sold for $240. That would be about $800 today.
@@wonsVAA Ektar H35N (a new film camera) is around 50 quid. Is this camera going to deliver 10x better output? It should of been closer to £200
@@wonsVAA we are not in 81 anymore, we have so much other choice today than this camera, it's a very niche market and yes i prefer and old m42 camera for 30 bucks and spend the money on film and travel...
@@irresponsiblepictures7451 it is far better
Bad decision from Pentax.
why?
@Answersonapostcard .. Price is foremost.
1) cuz new film shooters will not be happy with this quality. This type of quality is more for aged shooters who know that details don’t matter all the time. The new shoot wants details . That’s why they switch to MF in no time.
2) you already have the Olympus pen f which is the Leica of SLR. It’s beautiful, smaller with interchangeable lenses. Which are sharp too. You can’t go wrong with that.
3) the price of 500$ !!!
@@j.k5654 you can’t please everyone
@@j.k5654 I thought the photo prints looked great, personally. How many Pen F's are there available? Old cameras are not going to be around forever.
“A modern wonder”, as in, I wonder why they ever made this thing.
Piece of junk for 550 EURO. For half-frame film camera is too high. Shutter Speed 1/350 to 4 seconds....
Manual winding and rewinding....Zone focusing.
One of the strangest camera ever made...
I have seen many CZcamsr's talk about this piece of expensive junk. Its a half-frame which limits the size of prints, made of plastic, fixed focus, and its just a over glorified cheap 110 camera of the past. I guess in 2024 Youtuers get excited over cheap film cameras. Too bad there is no creativity on CZcams and every one talks about the same product and hypes up products that are junk. No I not buy this Pentax 17 film and I would rather buy a 35mm that is 30,40, or 50 years old because I can get full frame, interchangeable lenses, a light meter, and many other accessories. If I was to get a 1/2 frame I would look for a Olympus 1/2 frame which has the same accessories I mentioned above.
They've all been sent free copies so obviously they will keep the reviews on the positive. Realistically you can get a Olympus Pen refurbed for far less. I think Pentax may of shot themselves in the foot with the asking price.
Agree it is expensive, but my OM10 is made of plastic (and metal) and the Pentax 17 is made of plastic and magnesium alloy (the silver parts). I
Does half frame limit how large you can enlarge your photos? Any one know the ball park range?
EDIT: should have watched the whole video first...
Yes you have half the frame to work with so will get visible grain and loss of sharpness much sooner than with full 35mm frame. Still fine for small prints but no good for larger ones.
Really depends on the sharpness and grain of the film you use. I've shot plenty of slide in half frame and they look amazing, barely distinguishable from regular full frame shots unless you zoom in a lot.
The simple answer is in your question. HALF
Depends on what film you're using how it's developed and of course if you're going to scan the negative and then print from the scan or print directly from the negative. 7x5 or 9x6 should be easy enough straight from the negative. But a properly taken image developed and scanned correctly so you can print at 300dpi should allow you to go larger. and how large will depend on the scanner and what it's maximum resolution is.