Technical Specifications
The Pentax 17 is a 35mm half-frame point-and-shoot camera (24×17 mm frames) . It has a fixed 25 mm f/3.5 lens (≈37 mm full-frame equiv.) with 3 elements/3 groups and a 61° field of view . Manual zone focusing (6 preset distances from 0.25 m to ∞) is set via a rotary dial . Exposure is Program AE (1/350–4 s + Bulb) and ISO is set manually (50–3200, including values 125/160) . A bright Albada-type viewfinder shows parallax-corrected frames for distant and close subjects . A built-in flash (GN≈6 at ISO100, ~9 s recycle) covers fill and low-light .
| Specification | Detail |
| Frame size: | 35mm half-frame (24×17 mm) |
| Lens: | 25 mm f/3.5 (37 mm equiv.), HD-coated |
| Focus: | 6-zone manual (Macro 0.24 m, Tabletop 0.5 m, … ∞) |
| Viewfinder: | Albada bright-frame, close-up compensation |
| Metering: | Partial (center-weighted), EV 2.5–16.5 (ISO100) |
| Exposure: | Auto (P) 1/350–4 s + Bulb |
| Flash: | Built-in GN≈6 (ISO100, 1 m), 9 s recycle |
| ISO: | Manual ISO 50–3200 (with stops 125,160) |
| Exposure Comp.: | ±2 EV (1/3-step) |
| Film advance: | Manual lever (130° stroke) |
| Film rewind: | Manual crank (mid-roll rewind) |
| Power: | 1×CR2 battery (~10 rolls/700+ half-frames) |
| Weight: | ≈290 g (body only) |
| Dimensions: | ~127×78×52 mm |
Design and Build
The Pentax 17 has a retro-inspired, black-and-silver exterior recalling classic Pentax SLRs . Its top/bottom covers are lightweight magnesium alloy , while most of the chassis is plastic. Controls include a thumb-operated film-wind lever, a large shutter button with surrounding on/off switch, a mode dial, an ISO-speed dial (50–3200), and a ±2 EV exposure-compensation dial . An external ISO dial and dedicated EV dial are uncommon on point‑&‑shoot cameras and underscore its film-centric design . The Pentax 17 includes a wrist strap and lens cap. (Uniquely, the supplied wrist-strap doubles as a 25 cm distance gauge for macro focus .)
The zone-focus dial on the lens barrel offers six fixed distances (Macro, Tabletop, Close, Medium, Far, ∞) . Focusing is electronic – turning the dial tells the camera where to move the lens when the shutter button is half‑pressed. This yields accurate framing with bright parallax-compensated frame lines, though it introduces a slight shutter lag (as noted by reviewers) . Other standout features include a bright Albada viewfinder with fixed focus frames , a glass prism for an informative display, and an engraved “Asahi Optical Co.” logo and Pentax calligraphy on the top plate . A film-reminder slot on the back lets you slip in the film box tab. In sum, the Pentax 17 blends vintage styling with solid build and manual-like controls for a tactile, analog feel .
Shooting Modes and Controls
The Pentax 17 offers seven shooting modes: Full Auto, Program AE, Slow, Bokeh, Bulb, Daylight Sync Flash, and Slow‑Sync Flash . It fully automates aperture and shutter in all modes, with no manual aperture setting. The Auto modes handle exposure and flash; Bulb allows long exposures, and special modes (e.g. Bokeh) fix focus at a moderate distance for background blur. Film loading is easy (speed load), and everything from frame advance to ISO setting is done manually. An LCD atop the camera shows exposure compensation, while LEDs in the viewfinder indicate ready-to-shoot, low light, or flash status. As one reviewer notes, the Pentax 17 “answers the frustration” of older cameras by providing programmable modes and ISO adjustment, making it simple even for beginners .
Hands-On Reviews and Expert Opinions
Reviewers have been largely positive about the Pentax 17. PetaPixel calls it a “gorgeous camera that harkens back to Pentax’s glory days,” noting its stylish titanium-colored finish and nods to classic Pentax models . They praise the accurate viewfinder frame lines and fun shooting experience (despite some graininess) . 35mmc (Hamish Gill) found the 17 to have a “solid and balanced series of features,” quiet operation, and design that both feels modern and honors Pentax heritage. He concludes it “takes great photos” and is “really enjoyable” to use – in fact, “I can see myself recommending it to beginners without reservation.” .
The Raw Camera’s Tristan Zand emphasizes the build and optics: the Pentax 17 “excels in optical quality, build, and reliable exposure,” delivering sharp images with vibrant color . He notes minor drawbacks – a slight shutter lag from the electronic focus, an unneeded on/off switch, and easily shifted dials – but calls it a “fun, versatile tool for casual photography.” He concludes it’s “a unique companion for film enthusiasts who value simplicity and portability,” even if advanced users may miss manual controls . Analog Wonderland’s Paul McKay similarly enjoys its manual film wind and modern conveniences (dedicated ISO and EV dials) as well as the creative modes, though he cautions that the flash recharge can be slow. Overall, experts agree the Pentax 17 is well-made and charming, with very few serious flaws for its intended use .
Image Quality and Sample Photos
The Pentax 17’s output has classic film character. In this street portrait (shot on Kodak Portra 400), colors are rich and the subject is sharp – reviewers note “excellent color reproduction” and minimal vignetting from the 25 mm lens . The vertical half-frame format is evident. Grain is visible (the scan was ~2905×2048 px ), giving a filmic texture. As one reviewer puts it, “the images are grainy and the camera occasionally over- or under-exposes” – but despite this the Pentax 17 “turned out to be a fun and stylish companion,” yielding many keepers .
Another Portra 400 sample shows good handling of contrast and skin tones. The in-camera metering tends toward accuracy (even high-ISO films like T-Max 3200 gave well-exposed shots in tests ), though very bright or dark scenes may need +/– exposure comp. Overall, images from the Pentax 17 are sharp in focus (especially within the frame lines), with the expected analog film grain and dynamic range. The camera’s files (after lab scanning) came in around 2900×2048 pixels , easily shareable. Reviewers emphasize that shooting half-frame doubles your photos: one says twice the images per roll “is a boon” given film costs . In sum, sample photos show vibrant color and clarity; any minor exposure quirks are outweighed by the fun of shooting a new film camera .
Comparison with Similar Cameras
| Camera | Frame | Lens (35 mm equiv.) | Aperture | Focus | Notes/Price (USD) |
| Pentax 17 (2024) | 24×17 mm half-frame | 25 mm (37 mm) | f/3.5 | 6-zone manual | Built-in flash; ISO & EV dials; ~$500 |
| Kodak Ektar H35N (2023) | 24×17 mm half-frame | 30 mm (45 mm) | f/3.5 fixed | Fixed-focus, program AE | Simple plastic body, one zone focus; ~$100; reviewers say “not on same level” as Pentax |
| Lomography Lomourette (2025) | 24×17 mm half-frame | 24 mm (36 mm) | f/8 or f/11 | Fixed-focus | Toy-like Diana camera; bulb & multi-exposure; ~$69 |
| Olympus Pen EE‑S (1966) | 24×17 mm half-frame | 22.5 mm (41 mm) | f/2.8 fixed | 3-zone (selenium meter) | Vintage rangefinder Pen; 48 exp/24-roll; fully mechanical; very low cost (used) |
| Olympus Trip 35 (1967) | 36×24 mm full-frame | 40 mm (40 mm) | f/2.8–16 (auto) | 3-zone (selenium meter) | Classic compact; full-frame; no flash/limited ISO; popular point‑&‑shoot from era; ~$100 used |
In other words, the Pentax 17 sits at the high end of new half-frame cameras. Cheaper models like Kodak’s H35N or Lomography’s Lomourette trade build quality and versatility for low price – reviewers note H35N is only a basic beginner camera and “not on the same level” as the Pentax . Vintage half-frame cameras (Olympus Pen series) also give 2× exposures at very low cost , but lack any modern automation. Compared to common full-frame 35mm point‑&‑shoots (e.g. Olympus Trip 35 or Lomo LC-A), the Pentax 17’s main difference is its half-frame format and zone-focus system; it is larger than pocket compacts but still far smaller than an SLR.
Availability and Pricing
The Pentax 17 launched in 2024 (Japan in June; North America/Europe in Fall 2024). It is sold in Dark Silver and Light Silver finishes. Major retailers currently list it around $497. For example, B&H Photo shows it at $496.95 , and Adorama lists it $496.95 (a $499.95 MSRP minus $3) . Ricoh’s official site lists it at $499.95 and often offers free film bundles. Adorama’s standard bundle includes two free 35 mm film rolls (worth ≈$72) . Amazon and other vendors similarly offer it for about $500 (some overseas deals have reached ~€399 during promotions ). It quickly sold out in many markets, but by 2025 it is generally in stock at camera stores (and as new stock arrives from Japan). In summary, expect to pay about $500, often with bonus film or strap; check retailers like B&H【15†】, Adorama【17†】, Amazon【46†】, or local photo shops for current availability.
Unique Features
- Half-Frame Vertical Format: Captures two 17×24 mm vertical images per 35 mm frame , echoing smartphone aspect ratios . This is rare in new cameras and doubles exposures per roll (e.g. 72 on a 36-exposure roll ).
- Zone-Focus System: Unusual for a compact, the 17 has six focus zones (including true macro at 25 cm) selected via a ring . This lets the shooter preset distance without guessing, and the active focus frame is visible through the viewfinder.
- Bright Albada Viewfinder: The optical viewfinder uses a bright frame finder (Albada) with fixed focus frames. It even has a close-up compensation frame for macro shots , aiding composition on very short focus distances.
- ISO and EV Dials: Unlike most point‑&‑shoots, the Pentax 17 provides dedicated dials for ISO (50–3200) and exposure compensation (±2 EV) . This makes it easy to use different films and adjust exposure on the fly – one reviewer noted “there is no excuse to not shoot Portra 160!” given the wide ISO range .
- Creative Modes: It offers seven distinct modes (Program AE, Auto slow-sync, Bulb, etc.) , plus a “Bokeh” mode that locks focus at a medium distance for blurred backgrounds. These built-in creative options provide more flexibility than simple point‑shoots.
- Retro-Material Build: Solid metal top/bottom plates and classic Pentax branding (Asahi logo, “Craftsmanship by Pentax” engraving) give it a premium feel . The manual film advance lever and cold-crank rewind evoke traditional SLR operation.
- Wrist Strap Macro Tool: Ingeniously, the included wrist strap is 25 cm long – exactly the close-focus distance. Holding the strap taut in front of the lens provides an instant ruler for macro photography . This quirky feature is unique to the Pentax 17.
- Hybrid Electronics: The camera combines mechanical controls with electronic systems (e.g. the lens is driven electronically when you half-press the shutter). While this enables zone focusing, it is unusual in an essentially “manual” camera and suggests Pentax may reuse this design in future (even for autofocus) .
Target Audience and Use Cases
Pentax positions the 17 at a broad range of users: it is “ideal” for both long-time film enthusiasts and newcomers eager to try analog . Reviewers echo this: 35mmc notes the camera is “easy to understand even for the beginner” yet feature-rich enough that experienced photographers won’t feel shortchanged . Its compact size, fixed wide-ish lens, and plentiful exposures make it well-suited for street and travel photography or any on-the-move shooting. The vertical half-frame format aligns with smartphone habits, making it fun for social-media style photos . In practical terms, it’s a beginners’ dream (Pellets of tech, no exposure mistakes) but also a novelty for film buffs who value its retro charm.
On the other hand, advanced users should note its limitations. There is no true manual aperture or shutter control, no DX film coding, and focus zones rather than continuous focus. As one review states, its “automatic nature limits [its] appeal for advanced users” . Photographers needing fast response or full manual overrides (for action or studio work) might prefer SLRs or rangefinders. But for casual, everyday shooting – especially street scenes and portraits – the Pentax 17 offers a unique, user-friendly film experience that many fans of analog are finding delightful .
Sources: Official Pentax/Ricoh product information ; retailer listings (B&H , Adorama【17†】, Amazon【46†】); and hands-on reviews from PetaPixel , 35mmc , Amateur Photographer , RawCamera , etc., as cited above.