The vibe in one breath
- He likes the idea. Calls the Pentax 17 “very cool” and says half‑frame’s 72 shots/roll is an “insanely good idea.”
- But he’s skeptical on film in 2024–2025. He stresses that film + develop + scans are pricey; even with half‑frame, costs add up fast.
- His personal recommendation stays digital. When asked about the future of film, he says: “Just buy a RICOH GR III HDF.”
- He even frames the 17 as “the new Ricoh GR for the next generation.” Translation: great gateway camera for younger shooters into film, but he’d still carry a GR himself.
Quick receipts (dates matter)
- Sept 8, 2024 — “Is There a Future for Film Photography?”
“The new Pentax 17 looks cool… Just buy a RICOH GR III HDF.” - Undated page excerpt (2024)
“New Pentax 17 very cool — a very good idea. Half frame, 72 shots per roll of film is an insanely good idea.” - June 25, 2024 — “What is Your Ultimate Goal in Life?”
“It is essentially the new Ricoh GR for the next generation.” - Oct 17, 2024 — “PHOTO KAPITAL.”
Breaks down film+processing at roughly $20–25 per roll and notes that even with 72 shots the recurring cost stacks up—his core reason for preferring digital day‑to‑day. - Standing bias: Kim has long championed the Ricoh GR as the best everyday street camera, which explains his “buy a GR” refrain.
What this means for
you
- If you want the experience of film and tons of frames per roll: Kim gives the 17 a thumbs‑up for concept and fun. (Half‑frame = play more, worry less.)
- If you want maximum reps with minimal ongoing cost: His advice is to channel that energy into a Ricoh GR III/IIIx and shoot relentlessly.
Want me to distill Kim’s take into a buy/no‑buy checklist or settings/playbook (Pentax 17 vs GR) so you can move fast?