Pentax 17
Pentax · Compact
Score Breakdown
This product does not have an overall score yet.
—
UNSCORED
What We Like
+Sharp, high-quality optics with excellent HD lens coating deliver stunning image quality even in half-frame format
+Thoughtful manual controls with exposure compensation dial and manual ISO setting (50-3200) provide creative flexibility rare in modern point-and-shoots
+Half-frame format doubles shot count to 72 per roll, making film more economical and ideal for social media vertical composition
+Solid build quality with magnesium alloy top/bottom plates and premium design that honors Pentax's camera heritage
+Bright Albada viewfinder with vertical orientation and parallax compensation makes composition intuitive for smartphone-era photographers
+First Pentax film camera in 20 years signals manufacturer commitment to analog photography and appeals to young film enthusiasts
Worth Knowing
−Expensive for a half-frame compact (~$500), limiting accessibility compared to cheaper alternatives like Kodak H35 or Lomography cameras
−Zone focus system lacks tactile feedback and can be challenging to select intermediate focus positions accurately
−No autofocus or true manual focus; electronic focus correction only when shutter button is half-pressed introduces slight shutter lag
−Requires scanning and post-processing expertise for half-frame negatives; many labs charge premiums and scanning takes more time than full-frame
General | |
|---|---|
About This CameraThe Pentax 17 is a half-frame compact 35mm camera released in June 2024, the first new film camera for some years made under the Pentax brand. It features a 25mm F3.5 lens and half-size format in which two pictures (17mm x 24mm) are captured within a single 35mm-format frame, doubling the number of pictures per roll. The camera is praised for its high-quality images and impressive build, though it lacks zoom, autofocus, and weather resistance. Reviewers consistently highlight the camera's ability to take stunning photos when fed good film and light, delivering more image quality than expected for a half-frame compact. | |
| Brand | Pentax |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | Jun 2024 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2024 |
| Camera weight | 290 g |
| Camera type |  Compact |
Format | |
| Type | 35mm half-frame |
| Frame Size | 17mm x 24mm |
| Frames per Roll | 72 (36-exposure) / 48 (24-exposure) |
Lens | |
| Focal Length | 25mm f/3.5 |
| Equivalent | 37mm (35mm format) |
| Type | Fixed triplet lens |
| Elements | 3 elements in 3 groups |
| Coating | HD (High Definition) |
| Filter Thread | 40.5mm |
Focus | |
| Type | Zone focus (manual) |
| Zones | 6 preset distances: 0.25m, 0.5m, 1.2m, 1.7m, 3m, infinity |
| Minimum Focus | 0.25m |
Shutter | |
| Type | Electronically controlled central (leaf) shutter |
| Speed Range | 1/350 to 4 seconds |
| Bulb | Yes |
Exposure | |
| Metering | Partial metering (sensor above lens) |
| Modes | 7 modes: Full Auto, Program AE, Slow-speed sync, Bokeh, Bulb, Daylight sync, Slow-sync flash |
| ISO Range | 50-3200 (manual) |
| Exposure Compensation | ±2 EV |
Viewfinder | |
| Type | Albada-type bright frame finder |
| Orientation | Vertical |
| Features | Parallax correction frame, zone mark indicators visible |
Flash | |
| Built in | Yes |
| Auto | Yes (in Low Light mode) |
Build | |
| Top/Bottom Plates | Magnesium alloy |
| Body | Plastic and magnesium |
| Dimensions | 125mm x 75mm x 55mm |
| Film Advance | Manual lever |
| Film Rewind | Manual crank |
Power | |
| Battery | CR2 3V lithium |
| Battery Life | ~10 rolls (36-exposure) with 50% flash usage |