Pentax Film Camera

[StS]

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It could be useful to show Pentax's latest update video. Apparently the first model will be indeed half-frame, I like the suggestion of the presenter to use it for diptychs of connected images.

To my taste is certainly the option to switch automatic exposure off. I'm not sure what to make of "zone focusing with electronic support". Some indication whether the middle part of the image is in focus would certainly be appreciated, I hope it offers more than just symbols of people and mountains to be selected as the appropriate focus range. With the expected short focal lenght for the smaller format in combination with film, the depth of focus should give some tolerance, though. The Ricoh half-format they show is a 2.8 lens, the Espio a 3.5; from my perspective a 2.8 with proper focusing aided by focus indication would certainly be preferred.

Stefan

 

 

Edited March 9, 2024 by StS

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[Aryel]

Mmmmmmmh, not sure about the younger folks but I was personally hoping for something like a good p&s like a Nikon 35ti or contax, Minolta tc1 etc.

Never tried half frame so could still be interested. Let’s see. Still quite excited and looking forward to seeing what they come up with!

[StS]

I like that they try a new approach rather than re-warming a 1990s point-and-shoot. I'm very interested to see the result.

Stefan

[Borna]

Within this month is over, perhaps early June will the new (at least the first in line to be released) camera be presented. It will cost around 500-800 euros/usd depending on where in the world you live (tax etc.). This means couple of thing, even if they release a half frame camera, it will not compete with kodak and agfa cameras, specially price point. 

[TomB_tx]

Not clear how they will do at that price point (or what it signals about future SLR model pricing), but I think their design and specs are well suited to the expected youth market. My grandkids and friends think film photos are neat, and they are happy with the tiny Instax prints, so half frame is a plus for them.

[Borna]

More news: https://petapixel.com/2024/05/20/pentax-teases-the-coming-of-its-17-half-frame-film-camera/

[Borna]

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https://www.dpreview.com/news/9002061674/ricoh-launches-pentax-17-half-frame-fixed-lens-film-camera
 

there we go!

[sometimesmaybe]

i dont think enthusiasts are the target market for this product. i daily carry a half frame (Konica recorder) as a photojournal and i cant see how this fits into my collection. i hope the pentax 17 does well, so that they can try something for tailored for enthusiasts   

[Einst_Stein]

Regardless how good Pentex is going to do with this, it's good if anyone is working to strength the film photography. 

I hope more camera and film and darkroom company jumping into this "little" stream.

Edited June 19, 2024 by Einst_Stein

[plaidshirts]

I got a chance to handle this at a local camera store function. It felt like a toy.

The function was a photowalk that was attended by over 100 people and about 90 of them were under 30 years of age. Pentax is probably targeting that age group. It is my hope they bring back the LX...

[Danner]

I think it's a very good market strategy aimed at the young generation.  Film is expensive, and this gives the user 72 exposures from a single roll.  It also presents a 'portrait' orientation, just like their smartphone, TikTok and YouTube Shorts employ.  Plus, the half-frame format will show more of the film's grain and resolving characteristics (whihc is what makes film "cool").  Since the vast majority of this stock will be scanned and displayed in social media, it all makes perfect sense to me.  I wish Pentax all the best with this product.

[Danner]

Pentax 17 tear down video.

 

[TomB_tx]

With 3 college-age (or near) grandgirls all excited about film photography - but have been a bit overwhelmed trying my old SLRs - I decided the Pentax 17 was aimed just at them, with its vertical format and twice as many shots per roll. With them backordered everywhere I ordered one to test out, and it arrived within a week. I bulk-loaded a roll and tried it out and for that class user I think it's a good choice. Normal scanning software of course combines 2 half-frames per scan, but with 72 per roll I wouldn't want to spend the time to manually scan each shot - but it's easy to split the files later.

So I give it a thumbs-up for Christmas presents for my girls - now just have to budget two more before Christmas.

My son is interested too - but I think the new Rollei would fit him better.

[TomB_tx]

8 hours ago, mark_s90 said:

Still would rather have a real camera... with interchangeable lenses. 

 

To be honest, the half frame could actually be a hindrance to shooting. Its not easy to get motivated to shoot, and its not easy to fill a single 24 or 36 exposure can of film... 48 or 72 shots would be hellish these days.

Could be - I remember when it took me a year to use up 12 shots of 620 film, and still struggle to use up 36. Over the decades I've usually had 2 or 3 cameras in rotation, and often would find shots from over a year old when I finished a roll. One of my grandgirls was using disposable cameras (36 exp) and loved seeing shots taken long before, so I don't think 72 per roll will bother many folks. Besides, younger digital users can do 72 shots while I'm loading my IIIf.