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This camera uses these films:
I bought one of these after using a Rollei 35S for years. The Pentax is nice and light, while being really solidly constructed. It has fewer controls than the Rollei, but is a far better option for point & shoot photography ‘on the move’, street photography etc. Has reignited my love for film….
Wasn't too sure at first, but after having used this since it's release day, I can safely say it's very enjoyable. Having an under / over exposure dial is fantastic, and not something that many point and shoots outside of the Contax T2 can offer.
I've had a couple of half frames previously, and always enjoyed them. This one is no different. Having 72 frames reduces pressure to get each frame right and encourages a story telling approach to scenes. The close up setting plus Bokeh mode is good for flexibility.
Getting my Pentax 17 and shooting my first rolls of film in perhaps over twenty years has reignited my passion for photography (both digital and film). It's given me a new angle on my hobby. I love using the P17 although I am probably still struggling with the zone focusing system and missing clear focus far too often. But the excitement of using film again, and the anticipation of seeing the scans, has drawn me in; to the extent that I have now bought a vintage Pentax (the K1000) and thoroughly love using it.
I still love digital photography, but after striving for something different for some time now and embracing a more abstract and different approach, perhaps it's the imperfection of film that is really appealing.
So, taking the plunge, and getting the Pentax 17 has been a real tonic and pushed my photography in a new direction. Shots here are taken on that first film of Kodak Ultramax that came with my bundle.
I was lucky enough to receive my Pentax 17 as a 70th Birthday present. As a lifelong Pentax user (I bought my SP 1000 in 1971) it had all the hallmarks and handling of a Pentax and a lot of wonderful retro design features. But what is it like as a camera? I've now put several rolls of film through so I thought it was worth a follow up.
First of all, the half frame images are fine. Its not a format that really gained traction previously but I think lenses have developed, as sensors have got smaller, and I think the image quality is fine.
Second, having so many images on a film takes a bit of getting used to; 72+ can take a while to shoot but I've gone a bit digital in that I can now take several similar pictures when as a film user I might only have taken one.
Third, the zone focussing is fine although I occasionally get it wrong! But with so many images on the film you can always take another ... if you realise you are on the wrong zone, that is.
Fourth, the error lights start by being irritating but eventually they become a lifeline. Basic rule is that if you get an error light of whatever colour, stop and check - usually you havent wound on but occasionally the lens cap is on or you are on Macro.
Fifth, the flash isn't wonderful for anything other than quite close, but that is not unexpected. A hot shoe would have been nice, but I have been using a very ancient Pentax Slave unit to supplement with OK results.
So what about the images? Using Ultramax mainly I've found the images sharp and equivalent to the Canon 300 SLR which has been my go to camera till now. Unless you need more zoom its almost impossible to justify carrying round a bigger and heavier camera than this. I bought the Long Weekend case from AW and it fits perfectly, and then hides away in a coat or trouser pocket until it is required.
My only disappointments were related to the weather when in a desire to finish the roll I took a number of pictures on a cold, wet and windy day in Scarborough. I suspect even a Leica would have struggled.
Overall I have nothing but praise for this fantastic piece of kit. Well done Pentax for propelling yourselves back to the forefront of Camera design, a place you should never have left.
