Pentax launches a film compact that takes photos… vertically

The Pentax 17 is a compact film camera, which means that it is offered with a fixed lens and it is not possible to change the lens. It works with films or rolls in 35 mm format that can easily be found commercially from brands such as Ilford, Kodak or Fujifilm.

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There are a multitude of films in 24 or 36 exposures (number of photos), in color or black and white, at different ISO sensitivities, etc. and each type of film has its own rendering.

A device that takes photos in half vertical format

The particularity of the Pentax 17 is that it works according to a half-format logic in 17 x 24 mm, and not with the traditional landscape format 24 x 36 mm. The natural framing is therefore vertical, which allows you to take twice as many photos on the same roll of film: you go from 24 exposures to 48, and from 36 to 72.

This feature is quite confusing at first, since to take landscape photos, you have to position the device in portrait orientation. In any case, Pentax is banking on the fact that smartphone users are used to taking photos in vertical format, and that they will therefore not be disoriented.

A fixed focal length inherited from the 1994 Pentax Espio Mini

It is equipped with a fixed focal length of 25mm offering a fixed f/3.5 aperture. This lens is based on an emblematic model of the brand launched in 1994 on the Pentax Espio Mini. It has naturally been adapted for the half format of the Pentax 17 and therefore becomes a 37mm equivalent. It is a fully manual lens with a fixed diaphragm and several focusing positions. Pentax has opted for pictograms on the lens to guide photographers on setting the focus: a flower for macro at 25 cm, a food at 50 cm, a portrait at 1.2 m, a double portrait at 1, 7 m, a group at 3 m and an infinite landscape. Little clever tip: the wrist strap of the device measures 25 cm and can therefore be used as a standard for taking macro photos.

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Auto exposure and advanced shooting modes

As for exposure, the device is equipped with a light measuring cell which is powered by a small battery hidden in the grip handle. The ISO sensitivity of the film is adjusted via a dial on the top of the camera, and it is therefore the exposure time which serves as a variable. There is a second dial with different shooting modes: automatic, program, night, bokeh, long exposure and flash since the camera is equipped with a small additional flash.

A retro look with the most beautiful effect

In terms of design, the Pentax 17 is very successful with an impressive retro look. Some elements of the case are made of magnesium alloy. Note that it is possible to use a wired trigger which is offered as an accessory.

For the rest, it is a generally entirely manual device which has a cocking lever which allows you to prepare the shutter and advance the film. It will also be necessary, at the end of the film, to rewind manually using a small crank.

Availability and price

The new Pentax 17 is priced at €549, to which must be added the price of the film, their development, the printing of the photos and possibly their digitization. It is already available.

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