Pentax 17 Compact Film Camera

The Pentax 17 is a classically styled, compact film camera designed to capture half-size photographs. It features a newly developed 25mm F.35 fixed-focus lens along with a host of manual operations, such as manual film winding and manual focus-range setting with the zone-focus system. The Pentax 17 is designed to allow photographers to express their originality and creativity by leaving some room for manual operation, rather than making it a fully automatic camera.

- Half-size format (17 x 24mm)
- Manual camera operation unique to film cameras
- Newly developed fixed-focal lens combining time-proven optics and the latest lens coating technology
- Zone-focus system to switch the in-focus area via simple selection of zone marks
- Bright optical viewfinder
- Seven shooting modes to accommodate different applications
- High-quality body with classic design
- Built in flash
- ISO film speeds (50, 100, 125, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200)
- Note holder on the back cover, into which the end of the film package can be inserted for an at-a-glance confirmation of the film in use
- Three strap lugs to accommodate horizontal and vertical camera suspensions

Half-size format
The Pentax 17 features the half-size format, in which two 17mm x 24mm pictures are captured in a single 35mm-format frame (36mm x 24mm). It also employs a horizontal film advance mechanism. When positioned in the normal way, it captures vertical format pictures, identical to the familiar images captured by smartphones and used on TikTok.

Manual camera operation
The Pentax 17 features a manual film winding mechanism based on those incorporated in Pentax-brand SLR film cameras. The film advance lever lets the user enjoy the film winding action and a wind-up sound after every shutter release. Its easy-loading system is designed to prevent film-loading errors, especially for first-time film camera users. It also features other mechanisms unique to film cameras, such as manual film rewinding operation using the rewind crank; exposure compensation via the exposure compensation dial; and ISO sensitivity setting via the ISO sensitivity dial.

Newly developed fixed-focal lens
The Pentax 17 features a newly developed 25mm F3.5 fixed focal lens (equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format), designed to fit perfectly in the half-size format. It is also treated with a HD multi-layer coating to optimize the clarity and sharpness of half-size pictures.

Zone-focus system
From close-ups to long distances, the Pentax 17’s zone-focus system is divided into six focus zones, indicated by marks that signify each zone. All the user has to do to set the camera’s focus is select the mark best suited for the subject distance on the zone focusing ring. In the Macro focus zone, the user can capture a close-up photo from approximately 25 centimetres away. The hand strap (included as a standard accessory) lets the user measure subject distance more accurately.

High quality camera body
The body has a classic design, hinting at the traditional look of film cameras. The top and bottom covers are made of a solid but lightweight magnesium alloy to optimize the camera body’s rigidity. The 40.5mm filter mounting thread allows the user to mount a range of the filters, which are available for purchase on the market.

Bright optical viewfinder
The optical viewfinder features an Albada-type bright frame finder. It also comes with a close-up visual field compensation frame to help you more easily compose close-up images. It is possible to check the zone marks directly through the viewfinder.

7 shooting modes
The Pentax 17 automatically adjusts exposure settings based on the lighting data collected by its metering sensor. In addition to the Full Auto mode in which all exposure settings are selected by the camera, it provides six other shooting modes, including: Slow-speed sync, which is highly useful in twilight photography; and Bulb, which comes in handy for photographing nightscapes and fireworks. The PENTAX 17 also features an independent exposure compensation dial, which allows the user to swiftly shift the exposure level to accommodate different types of subject or express the user’s creative intentions.

In the box:
Pentax 17 Camera
Strap
Lens Front Cap
Lithium Battery CR2