Description
The PENTAX 17 is a half-frame camera, capturing two 17mm x 24mm pictures within in a single 35mm-format (36mm x 24mm) film frame. It produces vertical-format pictures with similar ratios to those captured by smartphones, and with the distinctive image quality created only by a film camera.
The design of the PENTAX 17 was inspired by the PENTAX brand’s heritage, incorporating manual operations unique to film photography — a selectable zone-focus system, manual film winding, manual film advance lever, and exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity adjustments, each with their own dials.
It’s the ideal camera not only for film camera enthusiasts who have enjoyed film photography for years, but also for photographers who are excited about trying film photography for the first time.
Technical Data
| PENTAX 17 – Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Half-frame 35mm film camera with behind-the-lens shutter |
| Frame Size | 24 × 17 mm |
| Compatible Film | 35mm film |
| ISO Range | ISO 50, 100, 125, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (manual setting) |
| Film Loading | Easy loading |
| Film Advance | Manual winding with lever (130° stroke, 35° stand-off) |
| Film Rewind | Manual rewind with crank, mid-roll rewind possible |
| Lens | HD PENTAX 25mm F3.5 (equiv. 37mm), 3 elements in 3 groups |
| Angle of View | 61° (diagonal) |
| Max Magnification | Approx. 0.13× (at 0.25 m) |
| Filter Diameter | 40.5 mm |
| Viewfinder | Albada bright-frame viewfinder |
| Viewfinder Display | Framing guides (standard and close distance), zone focus indication |
| Viewfinder LEDs | Blue: warning / Orange: flash status |
| Focusing Type | Manual zone focusing: 0.25m, 0.5m, 1.2m, 1.7m, 3m, ∞ |
| Metering | Partial metering (EV 2.5 to 16.5 at ISO 100) |
| Exposure Compensation | ±2EV in 1/3 steps |
| Exposure Modes | Full auto, Standard, Slow shutter, Max aperture priority, Bulb, Daylight sync, Slow sync |
| Shutter | Program AE electronic shutter |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/350s to 4s, Bulb |
| Built-in Flash | Guide number ~6 (ISO 100·m), auto mode linked |
| Flash Charging Time | Approx. 9 seconds |
| Battery Type | One 3V CR2 lithium battery (non-rechargeable) |
| Battery Life | Approx. 10 rolls (36 exp., 50% flash usage) |
| Cable Terminal | 2.5 mm jack (compatible with optional CS-205) |
| Dimensions | Approx. 127 × 78 × 52 mm (excluding protrusions) |
| Weight | Approx. 290g (without film and battery) |
| Operating Temp | 0 to 40 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |