It's been a little over a year since the Pentax 17 (P17) was released and after waiting for the initial reactions to wane, I decided to purchase it. I'm not sure why I chose to purchase the P17, it may have been FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), or motivation to get me back out and taking photos.
Part of my hesitation to buy the Pentax 17, initially, is the half-frame format (24mm x 17mm) and the decreased resolution compared to "full frame" resolution (24mm x 35mm), specifically for darkroom printing or scanning for inkjet printing. However, half the frame size means double the number of exposures. So a 36 exposure roll of 35mm film, will yield 72 images in a half-frame camera and with today's cost of film as compared to 9 years ago, it may be kinda worth it. I found a receipt from Oct 2016 where I bought a 5 pack of Portra 400 36 exp. for $39.95 from B&H, which retails now for $85.
Based on Ricoh Imaging's videos for the P17, it seems that the executives were targeting Social Media Content Creators, as the default image/viewfinder orientation of the P17 is vertical (portrait orientation) and it has an optional AUTO mode for newcomers to film photography, a little bit more on that later in the Final Thoughts section. The video below is Part 1 of their 4-part series of the PENTAX Film Project.
The following images are from my first "learning" roll, so the images aren't in any way interesting, but I wanted to get used to the Scale Focusing and the Shooting Mode Dial functions. The images were shot on expired Fujifilm 200, with no idea of what the Expiry date was, so I set the ISO dial to 125 as I believe I purchased it back in 2020.
I had the roll developed and scanned (Basic Quality) by Photo Shack Las Vegas. Below each image I'll identify the Shooting Mode and Focus Zone with any relevant commentary. Note: I had the lab scan the images in pairs (2 Up) instead of individual frames, which will cause Color Balance and Exposure issues as their scanner is attempting to "correct" for both images and average it out. Be sure to click on the examples below for a larger resolution
Both Images are in Bokeh Mode and Macro Zone.
Both P Mode and Mountain Zone
LIKES:
- Very Sharp Lens - For half frame the images are sharp from edge to edge. I couldn’t see any vignetting or distortion
- Viewfinder is bright - The included frame lines are a nice touch to minimize parallax. Two sets, one set for Macro and Food Zones and the other set for Person to Mountain Zones. Also, you can see what Focus Zone you’re set at.
- Adjustable ISO and Exposure Compensation dials - This makes it great to shoot expired films, push/pull films or film canisters without DX coding.
- LED indicators - Once I understood the flashing sequences, I didn’t need to remove my eye from the viewfinder. I do wish they weren’t so bright.
- Light Meter position above the lens - Although Pentax notes in their manual that placing filters (40.5mm size) over the lens needs to be compensated, it seems that the Light Meter accounts for filters.
- Size and Weight - I do wish the P17 was pocketable, but it really isn’t too big and it’s very lightweight. It easily fits in my Peak Design 3L Everyday Sling Bag, along with miscellaneous filters, film canisters and Pentax electronic shutter cable release
- Built-in Flash - I’m not a fan of On-Camera flash, but for indoor low-light photos, I’m thankful they included one.
- Nostalgic Features:
- Film Advance Lever - There's nothing more satisfying than the tactile experience of loading and winding your film.
- Rewind Button and Lever - The two-step process of pressing the Rewind Button and then spinning the lever ubntil you feel the film release. If you develop you own film, once you feel the tension release, give the film one more complete 360 wind and then pop the back and you should have some of the leader exposed. This will allow you to trim the leader for feeding into a Lab-Box, Patterson reel, or Stainless steel and then place the film into a dark bag and continue loading. (there's a bit more to it)
Mode: P - Mountain Zone. Mode: P Flash - Macro Zone - Too Close
DISLIKES
- Battery Required - I understand you need a battery for the flash and metering, but it would’ve been nice if you could still shoot an image with a preset such as f/11 Mountain Zone and shutter 1/125. Also, the required Battery is a CR2, why not AA or AAA?
- Scale Focusing - Thankfully you get double the number of exposures so you could bracket your shot, I can’t imagine an Auto-Focus system would’ve been that difficult to include with the size of the camera. If you watch the lens prior to taking a picture, you’ll see it move. So, PENTAX has some form of motor in place.
- Frame Counter - My eyesight is definitely not what it used to be, but it would’ve appreciated an illuminated frame counter, those numbers are pretty small
P Mode in Mountain Zone. Not sure why these images have a Magenta color cast as they were scanned together.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed shooting the P17, it was fun taking photos without overthinking the Settings. I did shoot several frames as diptychs, which is a fun challenge in itself. Again, these are my initial thoughts after oly one roll of film, so I'll post another update after a few more rolls and film types, too.
The included lanyard, which is a brilliant measurement tool for Macro distance, helped in macro shots.
The Scale Focusing system takes a bit getting used to or memorizing, but after some practice, it didn’t seem too difficult to get sharp images.
A majority of P17 reviewers state this camera is not for them, but for me I’ll be using this camera, when I decide to shoot film, as a secondary camera for Behind-the-Scenes photos, images that don’t need to be “bangers” or for social activities. It’ll be nice not worrying about lens choice, carrying around excessive gear or conserving exposures.
P Mode and Mountain Zone. P Mode and 3-Person Zone
I think P17 is a precursor to a future PENTAX 35mm film camera. A majority of the components are there that could be used in their next model. I know the “head” of their Film Project resigned, but based on reported Sales, the P17 appears to be selling well. Fingers crossed we get a PENTAX 35.
Finally, the P17 is a "point and shoot", with some limitations, but the results make up for some of the shortcomings. Is it worth $500? To have a new film camera that operates smoothly and have product support, I think so, but be sure to Subscribe as I will be doing a Hal-fram shoot out where I conmpare the P17 with the Kodak Ektar H35N and my 1961 Olympus Pen EE.
Comments
Post a Comment