PENTAX 17

€549,99

PENTAX 17

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€549,99

Compact film camera with fixed focal length, designed to capture half-size photographs

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In stock

Key Features

See description

  • Compact film camera with fixed focal length

  • 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 for real-time confirmation of a subject image

  • Seven shooting modes to accommodate different applications

  • High-quality body with meticulous attention to every detail

  • Built in Flash

Technical Specifications

View all specifications

  • Camera Type

    Half-frame lens-shutter 35 mm film camera , with fixed focal length

    Compatible Film

    35mm film - for a wide selection of different colour and black and white films

    Recording mode

    Various exposure modes depending on the activity

  • Focus type

    Zone-focusing（Manual operation）

    Number of Images

    48 (24 Exposure Film), 72 (36 Exposure Film)

    Focal Length

    Universal to use 37 mm (equivalent in 35mm format)

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PENTAX 17 - "It's time for film!"

Film photography not only means a break from our digital everyday life, film photography also means experiencing photography with different senses. The process of seeing the subject, setting up the camera and developing the film is something unique and a very special photographic experience, not only for film camera enthusiasts who have enjoyed film photography for years, but also for young photographers who are looking forward to experimenting with film photography for the first time.

For a long time, analogue technology was overshadowed by digital photography and played only a minor role, with cameras that are at least 20 years old. Even though large numbers of cameras from this period are in circulation, the majority of old cameras are no longer usable.
The increasing desire, especially among young people, for a modern and reliable camera was the reason for a group of older, experienced experts and young engineers at RICOH IMAGING/PENTAX to design a camera that allows photographers to express their originality and creativity by providing scope for manual operation, while also delivering reliably good images.

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The PENTAX 17 is designed in the style of many successful PENTAX SLR cameras. The silver exterior parts are made of a solid but lightweight magnesium alloy, which is already used in the top-of-the-range cameras such as the PENTAX K-1 Mark II and the PENTAX 645Z. Together with the technical plastic of the camera body, which was chosen to reduce the overall weight, the PENTAX 17's body design embodies the robustness, precision, nostalgia and beauty of a film camera that is already a classic, as confirmed by globally recognised design awards.

In contrast to digital photography, every picture taken with the PENTAX 17 is a unique original, created by the film selection and the photographer's individual settings, far removed from artificial intelligence, which is increasingly finding its way into photographic technology.

An important point in this type of photography is the cost of film purchase and development. Since the PENTAX 17 was designed specifically for young people, special attention was paid to this. The camera takes pictures in the so-called half format. This results in two 17 mm x 24 mm images on the typical 35 mm format (24 x 36 mm). This doubles the number of original images, which in turn halves the costs compared to other models.
This has another advantage, because it is designed for vertical image composition. When looking through the viewfinder, you can see a vertical section for image design. This vertical orientation is familiar to anyone who uses a smartphone. This is particularly useful when sharing images on social networks after development.

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The PENTAX 17 is designed for ease of use, but features high-quality, proven components. For example, the lens was designed as a triplet type, which was used in the currently very popular and sought-after Espio mini camera from 1994, and the RICOH Auto Half, a bestseller in the half-frame format.
An electronically controlled central shutter is incorporated into the lens, ensuring highly accurate shutter speed control. The combination of this shutter and the lens construction of the new lens ensures that the camera produces a beautifully rounded bokeh effect. It will be a real pleasure to shoot with it and capture the rays of light.

Zone focusing system for switching the focused area depending on the subject distance
The technical requirements for perfect pictures are therefore in place, but the camera leaves plenty of room to experience analogue photography creatively. First of all, there is the distance setting. A conscious decision was made to use a manual distance setting here, because this means that the photographer decides what distance to set and does not have to rely on automatic settings to set the correct distance.
The Zone Focus has six zones marked on the lens, for close-up and long-range shots. To focus the camera, simply select the mark that best matches the distance to your subject.

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Far distance

This zone sets the focus from 5.1 meters to infinity, making it ideal for scenic photography and long-distance shooting.


Medium distance

This zone sets the focus from 2.1 to 5.3 meters, making it useful for medium-range photography, such as group photos.


Close distance

This zone sets the focus from 1.4 to 2.2 meters, making it handy for taking casual snapshots of personal effects from an eye-pleasing distance.


Extremely close distance

Setting the focus from 1.0 to 1.4 meters, this zone is useful in capturing close-up photos of friends or groups.


Tabletop photo※

Setting the focus from 0.47 to 0.54 meters, this zone is perfect for capturing table-top photos at locations such as cafes and restaurants.


Macro※

Setting the focus from 0.24 to 0.26 meters, this zone is prefect for capturing fine-detailed photos of small objects, such as flowers or tiny articles, or creating dramatic macro images.


※Because the PENTAX 17 is a compact film camera, it causes a parallax in the Tabletop and Macro zones. When photographing in these zones, you are advised to frame the image using the parallax compensation frame indicated in the viewfinder.

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Bright optical viewfinder for sharp shots

An important feature is the optical viewfinder. It has a bright Albada-type frame that also has a near-field compensation frame to make it easier to compose images when shooting close-ups. This allows the PENTAX 17 to capture images from a distance of 25 cm. Zone markings can be checked directly through the viewfinder.

Indicator lamps provide information on the camera's operating status and issue warnings.
Two indicator lamps are located next to the viewfinder. These flash as a warning to prevent operating errors if you try to take pictures with the lens cap on, fail to wind the film to the next frame, or set the focus area to Tabletop or Macro.

Enjoy the manual winding and unwinding of films

Another essential part of a film camera is the typical shutter sound, the transport, and the rewinding.
Here, completely different senses are addressed. The sounds that are created are not synthetically generated, but are confirmation of the action performed.
The PENTAX 17 has a simple loading system. Simply insert the film roll, pull the film to the mark, close the back cover and advance the film until the film counter reaches ‘0’ (zero). When the film roll is full, or if the film is to be removed prematurely, the film can easily be rewound manually.

Memory holder to always know which film has been inserted.

If you cut off the tab of the film package and insert it into the camera's note holder, you can see at a glance what type of film is being used and thus know what film is in it even after a long time. Because a maximum of 72 shots per film roll is often enough for the entire holiday,

Shooting Modes (Exposure)

In addition to the distance, exposure control is an important factor for good pictures. This is done automatically, but also allows the photographer sufficient leeway for implementing their own creative ideas. First of all, there are the seven recording modes for different applications:

1 - Full Auto mode

The PENTAX 17 features a pan-focus mechanism with a fixed focus point, while the flash unit automatically discharges in poorly illuminated locations. This mode allows for more casual and effortless picture-taking, without worrying about camera operations.

2 - Standard mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, while the camera adjusts exposure to the proper level. Since the flash doesn’t discharge, this mode is highly useful in daylight photography.

3 - Slow-speed mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone without flash discharge, making it ideal for twilight photography.

4 - Maximum-aperture- priority mode (BOKEH)

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, without flash discharge. The camera automatically sets the largest aperture available for a given scene.

5 - Bulb mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone without flash discharge. This comes in handy for subjects requiring extended exposures, such as light traces or fireworks. The use of the CS-205 Cable Switch (optional accessory) and a tripod is recommended when using this mode.

6- Daylight sync mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, with the camera selecting the optimal exposure settings. Since the flash makes a discharge, this is ideal for photographs taken against backlight or in poorly illuminated locations.

7 - Slow-speed sync mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, with the camera making a flash discharge. This is useful in situations where you want to brightly illuminate a subject in the foreground while retaining the ambience of a nightscape or twilight in the background.

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Manual ISO setting

Exposure control is based on the light conditions, which are automatically measured, but also on the light sensitivity of the various films. It ranges from ISO 100 for a lot of light to ISO 3200 for very little light.
Photographers not only have a huge selection of films with different characteristics in colour or black and white, but also in different sensitivity levels.
Some of the big film brands are equipped with automatic ISO detection, but many of the smaller and more creative labels do not. This is not a problem with the PENTAX 17, because here the ISO value is set manually.

Light control

Exposure compensation mechanism for easy adjustment of the brightness level
There is also an exposure compensation dial that allows the exposure level to be quickly changed by simply turning it. This is useful when shooting against the light or for creative effects. The shot is deliberately over- or underexposed.

Pentax photographers from all over the world share their pictures on Instagram using the official hashtag #pentax17. See for yourself and get an idea of the camera's capabilities.

PENTAX 17 on Instagram

Technical Specifications

Model Description

Camera Type
Half-frame lens-shutter 35 mm film camera , with fixed focal length
Frame Size
24×17mm
Compatible Film
35mm film ISO 50, ISO 100, ISO 125, ISO 160, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200
Sensitivity Setting
Manual settings to match the film
Film Loading
Easy loading system
Film Transport
Manual winding using wind-up lever (with 130-degree stroke and 35-degree stand-off angle）
Film Rewind
Manual rewinding using rewind crank. Mid-roll rewinding possible.

Lens

Construction
HD PENTAX lens, 3 elements in 3 groups
Focal Length
25 mm （equivalent to 37mm in 35mm format）
Maximum Aperture
F3.5
Angle of View (Diagonal)
61°
Maximum Magnification
Approx. 0.13x （at 0.25m）
Filter Diameter
40,5mm

Viewfinder

Type
Albada bright-frame viewfinder
Viewfinder Indication
Composition frame, Close-distance compositon frame Zone focusing setting can be confirmed through the viewfinder
Viewfinder Outer Right
Blue lamp display: Warning display Orange lamp display: Flash display

Focus

Focus type
Zone-focusing（Manual operation）
Focus-Zone System
The PENTAX 17 offers a choice of six focus zones: Macro: Setting the focus from 0.24 to 0.26 meters, this zone is prefect for capturing fine-detailed photos of small objects, such as flowers or tiny articles, or creating dramatic macro images / Tabletop photo: Setting the focus from 0.47 to 0.54 meters, this zone is perfect for capturing table-top photos at locations such as cafes and restaurants. / Extremely close distance: Setting the focus from 1.0 to 1.4 meters, this zone is useful in capturing close-up photos of friends or groups. / Close distance: This zone sets the focus from 1.4 to 2.2 meters, making it handy for taking casual snapshots of personal effects from an eye-pleasing distance. / Medium distance: This zone sets the focus from 2.1 to 5.3 meters, making it useful for medium-range photography, such as group photos. / Far distance: This zone sets the focus from 5.1 meters to infinity, making it ideal for scenic photography and long-distance shooting.

Exposure Control

Metering System
Partial metering
Metering Range
EV2.5 to 16.5 （ISO100）
EV Compensation
± 2EV ( 1/3EV steps)
Metering System
Partial metering
Shooting Mode (Exposure)
Full Auto mode: The PENTAX 17 features a pan-focus mechanism with a fixed focus point, while the flash unit automatically discharges in poorly illuminated locations. This mode allows for more casual and effortless picture-taking, without worrying about camera operations. / Stand-ard mode: This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, while the camera adjusts exposure to the proper level. Since the flash doesn’t discharge, this mode is highly useful in daylight photography. / Slow-speed mode: This mode lets you select the desired focus zone without flash discharge, making it ideal for twilight photography. / Maximum-aperture-priority mode: This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, without flash discharge. The camera automatically sets the largest aperture available for a given scene. / Bulb mode: This mode lets you select the desired focus zone without flash discharge. This comes in handy for subjects requiring extended exposures, such as light traces or fireworks. The use of the CS-205 Cable Switch (optional accessory) and a tripod is recommended when using this mode. / Daylight sync mode: This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, with the camera selecting the optimal exposure settings. Since the flash makes a discharge, this is ideal for photographs taken against backlight or in poorly illumi-nated locations. / Slow-speed sync mode: This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, with the camera making a flash discharge. This is useful in situations where you want to brightly illuminate a sub-ject in the foreground while retaining the ambience of a nightscape or twilight in the background.

Shutter

Type
Program AE electronic shutter
Shutter Speed
1/350 to 4 seconds, Bulb

Built-in Flash

Guide Number
approx.6 （ISO100・m）
Emission Type
Shooting mode interlocking system
Flash Charging Time
Approx. 9 seconds
Charging Status
Can be checked with the orange lamp at viewfinder outer right. Charging status: blinking Charging completion status: lighting

Power Source

Battery Type
One 3V lithium battery（CR2） Not compatible with rechargeable CR2 type batteries
Battery Life
Approx. 10 cartridges* when using 36 exposure film （using fresh battery under the condition of 50% flash shots） * According to the result of RICOH IMAGING in-house testing

External Terminal

Cable Switch Terminal
Compatible with cable switch CS-205 （optional） （φ2.5mm）

Operating Environment

Temperature
0℃ to 40℃
Humidity
85% or less（the enviroment must be free of condensation） THE CAMERA IS NOT WATERPROOFED

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions
Approx. 127.0mm（W）×78.0mm（H）×52.0mm（D） Approx. 5.0in（W）×3.1in（H）×2.0in（D) (excluding protruding parts)
Weight
Approx. 290g（without film and battery） Approx. 10.2oz（without film and battery）

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Supplied Accessories
Art. No. 54457 - Strap O-ST191 Art, No. 39944 - Lens Cap O-LC40.5 Lithium Battery CR2
Optional Accessories
Art. No. 37248 - Cable Switch CS-205
Article Codes
Art. No. 18926 - PENTAX 17 DARK SILVER Body KIT
Market Launch
June 2024

Important point when developing film

When you order film development, it is important to inform the laboratory staff that the photos were taken with a half-frame camera.

Copyright

* The contents of this webpage are all copyrighted, and must not be used, duplicated or transmitted, whether in part or in entirety, without permission. * Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Product Information

Product Information Sheet EN

Overall rating: 4.83871 / 5 from 31 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The PENTAX 17 film camera is praised for its high-quality images and impressive build. It uses standard 35mm film and features a fixed HD PENTAX 25mm lens. The camera offers a half-frame format, allowing for more pictures per roll, and includes a flash and filter compatibility. However, it lacks zoom, autofocus, and weather resistance.

Summary topics

  • Image Quality (27%): A significant number of customers raved about the high quality and stunning images produced by the Pentax 17.
  • Build Quality (22%): A significant number of customers raved about the high quality of the camera and its impressive build quality.

Review topics: ["quality","lens","performance","camera","pentax","images","experience","exposure"].

Review highlights

  • "High quality camera with an ultra precise light meter that that delivers very sharp and excellent pictures." — Peter G.
  • "It is great designed camera, which is fun to use, produce beautiful images and has great usability." — Tomáš V.
  • "The images are very good and in combination with a good landing to develop and scan ideal for social media and more." — Ivo B.

Reviews

I'm shooting every day!🤪🤪🤪

"Just got mine 2 week ago and I'm still hyped with my p17. This is more than a half-frame camera. All sceptical people (not me) after using it they just end up loving the tiny beautiful thing."

— Wilder M. (5/5)

More than a half-frame camera — the beginning of a family

"I bought my Pentax 17 directly from the official Pentax store because I wanted my purchase to support the Film Camera Project itself. I already own other film and digital cameras, so this was not a purchase made because I lacked a camera. I bought it because I believe there is value in having genuinely new film cameras being designed and manufactured today. One of the things I appreciate most about the Pentax 17 is precisely what some people may initially consider its limitation: the half-frame format. Not every photograph needs a large negative whose value is measured by how far we can zoom into the scan and inspect the grain. Sometimes the value of a photograph is simply in what is visible immediately: the composition, the light, the relationship between elements and the moment itself. With the right film, half-frame can also provide surprisingly high image quality. A fine-grain film can extract a great deal from the Pentax 17 and its 25mm f/3. 5 lens. For me, that makes the format a deliberate photographic choice rather than a compromise. The approximately 72 exposures from a 36-exposure roll also change the way I photograph. I can think in sequences, pairs and diptychs, and I can use film more freely without feeling that every individual exposure needs to justify the entire area of a 35mm frame. I also enjoy the physical character of the camera. I like its different materials and textures, its manual film advance and the fact that it retains enough manual interaction to remind me that I am using film. It does not try to remove the photographer from the process. There are details I would improve. For example, I would like the mode dial to have greater resistance or some protection against accidental movement while advancing the film. But I do not see these things as reasons to reject the camera. To me, they are exactly the kind of details that can evolve in future members of the system. And that is perhaps my strongest opinion about the Pentax 17: I do not want it to remain alone. I see it as the first member of a modern Pentax film-camera family. I would happily buy a full-frame 35mm sister camera that complements the Pentax 17 rather than replaces it — perhaps with aperture priority, shutter priority, manual exposure and more precise focusing assistance. The existence of such a camera would not make the Pentax 17 obsolete. Quite the opposite: each camera's limitations and strengths would give the other a reason to exist. I do not believe every camera needs to do everything. The limitations of the Pentax 17 are part of what makes it enjoyable. They shift attention away from technical perfection and back toward seeing the photograph, choosing the moment and pressing the shutter. A more advanced 35mm Pentax could then offer the additional control when the photograph actually requires it. For that reason, I hope the Film Camera Project continues actively. From what I have seen, even photographers who initially approach the Pentax 17 with skepticism often seem to understand its appeal once they actually use it. It is a strange little camera in the best possible sense: the more you use it, the more its decisions begin to make sense. I would be very happy to own not just one modern Pentax film camera, but a modern family of Pentax film cameras. The Pentax 17 should not be the conclusion of the project. It should be the beginning."

— Willder M. (5/5)

Bring back the LX !

"I admire the camera for its classic design which reminds me of my two Pentax MX cameras I had in the 1980s . I haven't bought an i7 because I still have my Rollei 35S , which was my compact camera from that era , and it is full frame . Several others here have asked for a full frame camera , and from the number of requests it is clear there is demand . For myself , I would love to see a reissue of the LX : best SLR ever made by any manufacturer and with its 50th anniversary approaching , at least a limited run of commemorative models would be in order . I used my two LX bodies professionally for over 20 years , with two MX bodies which I bought first and kept as backup units . Although I bought two *istD when they came out , then later a K-3 and a K-01 , I continued to shoot 35mm film until the K-1 was introduced at which point I bought two , and still use them to this day . Now that I have retired , I may go back to using my LX , and my Rollei TLRs ."

— Derek H. (5/5)

The camera is great, i

"The camera is great, i was at first scheptical about half frame but the photos are extremly sharp. Love it!"

— Valeriia B. (5/5)

I love this camera but…

"I love this camera however… please make the full frame version of this! And use higher quality build materials. This camera takes beautiful images there is no doubt but we want a stepped up version."

— Sam (5/5)

Full Frame!

"Please do a full frame modern film camera"

— Lourenço (5/5)

awesome

"awesome"

— Konstantinos A. (5/5)

New film camera in 2025

"Love this film camera, thank you Pentax/ricoh for producing this. Please make another film camera so we don’t have to spend 5 grand on a leica film camera…. but i would like better build quality on the next iteration. People are moaning about the price but you are paying for a product that was built from the ground up and if you want another film camera from this great company then you have to invest."

— lee (5/5)

Great camera

"Very nice look and high quality feel, actually pretty lightweight but not in a bad way. Love the manual film advance mechanism and the amount of details in this camera. Takes some time to get used to the „different“ focus wheel but straightforward after a few shots. Only thing to pay attention to is to remove the lens cap, but there is a warning led just in case. Definitely would buy again, good job"

— Franz-Josef H. (5/5)

Eine sehr gute Kamera.

"Ich bin sehr glücklich mit der Kamera. Am Anfang war ich skeptisch, was die unterschiedlichen Aufnahme-Modi betrifft. Aber in der Praxis haben sich die Aufnahme-Modi sehr bewährt. Auch die Qualität der Kamera ist sehr hoch."

— Konstantin B. (5/5)

Q&A