Pentax 17

Camera PENTAX 17 | Analog PENTAX

RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX 17 compact film camera. In addition to the distinctive image quality that only a film camera can offer, this new model provides the fun and pleasure of some of the manual operating functions of analogue photography, such as the film drag lever or the adjustment of the focus range with the zone-delimited system.

The PENTAX 17 has been developed as part of the PENTAX Film Camera Project, an initiative first announced in December 2022, when RICOH IMAGING revealed its plan to create and commercialize a new PENTAX film camera. The popularity of film cameras has grown rapidly in recent years, especially among young photographers, who come into contact and experiment with this type of camera for the first time due to the distinctive and somewhat nostalgic atmosphere that they are able to convey and that is so different from what digital cameras offer. Despite this trend, the ability to pass on the knowledge and technology of expert engineers to their younger colleagues for the development of film cameras has been declining over time due to the undisputed hegemony of digital cameras in the photographic industry. The PENTAX 17 has been developed using a wealth of knowledge and technology that RICOH IMAGING/ PENTAX has accumulated over the years, with experts and young engineers working closely together. The camera has been designed to allow photographers to express their creativity, leaving room for some manual handling, rather than making it fully automatic.

The PENTAX 17 owes its name to the medium format it uses and which allows two 17 x 24 millimeter photographs to be obtained from a single full-frame frame (36 x 24 millimeters). This use translates into a more efficient use of each film (from a roll of 36 negatives you can obtain 72 photos) and in the taking of vertical format images, in the style of those that have helped popularize smartphones and social networks.

The camera also incorporates a crank to manually rewind the film and two dials to compensate for exposure and adjust ISO sensitivity. On the back, the presence of a stand to place the reminder of the film being used stands out.

With an elegant classic design, the PENTAX 17 "embodies the toughness, precision, nostalgia and beauty of an analogue camera", in the words of Suzuki, but does not give up improvements included in some modern PENTAX cameras, such as the silver magnesium alloy parts (the same as those used in the PENTAX K-1 Mark II or 645Z) or the ignition mechanism that surrounds the shutter (inherited from the PENTAX KP).

All the details in the PENTAX 17 are meticulously taken care of, such as the film drag lever, which allows you to enjoy this drive and the winding sound after the shutter is released. The camera also has a system designed to avoid errors when loading the film.

The PENTAX 17 allows you to fully enjoy the world of film cameras, the origin of photography. It is an ideal model not only for film camera enthusiasts who have been delighted with analogue photography for years, but also for young photographers who want to try film photography for the first time.

Medium format

The PENTAX 17 uses medium format, which allows two 17 x 24 millimeter images to be created using a single 35 millimeter frame or full format (36 x 24 millimeters). It also features a horizontal film drag mechanism. When used in its conventional position, the camera captures images in vertical format such as those popularized by smartphones and social networks.

Exclusive manual operation of film cameras

The PENTAX 17 has a manual film dragging mechanism inspired by those incorporated in PENTAX film SLR cameras. The drive lever allows you to enjoy this actuation and the winding sound after each release of the shutter. Its easy loading system is designed to prevent errors when loading film, especially among first-time film users. It also features other mechanisms unique to film cameras, such as manual rewind operation using the hand-crank feature and respective dials to compensate for exposure and adjust ISO sensitivity.

New prime lens that combines proven performance optics with the latest lens coating technology

The PENTAX 17 features a new 25mm F3.5 prime lens (equivalent to 37 millimeters in universal pitch). Based on the optics incorporated in the acclaimed PENTAX Espio Mini, marketed in 1994, it has been redesigned to fit perfectly into the medium format. It is also treated with HD (High Definition) coating, a highly recognized multi-layer coating that optimizes the clarity and sharpness of images. Using the optics of the RICOH Auto Half, a successful medium format model first marketed in 1962, the optimal angle of view and focal length have been selected to make photographic capture simple and uncomplicated.

Zoned focusing system for easy operation

From close-ups to long distances, the PENTAX 17's zone focusing system is divided into six focus zones indicated by markings on the lens ring. All you have to do to adjust the focus is to select the most suitable mark for that distance from the subject by turning the ring. The macro focus area allows you to capture a photo with a distance of approximately 25 centimeters from your subject. The hand strap, included as a standard accessory, can be used as a ruler to measure this macro distance more accurately. Bright optical viewfinder for real-time confirmation

The PENTAX 17 features a bright Albada frame optical viewfinder that also includes a visual compensation frame to make it easier to compose close-ups. It is possible to check the zone markings directly through the viewfinder.

Seven shooting modes for different situations

The PENTAX 17 automatically adjusts exposure parameters based on the lighting data collected by its metering sensor. In addition to the fully automatic mode, with which the camera selects all exposure settings, it provides six other shooting modes, including slow-speed synchronization (very useful for sunset photography) and bulb (suitable for nightscapes or fireworks). The PENTAX 17 also has a separate exposure compensation dial that allows you to quickly change the exposure level to suit different situations or capture your creative intentions.

High-quality body with meticulous attention to every detail

The body of the PENTAX 17 has a classic design reminiscent of the traditional look of film cameras. The superior and lower covers are made of a solid but lightweight magnesium alloy to optimize the robustness of the body. The 40.5 millimeter thread allows the installation of filters available on the market. With meticulous attention to detail, the PENTAX 17 is designed to be enjoyable just by holding it in your hands.

Other features

• Wide selection of ISO speeds (50, 100, 125,

160, 200, 400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200)

• Film reminder holder on the back cover to confirm at all times which film is being used.
• Three rings allow you to attach the camera strap for horizontal or vertical use, adapting to your shooting style.
• Support for the optional CS-205 cable shutter release, useful for long exposure photography in bulb shooting mode.
• It captures two 17 x 24 millimeter photos in a single full-frame frame and incorporates a drag lever and crank to rewind the film. This format allows you to take twice as many photos and take vertical shots, such as those popularized by smartphones and social networks.

• It has a dial to compensate for exposure, another to adjust sensitivity

ISO and a stand to place the reminder of the film used.

Choice of one automatic and six programmed firing modes.

• 25mm F3.5 prime lens (37 mm equivalent) with the optical design of the

iconic PENTAX Espio Mini and the viewing angle of the RICOH Auto Half.

• Zone focusing system with six predefined distances (from a macro of 25 centimeters to infinity) and selectable by rotating the ring. An Albada frame viewfinder allows you to compose the image comfortably and reliably.

Compact Film Camera Type

Compatible film 35mm

Focal length (35mm)

Focus adjustment

37mm

F3.5

Manual (6 predefined zones)

Frame size 24 x 17 mm