
Pentax 17 Half-frame Compact 35mm Film Camera (Dark Silver)
Compact film camera with fixed focal length, designed to capture half-size photographs
In addition to the distinctive image quality created only by a film camera, this new model provides users with the fun and excitement of manual camera operation unique to film photography, such as manual film winding using the film advance lever, and manual focus-range setting with the zone-focus system.
- 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
Photography is an art in which the camera captures light, then forms an image of a scene based on that light. You can use the light to create your own image, using it boldly on some occasions, or more sensitively on others. A film camera portrays the scene exactly the way you read the light and intend to capture it on a photograph. While film cameras have had a long history, you will discover a new value in a film camera.

Add-ons






Half-size format (17 x 24mm)
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, which are commonly used today for picture-taking
Bright optical viewfinder
The PENTAX 17’s 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.
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 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). Based on the optics incorporated in the acclaimed PENTAX Espio Mini (marketed in 1994), it has been redesigned to fit perfectly in the half-size format. It is also treated with HD (High Definition) coating — a highly acclaimed multi-layer coating — to optimize the clarity and sharpness of halfsize pictures. Using the lens used in the RICOH Au-to Half (a best-selling half-size model first marketed in 1962) as a reference, the angle of view and focal length were selected to make casual, everyday picture-taking simple and flawless.
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 centimeters away. The hand strap (included as a standard accessory) lets the user measure subject distance more accurately.
Seven 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.
Meticulous attention to detail
The PENTAX 17’s 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. With meticulous attention paid to every single detail, the PENTAX 17 is designed to be a joy to own.
- A wide selection of 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, to best suit the user’s shooting style
- Compatibility with the optional CS-205 Cable Switch, which comes in handy for extended-exposure photography in the Bulb shooting mode
Type | Half-frame behind-the-lens shutter 35mm film camera |
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 |
Film Advance | 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 | |
---|---|
Lens | HD PENTAX Lens |
Focal Length | 25mm(equivalent to 37mm in 35mm format) |
Maximum Aperture | F3.5 |
Lens Configuration | 3 elements in 3 groups |
Angle of View (Diagonal) | 61° |
Maximum Magnification | Approx. 0.13x (at 0.25m) |
Filter Diameter | φ40.5mm |
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 |
Focusing | |
Type | Zone-focusing(Manual operation) |
Switchover Distance | 6 zones(0.25m, 0.5m, 1.2m, 1.7m, 3m, ∞)(0.82ft, 1.7ft, 4ft, 5.6ft, 10ft, ∞) |
Exposure Control | |
Metering Type | Partial metering |
Metering Range | EV2.5 to 16.5 (ISO100) |
Exposure Compensation | ±2EV(1/3EV steps) |
Shooting Modes (Exposure) | Full auto (Pan focus program AE, Auto flash) Standard (Program AE, Flash off) Slow-speed shutter (Slow-speed program AE, Flash off) Maximum aperture priority (Maximum aperture priority program AE, Flash off) Slow-speed sync (Slow-speed program AE, Flash on) Daylight sync (Program AE, Flash on) Bulb (Bulb, Flash off) |
Shutter | |
Type | Program AE electronic shutter |
Shutter Speed | 1/350 to 4 seconds, Bulb |
Flash | |
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) |
Dimensions and Weight | |
Dimensions | Approx. 127.0mm(W)×78.0mm(H)×52.0mm(D)(excluding protruding parts) (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)) |
Operating Environment | |
Temperature | 0 to 40°C |
Humidity | 85% or less(the enviroment must be free of condensation) |
Showcased Accessories



Share:
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Tell a friend