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-formatpictures, with similar ratios to those captured by smartphones.In addition to the distinctive image quality created only by a filmcamera, the design of the PENTAX 17 incorporates manualoperations 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 has a retro-inspired design, with the
top and bottom covers made of a solid but lightweightmagnesium alloy to optimize the camera bodys rigidity.
The PENTAX 17 features a newly developed 25mm F3.5 lens(equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format). The lens istreated with HD (High Definition) coating to optimize clarity andsharpness. The optical viewfinder features an Albada-type bright frame finder and has a close-up visualfield compensation frame to help compose close-up images more easily. The camera has seven shootingmodes to accommodate different applications and scenarios. It automatically adjusts exposure settingsbased on lighting data collected by its metering sensor.
It is an ideal model not only for film camera enthusiasts who have enjoyed film photography for years, butalso for photographers who are excited about trying film photography for the first time.
Half-size format
The PENTAX 17 features the half-size format, in which two 17mm x24mm pictures are captured within a single 35mm frame (36mm x24mm). It also employs a manual film advance lever. When holding thecamera in the traditional orientation, the PENTAX 17 captures vertical-format pictures, with similar ratios to images captured by smartphones.
Manual camera operation unique to film cameras
The PENTAX 17 features a manual film winding mechanism based onthose incorporated in PENTAX-brand SLR film cameras. The film advancelever lets the user enjoy the film winding action and a wind-up sound afterevery shutter release. Its easy-loading system is designed to prevent film-loading errors.
It also features other mechanisms unique to film cameras, such as manualfilm rewinding operation using the rewind crank; exposure compensationvia the exposure compensation dial; and ISO sensitivity setting via the ISO sensitivity dial.
Newly developed lens combines time-proven optics and the latest lens coating
technology
The PENTAX 17 features a newly developed 25mm F3.5 lens (equivalent toa 37mm lens in the 35mm format). Based on the optics incorporated in theacclaimed PENTAX Espio Mini (marketed in 1994), it has been redesignedto fit perfectly in the half-size format. The lens is treated with HD (HighDefinition) coating a highly acclaimed multi-layer coating to optimizethe clarity and sharpness of the half-frame photos. Using the lens used in theRICOH Auto 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 to switch the in-focus area via simpleselection of zone marks
From close-ups to long distances, the PENTAX 17s zone-focus systemis divided into six focus zones, indicated by marks that signify each zone.Set the cameras focus by selecting the mark best suited for the subjectdistance on the zone focusing ring. In the Macro focus zone, the user cancapture a close-up photo from approximately 25 centimeters away. Thehand strap (included as a standard accessory) lets the user measuresubject distance more accurately.
Bright optical viewfinder for real-time confirmation of a subject image
The PENTAX 17s optical viewfinder features an Albada-type bright frame
finder. It also comes with a close-up visual field compensation frame to help
the user more easily compose close-up images. It is possible to check the
zone marks directly through the viewfinder.
Seven shooting modes to accommodate different applications
The PENTAX 17 automatically adjusts exposure settings based on thelighting data collected by its metering sensor. In addition to the Full Automode in which all exposure settings are selected by the camera, it providessix other shooting modes, including: Slow-speed sync, which is highly usefulin twilight photography; and Bulb, which comes in handy for photographingnightscapes and fireworks. The PENTAX 17 also features an independentexposure compensation dial, which allows the user to swiftly shift the
exposure level to accommodate different types of subjects or express theusers creative intentions.
High-quality body with meticulous attention to every detail
The PENTAX 17s body has a classic design, hinting at the traditional look of film cameras. Thetop and bottom covers are made of a solid but lightweight magnesium alloy to optimize thecamera bodys rigidity. The 40.5mm filter mounting thread allows the user to mount a range offilters, which are available for purchase on the market.
Other Features
- 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 theusers shooting style
- Compatibility with the optional CS-205 Cable Switch, which comes in handy for extended-exposure photography in the Bulb shooting mode
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