Pentax 17 Film Camera - Dark Silver

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In a world ruled by digital technology, the Pentax 17 stands out as a refreshing nod to the golden age of film photography. This new 35mm half-frame film camera, meticulously designed from the ground up, represents the bold debut of Ricoh Imaging/Pentax's Film Project initiative. Drawing deeply from Pentax's illustrious history in film cameras, the Pentax 17 combines classic charm with contemporary innovation.

This sleek point-and-shoot camera not only delivers the distinctive image quality that only film can provide but also rekindles the joy and excitement of manual camera operation. Enthusiasts will appreciate the tactile experience of manual film winding with the traditional film advance lever and the hands-on control offered by the zone-focus system for manual focus-range setting. The Pentax 17 is a celebration of the art of photography, offering a truly unique and engaging experience for both seasoned photographers and new enthusiasts alike.

Half-Frame 35mm Film Camera
The Pentax 17 is a half-frame format camera with a recording area of 17 x 24mm, distinct from 35mm "full-frame" cameras with a 36 x 24mm format. This smaller format offers several benefits:

- The frames take up about half as much space on the roll of film, providing twice as many exposures per roll compared to full-frame format cameras. For example, on a 36-exposure roll of film, you can expect to take about 72 exposures.
- The film runs horizontally through the camera, which means the 17 x 24mm image area is inherently vertical. The viewfinder is set up in a vertical orientation, and the camera handles best when shooting vertically.

Handling and Operation
One of the standout features of the 17 camera is its simplicity and user-friendliness. It operates as a point-and-shoot camera with an accurate autoexposure system, allowing users to concentrate on capturing the perfect shot.

In terms of exposure adjustments, users have the option to manually set the ISO/ASA (ranging from 50 to 3200), adjust exposure compensation by +/- 2 EV, and utilize a mode dial.

The mode dial is divided into two main sections: flash-off and flash-on, with an Auto mode that automatically determines whether or not to use the flash based on lighting conditions.

Within the flash-on section, users can choose between Program auto with flash and slow-sync with flash settings.

When the flash is turned off, users can select from Program auto, bulb, and slow shutter speed settings, as well as a unique Bokeh mode that prioritizes the use of the f/3.5 maximum aperture for achieving the shallowest depth of field.

The top plate of the camera includes the manual film rewind knob, the shutter release button surrounded by the On/Off switch, the film advance lever, and the film counter window.

The viewfinder, positioned in the middle of the body, features a simple window design with brightline frame lines. These frame lines incorporate a close-up compensation notch for precise framing when using the closest focusing zone.

On the front of the camera, there is a knurled handgrip, which can be removed to access the single CR2 3V battery powering the camera's meter and flash. The lens is integrated into the front of the lens's housing, and also has 40.5mm threads to accept filters. The meter is located within the lens housing, automatically accounting for filter factors when using autoexposure.

The built-in flash on the front of the camera has a guide number of 20' at ISO ISO 100 and a recycle time of approximately 9 seconds. LEDs near the viewfinder indicate when the flash is recharging and when it is ready for use.

At the back of the camera, there is a small slot for inserting notes or a piece from a film box to remind you of the loaded film stock. Near the top, a 2.5mm port can be used with an optional CS-205 cabled remote shutter release. Finally, the bottom of the camera features a 1/4"-20 tripod mount and the film rewind button.

Pentax 17 Camera
Strap
Lens Front Cap
Lithium Battery CR2

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