Pentax 17
Announced July 12, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Pentax 17 is a stylish, lightweight half-frame film camera designed to make analog photography accessible and fun for beginners. While it offers a reliable, modern shooting experience with sharp optics, its zone-focusing system and limited manual controls may frustrate those seeking professional-grade precision.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- Sharp lens and high-quality image output
- Intuitive and fun shooting experience for beginners
- Compact, lightweight, and stylish design
- Cost-effective half-frame format doubles exposures per roll
- Modern reliability, warranty, and repairability
Cons
- Plasticky or cheap build feel
- Inconsistent zone focusing accuracy
- High price point
- Limited manual exposure and focus control
- Ergonomic issues with mode dial and controls
- Launch price $499 (USD)
- Film format 135 (35mm) Half Frame
- Lens mount Fixed lens
- Shutter 1/350 to 4 seconds Bulb
- Weight 290g
What the Reviewers Say
All 25 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
If you are looking to get into your first analog experience, the Pentax 17 offers the fun factor, and the opportunity to learn the ropes, all in a stylish and functional camera.
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If you’re the type of person who hasn’t shot film before, or maybe not in a long time, the Pentax 17 is a good entry point to get the film shooting experience.
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Easy to use, lightweight, and consistent. If you want a good camera that is a step up from a basic point-and-shoot, this is a great option.
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The Pentax 17 feels special.
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The first new film camera for two decades, the Pentax 17 offers a bold new way into the mysteries of analog film photography, opening up the craft for everyone from smartphone/tablet users to experienced photographers who can re-discover the pleasures of film.
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The Pentax 17 is a solid effort, but overall I found the experience oversimplified and not all that fun.
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Pentax set out to make a film camera for Gen Z, and it's succeeded in its mission.
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As film cameras go, the Pentax 17 is one of the best out there. While it’s a modern camera which offers manual control over shutter speed, it sports a retro look.
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The Pentax 17 is quirky to look at and quirky to use, but the more I get into the way you have to use it, I have to admit that it brings out a little bit of silly joy in photography that isn't always there when I'm using a more serious camera.
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I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it and I trusted it once I gave up on trying to make it more than it is, a very solid point shoot camera.
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I think Pentax have done a pretty solid and well rounded job at updating and modernising the concept of the manual focus/manual advance point & shoot film camera.
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If you've always wanted to try film photography, but beginner's nerves have always gotten in the way, buy the Pentax 17.
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The Pentax 17 half frame film camera would be a lovely addition to any image maker kit. I think this could be ideal for any photographer looking to try out new analog mediums, especially where you're getting a better bang for your buck with the half frame images.
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I really did have a lot of fun using this camera, though when it comes to my actual serious photography, this I'm not picking this up.
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The Pentax 17 is the most compelling new film camera released in a generation. It cuts your cost per shot in half, delivers genuinely sharp optics, and gives you enough exposure control to shoot deliberately, without slowing you down in the field.
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I did enjoy my time with this camera and I was actually quite happy with a bunch of the images I made.
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It feels both casual and also pretty powerful while at the same time physically feeling cheap but also well constructed.
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The Pentax 17 being a brand new camera in 2024 means that it'll likely have spare parts availability and maybe even some way for it to be serviced for many years to come, which is a big deal.
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This is a fantastic camera that is capable of taking breaktaking photos, has the potential to introduce a whole new generation of photographers to the joy of film, and is an absolute delight to use in daily life.
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The Pentax 17 is a great camera. Since returning my test unit back to Ricoh last month, I’ve missed it tremendously.
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I think Pentax overall has done a fantastic job in terms of making the camera perform good enough for the price point, but at the same time it's got a great look.
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Now, if I were to describe the Pentax 17 in one sentence, it would be modern feel with classic results.
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The Pentax 17 is a camera for those who want more than megapixels. It’s not flawless—low light is challenging, and control is limited compared to SLRs—but it succeeds in its mission: reintroducing film to a new generation.
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If you want to capture candid moments and document life in a simple and nostalgic way, this camera feels like the perfect tool.
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[A] fantastic camera, so much fun to use it, but there's one more point that we need to discuss, and that is the price.
