So shooting landscape becomes shooting vertical and vice versa? For half the res? I can appreciate what Pentax did or is trying to do (which I think is mostly trying to squeeze revenue out of the film revival, and on top bending over backwards to social media with the half frame), but I’d way rather invest in a second hand full frame film camera and lens and do it properly.
The ‘normal’ orientation for this camera is vertical, so yes, you have to turn it to shoot landscape. I’m not a fan of the camera, but I definitely don’t think Pentax would go through all of the R&D and investment to try and squeeze revenue out of the film market. I think they’re generally interested in bringing back film cameras, and this first one was their ‘entry-level’ addition. As mentioned, I’m not a fan, and there’s a bunch I don’t like about it, but I’ll wait to see what’s next.
I just don't really understand why this camera would appeal to social media users. I mean, once you have shot a roll of film you need them developed, and then what? Scan prints yourself for posting online? No (wannabe) influencer has time for that 😁 Or have digital scans returned from a lab? 🙄 I guess the whole appeal to Film is because the tangible -offline- nature, right? Ah well maybe I'm just to old to understand 😂
Thank you for the review. I think the price point is way too high for an entry level film with no bells or whistles. And it shoots in an odd format that people new to film may not like or understand. I follow a lot of analog photographers and I rarely see half frame photos.
Yeah, I think they’ve targetted a very specific market. It also felt strange to me, but I’m assuming they did their market research. I’ll be waiting for the next one.
I have never and still don’t understand the appeal of half-frame photography. Of course, I was also skeptical about phones on cameras, so what the hell do I know!? 🤷♂️
I think it comes down to shooting experience/camera as aesthetic object versus ability to create “keepers.” You seldom get both unless you’re prepared to pay serious money. Given that a roll of color film and processing in 35mm is now around $30, it feels to me like an indulgence. If you can afford it, great, but for my cash I’ll shoot an old full frame.
So shooting landscape becomes shooting vertical and vice versa? For half the res? I can appreciate what Pentax did or is trying to do (which I think is mostly trying to squeeze revenue out of the film revival, and on top bending over backwards to social media with the half frame), but I’d way rather invest in a second hand full frame film camera and lens and do it properly.
The ‘normal’ orientation for this camera is vertical, so yes, you have to turn it to shoot landscape. I’m not a fan of the camera, but I definitely don’t think Pentax would go through all of the R&D and investment to try and squeeze revenue out of the film market. I think they’re generally interested in bringing back film cameras, and this first one was their ‘entry-level’ addition. As mentioned, I’m not a fan, and there’s a bunch I don’t like about it, but I’ll wait to see what’s next.
Fair points, my comment was more directed at the brand, but yes, let’s wait and see what’s next!
I just don't really understand why this camera would appeal to social media users. I mean, once you have shot a roll of film you need them developed, and then what? Scan prints yourself for posting online? No (wannabe) influencer has time for that 😁 Or have digital scans returned from a lab? 🙄 I guess the whole appeal to Film is because the tangible -offline- nature, right? Ah well maybe I'm just to old to understand 😂
Most people nowadays are getting their film scanned at the lab. Casual users most likely aren’t even worried about the negatives themselves.
Thank you for the review. I think the price point is way too high for an entry level film with no bells or whistles. And it shoots in an odd format that people new to film may not like or understand. I follow a lot of analog photographers and I rarely see half frame photos.
Pentax has made an interesting choice...
Yeah, I think they’ve targetted a very specific market. It also felt strange to me, but I’m assuming they did their market research. I’ll be waiting for the next one.
Great read and those are some beautiful images you made with it. Looking forward to the video. Cheers Kyle.
Thank you!
Got some nice shots indeed! good work kyle!
It's a cute camera, but it's incredibly overpriced.
I have never and still don’t understand the appeal of half-frame photography. Of course, I was also skeptical about phones on cameras, so what the hell do I know!? 🤷♂️
I think it comes down to shooting experience/camera as aesthetic object versus ability to create “keepers.” You seldom get both unless you’re prepared to pay serious money. Given that a roll of color film and processing in 35mm is now around $30, it feels to me like an indulgence. If you can afford it, great, but for my cash I’ll shoot an old full frame.
Really appreciated that this was an honest review Kyle. Totally hit the nail on its head.