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.
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 agree with you. That said, I am a semi retired newspaper photographer and I enjoy playing with the quirky modes in lomography. From the sprocket rocket to the half frame, to the tiny square in diania mini.
Don’t think just shoot can be fun and freeing. The plastic fantastic motto.
Some days I’m out doing more artsy work than objective straight by the book photojournalism.
It’s almost like holga and lomo cameras are a hobby for me.
I love vintage 1950s gear and film.
I can see where this camera is designed for the shoot/scan post to social crowd. The format is perfect for them I guess... and way cheaper than Leica and glass.
It’s not for everyone for sure.
I can see some reasoning behind it.
It’s way better than my experiences with Nikon NC 2000. The first cobbled digi monster.
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 😂
I agree. Many of them are getting involved with the darkroom arts as well.
They are coming out with small enlargers that you don’t need a darkroom for. You can only make small prints. You develop in an enclosed little tank. I wish I could remember the name of it. I think it was a Kickstarter item.
I’m old and it doesn’t make much sense to me either.
They can zap an image around the world in a NY minute from their cell phone.
I’m just getting back into film after a 40 year break and got a Canon demi17 half frame and it’s super fun and amazingly sharp. I posted some images if you have time to check it out. The Pentax was too dumbed down for me. I want f-stops and shutter speed control.
just found your post about the Pentax 17. same opinion and i enjoy using the camera in its niche. What i like most about your post is that you highlight that it is a highlight having a “new” film camera in 2024 on the market. this opens new ways and i’m curios what comes next. thank you! by the way, i enjoy your videos a lot. so thank you for that too.
Someone with your experience isn’t the target market for this camera.
You know that. I know that. Pentax knows that.
I’m glad they made a new camera.
One can get into half frame for less than $100 bucks with a Diana Mini from lomo. They go on sale quite often.
You can change from square to half frame. Possibly even full frame. My old mind forgets. It has 3 modes. It’s cheap plastic and has its quirks. It is also fun!
For the shoot/scan /post to social media the Pentax is probably ideal. Expensive?
Yes.
Cheaper than the M6 all the street shooters are using.
Again I’m glad they made a new film camera. I too look foward to what comes next.
Personally I will stick with my 1950s vintage gear. All that chrome! Such beautiful machines!
Thanks for the honest review of the camera.
As a semi retired newspaper photojournalist, I could actually see this new, reliable, half frame camera coming in handy for a documentary project where being stealth comes in handy.
Where images won’t be published larger than a zine or self published photo book.
Lots of frames on the cheap in a discreet camera that won’t out you as a professional!
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!
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.
I agree with you. That said, I am a semi retired newspaper photographer and I enjoy playing with the quirky modes in lomography. From the sprocket rocket to the half frame, to the tiny square in diania mini.
Don’t think just shoot can be fun and freeing. The plastic fantastic motto.
Some days I’m out doing more artsy work than objective straight by the book photojournalism.
It’s almost like holga and lomo cameras are a hobby for me.
I love vintage 1950s gear and film.
I can see where this camera is designed for the shoot/scan post to social crowd. The format is perfect for them I guess... and way cheaper than Leica and glass.
It’s not for everyone for sure.
I can see some reasoning behind it.
It’s way better than my experiences with Nikon NC 2000. The first cobbled digi monster.
It's a cute camera, but it's incredibly overpriced.
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.
I agree. Many of them are getting involved with the darkroom arts as well.
They are coming out with small enlargers that you don’t need a darkroom for. You can only make small prints. You develop in an enclosed little tank. I wish I could remember the name of it. I think it was a Kickstarter item.
I’m old and it doesn’t make much sense to me either.
They can zap an image around the world in a NY minute from their cell phone.
It’s hip to shoot film these days.
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!
“The right camera is the one you have.” Robert Herman 💗
If Pentax made a full-frame version of that camera, I would buy it in a second.
I’m just getting back into film after a 40 year break and got a Canon demi17 half frame and it’s super fun and amazingly sharp. I posted some images if you have time to check it out. The Pentax was too dumbed down for me. I want f-stops and shutter speed control.
just found your post about the Pentax 17. same opinion and i enjoy using the camera in its niche. What i like most about your post is that you highlight that it is a highlight having a “new” film camera in 2024 on the market. this opens new ways and i’m curios what comes next. thank you! by the way, i enjoy your videos a lot. so thank you for that too.
Someone with your experience isn’t the target market for this camera.
You know that. I know that. Pentax knows that.
I’m glad they made a new camera.
One can get into half frame for less than $100 bucks with a Diana Mini from lomo. They go on sale quite often.
You can change from square to half frame. Possibly even full frame. My old mind forgets. It has 3 modes. It’s cheap plastic and has its quirks. It is also fun!
For the shoot/scan /post to social media the Pentax is probably ideal. Expensive?
Yes.
Cheaper than the M6 all the street shooters are using.
Again I’m glad they made a new film camera. I too look foward to what comes next.
Personally I will stick with my 1950s vintage gear. All that chrome! Such beautiful machines!
Thanks for the honest review of the camera.
As a semi retired newspaper photojournalist, I could actually see this new, reliable, half frame camera coming in handy for a documentary project where being stealth comes in handy.
Where images won’t be published larger than a zine or self published photo book.
Lots of frames on the cheap in a discreet camera that won’t out you as a professional!
F8 & Be There !
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.