i'm about 15 rolls in with my Pentax 17 and have been having a ball with it. I'm typically a digital photographer (fujifilm) and shooting with this camera has been refreshing for me and helped me discover the magic of film photography. i'm probably in the minority at this time, but i like the zone focusing. i've got the pentax's frame lines pretty much lined up in my head so when i'm out there on the street or trail i know how many clicks to get to my ideal focus for my subject so i can take the shot and go. also, the camera's light meter doesn't stay fixed on half press. i've still had similar issues with the finger on the lens and the dials so i've taken steps to hold the camera differently and to take a quick glance at my settings prior to shooting. also, the LEDs are a smart way to warn of the settings if they're too off for some reason (just not bulb). nice video and samples.
For me, the repairability is a huge factor. I've had a number of 35mm and medium format cameras and it's all great until something breaks. If it's a Leica, you are looking at hundreds and months of waiting before you get it back. Some electronic cameras are not repairable. It's a lot of hassle when you are just trying to enjoy photography in your limited free time. This is not quite the film camera I'm waiting for, but hoping there will be more in the future!
Rollei small? One of the best camera makers of the past does an analogue camera again that is more than important news , even far more than the pentax 17. European film fotographers are more than eager to get their hands on it.
It’s actually not Rollei itself that releases the camera. The company behind the new Rollei 35 AF is called MiNT camera, a so far unknown Chinese Start-up. At least I have never heard of them before
I have a dry case full of film cameras, which doesn't make me an expert, or anything, and this camera is a lot of FUN to shoot. Don't like it? Don't buy it. Want to try something other than digital? This isn't a bad way to start. (Close second: a CLA'd Olympus OM1n.)
While I never had an issue with touching the mode dial when operating the winding lever, I have heard many say it. My thumb grabs the top of the lever, so I never even get close to touching the dial, and when I am shooting and winding, I never fully close the lever and I use it as a somewhat thumb-rest area.
Anyone can hold their camera any way they want, but I don’t hold my Pentax 17 with one hand. I use the two-hand method I learned about in the instruction manual of my Olympus 35RC fixed-lens rangefinder: two hands holding the body of the camera when pressing the shutter button. It feels strange at first, but I’ve gotten used to it.
I looked closely at one in the display cabinet of my local department store last weekend. I think I’ll wait till the next Pentax offering. Half frame is not something that interests me.
Haven’t heard of that actually. From what I understand and how most cameras work auto is for shutter, aperture and flash control that is now at the discretion of the camera
@@btonelli look up the owner’s manual. It mentions it there, and you can test it out dry firing the camera. Put it in a P setting and the closest focus distance. Watch the lens move when you half press the shutter button. Then put it in Auto mode, do the same thing. The lens does not move to the closest focus distance, but to the fixed focus distance. And you can see that no matter what focus setting you pick, in Auto it always goes to the same focus position when you half press the shutter button.
@@btonelli go to page 22, #5. It says the focus is fixed regardless of the zone setting. www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/man-pdf/pentax17_om_en_web.pdf
I see. Interesting setting and a bit perplexed. Unfortunately It doesn't tell you the distance its locked in focus and you cant use food or macro in auto mode.
Is the Ricoh GR3 smaller? Kinda wild if we are getting great APSC cameras smaller than this. Albeit the Ricoh is more expensive, but if you price in film and development and high quality scanning.
2:13 not sure if you could call these easter eggs instead of just "this pentax camera speaks the pentax camera design language". It's an interesting camera. I've been shooting an old Chinon CE3 a lot, but this seems like such a fun travel/slice of life camera. It seems conducive to the moody stuff I usually capture. I might order one soon.
I know I'm gonna get hate on this, but I'm curious why people would go out in 2024 and shoot film, especially 35mm. If it's for the process, it doesn't seem to be a very appealing process (or cheap for that matter). Is it for reminiscence purposes? I grew up with film cameras and music tapes. Would definitely not want to go back to those. Just curious mainly.
I was born in 1999, so most of the nostalgia isn't much of a factor here. A few of my other photographer friends are also in the same boat. What is more relevant to people like me, shooting on film in 2024, is the inspiration to be your most creative. I never felt inspired when I tried out DSLRs or mirrorlesses in the past. It wasn't until I got my hands on a film SLR, that I was actually able to take decent pictures. I, among many others, feel that creative spark with film as a vehicle for artistic expression. I think it's akin to an oil painter choosing oil paint over watercolor as a means to express oneself (neither one is objectively better, it comes down to where they derive their inspiration).
A few reasons I pick up my film cameras instead of my digital sometimes: the cameras are very tactile, lots of levers and switches rather than menus which makes it fun to use, delayed gratification makes it super exciting to see the pictures later (especially after a vacation), experimenting with different film stocks to get surprised by color casts and tonality, and a big one for me is that the cameras are usually a lot lighter and smaller than their digital counterparts since cameras nowadays are trying to squeeze a ton of resolution out of their lenses. And even with vintage lenses on digital cameras, the manual focus experience is usually a lot better with split prism viewfinders
I always loved the look of film - it has a very nice dynamic range response which fails gracefully in overexposure (for negative film). No digital artefacts like colour noise - just grain which is somewhat beautiful in itself.
I bought it, looked through the viewfinder and sent it back. It is too small for me, not sure if you covered that in your review as i didnt watch all the way.
I didn’t find it too small for the size of the camera. I talked about the frame lines and the difficulty working with the distance of the subject based on the graphics on the lens
Such a disappointment from Pentax on this one, they re hired engineers from the film era, I dreamed of a modern day 645a, a reissued 35mm slr or let’s be crazy a 67 or a « Contax T2 style » autofocus 35mm point & shoot would have amazing for all pros and film enthusiasts, this is just good for nothing… due to the price of film, fashionistas shoot digicam now and photographers will still want a real working and reliable film camera for a fraction of the price of this Don’t know what Pentax thought on this one
quite funny how people are going over the halfframe stuff while my Konica Autorex from 1967 can switch from full to half ,even midroll ,and back.And having changeable lenses .
Everyone just shilling for this camera, no one mentioning that it costs nearly as much as an entry level mirrorless and is nowhere near in build quality.
You can’t compare the two. This is a retro styled FILM camera. Film is a medium some enjoy and others don’t. Some pay 15k for a Rolex that tells the same time as a 50.00 battery powered watch.
@@btonelli I have multiple film cameras. I was referring to P17 build quality relative to the price. It's expensive for what it is, looking very much like a plastic toy.
@@Armitage01101 I get it. It’s not an LX, F3 or anything close to that but it has a warranty and film cameras aren’t that easy to make compared to years past. For me I get it after using it. It’s fun, less stress than a vintage film camera in terms of breaking it and it works relatively well outside of my issues with it. But I also understand your perspective
Hear this guy...... a revolutionary half-frame 35mm film camera.....revolutionary.LOL. The only thing revolutionary about this thing is selling an antique piece of hardware and call it revolutionary.
i'm about 15 rolls in with my Pentax 17 and have been having a ball with it. I'm typically a digital photographer (fujifilm) and shooting with this camera has been refreshing for me and helped me discover the magic of film photography. i'm probably in the minority at this time, but i like the zone focusing. i've got the pentax's frame lines pretty much lined up in my head so when i'm out there on the street or trail i know how many clicks to get to my ideal focus for my subject so i can take the shot and go. also, the camera's light meter doesn't stay fixed on half press.
i've still had similar issues with the finger on the lens and the dials so i've taken steps to hold the camera differently and to take a quick glance at my settings prior to shooting. also, the LEDs are a smart way to warn of the settings if they're too off for some reason (just not bulb).
nice video and samples.
@@reversezer0 it’s a lot of fun actually! Enjoying it as well for the time I have it.
Thanks for the kind words.
For me, the repairability is a huge factor. I've had a number of 35mm and medium format cameras and it's all great until something breaks. If it's a Leica, you are looking at hundreds and months of waiting before you get it back. Some electronic cameras are not repairable. It's a lot of hassle when you are just trying to enjoy photography in your limited free time. This is not quite the film camera I'm waiting for, but hoping there will be more in the future!
@@Jalan84 yes agree 💯
I purchased a lot of film cameras and always worry about repairing
That is why im waiting for the Rollei 35af ,new and fullframe.
Bit more expensive but also more features
@@loboptlu true but wondering what the support will be like being that it’s a small company
Rollei small? One of the best camera makers of the past does an analogue camera again that is more than important news , even far more than the pentax 17.
European film fotographers are more than eager to get their hands on it.
It’s actually not Rollei itself that releases the camera. The company behind the new Rollei 35 AF is called MiNT camera, a so far unknown Chinese Start-up. At least I have never heard of them before
I have a dry case full of film cameras, which doesn't make me an expert, or anything, and this camera is a lot of FUN to shoot. Don't like it? Don't buy it. Want to try something other than digital? This isn't a bad way to start. (Close second: a CLA'd Olympus OM1n.)
@@johna.bennett2661 yes indeed it has the fun factor to it
While I never had an issue with touching the mode dial when operating the winding lever, I have heard many say it.
My thumb grabs the top of the lever, so I never even get close to touching the dial, and when I am shooting and winding, I never fully close the lever and I use it as a somewhat thumb-rest area.
The mode dial would move especially taking it out of a bag walking around with the camera. When in use it’s not a problem for me as well.
hope you will also have a chance to test drive the Rollei 35AF when it finally launches!
@@whynospoon me too!
Me three!
Now, that's what we call a 'camera'
Anyone can hold their camera any way they want, but I don’t hold my Pentax 17 with one hand. I use the two-hand method I learned about in the instruction manual of my Olympus 35RC fixed-lens rangefinder: two hands holding the body of the camera when pressing the shutter button. It feels strange at first, but I’ve gotten used to it.
Yes I do as well but had issues with how wide the lens sees and where to put my finger
I looked closely at one in the display cabinet of my local department store last weekend. I think I’ll wait till the next Pentax offering. Half frame is not something that interests me.
Understand. I like it but I also appreciate full frame more
Bobby did you know that the camera becomes fixed focus in the Automatic setting? Even though you can still turn the focus ring?
Haven’t heard of that actually. From what I understand and how most cameras work auto is for shutter, aperture and flash control that is now at the discretion of the camera
@@btonelli look up the owner’s manual. It mentions it there, and you can test it out dry firing the camera. Put it in a P setting and the closest focus distance. Watch the lens move when you half press the shutter button. Then put it in Auto mode, do the same thing. The lens does not move to the closest focus distance, but to the fixed focus distance. And you can see that no matter what focus setting you pick, in Auto it always goes to the same focus position when you half press the shutter button.
Just tried it. This lens moving is the same in auto, P Bokeh etc.
@@btonelli go to page 22, #5. It says the focus is fixed regardless of the zone setting. www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/man-pdf/pentax17_om_en_web.pdf
I see. Interesting setting and a bit perplexed. Unfortunately It doesn't tell you the distance its locked in focus and you cant use food or macro in auto mode.
Is the Ricoh GR3 smaller? Kinda wild if we are getting great APSC cameras smaller than this. Albeit the Ricoh is more expensive, but if you price in film and development and high quality scanning.
Yes it is smaller:) i own a Ricoh gr3x and I’ve seen the Pentax 17 in person thinking I might pick one up in a few months
Yes the GR3 is smaller but no viewfinder or real grip.
It’s a fun camera to use
Can't decide between this or wait for the Mint Rollei 35 AF
Two different cameras really. One is smaller with AF and perhaps limited availability, the other with world wide availability and manual
2:13 not sure if you could call these easter eggs instead of just "this pentax camera speaks the pentax camera design language".
It's an interesting camera. I've been shooting an old Chinon CE3 a lot, but this seems like such a fun travel/slice of life camera. It seems conducive to the moody stuff I usually capture. I might order one soon.
There are a lot of hidden “Easter eggs” as we call them for the Pentax fans. It’s a term that encapsulates what you are saying in a more fun way
Please, review versus Voigtlender 50mm f1 RF vs Canon Rf 50mm f1.2
I know I'm gonna get hate on this, but I'm curious why people would go out in 2024 and shoot film, especially 35mm. If it's for the process, it doesn't seem to be a very appealing process (or cheap for that matter). Is it for reminiscence purposes? I grew up with film cameras and music tapes. Would definitely not want to go back to those. Just curious mainly.
No hate at all. It’s like some who still want to purchase vinyl records. It’s an ode to the past, the organic look of images and what they represent.
I was born in 1999, so most of the nostalgia isn't much of a factor here. A few of my other photographer friends are also in the same boat. What is more relevant to people like me, shooting on film in 2024, is the inspiration to be your most creative. I never felt inspired when I tried out DSLRs or mirrorlesses in the past. It wasn't until I got my hands on a film SLR, that I was actually able to take decent pictures. I, among many others, feel that creative spark with film as a vehicle for artistic expression. I think it's akin to an oil painter choosing oil paint over watercolor as a means to express oneself (neither one is objectively better, it comes down to where they derive their inspiration).
A few reasons I pick up my film cameras instead of my digital sometimes: the cameras are very tactile, lots of levers and switches rather than menus which makes it fun to use, delayed gratification makes it super exciting to see the pictures later (especially after a vacation), experimenting with different film stocks to get surprised by color casts and tonality, and a big one for me is that the cameras are usually a lot lighter and smaller than their digital counterparts since cameras nowadays are trying to squeeze a ton of resolution out of their lenses. And even with vintage lenses on digital cameras, the manual focus experience is usually a lot better with split prism viewfinders
I always loved the look of film - it has a very nice dynamic range response which fails gracefully in overexposure (for negative film). No digital artefacts like colour noise - just grain which is somewhat beautiful in itself.
@@dm319-j5y indeed.
Im shooting my first roll thru it and i really enjoy how the camera feels in the hand!
Congrats on getting one. Yes it’s a lot of fun to use
I bought it, looked through the viewfinder and sent it back. It is too small for me, not sure if you covered that in your review as i didnt watch all the way.
I didn’t find it too small for the size of the camera. I talked about the frame lines and the difficulty working with the distance of the subject based on the graphics on the lens
It`s rubbish and expensive too. There`s no joy in film only absurd costs and poor results.
@@brugj03 Indeed, a useless toy with no special character.
For anyone wondering or is confused by this camera then this is the guy to listen to no bullshit just an honest lowdown.
Thank you! 🙏
finger foreground xD brilliant video as always Bobby, production value is off the charts! please do one for MiNT's upcoming Rollei :D
Thanks! 🙏
I’ve seen frame-to-frame IQ comparison between Pentax 17 and Olympus Pen EE3, the 25mm on Pentax holds itself pretty well.
Good to hear. I haven’t tried the Olympus
@@btonelli ua-cam.com/video/69_9APwjgNs/v-deo.htmlsi=GFG35p-a7A0VThKJ
I was quite enjoy his till the snake oil advert popped up half way through - no thanks
You can always skip if you want to. Sponsored reads help keep us making content.
Enjoyed this review! Candid, fun and from a practical angle.... exactly what this camera ought to be for most who decide to use one!
@@MrSimyou thank you 🙏
Planning to get one, never shoot film, thanks for the iso advice
No prob. Enjoy the camera
Hate the focusing. Hard pass.
Understand. Wish it was more traditional in its focusing as well
Such a disappointment from Pentax on this one, they re hired engineers from the film era, I dreamed of a modern day 645a, a reissued 35mm slr or let’s be crazy a 67 or a « Contax T2 style » autofocus 35mm point & shoot would have amazing for all pros and film enthusiasts, this is just good for nothing… due to the price of film, fashionistas shoot digicam now and photographers will still want a real working and reliable film camera for a fraction of the price of this
Don’t know what Pentax thought on this one
@@jacqueslegouis9632 rumour is they are coming out with more than one camera so let's see what's next
quite funny how people are going over the halfframe stuff while my Konica Autorex from 1967 can switch from full to half ,even midroll ,and back.And having changeable lenses .
I was hoping this would have that switch option
Everyone just shilling for this camera, no one mentioning that it costs nearly as much as an entry level mirrorless and is nowhere near in build quality.
You can’t compare the two. This is a retro styled FILM camera. Film is a medium some enjoy and others don’t. Some pay 15k for a Rolex that tells the same time as a 50.00 battery powered watch.
@@btonelli I have multiple film cameras. I was referring to P17 build quality relative to the price. It's expensive for what it is, looking very much like a plastic toy.
@@Armitage01101 I get it. It’s not an LX, F3 or anything close to that but it has a warranty and film cameras aren’t that easy to make compared to years past.
For me I get it after using it. It’s fun, less stress than a vintage film camera in terms of breaking it and it works relatively well outside of my issues with it. But I also understand your perspective
Hear this guy...... a revolutionary half-frame 35mm film camera.....revolutionary.LOL.
The only thing revolutionary about this thing is selling an antique piece of hardware and call it revolutionary.
@@brugj03 who is calling it revolutionary?