Pentax 17: A New Half-Frame Star Arrives
The film photography world has just welcomed something we haven’t seen in years: a brand-new camera from Pentax. The Pentax 17 is the company’s first new film release in over two decades, and it’s a half-frame camera designed to double your fun by giving you 72 exposures from a standard 36-exposure roll of 35mm film.
For many, the launch of the Pentax 17 is more than just a product release—it’s a statement. It shows that film isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. And it makes sense that Pentax, with its long history of producing dependable cameras, would be the brand to bring film back into the spotlight.
Why the Pentax 17 Matters
Half-frame photography has always had a special place in the analogue world. Instead of the traditional horizontal 24×36 mm frame, half-frame cameras split the frame into two vertical images (17×24 mm). This means you get twice as many shots per roll, making experimentation more affordable and creative. It also aligns perfectly with how most of us view and share images today—portrait orientation for social media, diptychs, or storytelling in pairs.
The Pentax 17 embraces these strengths with:
- A six-zone focus system, simple and fast for everyday use.
- Manual ISO and exposure controls, perfect for photographers who want to learn the fundamentals.
- A compact but durable body, designed to be carried everywhere.
- A viewfinder optimised for vertical framing, a first for modern film cameras.
Pentax’s Strong Film Heritage
The excitement around the Pentax 17 is rooted in Pentax’s reputation for making film cameras that last. For decades, Pentax models were the go-to choice for students, enthusiasts, and professionals who wanted reliable tools at a fair price.
The most famous example is the Pentax K1000 35mm Film Camera, widely considered the ideal beginner’s SLR. Its fully manual controls and rugged design made it a teaching camera in classrooms worldwide—and a favourite for those who wanted to learn photography properly.
Another classic is the Pentax ME Super 35mm Film Camera, a compact SLR with aperture-priority automation and a smooth shooting experience. It was Pentax’s answer for photographers who wanted both simplicity and sophistication.
We also stock the Pentax P30 35mm SLR Film Camera, a later model that brought auto-exposure convenience to a new generation of shooters.
Each of these cameras shows Pentax’s ability to make photography accessible without sacrificing quality—a tradition that the Pentax 17 now carries forward in a modern way.
What It Means for Film in 2025
The release of the Pentax 17 is more than nostalgia. It signals a genuine belief in the future of film photography. For new photographers, it’s a welcoming entry point. For seasoned shooters, it’s a reminder that film is still relevant—and still evolving.
At Film Camera Store, we see this as a perfect time to explore both the newest and the most trusted Pentax cameras. Whether you’re excited about the innovation of the Pentax 17 or curious to try a proven classic like the K1000, ME Super, or P30, Pentax offers a pathway into analogue photography that remains as rewarding as ever.
Pairing the Pentax Experience with Film
The half-frame format of the Pentax 17 makes it perfect for experimenting with different films. For bold colour, Kodak Gold 200 offers rich, warm tones. For classic monochrome looks, Ilford HP5 Plus remains a versatile favourite. And for subtle, pastel-like colour, Fujifilm C200 is a budget-friendly option.
Browse our full 35mm Film Collection to find the perfect stock for your Pentax journey.
Final Thoughts
The Pentax 17 is a rare event in photography: a brand-new film camera designed for today’s world. Compact, versatile, and full of character, it honours Pentax’s long history while pointing to the future of analogue.
If you want to experience what makes Pentax cameras special, explore our collection of classics like the Pentax K1000, Pentax ME Super, and Pentax P30. Each one embodies the same philosophy of quality and usability that makes the Pentax 17 such an exciting release.
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