Compact film camera Pentax 17 35 mm ISO 50-3200

The PENTAX 17 is a compact 35 mm film camera built for half‑size photography, letting you record two 17 × 24 mm images on a single 35 mm frame. It combines traditional film capture with manual controls: a film advance lever for winding, a zone‑focus system for manual focus‑range setting, and an electronic shutter providing speeds from 1/350 to 4 seconds. The camera accepts 35 mm film with ISO sensitivity from 50 to 3200 and uses a 25 mm fixed focal‑length lens (3 elements in 3 groups). Powered by a CR2 lithium battery, the PENTAX 17 is supplied in silver and black and weighs approximately 0.29 kg.

Advantages

The PENTAX 17 offers the distinctive tonal quality and grain characteristics of film photography together with straightforward manual operation. Half‑size format doubles the number of exposures per roll compared with standard 35 mm full‑frame shooting. Its wide 25 mm fixed lens and electronic shutter range allow flexible shooting across varied lighting and subject motion conditions while the compact body supports easy portability.

Suitable for

• Street and everyday photography where compact size and a wide view are beneficial
• Film enthusiasts who prefer manual film winding and zone‑focus control
• Photographers who want more exposures per roll using the half‑size format
• Learning film photography basics and experimenting with ISO 50–3200 films

Key specifications

• Film format: 35 mm half‑size (17 × 24 mm frames)
• ISO range: 50–3200
• Shutter: Electronic, 1/350 to 4 s
• Focal length: 25 mm (fixed)
• Lens construction: 3 elements in 3 groups
• Power: CR2 lithium battery
• Weight: 0.29 kg
• Colours: Silver, Black

How to use

Load 35 mm film according to the camera’s loading instructions, ensure the film engages the sprockets, and close the back. Advance the film using the film advance lever after each exposure. Set the focus range with the zone‑focus control and choose appropriate ISO by matching the film speed. Use the shutter speeds between 1/350 and 4 seconds as required by subject motion and lighting. Replace the CR2 battery when the camera indicates low power to maintain shutter and metering operation.

Usage recommendations

For best results, choose film ISO appropriate to your lighting: lower ISO (50–200) for bright daylight and higher ISO (400–3200) for low light or fast action. Because the camera uses a half‑size frame, expect a different crop and finer grain per image; review test rolls to determine preferred development and scanning settings.