It’s a brand-new film camera that doesn’t suck and doesn’t cost like $10K.
In digital terms, it’s like halving the size of the sensor.
But in 2024, nobody is using film for ultimate fidelitythat’s what digital is for.
The new 17 is exciting in every way but its looks.Pentax Ricoh
Instead, we value things like image grain.
This means that the softness inherent in enlarging small film negatives up to print size is much less noticeable.
The image-quality drawbacks of half-frame, then, might be considered features.
Everything you need for great film photos.Pentax Ricoh
One excellent feature of half-frame cameras is that you’re able to easily create diptychs.
Automatic
The camera,according to early reviews, is pretty great.
It’s solidly built, and while it’s not the prettiest camera ever made.
The looks grow on you after a while.Pentax Ricoh
It also has a great, sharp lens.
But then things get odd again.
This is made worse by the smaller “sensor” size of half-frame film.
Still, it’s going to beat your phone.
For long-time film photographers, the lack of manual controls seems weird, but is it really?
“Photography isn’t always about manual prefs; its about understanding light and storytelling.
With the automated features, users can focus more on capturing the moment rather than fiddling with parameters.”
Even more exciting is that the 17 is the first in a new lineup of film cameras from Pentax.
Next up will be an SLR, followed by a “fully manual SLR.”
We cannot wait.
