The Pentax 17 camera’s design focuses on the distinctive half-frame format while embodying a straightforward point-and-shoot approach that pays homage to Pentax’s film camera legacy. As a point-and-shoot model, it primarily handles exposure determination automatically. Users can adjust settings such as ISO/ASA, utilize a +/- 3 stop exposure compensation dial, and decide whether to use flash. On the top plate of the Pentax 17 Half-Frame Camera (positioned from left to right) features include: a manual ISO/ASA dial with settings from 50 to 3200, encircling the film reminder knob; an exposure compensation dial offering +/-3 EV settings; a viewfinder hump with a film plane indicator; a mode dial; a shutter release button surrounded by an On/Off switch; and finally, a film winding lever.

• 35mm Half-Frame Film Camera
• HD PENTAX HF 25mm f/3.5 Traditional Lens
• Manual Zone Focus with Macro Setting
• Window Viewfinder with Dual Frame Lines
• Autoexposure, Program, and Bokeh Modes
• Built-In Flash, Flash AE Modes
• Exposure Compensation and ISO Dials
• Manual Film Advance Lever & Film Rewind
• Takes 1x CR2 Battery
• 2.5mm Remote Cable Switch Terminal
   

The Pentax 17’s camera design focuses on the distinctive half-frame format while embodying a straightforward point-and-shoot approach that pays homage to Pentax’s film camera legacy. As a point-and-shoot model, it primarily handles exposure determination automatically. Users can adjust settings such as ISO/ASA, utilize a +/- 3 stop exposure compensation dial, and decide whether to use flash. On the top plate of the Pentax 17 Half-Frame Camera (positioned from left to right) features include: a manual ISO/ASA dial with settings from 50 to 3200, encircling the film reminder knob; an exposure compensation dial offering +/-3 EV settings; a viewfinder hump with a film plane indicator; a mode dial; a shutter release button surrounded by an On/Off switch; and finally, a film winding lever.

The Pentax 17 emphasizes simplicity and user-friendly operation as a dedicated point-and-shoot camera, employing a precise autoexposure system to streamline the shooting process. It offers manual adjustment of ISO/ASA settings (ranging from 50 to 3200) and exposure compensation up to +/- 3 EV, facilitated by a mode dial.

The mode dial features two main sections: "Flash Off" and "Flash On." Within the "Flash On" section, users can select between Program Auto with flash and slow-sync flash settings. In "Flash Off" mode, options include Program auto, bulb mode, slow shutter speed settings, and a unique Bokeh mode that optimizes the f/3.5 maximum aperture for shallow depth of field. Additionally, an Auto mode automatically determines whether to use flash based on lighting conditions.

On the top plate of the Pentax 17 Half-Frame Camera, alongside the mode dial, are the manual film rewind knob, the shutter release button encircled by the On/Off switch, the film advance lever, and the film counter window. The centrally positioned viewfinder features a simple window design with bright-line frame lines, including a close-up compensation notch for precise framing in close-up shots. 

On the front of the Pentax 17 Half-Frame Camera, there's a knurled handgrip that can be detached to access the single CR2 battery powering the camera's meter and flash.

The lens assembly includes an integrated light meter and 40.5mm filter threads on the front. With the meter housed in the lens, filter factors are automatically adjusted during autoexposure.

Located on the camera's front is a built-in flash with a guide number of 20' at ISO 100 and a recycle time of approximately 9 seconds. LEDs near the viewfinder indicate when the flash is charging and ready for use.

Turning to the back of the camera, there's a small slot for inserting notes or a piece from a film box to remember the film stock in use. Near the top is a 2.5mm port for an optional cabled remote shutter release. On the bottom, you'll find a 1/4"-20 tripod mount and the film rewind button.

The fixed prime lens, an HD PENTAX HF 25mm f/3.5 Traditional, offers a slightly wide-angle perspective renowned for its excellent sharpness and vivid color reproduction. It incorporates Pentax's modern HD anti-reflective coating, which enhances contrast and clarity.

Focusing is achieved through a manual six-stage zone focusing system:
- Macro/Flower: 0.82' / 0.25 m
- Close-Up/Knife & Fork: 1.7' / 0.5 m
- Single Person: 4' / 1.2 m
- Two People: 5.6' / 1.7 m
- Group of People: 10' / 3 m
- Mountain/Infinity: ∞

Icons representing these focus distances are visible on the top of the lens and are also displayed in the viewfinder. The exact measurements are printed on the front of the camera body for easy reference.

While the Pentax 17 is a newly introduced camera, it draws inspiration from various legacy Pentax models, incorporating distinctive design elements: the film rewind knob from the Pentax LX, the ISO dial from the SP, the flash and shutter release from the KP, the lens housing from the Espio Mini, the front logo text reminiscent of the 67, the knurled battery cover akin to the DA WR lens series, the film advance lever from the Auto 110, and the top plate influenced by a special edition LX. Additionally, the viewfinder features Pentax's classic logo, the Asahi AOCo logo, and a film plane indicator adopted from their DSLR line.

Limited 3-Year Warranty