Product Summary:

The PENTAX 17 is a popular and unique 35mm film camera that utilizes the half-frame format, capturing two vertical images in the space of one standard horizontal frame. It features a sharp 25mm F3.5 prime lens (equivalent to 37mm in 35mm format) and offers a tactile, manual shooting experience with manual winding and zone focusing.

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This camera is an excellent rental choice for tourists in Japan who want to capture their journey with a distinctive, retro style, doubling the number of photos per roll of film. Its manual controls and simple operation make it enjoyable for both film enthusiasts and newcomers.

Quick Highlights:

Shoots in half-frame format, doubling the number of exposures per roll.
Classic 25mm F3.5 prime lens (37mm equivalent) with a retro look.
Features manual winding with a tactile lever for an authentic film experience.
Zone focus system with 6 settings for quick, focus-free shooting.
Manual ISO setting for versatility with various film types (ISO 50 to ISO 3200).
Built-in flash and exposure compensation dial for creative control.

Product Details / Description:

The PENTAX 17 brings a fresh yet nostalgic approach to film photography, ideal for capturing the unique sights and atmosphere of Japan. By shooting half-frame, it naturally creates a vertical image when held normally, mimicking the format of smartphones and social media, perfect for modern candid moments.

About the Product

This camera requires 35mm film, which must be supplied by the renter. With the half-frame format, a standard 36-exposure roll yields 72 distinct vertical pictures. The camera features a manual ISO dial, allowing you to match the setting to your chosen film (e.g., ISO 400 for street shooting or ISO 100 for sunny landscapes).

Shooting is simplified by the zone focus method, which allows you to pre-select one of six focus distances, from 0.25m for close-ups to infinity, eliminating the need for precise autofocus. The included Albada bright frame finder provides a classic view of the scene, enhancing the analog feel of the camera.

Key Features

Half-Frame Fun: 24mm x 17mm format yields double the photos.
Classic Optics: Sharp 25mm F3.5 HD PENTAX prime lens.
Manual Control: Lever winding and rewind crank for tactile operation.
Focus Simplicity: 6-zone manual focus setting for quick shooting.
Exposure Flexibility: ±2EV exposure compensation dial.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Detail
Film Type	35mm Film
Screen Size	24mm x 17mm (Half-size)
Focal Length (Equivalent)	25mm (37mm in 35mm format)
Maximum Aperture	F3.5
Focus Method	6-zone Manual Focus
Battery	One CR2 Lithium Battery

What’s in the box (Included Items):

PENTAX 17 Film Camera Body
Lens Cap
Strap
Spare CR2 Battery (1)
QR code for viewing the instruction manual

Where This Product Can Be Used:

Candid street photography in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with a unique vertical orientation.
Documenting daily life and cultural scenes with a classic film aesthetic.
Creating unique diptychs or story sequences when the final prints are viewed together.
Capturing portraits and close-up scenes using the 0.25m zone setting.
Low-light or nighttime scenes utilizing the built-in flash and manual ISO setting.

Why Tourists Rent From Us

English-speaking customer support
Accept foreign credit cards
No Japanese phone number required
Offer hotel and Airbnb delivery
Easy return for travelers

Book with Jasumo:

If you are ready to rent this product, you can contact us with the Product Name, the Rental start date and end date, your delivery Location, and other important details you want to share. After we get a request from you, our team will start communicating with you as soon as possible.

Faqs:

What does “half-frame format” mean?

Half-frame format means the camera takes two pictures on the same amount of film normally used for one standard picture. A 36-exposure roll will yield 72 distinct photos, each being 24mm x 17mm in size.

Do I need to bring my own film?

Yes, 35mm film is required for filming and must be brought by the renter. We do not supply film or provide developing services.

How do I focus the camera?

The PENTAX 17 uses a zone focus method, where you manually select one of six focus zones (0.25m, 0.5m, 1.2m, 1.7m, 3m, infinity) based on the distance to your subject. This is a quick way to shoot without precise measurement.

Why are the photos vertical when I hold the camera horizontally?

Due to the internal orientation of the half-frame film gate, the image is captured vertically. Holding the camera in a standard way (horizontally) results in a portrait (vertical) photo, which is common for half-frame cameras and naturally suits content creation formats.

Does the camera have an automatic mode for beginners?

Yes, it has a “Fully automatic shooting” mode which uses a pan focus program and automatic flash. Note: In AUTO mode, the focus is fixed regardless of the zone focus setting, and close-up photography (closer than 1m) is not supported.

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