The Pentax 17 is a beautifully unique half-frame camera that captures two 17mm x 24mm images within a single 35 mm-format (36mm x 24mm) film frame, producing vertical-format pictures reminiscent of smartphone photos. Crafted with a retro-inspired design and a newly developed 25mm F3.5 lens, the Pentax 17 brings the joy of film photography to both enthusiasts and newcomers. If you are the proud owner of a Pentax 17, or are hoping to get your hands on one, Dan Savoie has four very helpful Pentax 17 Photography Tips you have to read!
Pentax 17 Photography Tips by Dan Savoie
To improve photo taken on overcast days when the light is flat and diffused, use "Program Flash" to increase contrast and add depth to your image.
This can be useful to add creativity when shooting in snow or rain.
Note: The Pentax 17 is not weather sealed so keep it protected from the elements.
To improve photos taken in low-light scenes such as sunrise and sunset without the use of flash:
Use ( P ) "Slow-Speed Mode" along with your desired zone focus.
( P ) "Slow-Speed Mode" allows the shutter to remain open for up to 4 seconds.
This is perfect for capturing the mood and ambient light of the scene.
To improve photos taken in low-light scenes such as dusk, dawn and twilight:
Use ( P ) "Slow-Speed Sync Mode" along with your desired zone focus.
( P ) "Slow-Speed Sync Mode" allows the shutter to remain open for up to 4 seconds and also forces a flash.
The flash illuminates the foreground subject, while the slow shutter speed captures the ambient light of the scene.
Improve your photos and add creativity with long exposures beyond 4 seconds.
Use ( B ) "Bulb Mode" with a tripod along with your desired zone focus and the Pentax CS-205 Cable Release.
( B ) "Bulb Mode" allows the camera shutter to remain open indefinitely. This is perfect for capturing pictures of waterfalls, city lights and startrails.
When shooting in Bulb Mode with the Pentax 17, the aperture is fixed at F/3.5. This makes it easy to use a light meter or a digital camera with manual settings to calculate the required exposure time.
Add a 40.5mm neutral density filter and use an exposure chart of an app to determine the required exposure time.
If the exposure time is 1/30th of a second at F/3.5, ISO 100, adding a 10 stop ND will increase the exposure time to 32 seconds.
