Ricoh Pentax and the half-frame camera ... 🎭

[Knorp]

Who takes the plunge: Ricoh launches Pentax 17 half-frame fixed lens film camera | dpreview

 

[Godfrey]

On a purely silly note, why did they have to make it so ugly looking? Sigh.
The MiNT Rollei 35AF is so much nicer looking.

G

 

[scho]

When is the Mint Rollei 35AF going to be released? Very nice looking camera.

 

[MartinN]

My local lab went out of business last friday. So, not a single film camera for me anymore, I think.

 

[abruzzi]

I’ve heard many people say the Pentax 17 is ugly, but to my eye, I like it much better than the Rollei. I guess my aesthetics are inverted compared to the rest of the world.

I’m not going to buy one, but that is mostly because 36 frames on a roll is way too many, let alone 72 frames. Half the reason I moved to medium format is to get 8 frames on a roll which is about perfect.

 

[Godfrey]

When is the Mint Rollei 35AF going to be released? Very nice looking camera.

The current notion is that the MiNT Rollei 35AF will likely ship in Summer or slightly after.

I’ve heard many people say the Pentax 17 is ugly, but to my eye, I like it much better than the Rollei. I guess my aesthetics are inverted compared to the rest of the world.

I’m not going to buy one, but that is mostly because 36 frames on a roll is way too many, let alone 72 frames. Half the reason I moved to medium format is to get 8 frames on a roll which is about perfect.

Once upon a time when I shot a lot of half frame, I had the same problem. Since at that time I always rolled my own film from bulk and processed it myself, I made cassettes that were long enough for just 12 half-35 exposures. Later, using factory rolled 135-36 film stock, I'd just open the camera in a dark bag and clip off the day's shooting session, then just reconnect the film to the take up spool and go out for another day.

It's a bit of fuss, but eh? Doing film at all these days is "a bit of fuss".

G

 

[abruzzi]

Since at that time I always rolled my own film from bulk and processed it myself, I made cassettes that were long enough for just 12 half-35 exposures.

I'm imagnining that as about 10 inches* of film for the 12 exposures, plus another 4 inches for loading the film.

I have three bulk rolls at the moment: PanF+ 50, Tmax 100, and TriX 400, and in fact I sold off all my other rolls of 35mm since most of my shooting is either 120 or sheet film. So I do do bulk rolling since I can customize roll size. I usually do about 18-20 frames of regular full frame 35mm, which makes it managable.

Geof

* (18mm * 12 exposure)/25.4=8.5 inches, but add 3mm between frames and you get (21mm * 12 exposure)/25.4=9.9in

 

[Godfrey]

I'm imagnining that as about 10 inches* of film for the 12 exposures, plus another 4 inches for loading the film.

I have three bulk rolls at the moment: PanF+ 50, Tmax 100, and TriX 400, and in fact I sold off all my other rolls of 35mm since most of my shooting is either 120 or sheet film. So I do do bulk rolling since I can customize roll size. I usually do about 18-20 frames of regular full frame 35mm, which makes it managable.

Geof

* (18mm * 12 exposure)/25.4=8.5 inches, but add 3mm between frames and you get (21mm * 12 exposure)/25.4=9.9in

Too long ago for me to remember the specifics, but that sounds about right. It's a very short load.

G

 

[scho]

The current notion is that the MiNT Rollei 35AF will likely ship in Summer or slightly after.



Once upon a time when I shot a lot of half frame, I had the same problem. Since at that time I always rolled my own film from bulk and processed it myself, I made cassettes that were long enough for just 12 half-35 exposures. Later, using factory rolled 135-36 film stock, I'd just open the camera in a dark bag and clip off the day's shooting session, then just reconnect the film to the take up spool and go out for another day.

It's a bit of fuss, but eh? Doing film at all these days is "a bit of fuss".

G

Initial pre-order was for 500 units and that was quickly filled. Next pre-order will open 9/15 and sales will start in mid October. Interesting AF design uses Lidar.

 

[Godfrey]

What I don't understand is: When was the initial pre-order opened? I have been on the list since Gary started and I didn't see any call for the pre-order... ??

G

 

[scho]

Good question.

 

[Godfrey]

Good question.

Well, I just sent Gary et al a query to see what the situation is. I searched through all my email to see if anything had come in that I missed, and I can find nothing. It's not like I really need another camera to fool with (he says, looking at the shelf in the cabinet with 13 35mm cameras lined up and ready to use...) but ... you know. LOL!

G

 

[Godfrey]

Response from Augustus at MiNT Camera:
"We will announce the details of the early bird soon. Please stay tuned!"

I await, watching my email like a hawk...

G

 

[Knorp]

You got to believe in your product: Ricoh will consider increasing production of the new Pentax 17 film camera | mirrorlessrumors

 

[scho]

Response from Augustus at MiNT Camera:
"We will announce the details of the early bird soon. Please stay tuned!"

I await, watching my email like a hawk...

G

Received notice today that pre-orders will start on 9/10/24. Shipping in October.

 

[scho]

I picked up a Pentax 17 to try while waiting for the Mint Rollei. Couple of snaps on Kodak Ultramax 400 at newly renovated playground in Stewart Park. Scanned the half frame negs with my Leica M11 using the Valoi Easy 35 and a Laowa 50mm macro lens. I'm not very comfortable with zone focus at close to mid range distances, but otherwise no other complaints about the Pentax.

 

[Knorp]

I'd say those are pretty good, Carl.
You'll have to get used to estimating the distance to your subject, but it's a challenge no doubt.

 

[scho]

I like the feel and operation of the Pentax 17, but I am definitely not a fan of the zone focus system. I placed my order for the Rollei 35 AF (black model) today and will decide next month after the camera is received which to keep

.

 

[iiiNelson]

I like the feel and operation of the Pentax 17, but I am definitely not a fan of the zone focus system. I placed my order for the Rollei 35 AF (black model) today and will decide next month after the camera is received which to keep

.

Same. I looked long and hard at the Pentax 17. I think it’s a nice concept and I like the idea of it more than the execution. I went back and forth on which to purchase but I’m leaning on giving the Rollei35 AF to my wife and getting a film Leica M since I’ve always wanted one but couldn’t mentally justify it. At this point. It comes down to just using the lenses I’m already using.

 

[4season]

My roll of expired Lomo 800 CN came out consistently underexposed. Despite the underexposure, I got (mostly) usable results, though shadow areas have little recoverable detail. I'm currently working on getting the exposure dialed in to my satisfaction. Does anyone know if 800-speed color negative film can lose a full stop or more of sensitivity 4+ years past it's expiration date?




Handling-wise, I've adapted to the camera quickly, and focus by feeling the clicks: Infinity, 3.0, 1.7 and 1.2 meters are the most important; anything closer is unlikely to be a fast-moving situation.