Pentax to produce new film cameras. Let's discuss.
I know the Pentax 17 doesn't make sense price wise, sure in the Philippines it's even more expensive despite the fact that it's likely to have been assembled here. But photography often doesn't make sense this is about experience and enjoyment, if the 600USD after tax/delivery gives you 8-10 days worth of shooting that you enjoy it's probably worth it. Plus I have a feeling this camera may hold it's value quite well, I can't see Pentax making that many before moving on to another "Film Project" camera
Quote from KankRat on August 2, 2024, 1:48 pmGo figure.
Ricoh is Considering Increasing Pentax 17 Production to Catch Up To Demand | PetaPixel
I guess thar's good news for Pentax and the prospect of other new film cameras.
Personally, I like the concept of the Pentax 17 and it probably would have suited me well, when I was starting out in photography in the 90s. It kind of combines what I liked about my first cameras. (I was going back and forth between a fully automatic AF compact camera (don't remember the exact model) and a fully manual slr (Praktica Super Tl 1000). Couldn't take advantage of the manual exposure at that point, but liked the feel of the Praktica and the control over the focus it gave me..and that it didn't have "Fuzzy Logic" to mess with my early photographic decisions..as bad as they have been on the other hand the automatic worked generally fine and helped me to some early success, when I didn't have a clue...not that i'd regard myself as a great photographer today).
Regarding the price...new things do cost. So it is about what was to be realistically expected. And I think minor upgrades (from a users standpoint) like F2.8 or 1/500s, which people have suggested, would have seriously increased the cost (more advanced lens design, faster lower tolerance shutter).
The yet to come Mint/Rollei 35 AF with its higher specs will also have a higher price tag.
Anyways 2 new film cameras for different users in 2024 is exciting.
