I started writing this review in January, in that time some things have changed, not in my thoughts about the camera but at Pentax which I've added at the bottom.
I didn't know that about the filters, hadn't used red before. I've had no issues with yellow filters on it. Apart from forgetting it's on there and shooting 5 frames of colour. With the lens being quite contrasty there is probably a bit less need for red anyway.
I had the same issue with the mode dial, and over time checking it is part of my process of using it. I'm still a bit confused about use case of all the modes. But I use, Bokeh, slow and P no flash and they cover everything I use it for.
I really like the close focus options and use it a fair bit. I do hope they make other new cameras.
Nice review and interesting that the Pentax 17’s lens coating might be responsible for the level of contrast in the images straight out of the camera.
I am still disappointed that the manual fails to provide actual help or a solution to using red, orange or yellow filters for BnW film.
The Pentax 17 really does seem to be better suited to shooting colour film imho - shame as BnW half frame images as diptychs and triptychs are more appealing in my experience.
I'm worried with TKO going and production paused it may be the end of the project, hopefully it's not and we get to see a full frame compact and SLR camera.
I didn't know that about the filters, hadn't used red before. I've had no issues with yellow filters on it. Apart from forgetting it's on there and shooting 5 frames of colour. With the lens being quite contrasty there is probably a bit less need for red anyway.
I had the same issue with the mode dial, and over time checking it is part of my process of using it. I'm still a bit confused about use case of all the modes. But I use, Bokeh, slow and P no flash and they cover everything I use it for.
I really like the close focus options and use it a fair bit. I do hope they make other new cameras.
Nice review and interesting that the Pentax 17’s lens coating might be responsible for the level of contrast in the images straight out of the camera.
I am still disappointed that the manual fails to provide actual help or a solution to using red, orange or yellow filters for BnW film.
The Pentax 17 really does seem to be better suited to shooting colour film imho - shame as BnW half frame images as diptychs and triptychs are more appealing in my experience.
Just thinking that's what the comp dials is for.
Red filters are around 3 stops of light loss and add contrast. The lens seems to have that contrast built in.
Agreed but the Pentax 17 manual isn’t very clear on how you use the comp dial to control contrast. The manual is disappointing sadly.
Well you could only down two stops on the compensation, so 400 down to 100, might control it but that's not something for beginners.
Exactly! Totally defeats the beginner friendly and fun marketing strategy for the Pentax 17!
I'm worried with TKO going and production paused it may be the end of the project, hopefully it's not and we get to see a full frame compact and SLR camera.