Photography is an art in which the camera captures light, then forms an image of a scene based on that light.

You can use the light to create your own image, using it boldly on some occasions, or more sensitively on others. A film camera portrays the scene exactly the way you read the light and intend to capture it on a photograph.

While film cameras have had a long history, you will discover a new value in a film camera.

What’s the film camera?

As the name implies, this is a camera that uses film as its recording medium. Digital cameras record images using electrical signals, but film cameras create pictures by exposing the photosensitive layer of the film to light.

What’s the half-size format?

Film comes in many formats, but the most popular is the 35mm format (36mm x 24mm frame size) — what we call full size in digital photography. The half size is a format in which two pictures (17mm x 24mm) are captured in a single 35mm-format frame, meaning that you can double the number of pictures that can be captured on a single roll of film — 72 pictures on a roll of 36-expsoure film, or 48 pictures on 24-exposure film.

Half-size format for capturing a large number of pictures

The PENTAX 17 is a half-size-format camera that employs a left-to-right film advance mechanism. When positioned in the normal way, it captures vertical-format pictures, identical to the familiar images captured by smartphones.

Film advance lever with a nostalgic film camera look

The PENTAX 17 uses a manual film-winding mechanism featuring a film advance lever, to recreate the feel of a traditional film camera. To improve the feel of the film-winding action after each shutter release, this lever is designed for optimal finger hold.

Fixed-focal length lens to optimize image quality

The PENTAX 17 features a 25mm F3.5 fixed-focal length lens (equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format). This lens is treated with HD (High Definition) coating — highly acclaimed through its application on PENTAX SLR lenses — to optimize the image quality of half-size pictures. As the result, the PENTAX 17 delivers sharp, clear images.

Bright optical viewfinder to assure sharp subject image

The PENTAX 17’s optical viewfinder features an Albada-type bright frame finder. It also comes with a close-up visual field compensation frame to help you more easily compose close-up images. It is possible to check the zone marks directly through the viewfinder.

Seven shooting modes to accommodate different applications

1. Full Auto mode

The PENTAX 17 features a pan-focus mechanism with a fixed focus point, while the flash unit automatically discharges in poorly illuminated locations. This mode allows for more casual and effortless picture-taking, without worrying about camera operations.

2. Standard mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, while the camera adjusts exposure to the proper level. Since the flash doesn’t discharge, this mode is highly useful in daylight photography.

3. Slow-speed mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone without flash discharge, making it ideal for twilight photography.

4. Maximum-aperture-priority mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, without flash discharge. The camera automatically sets the largest aperture available for a given scene.

5. Bulb mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone without flash discharge. This comes in handy for subjects requiring extended exposures, such as light traces or fireworks. The use of the CS-205 Cable Switch (optional accessory) and a tripod is recommended when using this mode.

6. Daylight sync mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, with the camera selecting the optimal exposure settings. Since the flash makes a discharge, this is ideal for photographs taken against backlight or in poorly illuminated locations.

7. Slow-speed sync mode

This mode lets you select the desired focus zone, with the camera making a flash discharge. This is useful in situations where you want to brightly illuminate a subject in the foreground while retaining the ambience of a nightscape or twilight in the background.

Exposure compensation mechanism for easy adjustment of brightness level

The PENTAX 17 features an independent exposure compensation dial, which lets you swiftly shift the exposure level with a simple turn, making it handy in backlit situations or in adding creative touches.

Zone-focus system to switch the in-focus area based on the subject distance

From close ranges to long distances, the PENTAX 17’s zone-focus system is divided into six zones, indicated by marks that signify each zone. All you have to do to set the camera’s focus is select the mark best suited for the distance to your subject.

For more fun with the film camera

Set the ISO sensitivity manually

Since the PENTAX 17 lets you manually select the ISO sensitivity setting from 50, 100, 125, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200, it lets you try and enjoy different types of film.

Enjoy manual film winding/rewinding actions

The PENTAX 17 features an easy-loading system to prevent film-loading errors. Just insert the roll of film and pull the film leader to the film end indicator, close the camera’s back cover, and manually keep winding the film until the film counter reaches “0” (zero). After finishing the roll of film, manually rewind it to complete the manual winding/rewinding actions which are only available with film cameras.

You can even rewind the film before the entire roll is finished.

To prevent the film from being exposed to the light, load the film in a dark location without contact by direct sunlight.

Note holder to keep track of the film in use

By cutting out the end of the film package and inserting it into the camera’s note holder, you can keep track of the type of film in use with just a quick glance.

Important point to note in film development
When ordering film development, it’s important to inform the lab staff that the photos have been captured with the half-size format camera.

Indicator lamps to inform camera operation status and provide warnings

The PENTAX 17 provides two indicator lamps to the right of the viewfinder eyepiece. These blink as warnings to prevent operational errors, when you attempt to take pictures with the lens cap on, fail to wind the film to the next frame, or set the focus zone to Tabletop or Macro.

Installation of a camera strap

The PENTAX 17 comes equipped with three strap lugs, to assure the versatile strap installation best suited to your shooting style, whether installing the hand strap (included as a standard accessory) or suspending the camera horizontally or vertically.

Grip design for firm hold of the camera body

The PENTAX 17’s grip has been designed to provide a comfortable grip and firm hold of the camera body. Its distinctive contour assures a firm finger grip even when the camera is held vertically. The grip also serves as the battery holder, reducing the overall thickness of the camera body.

Cable switch option, useful in extended-exposure photography

The PENTAX 17 accepts the optional CS-205 Cable Switch, which comes in handy when using a tripod for scenic photography or employing extended exposures in bulb-mode shooting. The cable switch helps you capture sharp, clear photos by minimizing camera shake.

Resource:  https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp

Square Format

Works with Fujifilm Instax Square Film to give you a perfectly balanced frame with a scale of 1:1 — the iconic format that made instant photography what it is today. It dares you to make your subject the center of the universe, and leaves plenty of space for creative composition.

And Mini Format, Too

This super creative camera comes with a Instant Mini Back so that you can shoot on Fujifilm Instax Mini Film, too!

Auto Mode

Automatically adjusts shutter speed, aperture and flash output; and makes sure that your shots are perfectly exposed — no matter where you’re exploring or what you’re discovering.

Foldable Bellows Design

Looks super cool and lets you reduce the Lomo’Instant Square to a third of its size.

Self Timer

Gives you time to run, jump, grab your best friend and strike a pose.

Remote Control Shutter Release

Snaps your shutter from afar so that you can focus on diving into the good madness.

Multiple Exposure Mode:

Lets you layer up the loco by exposing one frame as many times as you like.

Long Exposure Mode

Keeps your shutter open for as long as 30 seconds so that you can unleash your creativity in crazy light paintings.

Exposure Compensation

Lightens or darkens your frame so that you can be master of your own destiny.

Built-In Flash & Flash Off Mode

Lets you decide just how much light you want to shine on your shenanigans.

Color Gel Flash Filters

Slide over your flash to tint your squares a whole new color — everything you need to ride the rainbow!

Lomo’Instant Square Splitzer

Combine different shots in the same frame with the slicing and dicing effect of the Splitzer and the camera’s Multiple Exposure mode.

Portrait lens

Get as close as 0.5m and fill your shots with beautifully crisp details.

Extras

Photo clips, photo stands, glue dots and magnet stickers to display your super square frames.

Shooting Tip Cards

25 ways to keep the inspiration rolling. Give them a try and then see what else you can come up with!

The Lomo’Instant Square is the first and only fully analogue instant camera on the planet Earth to produce Instax square pictures. It lets you capture the world in a powerful snapshot while the square frame paves the way for wacky compositions. With a 95mm glass lens (45mm equivalent) and an automatic mode that takes care of exposure, the Lomo’Instant Square makes shooting super sharp, perfectly exposed snaps easy.With a foldable bellows design that keeps it compact and portable, the Lomo’Instant Square is a little instant camera perfectly adapted to capture your big adventures. And as it’s packed with all of Lomography’s signature creative features, you can stuff your squares with artistic antics.The Lomo’Instant Square is the product of our years of experience developing instant cameras combined with the inspiration we get from the ever-more-adventurous Lomo Community.

Purchasing the Combo package you will get the Instant Mini back. Simply attach the Instant Mini Back to the back of the Lomo’Instant Square and load it with Fujifilm Instax Mini Film and you’re ready to shoot. That means you’ll get all the super sharpness, perfect exposure and funky features of the Lomo’Instant Square on two different film formats!

Package includes

• Lomo’Instant Square Camera White
• Instant Mini Back
• Glass Portrait Lens
• Splitzer
• Remote control shutter release
• Four color Gel Flash Filters
• Paper frames to display your instant photos
• Magnet stickers to display your instant photos
• Glue dots to stick your instant pictures
• Photo clips to build structures out of your instant snaps

Additional Information