SUMMARY
Jason Kummerfeldt's initial reservations about the Pentax 17's half-frame format have softened after a year of extensive use. While the format still presents trade-offs in resolution, the camera's sharp lens, particularly with films like Ektachrome E100 and infrared, has drawn him back. Ergonomic improvements like a wooden grip and thumb grip enhance handling, though top-plate buttons remain a minor annoyance. The deeper depth of field inherent to the half-frame format, combined with the lens's quality, makes it suitable for snapshot photographers prioritizing portability and double the shots per roll.
TAKEAWAYS
The Pentax 17's sharp lens and portability are key strengths, offsetting half-frame format drawbacks.
Ergonomic issues were addressed with aftermarket grips, improving handling.
Top-plate buttons can shift unintentionally, affecting exposure settings.
The camera offers twice the shots per roll compared to full-frame, with a deeper depth of field.