New Analogue Cameras for Street Photography
I’m sure you’ll be aware that film is making a comeback, in a similar way that records have done in the music world. Street photography has never really lost its analogue roots (I’m happy to say) and there has been an uptick in technological development in recent years - in respect of both cameras and film.
New Pentax 17
The newest kid on the block is the all-new Pentax 17. I think it’s brave of a major manufacturer to launch a new film camera and I hope it’s the shape of things to come. But it’s even braver to launch a half-frame film camera in a world which is obsessed with image quality.
Half-frame cameras were made popular in the 1960s with the launch of the original Olympus Pen, followed by another 15 - yes, 15 - half-frame models from Olympus. The big draw was a compact design and economy, with half-frame cameras offering 72 exposures on a roll 36 exposure film (17x24mm).
The new Pentax is on the shelves of all the usual retailers for around £500; the camera comes with a fixed 25mm f/3.5 lens (equivalent to 37mm in full-frame terms). If you’re interested, here are the technical highlights:
Newly developed fixed lens combining time-proven optics and the latest lens coating technology
Zone-focus system to switch the in-focus area via simple selection of zone marks
Bright optical viewfinder for real-time confirmation of a subject image
Seven shooting modes
Built in Flash
Matt Day gives a good overview of the Pentax 17 on YouTube here. Personally I can see the attractions of a small, well made body with a small capable lens but I’m afraid that my quality requirements trump the limitations of the half-frame negative. However, I’m sure this will catch on and will probably become another cult camera - and if you’re not too fussed about image quality and want a solid, compact camera for street photography, it’s probably quite fun purchase.
New Rollei 35AF
Of more interest to me is the new Rollei 35AF. Hands up, who had a Rollei 35 in the 1970s or 80s? Or maybe you have one now? What beauties they were! These diminutive (full-frame) 35mm film cameras were beautifully made and a joy to use . . . and they are being reincarnated in the form of a new version with autofocus. Details are scant at present but this is definitely one to look out for. There’s a website where you can register to be kept updated with progress - here.
