I'm a disappointed with the result of the big build-up to the #Pentax17. I totally get what they've made, something for the swarm of TikTok users buying the Fujifilm X100 - trendy, pricey, but full-auto like an old Olympus half-frame.
It's not for me. If they bring out a 17M fully-manual with a 35mm equivalent lens, continuous focus ring with 'proper' distance markings, perhaps f2.8 or brighter, a film box end holder, no +/- dial, an aperture ring, let me know.
It turns out what I want is a modern Olympus Pen W. With a film advance lever, a more substantial shutter release button, maybe a coin-cell powered light meter, a less-fiddly aperture & focus ring and a normal swing door back. And built like an Olympus - in black with brass bits that will get cooler with age. That, *that*, would be a cool camera - worth the €550 they're asking for the #pentax17 .
OK, so I ordered an Olympus Pen S via Ebay from Japan. I know FedEx is going to absolutely screw me on the import to EU. It will join my Olympus Trip 35 that I loaded, shot and developed LOADS of film on in the late seventies, my Rollei 35 S and my Canon P in my vintage 35mm toolbox. I need to review my negatives, mostly from 1977-1979 Peking, all Ilford B&W, all Olympus Trip 35.
Marcus Jenkins
VITI