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.
![](https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/wp-content/themes/sydney/post-templates/pentax-17/fun-img02.jpg)
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.
![](https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/wp-content/themes/sydney/post-templates/pentax-17/fun-img03.jpg)
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.
![](https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/wp-content/themes/sydney/post-templates/pentax-17/fun-img04.jpg)
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.
![](https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/wp-content/themes/sydney/post-templates/pentax-17/fun-img05.jpg)
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.
![](https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/wp-content/themes/sydney/post-templates/pentax-17/fun-img06.jpg)
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.
![](https://us.ricoh-imaging.com/wp-content/themes/sydney/post-templates/pentax-17/icon-group.png)
For more details
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.