Using a 35mm film camera to take street photos is a lot of fun. 35mm cameras might be old, but they make you think before you click.

And you might choose to use the shiny new Pentax 17. That adds a new dimension. I used one for my photo above.

So first, is there any difference?

Damn right there is. The single biggest one being: cost. Film and development are not cheap. So you can’t fire away without a concern.

But that slowing down process makes you search for the photos that mean something. It makes you work to make the most of every frame.

Now, the Pentax 17…

Removes pretty much all other concerns or differences.

Why?

Well, for a start, it is small and comfortable to use. I can shoot one-handed. That is important for street photography.

Next, it uses zone-focusing. Which is an absolute bonus for street photography. You flip the dial to the distance you want to work within and shoot away.

Also, the 17 is a half-frame camera. Meaning you get double the number of frames. For example, 36 exposures become 72.

So, I found using the Pentax 17 much the same as using a digital camera. It is marginally slower because you need to wind on. But the lever is well placed, so it doesn’t slow you down that much.

With these points in mind, the Pentax 17 makes street photography very possible on 35mm film.

See you on the streets…