Few things can make film photographers feel like Christmas than the release of a new film camera. So, when news of the Pentax 17 — the first Pentax film camera in 17 years — finally came out, it’s no surprise to find the global film photography community abuzz about it. This time, it’s not a disposable camera or rebranded plastic point and shoot, but a camera that was designed and built from scratch.

I share the excitement of my fellow film photographers. So trust me, I’ve been clicking away at almost every video review that comes my way since the Pentax 17 was released. One of the best ones I’ve seen so far is by The Darkroom Lab. Apart from the technical specs and first impressions, I think it’s also important for everyone to hear about the film part of the equation. This is especially the case for getting the best scans out of your rolls. What better way to learn about it than from a film lab itself?

That said, the lab’s review above covers all the pertinent details, pros, and cons to expect and keep in mind for those interested in getting their hands on this camera. It’s important to pay attention to these so you can make the most out of the half-frame camera. Because yes, it’s possible to get great images, as we can see in their sample photos in the video and their blog post!

Are you planning to get the Pentax 17? Why or why not? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!