Is Half Frame Film Right for You? - The Darkroom Photo Lab

A Year with the Pentax 17 & the Rise of Half-Frame at The Darkroom Lab

It’s been a full year since the release of the Pentax 17, a brand-new half-frame 35mm film camera that reignited interest in half-frame photography. When we got our test model, we knew this wasn’t just another novelty camera- it was a sign that half-frame was back in a big way. And here at The Darkroom, we made sure we were ready.

Over the past year, we’ve streamlined our half-frame film developing and scanning process, added new scanning options to our site, and fine-tuned our system so photographers can get the most out of their half-frame rolls. Whether you’re shooting with the Pentax 17, a Kodak H35, or a vintage gem like the Olympus Pen-F or Canon Demi, The Darkroom is ready for your half frame film.

What is Half Frame Film Photography?

Half frame film cameras shoot vertically oriented images using only half of a standard 35mm frame. This means you get twice the number of shots per roll – a 36 exposure roll gives you 72 images.

Benefits of half-frame:

Double the exposures per roll = major cost savings
Lightweight, portable cameras make them great for travel
Excellent for casual, everyday photography or companion use with another camera
Surprisingly good results when properly exposed and scanned

Trade-offs:

Each frame is literally half the size = lower resolution
Less shallow depth of field
Not ideal for large prints or heavy cropping

If you’re shooting primarily for social media, websites, or digital use, half frame is a fantastic option. And with a good lab (like ours), prints up to 8×12 or even 11×14 can still look amazing.

The Pentax 17: One Year Later

The Pentax 17 isn’t just the newest half frame camera- it’s arguably the best we’ve used.

Why we love it:

Sharp lens with updated modern coatings
Surprisingly durable build, despite its plastic feel
Accurate metering that helps us get the best possible scans
Zone focus is easy to master with a bit of practice
Great for candid, casual moments, as well as travel

It’s a standout choice for film enthusiasts and professionals who want more frames per roll without sacrificing image quality. We’ve printed images up to 12×18 from this camera and been seriously impressed by the results.

Best film for the Pentax 17?
We recommend finer grain film like iso 100 or 200 for optimal sharpness. Think: Kodak Gold 200, Fujifilm 200, or even Ektar 100 if you’re chasing vibrant color and detail.

Scanning Half Frame Film at The Darkroom

We’ve spent the past year improving our workflow to give half frame shooters the best possible results.

Here’s how we scan half-frame film:

One-up scan = each frame is scanned individually (recommended)
Two-up scan = two frames scanned as a pair (ideal for storytelling)

For best results, we recommend choosing our Enhanced or super scans and we feel that our Enhanced scans are the best balance of cost and resolution.

Once your scans are ready, you’ll get an email notification that your scans are ready to view on our site or mobile app where you can: edit, download, order prints, and even archive!

Other Half-Frame Film Cameras Worth Considering

Beyond the Pentax 17, here are some other popular half frame options:

Olympus Pen-F – A classic SLR-style half-frame camera with swappable lenses
Canon Demi – Compact with built-in light meter
Ricoh Auto Half – Fully automatic with a retro charm
Kodak H35 & H35N – Fun, budget-friendly cameras great for casual use
Konica Recorder – very compact autofocus point and shoot

Each has its quirks and strengths, but thanks to their size and film-saving design, they’re all solid choices for the right type of shooter.

Final Thoughts: Is Half Frame Right for You?

Choose half frame if:

You want to save money on film
You mostly share your work online
You like to carry a compact, lightweight camera
You’re into experimental, candid, or travel photography

Skip half frame if:

You need max resolution for large prints
You love shallow depth of field
You do a lot of heavy cropping in post

At The Darkroom, we’ve embraced the half frame resurgence. And whether you’re new to film or a seasoned shooter looking to experiment, half-frame offers a creative, affordable, and fun way to see the world differently – twice as much of it, in fact.