The PENTAX 17 features the half-size format, in which two 17mm x 24mm photos are captured on a single 35mm frame (36mm x 24mm). It also uses a horizontal film advance mechanism. When positioned in the normal way, it captures vertical format images, identical to the familiar images recorded by smartphones, which are commonly used today for taking photos.

The PENTAX 17 features a manual film winding mechanism based on those incorporated in PENTAX brand SLR film cameras. The film advance lever allows the user to enjoy the film winding action and a winding sound after each shutter release. The easy loading system is designed to prevent film loading errors, especially for users handling film cameras for the first time. It also features other mechanisms unique to film cameras, such as manual film rewinding using the rewind crank, exposure compensation via the exposure compensation dial, and ISO sensitivity adjustment via the ISO sensitivity dial.

The PENTAX 17 features a newly developed 25mm F3.5 fixed-focus lens (equivalent to a 37mm lens in 35mm format). Based on the optics incorporated in the renowned PENTAX Espio Mini (released in 1994), it has been redesigned to fit perfectly at half the size. It is also treated with HD (High Definition) coating - a highly acclaimed multi-layer coating - to optimize the clarity and sharpness of half-size photos. Using the lens from the RICOH Auto Half (a best-selling half-size model first released in 1962) as a reference point, the angle of view and focal length were chosen to make everyday photo shooting simple and flawless.

From close-ups to long distances, the PENTAX 17's zone focusing system is divided into six focus zones, indicated by marks that denote each zone. All the user needs to do to adjust the camera's focus is to select the mark that best matches the subject's distance on the zone focus ring. In the Macro focus zone, the user can take a close-up photo from a distance of approximately 25 centimeters. The hand strap (included as a standard accessory) allows the user to measure the subject's distance more accurately.

The optical viewfinder of the PENTAX 17 features a bright Albada-type frame viewfinder. It also includes a close-up field compensation frame to help you compose close-up images more easily. It is possible to control the band signals directly through the viewfinder.

The PENTAX 17 automatically adjusts exposure settings based on lighting data collected by the metering sensor. In addition to Full Auto Mode, where all exposure settings are selected by the camera, it offers six other shooting modes, including: Slow Sync, which is particularly useful for twilight photography, and Bulb, which is useful for shooting nightscapes and fireworks. The PENTAX 17 also features an independent exposure compensation dial, allowing the user to quickly shift the exposure level to adapt to different types of subjects or to express the user's creative intentions.

The body of the PENTAX 17 has a classic design, reminiscent of the traditional appearance of film cameras. The top and bottom covers are made from a compact yet lightweight magnesium alloy to optimize the rigidity of the camera body. The 40.5 mm filter thread allows the user to attach a range of filters, which are available on the market. With meticulous attention to every detail, the PENTAX 17 is designed to bring smiles.