Pentax 17 Project

Hi, I'm Josie - also lovingly known as the "Ricoh Queen" by the film community!

I guess you could say I'm a film photographer who's a bit obsessed with the technical side of things. I love the challenge of understanding how cameras work inside and out - and this evolved into me learning how to restore and repair my own camera collection, as well as master the tools of my trade. This passion, especially for Ricoh film cameras, led me to an incredible opportunity... becoming Australia's first Pentax 17 Ambassador! 

This journey started in 2023 when I began working with the amazing team at Ricoh/Pentax. I was already a huge fan of their cameras, and my enthusiasm and technical knowledge made a strong impression. I was eventually chosen among a handful of other artists to showcase the versatility of their newest film camera, the Pentax 17, which launched in June 2024. 

Since then, I've poured my heart and soul into creating an extensive portfolio for the Pentax 17. We're talking seven major photoshoots, dozens of rolls of film (all hand-developed, of course and still being produced/worked on!), and over 700 hours of work! But it's been worth every minute to capture images that truly highlight this camera's incredible capabilities. And it doesn't stop there – I 'm also creating videos and writing articles to share my experiences and knowledge with other film lovers in the community. 

I'm incredibly honored that my dedication and artistry continues to be recognized. I was even praised as "The best Ricoh film photographer in Australia, and possibly the world..." during a recent interview. It’s been a privilege to showcase my work and share my insights as a guest speaker at the Pentax 17 Exhibition held by Ted's Imaging and C.R. Kennedy Imaging, and to have the opportunity to share my experiences as a Disabled Artist in the photography world. 

Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue collaborating with brands that share my love for photography and appreciate my unique blend of artistry and technical skills. I've got some really exciting projects lined up for 2025, and I can't wait to further explore the magical world of 35mm film! 

If you’d like to hear more about my experiences and learn the full story - you can read about it HERE

Featured Pentax 17  Film