Pentax ME Super Film Camera

The ME-Super arguably was and is, the pride of the long discontinued, ME camera series, and certainly the most popular, but be sure to get an overhauled one (They are available!) to avoid expensive repairs. (Ask the seller for a guarantee, and see what they say.)

Most sellers are not aware of the potential problems so beware. Choose your seller carefully, and allow at least £50 to cover repairs if the camera has not been overhauled.

Introduced in 1979 as a replacement to the ME along with the simplified MV, it's compact lightweight design (445g without lens), and simple operation, and a new manual mode proved to be a hit with users.

The viewfinders are clear and bright, with a split-prism focusing aid. The shutter speeds are displayed to the left.

For those of us with aging vision, note that the eyepiece focus is set to middle-distance focusing rather than infinity, so reducing the need for corrective lenses.

Exposure compensation is set by simply turning the film-speed setting dial, and permits plus or minus two stops in one stop increments. A LED lites-up in the viewfinder to remind you that the compensation is active.

Pentax dedicated flaxhguns indicate when the flash is ready in the viewfinder, so you don't need to look away to check. (It is not TTL flash metering.)

In use they are very easy to use, and the centre weighted metering always seems to get it right, so that compensation is only really necessary in obvious situations. (Snow, etc.)

Available accessories include a digital data back, and a auto-winder. (2 models available) However, caution should be exercised when using with the auto-winder with older cameras, as they can be a bit harsh, and older cameras in need of lubrication may not appreciate being driven quite so hard. (Also some winders don't know exactly when to stop!)

Age has proved them to be very reliable, but examples approaching or past their 20th year should be overhauled to ensure another twenty plus years of reliable service. (Check out Alchemic Photography on ebay.co.uk for overhauled examples.)

Expect rotted seals and mirror cushions on un-serviced/overhauled samples. And some will jam due to heavy winder use, or deterioration of rubber parts gumming-up the mirror release. This can be repaired, and is not beyond the capacity of the average hobbyist, but some special tools will be needed.

Many examples will have the auto-winder clutch-cover missing. This could indicate hard usage. This is usually OK, but autowinders can sometimes tear the sprocket holes in film, so look out for loose bits in the camera.

You will usually find a replacement cover if you also buy a winder. (They have a recess to keeo the cover in.)

The only parts which may need replacement which are not commonly available are usually obtainable from MV models sold as scrap, but some midification may be required.

You can also have them overhauled for you, and it is well worth the cost. Once done they should last another twenty years! An overhaul will cost anything between £50 and £100 depending on where you go and any parts.

Summary.

Shutter: Vertical run metal focal plane.
Speeds: 4s to 1/2000 continuously variable in auto mode.
Exposure meter: Center weighted full aperture TTL.
Exposure modes: Aperture priority & manual
ASA/ISO range: 12 to 1600
Finder screen: fixed
Shoe: fixed hot shoe with contact for dedicated flash & PC socket.
X sync speed: 1/125