Is my ME Super dead?

J2R · 06-06-2007, 12:26 PM

I've got a problem with my old faithful ME Super and I'm wondering if it's possible to fix by myself - the cost of having it fixed professionally would probably be more than the cost of a replacement ME Super from eBay or similar. When I look through the viewfinder, it's completely black (yes, I did take the lens cap off

); the shutter release button is loose as if a shot has just been taken; but the rapid-wind lever will not wind on (it is as if the film has already been wound on, although I should point out that it is not a film problem, as it is doing this without a film in the camera).

Any suggestions as to what might be wrong?

dgmaley · 06-06-2007, 12:48 PM

I don't think it will be that bad to resolve. It sounds like the camera is out of sequence. On a K1000 you just take the bottom cover off to release the catch to resequence. Not sure on this one. See if you find or download the service manual. Willing to bet there will be a procedure in there.

Dave.....

J2R · 06-06-2007, 02:04 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try and find a service manual. I want to ensure that it's not a recurrent problem, if I solve it this time, as I really want a camera I can rely on. I've just picked up a couple of SLRs from eBay which take Pentax K mount lenses, including a P30N with a fault which is apparently easily repaired (it hasn't arrived yet), my aim being to end up with at least one wholly reliable and working semi-automatic SLR which I can use my selection of very good Pentax prime lenses with.

Ivan Glisin · 06-06-2007, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by J2R

When I look through the viewfinder, it's completely black (yes, I did take the lens cap off ); the shutter release button is loose as if a shot has just been taken; but the rapid-wind lever will not wind on (it is as if the film has already been wound on, although I should point out that it is not a film problem, as it is doing this without a film in the camera).

I remember reading about this problem (I believe it was ME). I am not 100% sure but as I far as I can remember the problem was with the mirror not returning (which is obvious) but the solution was to remove the lens and lightly pull the mirror down. The real reason for this was dirt in the camera so camera simply required cleaning.

Rico · 06-06-2007, 04:46 PM

J2R the Me Super also relies on the batteries to operate the shutter. If the batteries are dead the ME Super will only work in flash sync and I think B mode.

It does sound like the mirror is locked up if you can not see anything thru the viewfinder. In short try some new batteries if you have not already.

J2R · 06-07-2007, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by dgmaley

I don't think it will be that bad to resolve. It sounds like the camera is out of sequence. On a K1000 you just take the bottom cover off to release the catch to resequence. .

Well, by removing the bottom cover and releasing the wind lock, I was able to get the shutter working again. It's still not 100%, though, and I'm concerned that the light protecting foam above the mirror is starting to fray a little, so I think I'll be putting the camera on eBay for spares/repair. Thanks for all the suggestions!

MShawn63 · 06-07-2007, 11:53 AM

If you want to hang onto that camera a little longer I suggest contacting Home . I had a broken MX Winder and it only cost me $40 to get it repaired.

Shawn

*FLASH* · 06-07-2007, 01:50 PM

Release the clutch button and perhaps your problem will disappear......

J2R · 06-08-2007, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by MShawn63

If you want to hang onto that camera a little longer I suggest contacting Home . I had a broken MX Winder and it only cost me $40 to get it repaired.

Too late! I put it on eBay yesterday. I'm in the UK and I seem to recall the basic cost of any kind of fix is a minimum of around £40 ($75). But I jumped at a P30N on eBay a couple of days ago (got it for peanuts) and it turned up today. I'm hoping I can fix the (declared) fault without resorting to a specialist, otherwise I won't have gained much! It's missing the little film rewinding crank. I reckoned it was the kind of repair I could probably do myself if I could find the part.

I've actually gone a bit wild on eBay and bought a couple of other K-mount compatible cameras (Ricohs), once again dirt cheap, reckoning I could settle on one I like and then resell the others. I now have a total of 13 K-mount compatible lenses and 5 SLRs! And this all started out as a process of rationalisation...

*igowerf* · 07-16-2007, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by J2R

I now have a total of 13 K-mount compatible lenses and 5 SLRs! And this all started out as a process of rationalisation...

The same thing happened to me. Right now, I have.... 8 or 9 Pentax film SLRs of various generations sitting in my apartment in addition to the K100D which I normally use. I'm in the process of getting rid of them on eBay and on the forums here...

k6whp · 07-19-2007, 08:42 AM

Sorry to hi-jack this thread, but I was perusing this site and wondered if you can offer an opinion on an old SLR I have? It is a Honeywell Pentax H1a with a Super Takumar 55 mm f2 lens. It is in clean condition but, when I shoot, the shutter speeds between 1 second and 1/15th of a second (1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/15) cause the shutter to stick open.

I cannot remember if that was how the camera worked -- I am skeptical. The speeds from 1/30th to 1/500th work fine. It is extremely clean, had seen little use since I got out of the USAF (I bought it in 1969 and last used it around 1985), and has been stored in a clean dry place all this time.

My thanks in advance for your recommendations and whether it'd be worth poking into.

Bill, k6whp

Kami · 07-19-2007, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by J2R

Too late! I put it on eBay yesterday. I'm in the UK and I seem to recall the basic cost of any kind of fix is a minimum of around £40 ($75).

Here is the page for the service manual for the ME Super.

Pentax service manuals - Mark Roberts Photography

Sometimes the shutter doesn't complete the full "motion" and a very gentle nudging (not with your fingers) will allow the allow the blades to return their "normal" position. The mirror will then drop down.

Look here where it says "2. The release cycle not completed—not all the dominoes fell down."

Favorite Classics > Pentax ME Super Ramblings > Three Common Failure Problems

Hope that helps

shane · 09-09-2007, 07:38 AM

help help full guys now my me super is working again cheers