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Pentax ME Super

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38 189,353 Sat March 16, 2024
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
95% of reviewers $86.22 8.39
Pentax ME Super

Pentax ME Super
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Pentax ME Super
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Pentax ME Super
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Pentax ME Super
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Pentax ME Super
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Description:
The Pentax ME Super improved upon the original ME by introducing two push buttons on the top plate allowing the user to electronically dial in the desired shutter speed, giving him or her much more flexibility when shooting manually. This design was later carried over to the ME F (Pentax's first autofocus camera) and the Super A (which could set the aperture automatically and hence provided Tv and Program automation in addition to the Av and M exposure modes of the ME Super).

Other improvements over the ME was a faster top shutter speed of 1/2000 s and a warning light in the view finder when EV compensation was engaged.

Variants:
PENTAX ME Super: The original
PENTAX ME Super SE: A 'Special Edition' version was released in later years, featuring a diagonal split screen rather than a horizontal one

ME Super
Year introduced
1980
Mount
K
Meter range
1 - 19 EV
Meter pattern
c
ISO range
12-1600
DX ISO range
No DX coding
Exposure modes
Av, M, X, B
Exposure compensation
+/-2 EV
Exposure memory lock
No
Shutter speeds (auto)
4 - 1/2000s
Shutter speeds (manual)
4 - 1/2000s
Shutter speeds (mechanical)
1/125s, B
Self timer
Yes
Mirror lock-up
No
Auto bracketing
No
Multiple exposures
Yes
Winder
External winder 2 fps
Built-in flash
No
TTL flash
No
P-TTL flash
No
Sync speed
1/125s
Flash exposure comp
No
Autofocus
No
Autofocus sensitivity
Not applicable
Power zoom
No
Viewfinder
0.95x, 92%
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism
Diopter correction
No
Exchangeable screen
No
Depth of field preview
No
Image size
24 x 36 mm
Panorama format
No
Battery
2 x S76
Battery grip/pack
No
Size (W x H x D)
131.5 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm
Weight
445 g
Price History:



Add Review of Pentax ME Super
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Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 16-30 of 38
New Member

Registered: May, 2011
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Posts: 6

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 12, 2013 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Small, light and chromium plated gorgeousness!
Cons: No AE lock

Mine was my Christmas present in 1982, replacing my Zenit EM. It came with an excellent SMC 50mm f1.7 lens and a free book!
The viewfinder is MASSIVE and very bright.
I have recently replaced all of the foam rubber light seals and put some rolls of film through it. It seemed odd, at first, not seeing my images appear on the back of the camera but I soon got used to using film again.
Anyway, after 30 years my ME-Super is still going strong! Unlike my mates Canon T90, which died 15 years ago.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2012
Location: Milan
Posts: 339

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: September 15, 2013 Recommended | Price: $60.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: light, intuitive, solid
Cons: none

One of the best film camera I've tried.

Instead of writing about how good this camera is, I would like to explain why I love this camera.

I start saying that I bought 3 of these: the first was given to my girlfriend, the second was sold to make money and the third was bought since I need a film camera that should be intuitive, compact and reliable.

I've bought this for about 60$ and that is the black model (I think that there is nothing diffetent comparing this with the classic silver version).

What impressed me was first of all the long battery life of the camera: on previous cameras (minolta and canon), it died very quickly. Now are months that I don't change battery and this is, for me, an important thing.

Second: how you feel it in your hands. I have big hands, however I can act and set shutterspeed very fastly.

I haven't found any negative aspect so far.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: November, 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 817

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 18, 2013 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Compact, looks great, old school charm
Cons: No grip (common at the time when new)

I've owned my ME Super since I bought it new in late 1981 - and love it. It came with the 50mm M 1.7 lens (which I still have). The ME Super is a great camera that teaches you to shoot aperture priority since it's Auto mode works off the aperture ring input/setting.

I've used this camera for so long it's hard to criticize it, but I've never loved the tiny white button that must be pressed to allow turning the selector ring from Auto to off (Lock) and a DoF button would be nice. I find the camera is easy to load and think it's best not to rush winding (advancing) the film - but maybe that's just me. My camera eventually succumbed to the years and the shutter froze up. In 2013 I paid to have the camera overhauled with a new shutter assembly, new light seals, clean/lube and the meter calibrated. If you can find a good copy of this camera that has been overhauled properly it should last for a long time. If you have to have this done you could expect to pay around $140 to get it back to new.

The ME Super is not as common as the K1000 but they're still easy to find. Back in the day I wanted the Winder but never bought one. I'm over it now as I just enjoy the camera the way it was designed. I love the mechanical sound of the shutter, love the design and the look and find the meter easy to use.

UPDATE - June, 2014:

I have since inherited my dad's ME Super and some of his accessories. I had his camera overhauled as it needed seals, cleaning and they checked the meter (and found it was good). My dad bought this camera new and used it a lot over the years. I was surprised how good the internals were. The repair/overhaul cost a little under $60. I was happy to get the auto winder my dad bought new (it's in very nice condition). I don't know what I'll do with two ME Supers, but since they both have emotional attachment, I'll keep them.

If you're like me and have a leg in the film world and the other in the DSLR world I would recommend putting together a film kit. I have a "film bag (backpack)" with my ME Super and ZX-M along with three lenses: 50mm, 28mm and a 135mm. When I want to shoot film I can just grab and go.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: June, 2013
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 505

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: June 4, 2013 Recommended | Price: $40.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Super light and compact, easy to use, shutter priority with EV compensation is super fast.
Cons: No DOF preview with K mount glass, Metering in full stops

Love this camera!

I had been using Nikon for a long time, and always loved my trusty Nikkormat FT3. After borrowing a Pentax ME Super with a few M42 and K lenses, I realized this puppy with a Super Takumar 135mm f/3.5 on it weighed less than my Nikon body alone. The weight balanced out when I put a 200mm on the Pentax, and a 50mm f/2 on the Nikon. This thing will feel weightless around your neck if you're used to cameras and lenses like that.

Size is a personal thing, so it shouldn't effect reviews too much. This is tiny, but fits perfectly in my small-ish hands. Personally, with small fingertips, the buttons for shutter speed are easier than a knob. The lock mode is fantastic, not sure why it's not on every camera. The shutter priority auto makes shooting so simple and easy-- just be sure to use exposure compensation on the rewind side when necessary and it'll take fantastic pictures.

As a camera for M42 lenses, this is perfect. Compose, switch the diaphragm to manual (DOF preview this way, too!), set shutter and click, or just click in auto, switch back to auto. Very quick and easy.

Unfortunately, I struggle a bit if I'm trying to gauge DOF with fast K glass, and usually have to pull the camera away from my face several times to check the focus scale. This only bothers me about 20% of the time, though.

Also, the metering and compensation are only in full stops. If I were really picky, I guess I could do that by changing the ISO dial, though.

If you're thinking about getting one of these, go for it. $40 for a good one on the 'FleaBay' from a 'camera shop', or just get one for $10 that only cocks the shutter every now and then-- give it a few slaps on its butt and it'll be up and running again.

Example images coming soon (shoot B&W and print with an enlarger, mostly; no film scanner.... yet) but pseudo-irrelevant for a camera body.

EDIT: D'OH! I was just informed the you don't have to turn the EV Compensation dial all the way, so it can be set to any fractions of stops... Metering is still only in full stops, though =/
   
Site Supporter

Registered: August, 2012
Location: Queensland
Posts: 4,292

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: May 12, 2013 Recommended | Price: $50.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Light, compact, tidy
Cons: Less dependable than fully manual camera

Back in 1976, when the MX and ME came out, I did not even consider the ME. It had to be manual for me. I have an inherent desire for simplicity and control where possible It was the MX I chose. Last year, while buying a lens, it came attached to an ME Super. I really wasn't interested in it, but there it was. It was in near mint condition, so I thought a film test would be informative.
Quite honestly, the camera was lovely to use, and did all I wished using the auto settings. This made it too much extra hassle to bother with manual, especially using buttons and checking settings in the view finder.
The camera is beautifully made, and if you like the automation of aperture priority shooting, it can't be faulted. My own preferences are for fully manual cameras, and their simplicity which demand more input from the photographer. That makes taking a picture more interesting - and isn't that something that is an important part of photography, at least for the hobbyist?
This is probably the smallest 35mm SLR, and beautifully made. It is/was very popular. My preference for manual cameras should not detract from that.
   
Junior Member

Registered: June, 2012
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Posts: 36
Review Date: April 11, 2013 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: small, durable, nice viewfinder, 1/2000, LEDs are useful when dark
Cons: no DoF preview, buttons can be operated only with an eye on the finder, doesn't have a K-A mount, limited ISO range (not for me really), compensation only in full stops (use ISO ring for more precise setting)

Well this is a nice cam! I bought it ridiculously cheap in an auction. It's a bit worn but functional. Only someone managed to slightly bend the hotshoe, so it needs to be bend back or replaced for using flash. Doesn't matter for me though. I like the viewfinder. The camera lacks some more "pro" features, but that's not what you want from a manual film SLR these days - that's something you have a DSLR for. Still I'm thinking about replacing it with an MX some day. Mainly for its even smaller body and even better finder. But this is a great camera that won't dissapoint you.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: November, 2011
Location: ON, RH
Posts: 2,181
Review Date: January 31, 2013 Recommended | Price: $65.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Small, large and clean viewfinder, winder
Cons: the exposure numbers inside the vuewfinder

I have to admit that originally I didn't liked this camera. But after I've handled one it just became a love affair .

A great camera for any photographer!
Small, light and sexy. A great camera to be use as a break from digital era and just enjoy photography as it was meant to be .

If you don't have one, you want one!
   
New Member

Registered: June, 2010
Location: Singapore, SA
Posts: 16
Review Date: January 28, 2013 Recommended | Price: $40.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Huge view finder, compact yet powerful, features pv mode
Cons: Shutter dial lock hard to use. Inaccessible shutter buttons

Trying my hand on film photography and bought this amazingly compact camera from a fellow pentax lover.
I got an old seagull camera at home but dreaded d size and d lack of lenses in my hometown.

For a camera that is 30 over years old, camera was in great working condition.
It is solidly build with only minor surface scratches. Shutter, self timer and bulb r all operating fine and body without light leaks.
Its lightweight for a slr but might be a lil too small for ppl with small hands.

Love how d bright and huge viewfinder, which is a great relief to d eye considering that i came from using the digital pentax kx.
Split prism focusing is a refreshing feature to me and it gives sharply focused photos in most lighting condition that i have tried so far.

Some features that can b better,
Shutter dial lock is tiny and difficult to depress and turn d dial at d same time and shutter buttons r hard to access

Overall, i m very satisfied with this purchase, it is a significant upgrade from d seagull body that my dad owns
Moreover, d availability of a wide variety of lenses r also a huge plus.

Hopefull i can learn more by going back to d fundamentals of photography and appreciate the art of photography better
   
Junior Member

Registered: October, 2012
Location: Czech Republic (EU)
Posts: 44
Review Date: November 1, 2012 Recommended | Price: $35.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Viewfinder!!, easy to use
Cons:

The first thing that catch you about this camera is its HUGE viewfinder, it is such a pleasure to look throug it. When you than switch to modern DSLRs you just wonder why, WHY they are now making such small and dim ones, even on hi-end bodies of Canicon..

The selection of exposure is a little weird, but I do not have any problems with it.

Overaly it feels great in hands, the size is just fine, weight with M lens is a little higher than expected, but it is evident when the lens is solid metal
   
Inactive Account

Registered: May, 2009
Location: Italy
Posts: 5
Review Date: October 31, 2012 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 8 

 
Pros:
Cons:

My first reflex, my first love.
Very easy to use, now is difficulty to find films
   
Senior Member

Registered: November, 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 167
Review Date: June 14, 2012 Recommended | Price: $50.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: VIEWFINDER, 1/2000th
Cons: Manual mode, No DOF Preview,

This is my favorite camera.

Every time I look through the huge bright viewfinder, I smile. It's ridiculously small, fits perfectly in my hands, and I get great results in auto mode using exposure compensation. I love tearing the flap off of a roll of film and sticking it in the memo holder. 1/2000th allows me to use wider apertures and shoot faster film outdoors. I shoot film slowly, so if I have Pro 800z or Neopan 1600 loaded, I like to be able to still shoot outdoors.

It really is a wonderful camera.

So why would I give it an 8?

Because it is an 8. It's a good 8. Actually, it's a great 8. It might even be the best 8, but it's still an 8.

Here's what I mean. The manual mode is kindof a pain. I hate matching up my LED's using the little buttons. I wish it instead had a dial like the MX with under/over LED's. Or maybe I wish the MX had 1/2000th and an auto mode. Also, the lack of DOF preview bugs me. I try to control bokeh carefully, and with this camera, I'm always guessing.

I wish I could use exposure compensation with 1600 speed film. I wish I could shoot 3200 speed film. I wish it had AE lock. Somewhere convenient like my Minolta X700, which has a little button right under the second finger of the right hand.

What I realized as I was thinking about this review is that I really just love the camera system. I have an M 20/4, M 35/2, and an M 50/1.7. I love each of these lenses, for their excellent handling of disortion and light falloff, and filmy character. They make shots look right, and set just the right mood. I also own a Canon Autofocus Film SLR system, Minolta SLR film system (with the fabled 58/1.2), and a few rangefinders. I have lots of sharp lenses, fast lenses, and autofocus lenses. But I always gravitate toward the ME Super and the M lenses. I'll stick one on the camera, another one in my pocket, and just go shoot.

So there you have it. It's flawed, but it's still my favorite camera system.
   
Forum Member

Registered: July, 2010
Location: Cardiff, UK
Posts: 65
Review Date: May 21, 2012 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Compact, excellent viewfinder, spot on exposure in auto
Cons:

This was my second Pentax SLR. I bought it second hand and it is still going strong after 18 years or more. It is as good as the MX, which is saying something; and you get the mix of AV auto with manual options for exposure modes. As with the MX, a superb viewfinder and compact as you could wish for. Like the MX there is something special about the design of this camera, something which DSLRs so far in some ways seem to lack, for all their excellence. I recently handed my ME Super to my young son along with the standard 50mm lens, a cheap 28mm and a Vivitar Series 1 70-210. He has had a couple of digital cameras and been uninspired by them; but this (not least because of the striking impact of looking through that stunning viewfinder) has enthused him and made him want to shoot photos in a way that nothing else has before. His response, maybe, is a hint for camera manufacturers on matters of how the style and ease of use of this camera exert a powerful appeal.
   
New Member

Registered: March, 2012
Posts: 3
Review Date: April 3, 2012 Recommended | Price: $100.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Feels good in hand, love the Auto feature, build quality, good metering.
Cons: none

I came to the ME Super with no film photography experience. I learned photography with a digital SLR (Nikon D70), and when the D70 finally died last year, I decided to have some fun and purchase a few film kits and shoot around with film for a little while as part of my journey in photography. The first film kit that I bought was a Pentax ME Super....wow, what a joy to use! It really is nicely designed and fits in the hand just right, very portable! The meter is right on the money and the auto mode is a cool feature too. I can't tell you about years and years of service with the ME Super but I can tell you that there is a place for these manual film bodies even in today's digital world and I don't miss spending as much time on the computer either.

Great camera!
   
Pentaxian

Registered: January, 2011
Location: Skåne, Sweden
Posts: 482

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: February 24, 2012 Recommended | Price: $110.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Small size, build quality, ease of use, looks, great viewfinder
Cons: Shutter speed adjustment

Being born in 1984, this camera is about as old as I am (produced 1980-1986). My first SLR was a DSLR (K-x, now K-5) but I soon wanted to pick up a classic film camera. I did shoot some film in the 90's as a kid (just point and shoot) and now I also owned a couple of old K/M-lenses. I picked up a mint ME Super with a M F1.7 Prime for around $110, both in original packing. With this background I will mostly comment on the ME Super compared to a new DSLR, since that is where my experience is.

Pros
Very small size compared to a modern DSLR, and small to most SLRs as well. Handling is excellent and all buttons and levers seems to be just in the right place. I also have a winder that adds a larger grip, but the overall size of the winder makes it a less attractive package. Build quality is very solid, matching the manual lenses very well (or matching the K-5 / Limited lenses if you are a modern Pentax user). The looks are great, but I didn't need to tell you that!
It is very easy to use, with a large and bright viewfinder, a proper focusing screen makes manual focus easy, and the LEDs in the viewfinder is very useful and easy to understand/read out. Nice that it uses standard silveroxie batteries as well.

Cons
If wanting to set the shutter speed in manual mode (only mode where it is possible) you have to use two small buttons next to the mode dial. I'm almost never using shutter priority on my DSLR, so this is not a big con for me personally.
If you shoot with a ISO1600 film, it is not possible to underexpose. I guess this is a limitation of the light meeter, and it certainly is not a large con, but I did come in that situation during some experimentation.

Overall
Using the camera is generally not a problem if you have some experience with a modern DSLR (other than in auto mode). I have used it on one trip and it makes a good travel-companion still today. A great choice if you are looking for a manual focus SLR!

   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2009
Location: somewhere around
Posts: 615

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: January 24, 2012 Recommended | Price: $40.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Small, light weight, Huge VF
Cons: None IMHO

I have three of them. Just fixed one (replaced the ground glass from an MV). It's a small machine with great possibilities. I love it. The Manual mode is just brilliant. Te LED's are brilliant. The flickering of the LED's when battery is discharged is genius. The mirror is quiet (much more quiet than a K20D). What more can one ask for?
I picked one old M42 Industar 50/3,5 pancake, with K adapter. It's a pocket-able combination I am using as such. I even don't bother to put a lens cap on such a lens.
The Huge VF: Makes me wonder what are the DSLR manufacturers thinking? It helps me a lot with composition instead of coming between me and the picture.

Don't have enough good works for this small workhorse. I have a mint ME that I will have a very hard time to go back to, because of the mirror slap and the lack of the Exposure Compensation Warning indicator.

4 years later edit: Still have that ME-Super, along with another one, and few other cameras. It still gets used the most, accompanied by the 40/2.8 pancake. I used almost exclusively in Domincan Rep. last year for my wedding trip. All pictures are gorgeous!
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