| Author: | | New Member Registered: February, 2019 Posts: 15
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 15, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | It does what it is supposed to do | | Cons: | Nothing, if it's what you want! | |
A neat little compact camera that is pretty much the same as a "Super A" but with one speed less at the top end, which is no big deal in the everyday scheme of things. Because of that you can find good ones for half the prices because so many people are touchy about such minor differences. Both are pretty much identical in function to the ME Super except for the much worse viewfinder light reading system, but some folks like that. Looks rather dated and plastic and less attractive that the elegant ME Super, but so does the "Super A" camera. As with all film cameras, they all do very much the same thing with minor variations, so remember that it's the lens that really makes the big difference. As with all the fully electric Pentax cameras, it's important you buy one that is fully functional as it's impossible to get the faulty electrical systems working again.
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2023 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: June 16, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $15.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Size, Build quality, Meter accuracy | | Cons: | ISO Dial | |
Overall, wonderful camera. The size is probably a hair smaller than an OM-1, and certainly smaller than my Minolta XG-M. The meter is probably overall the most accurate of my manual focus film cameras, never misses the mark. The viewfinder LCD screens are very visible and work very well. Though, I have to admit using the manual metering is a little weird since the left LCD will tell you how many stops you need to go to achieve proper exposure, rather than telling you the right aperture to set. Since this is an aperture-priority auto-exposure camera in it's "Auto" mode, you can essentially use the manual meter to set your speed, then the +/- stop LCD to set aperture. This makes it function basically as a shutter priority camera. The viewfinder is plenty big and bright enough, though if you've been blessed by the aforementioned Minolta XG-M's acute-matte finder this may not be as bright as you want, but it is plenty bright for a non-professional camera body.
The main difference between this camera and the Super Program is the lack of a 1/2000 shutter speed and an LCD on the top plate that would display the shutter speed selected. I believe the finder LCDs in the Super are backlit as well. I have never really needed backlit LCDs when using the Plus and if I'm in low-enough light where I might need them, I'd probably just use a light meter app on my phone. Overall, if you're shooting in the 200 - 1600 ISO or more space, you probably will have little to no reason to get the Super. I've never shot with 1/2000 and I don't plan to since I find my sweet spot to be at 800 iso.
Speaking of ISO, the absolute worst part of this camera is the ISO scale under the rewind knob. Since I shoot at 800 primarily, I had a hard time figuring out where this should be set. The scale is pretty normal up to 400, then it has 3 dots between 400 and 1000. Basing my knowledge of other bodies I've had, I set the scale at the middle dot, figuring it would be one stop over 400, making it 800. Upon perusal of the manual, it turns out this is the dot for 640. The 800 ISO selection is the one right before 1000. It's bizarre, but with such a small dial, I guess I can't complain. It's understandable as a design decision, but frustrating if you don't look at the manual first (Thank you to Mike Butkus)
The winder feels nice and sturdy and has very nice resistance and sound when winding up. The shutter is a tad loud, maybe the plastic is resonating, I'm not sure. It's way more quiet than my P30T was, that's for sure. I like it to be more of a "click" or a "snap", but the "thwack" of this shutter does inspire confidence in a robust build.
I got this camera in as-is condition from a large used retailer. The camera arrived working electronically, but the advance lever could not move and shutter did not fire. I fiddled with various bits of the camera and was about to set it aside to look at another day, but something about the shutter itself caught my eye. I very, very, very carefully lifted the mirror up and dragged the shutter downwards using the tip of my finger nail on a part of the shutter arm. The shutter completed a cycle, and the camera starting working again. The mirror bumper foam was sticky, so it got replaced, and I added some dense craft foam to the film door channels for light seals. I know you're supposed to use felt or yarn, but I have a massive amount of this foam that needs to be used someway.
I've read a few things here and there about these cameras breaking down or not working properly over time, but the one I have is near mint condition and functions fine, and I expect it to do so for years to come as long as the batteries don't corrode. It's a wonderful camera for the beginner and intermediate shooter. Pros may want a few more features or control, but I can not recommend this camera enough. The size and weight makes it perfect for a hike in the mountains, especially when paired with a SMC Pentax - F 35-70 3.5-4.5 which I bought with the camera. The package is light, compact, versatile and just a joy to shoot. The Program Plus doesn't seem to be too popular at the time of writing this, so they can be had in many laces for decent prices. It supports full Program auto-exposure when set to Auto and the lens set to "A" if it supports it. This makes the camera compatible with just about ever K mount lens out there. It's a wonderful piece of kit and it deserves some more notoriety.
I wear glasses and shoot with them on for all my cameras. Using a zoom lens can be a little difficult without being right up in the viewfinder, but proper positioning of the eye with glasses will make it easy to use. Wide angle and normal prime lenses will have no issues. Since the LCDs are the bottom, it's easy to read exposure while wearing glasses because you don't have to re-position too terribly. I approve this camera for glasses users, but expect to take a little more time focusing with zooms or long focal lengths.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2010 Posts: 2,395
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 20, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | compact, auto aperture, compatibility with modern lenses, easy to use
| | Cons: | shutter speeds are not completely flexible
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| Pros | compact, auto aperture, compatibility with modern lenses, easy to use | | Cons | shutter speeds are not completely flexible | | Rating | 8 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 50 | | Years Owned | 1 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Compact, easy to use, backward and forwards compatibility a big plus.
Camera Review
This is a nice little camera. It is not a pro-level camera and it shows... it's rather automatic, and it is not incredibly easy to fine-tune the shutter speeds, while it is rather easy to fine-tune the aperture.
In general, though, this is a great film body to have. There are a number of reasons for that. First, it is compatible with modern lenses, even those lacking an aperture ring. While many modern lenses are not full-frame compatible, I can comfortably (and often do) use my DA 40 ltd on this camera. The combination is absurdly compact and the results looks magnificent. Even the kit lens can be used at about 20-24mm for a super-wide shot on the go without investing in some rather specialty glass.
Second, it meters very well. It has a slight tendency to overexpose, but it's a nice look. In general, it is safe to leave this camera in auto mode, to allow you to focus on shooting. It's fun and useful in auto... I don't feel the same way about my dslr in P mode  .
Third, it's small. This camera likes to follow me around, when my expensive gear feels like a liability or a pain. It's so light you can safely forget about it, and I'd rather lose this thing than my k20d. I really think it's worth picking one up. I know that if I'm going out on a boat, I'd much rather bring along this little guy than my digital rig.
For studio work, I don't think this camera will be ideal, because it gives you very poor control over the shutter speed. If you are more of an AV mode person, this camera works well. However, sometimes shutter speed is more important, and this camera can feel a little inflexible in that regard. Overall it's not a showstopper, but for studio work I would consider the super-program, or one of the even more prestige camera bodies such as the LX. For off-the-cuff photography, though, this camera is wonderful.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: August, 2010 Posts: 209 | | Review Date: December 8, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $90.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | size, price | | Cons: | wish it had 1/2000 shutter speed, no shutter speed priority, only works with batteries | |
| Pros | size, price | | Cons | wish it had 1/2000 shutter speed, no shutter speed priority, only works with batteries | | Rating | 8 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 90$ with 35-105 f3.5 lens | | Years Owned | 1 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Small size (compared to my spotmatic)
Nice grip,
Push button shutter speed selection,
Thunderous shutter sound, which I find quite satisfying
As most people prefer Super Program, these go for much lower prices usually.
Camera Review
I bought this camera because of the lens it came with. It was being sold 'as-is' on ebay with Pentax-A 35-105mm f3.5 lens that I wanted.
I knew that this camera didn't work without batteries so I figured this likely was the problem. Since I mostly wanted the lens, I gambled and it paid off.
I stuck in some new batteries and this became my favorite film camera.
I use it more then my Spotmatic.
The one thing I miss is shutter priority mode.
It's not a huge deal, because on my K10D I usually shoot in A-priority mode, but I can imagine situations where it'd be nice to have.
In bright daylight, shooting on iso400 film, I wish it had 1/2000 shutter speed so I could keep the aperture wider.
I've thought of upgrading to a Super-program but don't really see the need.
The only gripe I have about it is that I often leave the camera in auto or manual mode when I put it away and forget to set it back on lock. It's not a big deal but does waste battery life.
I gave this camera an 8/10 because I love it and will use it for sometime. For the price I paid, it's a wonderful camera.
I will only get rid of it if I run into a great deal on a Super Program some day.
But i'm in no rush.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Posts: 774
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 18, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $10.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Good viewfinder; DOF preview; takes advantage of A-type lenses | | Cons: | No way to read LCD in low light | |
Pros (or, why you might look for a Program Plus instead of its better-featured big brother, the Super Program):
1. Price. It's usually a little less expensive.
2. Probable condition. People who bought the Super Program were usually into photography, and they used those cameras pretty well. People who bought the Program Plus to save money were more likely to use it lightly.
3. Style. The black/silver color scheme is quite distinctive.
Cons
1. The non-backlit LCD display means that when shooting in low light there is simply no way to read the metering information. I think the Program Plus/Program A is the only Pentax model with this particular drawback. It may or may not be a problem for you; metered manual mode is useless in low light, but in P mode, the camera can be counted on to make a good aperture/shutter setting combination, and in Av mode you can pick a wide aperture and hope for the best.
2. The plastic ISO/exposure compensation knob turns too easily. This was never a problem with the corresponding metal knob on the ME Super. On a couple of occasions I've taken a shot and then noticed that the camera had been accidentally set to underexpose by one or two stops, just from the friction of pulling the camera out of its bag. (My Super Program is the same way.)
3. When shooting outdoors I miss having the 1/2000 top shutter speed that is available on the Super Program and ME Super. This is a bit grating because the 1/1000 top speed of the Program Plus appears to be an artificial limitation imposed by Pentax to differentiate models in the product line; the shutter is the same one provided in the Super Program.
Summary
A capable and competent camera within its limits. I was lucky enough to find one in near-new condition for very little money, and I do enjoy shooting with it.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: May, 2010 Location: ohio Posts: 218 | | Review Date: May 24, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | very goodlooking
| | Cons: | could use higher shutter speed.the lenses are a bit pricey
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| Pros | very goodlooking | | Cons | could use higher shutter speed.the lenses are a bit pricey | | Rating | 9 | | Price | 25.00 | | Years Owned | four months |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
with the motor drive on i love the thumb rest on the back cover. it feels excellent in my hands.with the motor drive on it's not as heavy as some cameras.it takes eight double "A's" compared to twelve by some.
Camera Review
i would easily compare this camera to canons A1.having previously owned the latter for some years i decided i would go another direction.after looking around i decided that pentax would be the one.got a couple of me supers but after looking at the program plus i decided to go that direction. love it.
love the look.love everything about it.for the price you cannot beat the camera.
i do admit their motor drives are a little underpowered. it's top speed being 3.5 fps is a bit anemic. the canon Ma drive will do 5fps.but then it takes a total of twelve AA batteries compared to pentax's eight. i miss the shutter speed dial. the buttons work. i just think more thought should have been put into it's design when they downsized it. again with the motor drive i love the way it fits my hands.if you've got big hands opt for the motor drive or winder.be prepared to replace the light seals.i've got three of these things and all of the light seals have been replaced by me. i think it's a wise choice.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: December, 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Posts: 1,851 | | Review Date: June 19, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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Nice solid camera, just what I would have liked my Nikon F301 to be
After you get past the weird buttons to change shutter speeds, it is very nice.
Works only with batteries no manual fall-back speed, and produces well exposed negatives
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