[BlakeShellman]

I just bought an ME Super and 50 mm F1.7. I am truly amazed at how nice the camera is. The camera looks almost brand new. No scratches or nicks or any signs of wear. It even has the clear plastic sticker on the bottom of the base that is there to protect the bottom from scratches. I bought two A76 batteries and it powered right up. I imaging the foam rubber seals may need to be replaced due to age. Is there a way to find out when it was manufactured?

On the other hand the lens that came with it has an aperature ring that only adjusts between F1.7 and F8. It won't go past that. Also it seems like its hard to install on the camera. I line up the read dots and push it onto the camera mount until the surfaces are mated and twist to right and it seems like it's sticking. Could that be a sign of it being dropped or something which could be why the ring doesn't adjust all the way? It doesn't look like it was dropped though. There aren't and dents or rings or scratches.

Suggestions?

I may end up just using it with my F1.4 lens which is longer and heavier than the 1.7.

[BlakeShellman]

Thanks...i will check when i get back to the house i'm moving into which is where i left my gear.

Just out of curiosity...i have an SMC Pentax A 50mm 1:1.4 lens and i see the 'M' lens up for sale here. Which is the better lens?

[pepperberry farm]

aren't they essentially the same, with the addition of the aperature ring on the "A" model being the only difference?

[kev.pride]

If it is the "A" lens with this issue, you can always do what I did and get a donor A50 f2 and take the damaged bits from it to use on the 1.7 which is an excellent lens.

[BlakeShellman]

Looks like i will probably just use my SMC Pentax A 50mm 1:1.4 with the ME Super. It will be a fun little camera to play around with for black and while film. But i may try fixing the 1.7 if i can find the repair thread.

[cyclone3d]

The aperture ring problem with the f1.7 lens is well known. The copy I have sticks in one place but will move past it if it is jiggled.

Never gets used anymore because I have a FA 50 1.4 and a converted Olympus 55 1.2.

The 1.7 is an excellent lens though.

[BlakeShellman]

I tried jiggling it and tried to force it but its just not turning past its stuck point. If i need to put in new parts id repair it if i could find a donor for cheap. Anyone?

[stevebrot]

But i may try fixing the 1.7 if i can find the repair thread.

dcshooter provided the link in comment #5, reproduced for your convenience and viewing pleasure

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/114-maintenance-repair-articles/88051-pen...ng-repair.html

As noted above, this is a relatively common issue with the A 50/1.7 (mine is afflicted too). The M 50/1.7 is the same optically, but has a much nicer, all-metal build and would be a nice match to your ME Super* should you come across one.


Steve

* Yes, your M 50/1.4 is a fine lens too. I am just partial to the f/1.7 version