Thanks anyways, Steve.
It appears to be an oddity as I cannot find any similar problem posted on the web. Probably not worth the repair bill, but I really like this little camera, so was hoping to get it to work with M42 lenses.
I downloaded an ME Super service manual but I'm not inclined to take it apart as long as it's working fine with k-mount lenses. Despite the delayed firing of shutter, I could still use it with my M42 lenses as long as I can remember to hold my camera still for that extra 1 second after I press release button. However, I wont use M42 adapter on it in fear of something else breaking lose. For good measures, I got another film camera that can use M42 lenses.
Originally posted by stevebrot Well, you got me. I have seen a lot of messages regarding camera issues over the last several years, but never a problem like yours. As you have noted, the M42 adapter is pretty simple. The only way it engages the body is to move the aperture follower to full travel and that lever is not related to the self-timer.
The self-timer on the ME Super is mechanical, so that rules out electronic issues which leaves the single possibility that there is an issue with the mechanical interlocks in and around the mirror box (goo?) that only becomes a problem when a K-mount lens is not mounted. Since your shutter fires normally with no lens mounted, that is ruled out.
Eric or another repair tech may be able to manage a diagnosis and a fix, though the price (at least $75) may exceed the value of the camera. In the short run, you can get another body or resign yourself to not shooting M42 with the camera. In any case, I can't see how I can be any more help here. Sorry I was not able to point you to an easy or quick diagnosis.
Good luck.
Steve