[pureanalog]

I notice it has a coverage of 0.88 while the ME super has 0.95. Is that a big difference ? Easy to appreciate?

I think I like the F better since it has focus confirmation. Or is it just a waste of time?

Also I'd like to ask the following:

The typical specs have speeds down to 4 seconds. I think it has down to 8sec on the viewfinder. And I've read that according to the light meter measurements it will got to many more seconds.

I am asking as I am particularly interested in night photography.

Also is the mirror slap harsh? And can I have pre-release of the mirror by using the self timer?

[Adam]

I notice it has a coverage of 0.88 while the ME super has 0.95. Is that a big difference ? Easy to appreciate?

The coverage is the same (92%), what you're looking at is the magnification. Just means the ME F has a smaller viewfinder (to make room for the AF stuff).

I think I like the F better since it has focus confirmation. Or is it just a waste of time?

It's a waste of time. It barely works.

The typical specs have speeds down to 4 seconds. I think it has down to 8sec on the viewfinder. And I've read that according to the light meter measurements it will got to many more seconds.

4s is the minimum shutter speed outside of bulb mode.

Also is the mirror slap harsh? And can I have pre-release of the mirror by using the self timer?

No and no.

The ME F is more of a collector's item than anything. I'd recommend the Super Program for everyday film shooting if you're on a budget (supports P, Tv, Av, M, self timer, and TTL flash):
Pentax Super A/Super Program - Pentax Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

If you absolutely want to have mirror lock up and Av mode, then the K2 is probably the cheapest way to get it:
Pentax K2 - Pentax Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

[pureanalog]

I have quite a few spotmatics. And if you gently slap the release button, the mirror sticks up. You press it again to release the shutter. I am not sure if this works on the ME. I was just looking into expanding my collection, and also using a smaller film SLR than the spotmatic.

[pureanalog]

The coverage is the same (92%), what you're looking at is the magnification. Just means the ME F has a smaller viewfinder (to make room for the AF stuff).



It's a waste of time. It barely works.



4s is the minimum shutter speed outside of bulb mode.

You are right I was confused. I meant magnification

Take a look here

Pentax ME


He says that it actually does more than the 8seconds the shutter is rated for.

[Adam]

You are right I was confused. I meant magnification

Take a look here

Pentax ME


He says that it actually does more than the 8seconds the shutter is rated for.

Could be- while the spec is 4s, these older cameras were completely analog, so it may keep the shutter open a little longer if it can measure the light properly. Won't hurt much to pick up the camera and try it for yourself

[pureanalog]

Could be- while the spec is 4s, these older cameras were completely analog, so it may keep the shutter open a little longer if it can measure the light properly. Won't hurt much to pick up the camera and try it for yourself

I think I probably will. But if someone has the knowledge already it would be cool to confirm.

[Adam]

I think I probably will. But if someone has the knowledge already it would be cool to confirm.

I'm sure you'll be able to find someone willing to test it for you if you post a request. Right now I don't have access to my film collection, unfortunately.

Adam
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[elliott]

I have quite a few spotmatics. And if you gently slap the release button, the mirror sticks up. You press it again to release the shutter. I am not sure if this works on the ME.

That doesn't work on anything with an electronic shutter, just the older mechanical shutters.

[stevebrot]

...It's a waste of time. It barely works...

...The ME F is more of a collector's item than anything...

While I would generally agree with your recommendation, I know of a couple of film shooters on this site who own and use the ME F and who might have issue with both of the above statements. For sure full AF is a bit clunky, but the AF confirm is reputably competent. That is, if you believe the reports on this site

Probably the best way to approach the ME F is to consider it to be a ME Super with an extra little something of both historic and practical significance. It is probably not worth paying extra for unless you are a collector, but definitely worth buying if you come across one and the price is good and you like the camera.


Steve

[womble]

While I would generally agree with your recommendation, I know of a couple of film shooters on this site who own and use the ME F and who might have issue with both of the above statements. For sure full AF is a bit clunky, but the AF confirm is reputably competent. That is, if you believe the reports on this site

Probably the best way to approach the ME F is to consider it to be a ME Super with an extra little something of both historic and practical significance. It is probably not worth paying extra for unless you are a collector, but definitely worth buying if you come across one and the price is good and you like the camera.

Steve

I use and like the ME-F and do treat it as an ME Super with a little extra. I got an AF35-70 zoom (eventually) just because I wanted to have the original AF experience. (I've just been given a Minolta 7000 which is an interesting comparison!) I enjoy using the ME-F, but then I enjoy using most of my film cameras. The shutter will stay closed for considerably longer than four seconds but how accurate it is I have no idea.

If you want to use a film camera for long exposure night photography bite the bullet and buy an LX. It'll cost many times the price of the ME-F but the low light metering cannot be beaten really.

K.

[pureanalog]

LX is kind of bulky besides expensive. It's a very attractive camera. I'll buy one too in the end. I already have more than 20 Pentaxes.