Pentax ME Super ... or ... Pentax Program Plus!?

mrNewt · 12-22-2012, 04:20 PM

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I want one of these ... but don't know which one of them.

What are your guys opinions!?
What's the difference to begin with anyway!?

klaatu3 · 12-22-2012, 05:24 PM

mrNewt,
The Program Plus was a cheaper alternative to the Super Program in the 1980s. It has a "Program" exposure mode (which the ME Super lacks), if you have a lens with the "A' aperture setting. The ME Super has a top shutter speed of 1/2000th sec, vice the P+ at 1/1000th. My opinion is that the ME Super, although older, is more of a classic, more collectible, and probably more reliable.

Actually the Super Program is more comparable to the ME Super, in terms of features. I found lots of good info and user reviews of these models in the Pentax Camera Reviews section.

Happy Holidays!

builttospill · 12-22-2012, 05:36 PM - **1 Like**

Both.

Or get the ME Super and the Super Program.

mrNewt · 12-22-2012, 06:51 PM

I do sort of a like the older model more ... I just hate the pocket on the back where you put the film information (can that thing be removed?).

aoeu · 12-22-2012, 07:10 PM

Here at Chez aoeu

three film bodies still matter. MX, Super Program, and P3t. The Super program has the wrong back though . . .

mrNewt · 12-22-2012, 07:14 PM

Why is the Super Program having the wrong back ... !?

aoeu · 12-22-2012, 07:16 PM

Middle film package pocket rather than the better end pocket.

aoeu · 12-22-2012, 07:20 PM

Wrong:Pentax Super Program 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only for Parts | eBay

Right:Pentax Program Plus Camera Body Only Free Shipping | eBay

mrNewt · 12-22-2012, 07:22 PM

Actually I don't like the film pocket to be honest

.
I was wondering if that thing is removable or not!? ...

builttospill · 12-22-2012, 07:24 PM

I've never removed a memo holder, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't take them off. You may want to send a message to MysteryOnion and ask him. If anybody knew it would be him.

I didn't see much point in them either until I started shooting more film. As a little kid with just one camera and one roll of film at a time they were pointless unless I was using it to hold a small Post-It note to write down aperture and shutter speed info. Now using multiple cameras and films at the same time it really helps me keep track which cameras are loaded with which film, e.g., B&W film in this camera, C41 color film in that camera, E6 color film in another camera, and custom film in the other camera. Now when I'm working on a project I know which camera to grab.

mrNewt · 12-22-2012, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by builttospill

I've never removed a memo holder, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't take them off.

I didn't see much point in them either until I started shooting more film. As a little kid with just one camera and one roll of film at a time they were pointless unless I was using it to hold a small Post-It note to write down aperture and shutter speed info. Now using multiple cameras and films at the same time it really helps me keep track which cameras are loaded with which film, e.g., B&W film in this camera, C41 color film in that camera, E6 color film in another camera, and custom film in the other camera. Now when I'm working on a project I know which camera to grab.

Yea, I could see how useful could be. I have a few film cameras as well and beeing able to track what camera has what is a good thing. I kind of have my own system and I never needed them

.
I guess I could get use to it.

I'll give a try to the ME Super first and than if possible ... later on I can always try and grab one Super Program.

MysteryOnion · 12-22-2012, 07:30 PM

Originally posted by builttospill

I've never removed a memo holder, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't take them off.

Might not want to do that...the holder is secured from the inside. At least in the M family of bodies the holder is heat riveted and the from removal will require the patching of the hold in the leatherette and to cover the four holes

mrNewt · 12-22-2012, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by MysteryOnion

Might not want to do that...the holder is secured from the inside. At least in the M family of bodies the holder is heat riveted and the from removal will require the patching of the hold in the leatherette and to cover the four holes

I see ... so that will be a No. I wouldn't damage the camera just to get rid of that thing ...
I still like them so I'll give them a try. They are quite sexy especially when they have the winder installed

iamtheju · 12-22-2012, 11:09 PM

I have an ME Super and it's really nice to use so I would recommend it, but the differences between it and the Program are slight. My friend has the Program and I could hardly tell the two apart at first glance. They are both good but you should look at the subtle differences in spec to choose the right one for you.

garythesnail · 12-23-2012, 03:00 AM

Get them in the palm of your hand and peer through the viewfinder of both - I think that will go a long way to giving the answer you want / need.

The ME Super gives shutterspeed / metering information more clearly than the later Program cameras . . . . . but that's only my opinion - you may well prefer the newer cameras.

If it makes any difference to you - you can swap the backs between these two types of camera (the newer cameras have a little thumb-grip . . . . which is a nice little addition to an ME Super)

12-22-2012, 04:20 PM	#1
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	Pentax ME Super ... or ... Pentax Program Plus!? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I want one of these ... but don't know which one of them. What are your guys opinions!? What's the difference to begin with anyway!?

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12-22-2012, 05:24 PM	#2
klaatu3 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Antonio, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 78	mrNewt, The Program Plus was a cheaper alternative to the Super Program in the 1980s. It has a "Program" exposure mode (which the ME Super lacks), if you have a lens with the "A' aperture setting. The ME Super has a top shutter speed of 1/2000th sec, vice the P+ at 1/1000th. My opinion is that the ME Super, although older, is more of a classic, more collectible, and probably more reliable. Actually the Super Program is more comparable to the ME Super, in terms of features. I found lots of good info and user reviews of these models in the Pentax Camera Reviews section. Happy Holidays!

12-22-2012, 05:36 PM - 1 Like	#3
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	Both. Or get the ME Super and the Super Program.

12-22-2012, 06:51 PM	#4
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181 Original Poster	I do sort of a like the older model more ... I just hate the pocket on the back where you put the film information (can that thing be removed?).

12-22-2012, 07:10 PM	#5
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	Here at Chez aoeu three film bodies still matter. MX, Super Program, and P3t. The Super program has the wrong back though . . .

12-22-2012, 07:14 PM	#6
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181 Original Poster	Why is the Super Program having the wrong back ... !?

12-22-2012, 07:16 PM	#7
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	Middle film package pocket rather than the better end pocket.

12-22-2012, 07:20 PM	#8
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	Wrong:Pentax Super Program 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only for Parts \| eBay Right:Pentax Program Plus Camera Body Only Free Shipping \| eBay

12-22-2012, 07:22 PM	#9
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181 Original Poster	Actually I don't like the film pocket to be honest . I was wondering if that thing is removable or not!? ...

12-22-2012, 07:24 PM	#10
builttospill Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah, Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,398	I've never removed a memo holder, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't take them off. You may want to send a message to MysteryOnion and ask him. If anybody knew it would be him. I didn't see much point in them either until I started shooting more film. As a little kid with just one camera and one roll of film at a time they were pointless unless I was using it to hold a small Post-It note to write down aperture and shutter speed info. Now using multiple cameras and films at the same time it really helps me keep track which cameras are loaded with which film, e.g., B&W film in this camera, C41 color film in that camera, E6 color film in another camera, and custom film in the other camera. Now when I'm working on a project I know which camera to grab.

12-22-2012, 07:28 PM	#11
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181 Original Poster	Originally posted by builttospill I've never removed a memo holder, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't take them off. I didn't see much point in them either until I started shooting more film. As a little kid with just one camera and one roll of film at a time they were pointless unless I was using it to hold a small Post-It note to write down aperture and shutter speed info. Now using multiple cameras and films at the same time it really helps me keep track which cameras are loaded with which film, e.g., B&W film in this camera, C41 color film in that camera, E6 color film in another camera, and custom film in the other camera. Now when I'm working on a project I know which camera to grab. Yea, I could see how useful could be. I have a few film cameras as well and beeing able to track what camera has what is a good thing. I kind of have my own system and I never needed them . I guess I could get use to it. I'll give a try to the ME Super first and than if possible ... later on I can always try and grab one Super Program.

12-22-2012, 07:30 PM	#12
MysteryOnion Giveaway winner! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: beantown Photos: Albums Posts: 944	Originally posted by builttospill I've never removed a memo holder, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't take them off. Might not want to do that...the holder is secured from the inside. At least in the M family of bodies the holder is heat riveted and the from removal will require the patching of the hold in the leatherette and to cover the four holes

12-22-2012, 07:35 PM	#13
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181 Original Poster	Originally posted by MysteryOnion Might not want to do that...the holder is secured from the inside. At least in the M family of bodies the holder is heat riveted and the from removal will require the patching of the hold in the leatherette and to cover the four holes I see ... so that will be a No. I wouldn't damage the camera just to get rid of that thing ... I still like them so I'll give them a try. They are quite sexy especially when they have the winder installed

12-22-2012, 11:09 PM	#14
iamtheju New Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 3	I have an ME Super and it's really nice to use so I would recommend it, but the differences between it and the Program are slight. My friend has the Program and I could hardly tell the two apart at first glance. They are both good but you should look at the subtle differences in spec to choose the right one for you.

12-23-2012, 03:00 AM	#15
garythesnail Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South West Wales Photos: Albums Posts: 82	Get them in the palm of your hand and peer through the viewfinder of both - I think that will go a long way to giving the answer you want / need. The ME Super gives shutterspeed / metering information more clearly than the later Program cameras . . . . . but that's only my opinion - you may well prefer the newer cameras. If it makes any difference to you - you can swap the backs between these two types of camera (the newer cameras have a little thumb-grip . . . . which is a nice little addition to an ME Super)