ME super or P30t

Hayob · 11-30-2011, 11:13 AM

I cant decide which one to get for christmas? anyone know any good or bad points. i know that the p30t had automatic DX film speed ,but that doesnt really matter for me. Just looked on ebay whats the difference between the p30t and p30n? is one better than the other?

mr.b.snowden · 11-30-2011, 12:35 PM

Hi! When I was searching Ebay months ago for a SLR for my lenses to play with, I settled on the P30T. It's a super easy to use camera that doesn't have AF, but is a good weight without feeling cheap, despite the plastic build. I can't speak for the ME Super, but I really like the P30T and settled on it after finding some great prices and reviews on Ebay and here. I think another big part of my decision was that the P30T looks kinda cheap, so that could help protect me if I'm out with the camera and one of my older MF lenses.

Adam · 11-30-2011, 12:48 PM

The P30t is nice but you don't get Tv mode, which is why I always recommend the Super Program when someone is looking for a manual focus pentax SLR:

Pentax Super A/Super Program - Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Database and Reviews - DSLR, Digital, and Legacy Cameras

**Just1MoreDave** · 11-30-2011, 01:15 PM

Lots of differences but they may not matter. The ME Super might sell for more, works at 1/125 without batteries, better viewfinder, made in Japan, exposure compensation, 1/2000 shutter speed. The P3n, P30t and P30n have the same specs and minor cosmetic differences. I think they are mostly not made in Japan. More plastic, and the plastic is more obvious than plastic on the ME Super. They have a Program mode. I like the way nothing sticks out on the top.

Macario · 11-30-2011, 01:16 PM

The thing that the ME super has over the P30t is 1/2000 shutterspeed, and you can push or pull film. Other than that, the P30 is a fine camera. I have a roll off film in one now actually, and having fun shooting with it.
What the P30t has over the ME super is that it is newer, so chances that the seals and all are fine are greater.

Hayob · 11-30-2011, 01:19 PM

I think i might go for the P30n,as i already have a ME i think ill like more of a change with the P30n.

Thanks for all the infomation guys!

**ChrisPlatt** · 11-30-2011, 02:12 PM

The ME Super is a classic Pentax and a favorite on this forum, but I prefer the P3N/P30T for their
DOF preview and exposure memory lock, features I find indispensable that the ME Super lacks.

Chris

Swift1 · 11-30-2011, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by Hayob

Just looked on ebay whats the difference between the p30t and p30n?

Identical cameras except the P30T has a diagonal split prism.

Sluggo · 11-30-2011, 04:50 PM

I have both, and enjoy shooting with both. I usually prefer the P30t though. There are a few features that differentiate between them, as others have pointed out. For my particular shooting needs/style, the P30t tends to be a better fit.

**patrick9** · 11-30-2011, 08:56 PM

I don't have any experience with the ME. I do have a P30t and enjoy using it. I have a half used roll in it right now

**keruili** · 11-30-2011, 10:47 PM

I just picked up an ME Super at a thrift store with a perfectly functioning Pentax-M 50mm f2 lens and Vivitar UV filter for $30CAD, but after checking everything mechanically and seeing that it all functions beautifully I slapped in some fresh batteries only to discover my lack of knowledge of this classic. Do I need a roll of film for the LED's to work in the viewfinder or is there something else I am missing to see some signs of life? Absolutely love the look and feel of this camera and I am dying to take it out. (need to find a good supplier of film as well)

Hayob · 12-01-2011, 09:31 AM

hey, Looks like you've got one it cracking condition! Once the batteries are in pull open the rapid advance lever to 30 degrees (it will stay open),once that is done push the shutter release button down halfway and the LEDs should light up giving you the reading! (i have the ME).

Ive also decided to go for neither of these cameras,instead i wanted to go for an autofocus, so i bought a Minolta dynax 7000i with standered lens.

**keruili** · 12-01-2011, 09:59 AM

Thanks Hayob! It works. Now to get some B&W film!!!

Hayob · 12-01-2011, 11:13 AM

Great!, have fun! also if your looking for a cheap place to develop your B&W film (unless you do it yourself)
On ebay there is a service that does it for £4 rather cheap Its UK though.

titrisol · 12-02-2011, 05:43 AM

I have both,
the ME Super is a joy to use, but it takes awhile to get used to those weird buttons to change shutter speeds.
now the P30 is my screw-mount camera with A program, plus the diagonal focusing screen is great

11-30-2011, 11:13 AM	#1
Hayob Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 99	ME super or P30t I cant decide which one to get for christmas? anyone know any good or bad points. i know that the p30t had automatic DX film speed ,but that doesnt really matter for me. Just looked on ebay whats the difference between the p30t and p30n? is one better than the other?

11-30-2011, 12:48 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	The P30t is nice but you don't get Tv mode, which is why I always recommend the Super Program when someone is looking for a manual focus pentax SLR: Pentax Super A/Super Program - Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Database and Reviews - DSLR, Digital, and Legacy Cameras Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-30-2011, 10:47 PM	#11
keruili Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 146	I just picked up an ME Super at a thrift store with a perfectly functioning Pentax-M 50mm f2 lens and Vivitar UV filter for $30CAD, but after checking everything mechanically and seeing that it all functions beautifully I slapped in some fresh batteries only to discover my lack of knowledge of this classic. Do I need a roll of film for the LED's to work in the viewfinder or is there something else I am missing to see some signs of life? Absolutely love the look and feel of this camera and I am dying to take it out. (need to find a good supplier of film as well) Attached Images Last edited by keruili; 11-30-2011 at 11:17 PM.

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11-30-2011, 12:35 PM	#2
mr.b.snowden Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 683	Hi! When I was searching Ebay months ago for a SLR for my lenses to play with, I settled on the P30T. It's a super easy to use camera that doesn't have AF, but is a good weight without feeling cheap, despite the plastic build. I can't speak for the ME Super, but I really like the P30T and settled on it after finding some great prices and reviews on Ebay and here. I think another big part of my decision was that the P30T looks kinda cheap, so that could help protect me if I'm out with the camera and one of my older MF lenses.

11-30-2011, 01:15 PM	#4
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Lots of differences but they may not matter. The ME Super might sell for more, works at 1/125 without batteries, better viewfinder, made in Japan, exposure compensation, 1/2000 shutter speed. The P3n, P30t and P30n have the same specs and minor cosmetic differences. I think they are mostly not made in Japan. More plastic, and the plastic is more obvious than plastic on the ME Super. They have a Program mode. I like the way nothing sticks out on the top.

11-30-2011, 01:16 PM	#5
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	The thing that the ME super has over the P30t is 1/2000 shutterspeed, and you can push or pull film. Other than that, the P30 is a fine camera. I have a roll off film in one now actually, and having fun shooting with it. What the P30t has over the ME super is that it is newer, so chances that the seals and all are fine are greater.

11-30-2011, 01:19 PM	#6
Hayob Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 99 Original Poster	I think i might go for the P30n,as i already have a ME i think ill like more of a change with the P30n. Thanks for all the infomation guys!

11-30-2011, 02:12 PM	#7
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	The ME Super is a classic Pentax and a favorite on this forum, but I prefer the P3N/P30T for their DOF preview and exposure memory lock, features I find indispensable that the ME Super lacks. Chris

11-30-2011, 02:16 PM	#8
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by Hayob Just looked on ebay whats the difference between the p30t and p30n? Identical cameras except the P30T has a diagonal split prism.

11-30-2011, 04:50 PM	#9
Sluggo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ames, Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 774	I have both, and enjoy shooting with both. I usually prefer the P30t though. There are a few features that differentiate between them, as others have pointed out. For my particular shooting needs/style, the P30t tends to be a better fit.

11-30-2011, 08:56 PM	#10
patrick9 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Murfreesboro Tennessee Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,458	I don't have any experience with the ME. I do have a P30t and enjoy using it. I have a half used roll in it right now

12-01-2011, 09:31 AM	#12
Hayob Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 99 Original Poster	hey, Looks like you've got one it cracking condition! Once the batteries are in pull open the rapid advance lever to 30 degrees (it will stay open),once that is done push the shutter release button down halfway and the LEDs should light up giving you the reading! (i have the ME). Ive also decided to go for neither of these cameras,instead i wanted to go for an autofocus, so i bought a Minolta dynax 7000i with standered lens.

12-01-2011, 09:59 AM	#13
keruili Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 146	Thanks Hayob! It works. Now to get some B&W film!!!

12-01-2011, 11:13 AM	#14
Hayob Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 99 Original Poster	Great!, have fun! also if your looking for a cheap place to develop your B&W film (unless you do it yourself) On ebay there is a service that does it for £4 rather cheap Its UK though.

12-02-2011, 05:43 AM	#15
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,852	I have both, the ME Super is a joy to use, but it takes awhile to get used to those weird buttons to change shutter speeds. now the P30 is my screw-mount camera with A program, plus the diagonal focusing screen is great