Pentax ME-F?

nickthetasmaniac · 08-24-2016, 08:11 AM

I stumbled across one of these today (mislabeled on Gumtree) and got curious...

Does anyone know much about them? Apparently Pentax's first AF body, based on an ME? and somewhat rare... Unfortunately it looks like this one is bundled with a M50/f1.7 rather than the dedicated AF zoom.

I don't have much use for it myself but can get the link if anyone has a collectors interest

pathdoc · 08-24-2016, 08:17 AM

IIRC it gives AF confirmation signals even without the dedicated lens and even tells you which way to turn the focus ring, which for some people might be reason enough to want it.

**Moe49** · 08-24-2016, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

Apparently Pentax's first AF body, based on an ME?

You are correct, Pentax's first AF body.
Somewhat Rare camera to find, especially one with the correct SMC Pentax-AF 35-70mm f/2.8 lens, in working order.
Excellent lens optically, BTW, though bulky in size. There is one for sale on eBay right now.

The ME-F will work just fine with the M50/f1.7 lens. An added bonus, the ME-F will confirm focus lock with a 'beep' and a focus indicator in the viewfinder (green dot I think).

I have two ME-Fs and 35-70mm AF lenses. The camera/lens combos auto focus just fine in good light, but a little slow by today's AF standards.

stevebrot · 08-24-2016, 08:26 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

IIRC it gives AF confirmation signals even without the dedicated lens and even tells you which way to turn the focus ring, which for some people might be reason enough to want it.

What he said ^ ^ ^

That practical bit and the novelty of owning one of the first ~~PDAF~~ (Edit: contrast detect) AF bodies are both good reasons for picking one up. Too bad the motor-in-body AF 35-70/2.8 is missing in action. I am not sure, but I seem to remember at least one forum member who had both body and lens and enjoyed shooting the combo.

If condition is decent and price is under $70 USD, M 50/1.7 included, I would definitely consider the purchase.

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 08-24-2016 at 09:11 AM.

**boriscleto** · 08-24-2016, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

What he said ^ ^ ^

That practical bit and the novelty of owning one of the first PDAF bodies are both good reasons for picking one up. Too bad the motor-in-body AF 35-70/2.8 is missing in action. I am not sure, but I seem to remember at least one forum member who had both body and lens and enjoyed shooting the combo.

If condition is decent and price is under $70 USD, M 50/1.7 included, I would definitely consider the purchase.

Steve

It was not PDAF. It used contrast detect...Minolta was the first PDAF (stole it from Honeywell).

robiles · 08-24-2016, 09:08 AM

Interesting bit of history. How much do you thing a body with lens and winder is worth? I found one that looks brand new but the price is 330€.

I would like to own a piece of pentax history but for that price i would rather buy something i use

stevebrot · 08-24-2016, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

It was not PDAF. It used contrast detect...Minolta was the first PDAF (stole it from Honeywell).

My mistake

The worst part is that I actually know that

Steve

Adam · 08-24-2016, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

I stumbled across one of these today (mislabeled on Gumtree) and got curious...

Does anyone know much about them? Apparently Pentax's first AF body, based on an ME? and somewhat rare... Unfortunately it looks like this one is bundled with a M50/f1.7 rather than the dedicated AF zoom.

I don't have much use for it myself but can get the link if anyone has a collectors interest

It's certainly a fun collector's item, especially when paired with the AF zoom

RussH · 08-24-2016, 11:20 AM

The ME-F was my first SLR and it is still in working order after more than 30 years. Only paired with the M50 f1.7 though.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-24-2016, 01:42 PM

I have a Pentax ME-F. It is an interesting curiosity.
I have never owned the dedicated AF 35-70/2.8 lens.

I have used it with manual focus lenses only, with which it works well.
Used in this fashion it is basically an ME Super with the additional feature of focus confirmation.

That said it's not my favorite Pentax; I was never a fan of the ME Super either.
I have a real hard time warming up to bodies without depth-of-field preview.

Chris

kneemeister · 08-24-2016, 04:52 PM

After two tries on ebay, I finally got a perfect one on Shopgoodwill also with the M 1.7 lens. It is currently having its turn in the camera bag loaded with Tri-X, Along with my Ektar loaded MX and Kentmere 100 loaded Electro 35. For all intents and purposes its a very slightly larger ME Super. I cant say why I like it so much, but I do.

nickthetasmaniac · 08-24-2016, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

If condition is decent and price is under $70 USD, M 50/1.7 included, I would definitely consider the purchase.

Steve

Well here it is, $75AUD for a 'very old Pentax camera'

Camera | Non Digital Cameras | Gumtree Australia Ku-ring-gai Area - Wahroonga | 1121832112

titrisol · 08-26-2016, 07:45 PM

If it has the lens with it, be the M50/1.7 or similar, go for it
I got mine years ago for next to nothign and used it for a while

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

Well here it is, $75AUD for a 'very old Pentax camera'

Camera | Non Digital Cameras | Gumtree Australia Ku-ring-gai Area - Wahroonga | 1121832112

fallte · 08-27-2016, 10:53 PM

Does anyone know if the focusing screen of the MEF is interchangeable with the one of the MX? I got a MEF yesterday for the equivalent of 25 euro and it's great apart from the black gunk on the focusing screen. I'll try to clean it up but I would much prefer if I could replace it with a new one but the only ones I can find are for the MX/LX.

**ChrisPlatt** · 08-28-2016, 05:28 AM

AFAIK the ME-F focusing screen is fixed and not user serviceable.
Major disassembly may be required for replacement.

That "black gunk" is typically remains of degraded mirror bumper foam.
The screen is plastic and can be easily scratched or otherwise damaged.
Careful cleaning with a mild non-damaging solvent might be a better choice.

I suggest you have this work done by an experienced camera service person.
If you choose to do it yourself be careful not to damage the mirror,
or get any cleaner between the focusing screen and pentaprism.

Of course you will also want to replace that mirror bumper foam afterwards.
FWIW camera back/film door light seals probably need replacement too.

Chris

08-24-2016, 08:11 AM	#1
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Pentax ME-F? I stumbled across one of these today (mislabeled on Gumtree) and got curious... Does anyone know much about them? Apparently Pentax's first AF body, based on an ME? and somewhat rare... Unfortunately it looks like this one is bundled with a M50/f1.7 rather than the dedicated AF zoom. I don't have much use for it myself but can get the link if anyone has a collectors interest

08-24-2016, 08:24 AM	#3
Moe49 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz Mtns. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 874	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac Apparently Pentax's first AF body, based on an ME? You are correct, Pentax's first AF body. Somewhat Rare camera to find, especially one with the correct SMC Pentax-AF 35-70mm f/2.8 lens, in working order. Excellent lens optically, BTW, though bulky in size. There is one for sale on eBay right now. The ME-F will work just fine with the M50/f1.7 lens. An added bonus, the ME-F will confirm focus lock with a 'beep' and a focus indicator in the viewfinder (green dot I think). I have two ME-Fs and 35-70mm AF lenses. The camera/lens combos auto focus just fine in good light, but a little slow by today's AF standards. Last edited by Moe49; 08-30-2016 at 09:40 AM.

08-24-2016, 10:56 AM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac I stumbled across one of these today (mislabeled on Gumtree) and got curious... Does anyone know much about them? Apparently Pentax's first AF body, based on an ME? and somewhat rare... Unfortunately it looks like this one is bundled with a M50/f1.7 rather than the dedicated AF zoom. I don't have much use for it myself but can get the link if anyone has a collectors interest It's certainly a fun collector's item, especially when paired with the AF zoom 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:

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08-24-2016, 08:17 AM	#2
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	IIRC it gives AF confirmation signals even without the dedicated lens and even tells you which way to turn the focus ring, which for some people might be reason enough to want it.

08-24-2016, 08:26 AM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by pathdoc IIRC it gives AF confirmation signals even without the dedicated lens and even tells you which way to turn the focus ring, which for some people might be reason enough to want it. What he said ^ ^ ^ That practical bit and the novelty of owning one of the first ~~PDAF~~ (Edit: contrast detect) AF bodies are both good reasons for picking one up. Too bad the motor-in-body AF 35-70/2.8 is missing in action. I am not sure, but I seem to remember at least one forum member who had both body and lens and enjoyed shooting the combo. If condition is decent and price is under $70 USD, M 50/1.7 included, I would definitely consider the purchase. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 08-24-2016 at 09:11 AM.

08-24-2016, 08:54 AM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by stevebrot What he said ^ ^ ^ That practical bit and the novelty of owning one of the first PDAF bodies are both good reasons for picking one up. Too bad the motor-in-body AF 35-70/2.8 is missing in action. I am not sure, but I seem to remember at least one forum member who had both body and lens and enjoyed shooting the combo. If condition is decent and price is under $70 USD, M 50/1.7 included, I would definitely consider the purchase. Steve It was not PDAF. It used contrast detect...Minolta was the first PDAF (stole it from Honeywell).

08-24-2016, 09:08 AM	#6
robiles Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Deva Posts: 311	Interesting bit of history. How much do you thing a body with lens and winder is worth? I found one that looks brand new but the price is 330€. I would like to own a piece of pentax history but for that price i would rather buy something i use

08-24-2016, 09:09 AM	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by boriscleto It was not PDAF. It used contrast detect...Minolta was the first PDAF (stole it from Honeywell). My mistake The worst part is that I actually know that Steve

08-24-2016, 11:20 AM	#9
RussH New Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 17	The ME-F was my first SLR and it is still in working order after more than 30 years. Only paired with the M50 f1.7 though.

08-24-2016, 01:42 PM	#10
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	I have a Pentax ME-F. It is an interesting curiosity. I have never owned the dedicated AF 35-70/2.8 lens. I have used it with manual focus lenses only, with which it works well. Used in this fashion it is basically an ME Super with the additional feature of focus confirmation. That said it's not my favorite Pentax; I was never a fan of the ME Super either. I have a real hard time warming up to bodies without depth-of-field preview. Chris

08-24-2016, 04:52 PM	#11
kneemeister Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Pittsford, Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 89	After two tries on ebay, I finally got a perfect one on Shopgoodwill also with the M 1.7 lens. It is currently having its turn in the camera bag loaded with Tri-X, Along with my Ektar loaded MX and Kentmere 100 loaded Electro 35. For all intents and purposes its a very slightly larger ME Super. I cant say why I like it so much, but I do.

08-24-2016, 08:35 PM	#12
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot If condition is decent and price is under $70 USD, M 50/1.7 included, I would definitely consider the purchase. Steve Well here it is, $75AUD for a 'very old Pentax camera' Camera \| Non Digital Cameras \| Gumtree Australia Ku-ring-gai Area - Wahroonga \| 1121832112

08-26-2016, 07:45 PM	#13
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,852	If it has the lens with it, be the M50/1.7 or similar, go for it I got mine years ago for next to nothign and used it for a while Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac Well here it is, $75AUD for a 'very old Pentax camera' Camera \| Non Digital Cameras \| Gumtree Australia Ku-ring-gai Area - Wahroonga \| 1121832112

08-27-2016, 10:53 PM	#14
fallte New Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 3	Does anyone know if the focusing screen of the MEF is interchangeable with the one of the MX? I got a MEF yesterday for the equivalent of 25 euro and it's great apart from the black gunk on the focusing screen. I'll try to clean it up but I would much prefer if I could replace it with a new one but the only ones I can find are for the MX/LX.

08-28-2016, 05:28 AM	#15
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	AFAIK the ME-F focusing screen is fixed and not user serviceable. Major disassembly may be required for replacement. That "black gunk" is typically remains of degraded mirror bumper foam. The screen is plastic and can be easily scratched or otherwise damaged. Careful cleaning with a mild non-damaging solvent might be a better choice. I suggest you have this work done by an experienced camera service person. If you choose to do it yourself be careful not to damage the mirror, or get any cleaner between the focusing screen and pentaprism. Of course you will also want to replace that mirror bumper foam afterwards. FWIW camera back/film door light seals probably need replacement too. Chris