Originally posted by ctrout What could possibly go wrong on an ME, ME Super, Super Program, etc, that a CLA would prevent? If an electronic component is going to fail, a mechanical servicing isn't going to prevent that.
Apart from the inside foam which can jamb the works, old oil gets sticky and sliding parts hang up. I have an ME Super that has to be cocked several times to get the shutter to latch for example. I have looked into the bottom of the MV, MG and ME super and see a lot of stamped tin levers. (I think the ME is a little more reliable).
My opinion is that the classical Pentax cameras start right from the beginning in the fifties, through the S series, Spotmatics, and K series. Then the MX and LX although the LX is unlikely to live as long a life as the MX; it is very complicated, and parts are short and expensive. After this, we are into circuit-board cameras with their electronic problems. I have a Z20 that has unreadable faded view-finder information as another example. Plastic starts to dominate as automation takes over.
I don't know about you but I don't care for cameras that don't let you set ISO, or they rewind the film when and were you don't want, or that are dead without an expansive battery.
The early models I mentioned will last several lifetimes and be practical users that put the photographer in full control.