New to film. What next after Pentax ME?

Ediz7531 · 05-08-2018, 07:19 PM - **4 Likes**

Hi all,

I’m new to film and to this forum. Had only shot digital until I was given a Pentax ME as a gift by a relative recently. It came with the M 50mm f/1.7. I got a M 40mm f/2.8 on ebay for it too. I’m really enjoying shooting film so far, and it’s been a humbling learning experience, haha. It’s not inconceivable I’d look for another pentax film slr in the near future.

Ideally I’d want a compact form factor, so not much heavier than the ME. Would be nice to get exposure compensation in fractional steps, and more importantly a more substantial build quality. Reading this forum has led me to the LX as a likely candidate. Does that sound reasonable? Any other pentax models you think I should be looking at?

Btw, really liking the 40mm pancake. I was hesitant given the somewhat lukewarm reviews here, but I have been pleased by its results. To be fair, I dont pixel peep or anything like that. The form factor itself makes it a great pairing to the ME. Here are a few photos I took on my inaugural use of the camera and lens on a trip to California.

Cheers,
Ed

Attached Images

murrelet · 05-08-2018, 07:40 PM

Nice work!

I've found the ME to be a bit limiting since it's auto-only. However, that's also its charm; you can concentrate on composition and your subject as well as looking for the next shot. That said, I prefer the MX. Haven't tried an LX. At that price point, I chose to go medium format instead.

Another variable in film photography is the film itself. Film photographers have to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) as well as FAS (Film Acquisition Syndrome).

LesDMess · 05-08-2018, 08:00 PM

Welcome to the forum and great job with the ME.

The LX and MX are both excellent choices. The MX is the smallest 35mm with the largest viewfinder while the LX is the smallest interchangeable viewfinder 35mm camera with the unmatched meter . . . before or after.

It would seem that the lukewarm review of the Pentax pancake is simply because it commands a higher then typical price for a Pentax manual focus lens. Feel free to pixel peep with it - as well as all the other fix focal length Pentax manual focus lenses. Unless the lens is not in good condition, they will not be the reason you cannot attain the sharpest possible results.

**UncleVanya** · 05-08-2018, 08:02 PM

Manual or autofocus? In auto focus I like the PZ-1 pz-1p series. The mz-s is also nice. In manual focus K mount I'd say the mx or lx or super program / Super-A. The mx lacks any automation, the lx is very expensive, so I'd say the super program / Super-A. Pentax Super A / Super Program - Pentax Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

Ediz7531 · 05-08-2018, 08:17 PM

Thanks all!

I’d be looking at staying with M lenses given their compact form factor, so probably a manual focus camera as well.
You’ve given me some great food for thought.

I was not aware of FAS!

**Yoda boy** · 05-08-2018, 08:19 PM

For quality, value and ease of use, I would recommend the Super Program/Super A body. A good sample should be available at an excellent price and you could use any A series lens with this. If you can find one, I would suggest the A 35 to 105 lens. I had this combo many years ago and this was my favourite package. Brings back good memories. Good luck and have fun.

pschlute · 05-08-2018, 11:47 PM

The LX is a lovely bit of kit, but many suffer from "sticky mirror" and may require a service. The Super A is a lovely camera but my favourite is the MX. Manual exposure using the "traffic lights" meter display, but apart from the meter the camera is totally mechanical. You don't need batteries to continue shooting at all shutter speeds.

You can look at the manuals for most at this site PENTAX MANUALS Password for the pdf files is Pentax

**Skodadriver** · 05-09-2018, 01:13 AM

Originally posted by Yoda boy

For quality, value and ease of use, I would recommend the Super Program/Super A body. A good sample should be available at an excellent price and you could use any A series lens with this. If you can find one, I would suggest the A 35 to 105 lens. I had this combo many years ago and this was my favourite package. Brings back good memories. Good luck and have fun.

Plus 1 for the Super A and 35-105mm, it might be a bit heavy but the lens gives great results in my opinion.

Theov39 · 05-09-2018, 01:21 AM

I just bought the Super A/Super Program and love it. It is very compact with just a 50mm or 28mm lens.

You can use it in program (only with A lenses), shutter, aperture or full manual mode so it is very versatile. It also has TTL flash control which is handy.

derelict · 05-09-2018, 05:07 AM

I have an MX and love it. It is very small. I wish it went a stop or two beyond 1000 but it is not that hard to work around. I had it serviced by Eric and it has been flawless. The MX is on the manual side of things though.

Ediz7531 · 05-09-2018, 05:10 AM

I’ll definitely look into the Super A and MX some more. One thing I noticed is that the viewfinder magnification on the Super A is lower than that of the ME, which I’ve come to appreciate (I wear glasses).

Indeed, in searching these forums, I’ve come across the sticky mirror issue on the LX. It’s hard for me to evaluate how pervasive that is given selection bias though.

**gofour3** · 05-09-2018, 07:30 AM

Another vote for the Super A/Super Program.

The LX would be your ultimate goal someday if you continue shooting film, but for now I'd go with the Super A. (Once a LX has been CLAed by Eric it's good to go for decades.)

Phil.

pschlute · 05-09-2018, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by Ediz7531

One thing I noticed is that the viewfinder magnification on the Super A is lower than that of the ME, which I’ve come to appreciate (I wear glasses).

The MX has a magnification of 0.97 and a coverage of 95%. Bettered only by the LX I think

More details here Pentax Camera Bodies | The K-Mount Page

LesDMess · 05-09-2018, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by Ediz7531

I’ll definitely look into the Super A and MX some more. One thing I noticed is that the viewfinder magnification on the Super A is lower than that of the ME, which I’ve come to appreciate (I wear glasses).

Indeed, in searching these forums, I’ve come across the sticky mirror issue on the LX. It’s hard for me to evaluate how pervasive that is given selection bias though.

The LX has the widest selection of viewfinders offering the widest range of magnifications. On top of that, most incorporate built-in diopter adjustment which I understand is beneficial to those who wear glasses.

Given the long production cycle of the LX, the production numbers only known to Pentax and the nature of the problem, it is impossible to gauge the percentage affected by the "sticky mirror". I personally have two fully working samples - one bought with guarantees and another from auction of unknown condition, that I have now used over 10 years with no issues.

abruzzi · 05-09-2018, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by LesDMess

The LX has the widest selection of viewfinders offering the widest range of magnifications..

I believe that the LX is one of very few cameras with interchangeable viewfinders that can do TTL metering no matter the viewfinder, correct? I know my nikon F4 can only meter with the standard prism finder.

05-08-2018, 07:19 PM - 4 Likes	#1
Ediz7531 Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 155	New to film. What next after Pentax ME? Hi all, I’m new to film and to this forum. Had only shot digital until I was given a Pentax ME as a gift by a relative recently. It came with the M 50mm f/1.7. I got a M 40mm f/2.8 on ebay for it too. I’m really enjoying shooting film so far, and it’s been a humbling learning experience, haha. It’s not inconceivable I’d look for another pentax film slr in the near future. Ideally I’d want a compact form factor, so not much heavier than the ME. Would be nice to get exposure compensation in fractional steps, and more importantly a more substantial build quality. Reading this forum has led me to the LX as a likely candidate. Does that sound reasonable? Any other pentax models you think I should be looking at? Btw, really liking the 40mm pancake. I was hesitant given the somewhat lukewarm reviews here, but I have been pleased by its results. To be fair, I dont pixel peep or anything like that. The form factor itself makes it a great pairing to the ME. Here are a few photos I took on my inaugural use of the camera and lens on a trip to California. Cheers, Ed Attached Images

05-08-2018, 08:19 PM	#6
Yoda boy Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Central Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 144	Pentax film camera For quality, value and ease of use, I would recommend the Super Program/Super A body. A good sample should be available at an excellent price and you could use any A series lens with this. If you can find one, I would suggest the A 35 to 105 lens. I had this combo many years ago and this was my favourite package. Brings back good memories. Good luck and have fun.

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05-08-2018, 07:40 PM	#2
murrelet Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portland, OR, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 506	Nice work! I've found the ME to be a bit limiting since it's auto-only. However, that's also its charm; you can concentrate on composition and your subject as well as looking for the next shot. That said, I prefer the MX. Haven't tried an LX. At that price point, I chose to go medium format instead. Another variable in film photography is the film itself. Film photographers have to deal with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) as well as FAS (Film Acquisition Syndrome).

05-08-2018, 08:00 PM	#3
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Welcome to the forum and great job with the ME. The LX and MX are both excellent choices. The MX is the smallest 35mm with the largest viewfinder while the LX is the smallest interchangeable viewfinder 35mm camera with the unmatched meter . . . before or after. It would seem that the lukewarm review of the Pentax pancake is simply because it commands a higher then typical price for a Pentax manual focus lens. Feel free to pixel peep with it - as well as all the other fix focal length Pentax manual focus lenses. Unless the lens is not in good condition, they will not be the reason you cannot attain the sharpest possible results.

05-08-2018, 08:02 PM	#4
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,385	Manual or autofocus? In auto focus I like the PZ-1 pz-1p series. The mz-s is also nice. In manual focus K mount I'd say the mx or lx or super program / Super-A. The mx lacks any automation, the lx is very expensive, so I'd say the super program / Super-A. Pentax Super A / Super Program - Pentax Manual Focus Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

05-08-2018, 08:17 PM	#5
Ediz7531 Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 155 Original Poster	Thanks all! I’d be looking at staying with M lenses given their compact form factor, so probably a manual focus camera as well. You’ve given me some great food for thought. I was not aware of FAS!

05-08-2018, 11:47 PM	#7
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,187	The LX is a lovely bit of kit, but many suffer from "sticky mirror" and may require a service. The Super A is a lovely camera but my favourite is the MX. Manual exposure using the "traffic lights" meter display, but apart from the meter the camera is totally mechanical. You don't need batteries to continue shooting at all shutter speeds. You can look at the manuals for most at this site PENTAX MANUALS Password for the pdf files is Pentax

05-09-2018, 01:13 AM	#8
Skodadriver Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Hampshire Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 892	Originally posted by Yoda boy For quality, value and ease of use, I would recommend the Super Program/Super A body. A good sample should be available at an excellent price and you could use any A series lens with this. If you can find one, I would suggest the A 35 to 105 lens. I had this combo many years ago and this was my favourite package. Brings back good memories. Good luck and have fun. Plus 1 for the Super A and 35-105mm, it might be a bit heavy but the lens gives great results in my opinion.

05-09-2018, 05:07 AM	#10
derelict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NoVa Posts: 525	I have an MX and love it. It is very small. I wish it went a stop or two beyond 1000 but it is not that hard to work around. I had it serviced by Eric and it has been flawless. The MX is on the manual side of things though.

05-09-2018, 05:10 AM	#11
Ediz7531 Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 155 Original Poster	I’ll definitely look into the Super A and MX some more. One thing I noticed is that the viewfinder magnification on the Super A is lower than that of the ME, which I’ve come to appreciate (I wear glasses). Indeed, in searching these forums, I’ve come across the sticky mirror issue on the LX. It’s hard for me to evaluate how pervasive that is given selection bias though.

05-09-2018, 07:30 AM	#12
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,089	Another vote for the Super A/Super Program. The LX would be your ultimate goal someday if you continue shooting film, but for now I'd go with the Super A. (Once a LX has been CLAed by Eric it's good to go for decades.) Phil.

05-09-2018, 07:41 AM	#13
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,187	Originally posted by Ediz7531 One thing I noticed is that the viewfinder magnification on the Super A is lower than that of the ME, which I’ve come to appreciate (I wear glasses). The MX has a magnification of 0.97 and a coverage of 95%. Bettered only by the LX I think More details here Pentax Camera Bodies \| The K-Mount Page

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05-09-2018, 08:47 AM	#14
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Ediz7531 I’ll definitely look into the Super A and MX some more. One thing I noticed is that the viewfinder magnification on the Super A is lower than that of the ME, which I’ve come to appreciate (I wear glasses). Indeed, in searching these forums, I’ve come across the sticky mirror issue on the LX. It’s hard for me to evaluate how pervasive that is given selection bias though. The LX has the widest selection of viewfinders offering the widest range of magnifications. On top of that, most incorporate built-in diopter adjustment which I understand is beneficial to those who wear glasses. Given the long production cycle of the LX, the production numbers only known to Pentax and the nature of the problem, it is impossible to gauge the percentage affected by the "sticky mirror". I personally have two fully working samples - one bought with guarantees and another from auction of unknown condition, that I have now used over 10 years with no issues.

05-09-2018, 09:26 AM	#15
abruzzi Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: New Mexico Posts: 788	Originally posted by LesDMess The LX has the widest selection of viewfinders offering the widest range of magnifications.. I believe that the LX is one of very few cameras with interchangeable viewfinders that can do TTL metering no matter the viewfinder, correct? I know my nikon F4 can only meter with the standard prism finder.