Originally posted by luftfluss Right now I'm leaning toward the ME Super... I'm not looking to necessarily replicate the DSLR experience, and the large OVF is mighty enticing
Excellent gateway body.
If you've not yet looked through one of these viewfinders with a decently fast-fifty attached, you're in for an eye-opening treat.
I'd suggest the Super-Program (also known as Super-A in some markets) as well, if not a tad more. Honestly any of the program cameras are very good, compact starters and which ever you come across in the best condition for a good price is the way to go. None will disappoint. (They can all shoot at set speed, 1/125th is common, even without battery as mentioned above re: the ME Super.)
Personally I don't care for the touch-button manual operation, but if using in aperture priority mainly as you mention, that's not a concern. (And many folks happen to love it.)
I've turned no less than three shooters onto Pentax film bodies by way of a program variety camera in the past few years.