Pentax ME / ME Super

In 1976, alongside the quintessential K1000, Pentax had lined itself with the electronic era by presenting the ME and thereafter the ME Super. Petite SLR cameras, with a futuristic-looking control panel on top. Not sure what was the rationale behind it, as it made a simple shooting complex.

The Pentax ME camera is a tiny creature, permanent aperture priority, where the shutter speeds are set by the camera. The on-dial speed settings consist of L for lock; Auto for well, auto, 100 for sync and B. On auto mode the selected speed is seen on the side of the finder, where an illuminated dot travels up and down by a speeds scale.

The ME super added M for manual mode, where the shutter speed is via by two teeny buttons by the dial. It takes fancy fingerwork to do so which is a nuisance. As settings allow little for creativity, there is a bracketing dial under the rewind lever. The whole concept may have been creative in the ’70s, but seems odd today. A similar configuration is on the Pentax Super Program of 1983. An extra manhole cover at the bottom is kept for a power winder.

On the positive side, the viewer is large and bright and there is a hot shoe present. The vertical shutter is metal and clicks like a happy billy-goat.

If all fails read the manual Dep’t: two batteries inserted upside down. Self-timer lever needs a push to activate, unlike normal cameras that pressing the shutter activates the timer.

In short, Pentax mixed all possible elements to create a camera awkward to use. Not sure how many were sold, assume not many.

Current value, Pentax ME / MV / MG / MX

Pentax ME
Pentax ME Super
Pentax ME-F
Pentax ME-SE
Pentax MV
Pentax MV-1
Pentax MG
Pentax MX
Pentax MX Japan Camera Show

Pentax ME user manual

List number	2543
Brand	Pentax
Format	35mm
Model	ME Super
Introduced	1979
AKA
Country	Japan
Type	SLR
Body material	Metal
Mode	Auto / manual override
Weight	450 gr, Body only
Class average weight	560 gr, Body only
ASA range	12-1600
Kit lens
Lens make	SMC Pentax M
Filter size
Lens mount	K mount
Mount size
Aperture
shutter	Focal plane vertical metal
Light meter	TTL
Winder	Lever
Lock	Yes
Speeds	B, Auto, 125
DOF preview	No
Exposure lock	No
Exposure compensation	Yes
Shoe	Hot, looks like an afterthought
External sync	X
Sync speed	125
Timer	Mechanical
Battery	675 2ea
Battery style	Button
Battery voltage	1.35
Other	Ready for power winder