Pentax ME Super | Days of Knight 190514

[@artfulflower]

This is the camera I'm currently using! I got it for free from a box of used camera gear at my college's photo lab and I wasn't sure if it still worked. After putting the film advancing lever back together, dusting the camera and putting some batteries in it, I started shooting with the camera. I've shot two Kodak ColorPlus 200 film rolls now.

[@AzrielKnight]

Congrats! Good deals are getting harder to find.

[@brineb58]

Awesome results!!! I just picked one up and am excited to use it!!! My first SLR was a n Olympus OM 1 so it feels right and all the Pentax lenses make it seem like it will be a joy to use!!!

[@AzrielKnight]

Thank you Brian!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

The pentax ME Super is one of the most underrated cameras of all time.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks for the comment :) Why do you say that?

[@andrewsmithphoto]

@@AzrielKnight The ME super has a very good combination of features. 1. The automatic shutter with mechanical backups is great and I think innovative for the time. 2. Good Pentax lenses and tons of dirt cheap generic lenses. 3. They are a lot more reliable than many other electronic shutter cameras i.e. Canon. I do wish they had changed the compensation markings like you stated and they should have included DOF preview button.

[@Spencer481]

Omg! I love the ME super. It's such a handy camera, I love of small yet solid it feels

[@AzrielKnight]

Agreed :)

[@valeriegriffin7021]

Just received one as a gift - I had a BEAR of a time loading it with the white roller but finally did so by inserting the film in upside down. It worked! Learning settings and look forward to shooting. Thanks for this video - very informative. You have such a soothing voice too!

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks for the kind words Valerie. Glad you got it working. Do you mean you put the film in "upside down"?

[@valeriegriffin7021]

@@AzrielKnight YES. MUCH easier than the "standard way" NOW let's see the results of my first try with this camera - it could be embarrasing!

[@AzrielKnight]

It's probably meant to go in that way for that camera. Either that or I am misunderstanding you. :)

[@valeriegriffin7021]

@@AzrielKnight I just edited my comment - upside down - NOT backwards - poor choice of descriptive words on my part.

[@neilpiper9889]

You are lucky to find an Pentax Me Super that's working. The seals are electronics are dodgy but fixable. Lovely camera. My favourite Pentax is a Pentax Spotmatic with the great 55mm f1.8 super takumar lens. My son has my Pentax K1000 with a 50mm 1.7 lens and loves it.

[@b6983832]

I have two of those. The first one underexposes and the hot shoe is in short circuit. It´s probably an issue with the shutter, as the light meter display shows same readings as an external light meter does. The second one works just fine. I like this camera quite a lot.

[@rpdee7344]

Like the Pentax, that was the first 35mm SLR camera I used in High School to shoot photos. The Pentax was the base model with a screw mount and you had to line up a needle in a gap to set the exposer, I had forgotten how sharp the lens took the photos, I had purchased a Konica Autoreflex 2 because of the Aperture auto exposer built in Konica also has really good lenses which now is 40 years + that still shoots great. Might have to check on the newer Pentax auto model like you have with the bayonet mount seems to take really sharp photos. Another good video.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks Robin, I have a screw to pk adapter that works great, if you want to keep your lenses.

[@zguy95135]

I'm not an SLR guy but I love the ME Super... Its so tiny, the winder feels amazing and the viewfinder is INSANE. Every other slr I've used since feels like looking through a port hole. Mine has the 50 1.7 and it's just so nice.

[@AzrielKnight]

Agreed Joseph, that was one thing I forgot to mention was how smooth the advance is.

[@matheusschottz2517]

Amazing review, as per usual, mate! I kinda got into the pentax team, a friend just gave me her kit. It's a MZ-M, and it came with 2 lenses, a tele zoom and a normal zoom. I really liked the camera, it has all the basic functions and the knobs are all layed out in comfortable positions. When I get some money I'll try to get one prime lens for it, I really don't care much for zooms.

[@AzrielKnight]

I find primes a cheaper way to get good quality.

[@stuartcarden5402]

Ah the legend! My first 35mm SLR and still one of my absolute favourites. It's likely only the Minolta XD-7 beats it for my all time favourite. What a truly fantastic little camera!

[@AzrielKnight]

Its done me pretty well so far :)

[@9mankaido3]

Firstly, love that you’re not only a fellow Albertan, but that you also rip around with an air pump just in case. Second, I’ve got the same issue with the Super ME. If I could change one thing, it’d be how the shutter speed is selected. Aside from that it’s been a good camera and survived a three day, two night stay outside in -20 to -35 Celsius weather during some winter camping. I haven’t noticed any issues with over exposing at the higher shutter speed though. I also haven’t been shooting with it very longer either so I guess time will tell.

[@AzrielKnight]

Hopefully I wont need that pump again, replacement tire still holding up ;)

[@Murgoh]

I've had mine since the early 90:s, it was my first "real" camera and I shot a lot with it but almost always color and I had my films processed and printed in a lab. Then there were many years when I only shot digital but last year I started shooting film again, this time black and white. Now I also develop my films and I even got an enlarger and started printing. I have also got a couple of more old cameras, including one medium format DLR (a Meopta Flexaret), and I also have a Kiev 88 on the way from Russia and a Pentax KM (as a spare body for the ME Super should it ever malfunction) coming from Japan. I still use digital for recording events and color stuff but there's nothing like the feel of old mechanical cameras and the look of black and white film printed on paper, not scanned. The paper prints have such an incredible depth they look almost three dimensional. The ME Super is still my "number one" 35mm camera and it still works flawlessly after all these years.

[@AzrielKnight]

If you like the feel of old but also shoot digital try a Fujifilm x-2s or x-3.

[@epstar83]

I love the ME Super! I use my copy in and around town. When I’m traveling the K1000 is my go to because I like the mechanical reliability.

[@AzrielKnight]

Someone recently pointed out to me that the x125 is a mechanical override. :)

[@epstar83]

Yep correct, but that is quite limiting... if you shooting in bright light that works great. But still such a super little camera to run around with.

[@lindsaymobil22]

Another fantastic episode Azriel, even the theme music just puts a smile on my face! I managed to come across an ME Super in a thrift store with the 50mm f/1.7. The lens is in near immaculate condition, the body? Not so much. The shutter's stuck wide open and the viewfinder LEDs don't work. I did manage to get it shooting very briefly, but it was taking two winds to cock the shutter and every few shots it'd lock up again. I tried it recently, and no dice, it's dead. Instead it's been harvested for screws to repair some other cameras, so I guess it lives on that way!

[@AzrielKnight]

The lens made it worth it I assume. I'm no mechanic, but sometimes it's good to have a busted model around for a bottom plate or battery door.

[@silvereagle1960]

I just purchased the pentax ME-SE, in brown, and it's pretty cool looking, and just loaded KENTMERE PAN black and white 100 from B&H! And does your focusing circle in your camera show sideways?

[@adamm4926]

Nice, thanks for the video. Bonus points for the Kitty 🖤😻

[@AzrielKnight]

I call him/her Bo :)

[@zaphodjtk]

No one ever mentions that all you have to do to mount the lens is match the white dot to the lens release. You can do that almost by feel.

[@Hulana42]

I really like your videos. I, myself, have and shoot a Pentax ME Super. When I found it in a thrift store for $24.99 USD and an accompanying mounted flash for $8.00 I snatched it up! I didn't use it at first. But then my beloved Minolta SRT 101 died. I turned to the Pentax. It has worked well for me. No light leaks. Thank you for producing these videos and keeping analog photography alive!

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks Holly. I've has an SRT or two and I LOVE the shutter and advancing sounds.

[@Hulana42]

@@AzrielKnight I know right?! I love the weight of that thing and the solid CLANK when you take a picture.

[@morgantitterington1974]

I’ve just purchased one of these with a 50mm for my birthday can’t believe how small it is just looks really complicated to use and the user manual isn’t much better to understand thanks for this video was good keep it up

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks Morgan!

[@photoholic6369]

I enjoyed your video a lot, as always ! Your kind of presentation and almost always a story behind :-). You take my thoughts away for more than the duration of this episode !! Thanks a lot !

[@AzrielKnight]

That's very kind, thank you :)

[@silvestersze9968]

I like most of your work.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks :) I like most of this comment ;)

[@analog_process3156]

I always keep an eye for a good price on the K1000 and especially on the ME Super, but I was never lucky. May be one day I can join the club. 🤘

[@AzrielKnight]

Persistence pays off.

[@tobroken1965]

as you search for a k1000, avoid later production models, they were made in china and were of lesser quality, they are distinguishable by the absence of the asahi logo stamped into the cover, they also wont say made in japan, hong kong builds are ok, japan made most of the parts, some will even still have the sticker on the bottom that says made in hong kong. The ME is trickier, unless you want unlimited control like the ME super offers, the basic ME is also very good. Pentax cranked out millions of them and if you are going to buy one, it should be far less than say $40 (without the lens) unless its new in the box.

[@analog_process3156]

@@tobroken1965 thank you for you explanation, that will certainly help me find a good model. Yeah, I would prefer the ME Super over the ME, but again, what really attracts me to the pentax brand is the quality of the lenses, not the body per se.

[@scottalanphotography]

Great watch and great video. At the beginning of the video I was curious as to why the ME Super was your go to 35mm. Glad you answered it. I had one myself but ended up getting rid of it. I felt it was too small for me and was not a huge fan of the way the shutter speed is changed. Plus at the time I had a Ricoh Super which has the K mount as well. Since then I've gotten rid of the Ricoh. I do want to get into the Pentax system again because I love the simplicity of the cameras and the lenses are not ridiculously high priced. Again, thanks for making this video! Scott

[@AzrielKnight]

Lots of budget conscious people sway towards Pentax. It's funny how you didn't like it was small, and I do. It really is all about taste. :) I have a few Ricoh's kicking around, maybe I'll try one.

[@pembridgehouse]

I once was photographing an important meeting where the then Governor of South Australia was a guest as the patron of the group. At the time my Pentax Super A was my go to camera but for some reason I chose my ME Super.Wouldn't you know it the battery died. But the ME super has a mechanical speed of 1/125. Saved my day! Normally I would have had a back up camera with me but for some reason didn't.

[@SteveKleinheider]

Nice video! I am still looking for my first functional Pentax ME or ME Super! Until then, I will continue to enjoy my Pentax Spotmatic II.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks Steve!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Azriel, I just bought an Pentax ME Super SE. No review yet. I agree on the overexposure issue.

[@AzrielKnight]

In this case it probably worked in my favour as I was working with expired film anyhow.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Awww, what a cute little kitty!

[@AzrielKnight]

I call them Bo.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

That’s a mighty mini camera! I love mine and still use it to day. Glasswise, I’m pretty much covered: Tokina 25-50mm f/4, Porst 55mm f/1.2 and Takumar 135mm f/2.5. Best viewfinder on the market!

[@danieldijo]

1.2

[@carrysparelens8498]

I recently picked one up used that included a Sigma 28-80mm and Pentax Auto Winder II. The seals are near perfect. I already had a few PK lenses from a Chinon, Sears KS Super and Sears KS Super II purchases, all 3 incredible cheap deals with lenses. Thanks for another great video, Azriel!

[@AzrielKnight]

Congrats on what sounds like a good find.

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

"Driving 85 in a 110 zone" Frankly as an American, I think yall need to slow down

[@AzrielKnight]

KM not miles ;)

[@navywolf1753]

My main camera is an old Minolta SRT-102 because I love the quality and amount of Minolta SR mount lenses that are available. That being said, if I get lazy I'll toss the lenses onto my XG-9 and the auto exposure does fairly well, I just don't like how the metering works on that camera. Pentax always has a special place in my heart though, I did most of my learning on a REALLY battered K1000 and it never let me down.

[@AzrielKnight]

I love the shutter sound of the SRT series. Thanks for the comment :)

[@ManuelGuzmanPhotography]

My first experiences with Kentmere were less than stellar, but I'm going go give it another try seeing your images. Also, as someone who has some really bad anxiety about going anywhere solo, these videos are like watching someone with super strength. Haha.

[@AzrielKnight]

Mine was a bit fogged, probably because it was expired. I don't know that I showed an accurate portrayal of Kentmere. Also, I have serious anxiety. Just push through, and don't film those parts :P

[@MichaelRusso]

My main 35mm film camera too, that and the ME's as well. ME's last and last. When a ME Super dies. It is pretty much dead. I shoot Aperture priority only with these cameras, if one wants fully manual, use a Film KX or medium format.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks for the comment. I should do an update on this because I sorta stopped using it.

[@merlinmarquardt]

Great video. Sorry about the flat. Nice cat. Good photos.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks Merlin :)

[@mudgie069]

I've done something similar. I've narrowed my film gear down to Minolta X-700, Hi-Matic 7s, Mamiya C330s and Mamiya 645 Pro as my film cameras. I wanted a rangefinder and slr for 35mm and I just can't get rid of my 330s, love it to much. I stayed with Minolta as I have 4 primes. The ME super is a great camera though, had one before and never had any issues with it.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks for the comment Howie. I have a few strays I haven't sold like the Olympus point and shoot, and my display cameras as well. I feel much better now without all that clutter.

[@Spencer481]

You mentioned light seals, I'm slowly working though my collection replacing bad seals, do you have a method to check that seal replacement was successful without going through a roll of film, developing it and finding the repair didn't take?

[@AzrielKnight]

not 100% foolproof but I load film, advance a few times and let sit in direct sunlight for 10 minutes, then advance a couple times and maybe let it sit again. This only checks the back seals but if you push process it'll show any issues. I say not fool proof because I checked the ME Super with this method but got seal issues anyway, probably from the front.

[@Spencer481]

@@AzrielKnight thanks! I'll give it a try

[@iainmc9859]

I know that feeling about being paralysed by choice of camera. I began to realise my addiction when I was out shopping with the kids and they asked me how many cameras I actually had on me....five! I tried to deal with this by buying different lenses rather than different cameras...so now I have lots of lenses and lots of cameras. In old people they call it hoarding, in young people collecting, in the middle range (me) you're an enthusiast...thank god, saved by semantics. I love the 'Up' house, was that a theme park or did someone actually do it?

[@AzrielKnight]

Hey, thanks for the comment as always. The Up theme was an art installation to beautify an old abandoned historical building that's been downtown Calgary forever. Sad though, burned to the ground a few months ago.

[@iainmc9859]

It seems we live in a society where if you highlight anything as interesting someone has to come along to destroy it, cultural vandalism seems to be rife. I see some sense in removing something to build anew or for health and safety reasons but I doubt that was the overarching thought process behind the actions.

[@AzrielKnight]

There were plans to restore it. It's a shame.

[@TorontoBoris]

Nice shots. Seems like you like your Dutch angle shots.

[@randallstewart175]

With a collection of M-mount Pentax prime lenses, choosing the ME Super as your main body is a no-brainer. My best photographer friend settled on the same camera(s) for himself and his wife back in the day when they were current models. He always liked them. Given the huge numbers sold, I assumed that they were plentiful used, but your experience says not so much. For whatever reason, it seems the Pentax M-class bodies have not held up as well as their bigger brothers. I wonder if your slow high-speed shutter timing problem would correct with a CLA. In my Nikon system, the FG would be the functional equivalent, and it is a jewel. (Also common and cheap.)

[@AzrielKnight]

I think a CLA would solve it, but I am shopping around for the right service, and of course, cash flow.

[@jbobdawghomeysizzle]

I like that 24mm 3.5. I have the 24 2.8 but it's more of an M series lens and I prefer k models. I need that 24 to fill out my Holy Trinity (18mm 3.5, 20mm f4).

[@dunnymonster]

Either one of your feet had a flat tyre or it was Dutch angle shooting day today😁 😋 Lovely images and well done overcoming the issues with your car 👍

[@AzrielKnight]

lol! When I shoot wide I often try and bend lines and scew perspective. Lots n lots o Dutch :)

[@dunnymonster]

@@AzrielKnight Shots so Dutch you should have worn Cloggs 😉

[@Frisenette]

M lenses are also some of the most (and last) underrated glass out there. Trouble is, the bodies while fantastic in theory are not often working. It’s worse and probably similar in type of problem than the Minolta capacitor problem. Almost all bodies I find are in good to great condition, but doesn’t work with new batteries.

[@AzrielKnight]

doesn't work with modern batteries, which ones?

[@Frisenette]

Azriel Knight no, I just meant doesn’t work at all, due to electrical problems. By new I just meant fresh batteries. The camera is in immaculate condition but doesn’t work because one or two components have dried out. Great pity really.

[@endingmirage]

Great camera, it is my main camera too, for around 10 years already

[@AzrielKnight]

Hey, that's impressive. Would love to know if you've discovered any nuances you'd like to share.

[@JonathanKobler]

I love the ME Super but I have yet to find one that didn't have at least one issue. Needless I have 2 broken ones that will still work in all manual.

[@AzrielKnight]

Hope you find one!

[@christophermaness415]

I loved mine too. Shutter just took a friggen dump

[@AzrielKnight]

That sucks.

[@christophermaness415]

@@AzrielKnight debating. I love the contrast and color of Canon FD glass. I wanted the small body for trial running/hiking. The Canon FTb has been my favorite FD body because they just shoot. I have never had any issue other than the light meter which I just guess half the time anyhow.

[@kensho62]

Hi, I discovered your channel recently and I love it. Thank you for your work! I was also thinking about making the M.E super my main camera but finally I decided for the MX Did you choose ME only by automatic mode or some other reason?

[@AzrielKnight]

I chose the ME by circumstance. I tend to pick whatever comes along. I hear a lot of people prefer the MX. Lately I've been using a Nikon FE more. The exposure on the model I found it spot on.

[@AzrielKnight]

Also, thanks for the kind words.

[@parthasur6018]

Use the MX instead! You will not wish to use the ME Super again. (I have both but the shutter speed control on the ME Super proved too much for me). The only problem I have ever had with the MX is that in bright sunlight it is difficult to impossible to see the leds. It's build quality is near professional grade and the smc m lenses are more solidly built (no plastic) than the smc a lenses though heavier. And the MX has depth of field preview which the ME Super does not have. The MX led type metering is fine but I prefer the older match needle type metering display (e.g. Canon FTb etc.) But overall, the MX is a fine, compact, superbly built SLR. More than a match for any Canon or Nikon - although without their prestige.

[@AzrielKnight]

I have just finished the script for my MX review :) You must be psychic.

[@j.c.103]

The MX is a nice camera TOO. But all offers you could get are overhyped expensive and when you find a cheaper one, it's dirty and defective. So i'm very satisfied with my lovely and fully working ME super !

[@markhou]

How does it compare in size to the Nikon FE? Much smaller?

[@AzrielKnight]

Definitely smaller

[@BrandonNevermind]

Have you ever checked out an ME-F? Apparently, it's like a slightly updated ME Super IIRC... I have one I haven't shot yet.

[@TheQriz]

It was made to take the 35 mm-70 mm f/2.8 AF lens. Yes, autofocus ;) check it out. You can also use the focus confirmation beep for manual focus lenses! Pentax where pioneers back in the day.

[@AzrielKnight]

I came across info on that camera when I researched the Maxxum 7000. Popular Photography did a shootout but the Maxxum crushed it.

[@TelstarFirst]

Years ago when my ME died (like they all do) I replaced it with an ME F. These are like ME Supers on steroids, but forget the autofocus lens, no one uses those, in fact in all these years I've never seen one, however, the focus confirmation works with any lens. These days I can't be arsed with all this and I revert to my K3 instead.

[@DavidMartinez-kf9zt]

Really loving that Dutch angle

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks David. Sometimes I feel I overdue it but I love how wide angle lenses bend lines.

[@allangault9500]

I love mine, just had to fix the film advance but wouldn’t trade this in for the world

[@AzrielKnight]

Glad you like it Allan, that's the most important part.

[@Otokichi786]

As time goes by, I find that "electronic/automatic" 35mm cameras eventually die as components./circuit boards fail. The simplest mechanical cameras can outlast the "useless without a battery" cameras, with regular use and the occasional CLA as needed. So, though the electronically controlled cameras may be more precise if they work, Ye Olde Zenit keeps going, while the "Zippytron" has to be "scavenged for parts," eventually.

[@AzrielKnight]

Agreed. The same thing is going to happen to cars.

[@StevenPennyphotography]

I adore my asahi pentax super takumar 55mm f/1.4.. it's hardly ever off my camera

[@AzrielKnight]

I wonder why fifty FIVE though....

[@Riverrockphotos]

I love my pentax spotmatic lol. I would love a k1000 so if your sick of yours send it my way.

[@AzrielKnight]

lol, my k1000 has sentimental value.

[@matthiasbarenfanger331]

Hallo Azriel, The Pentax ME Super is a good camera. But if i found the Ricoh KR-10x for 20.-€ i sell the Pentax ME Super for 90€. I dont now the Preisses in Kanada but for me it´s a very good Deal, better camera same Mount 70€ for me. mit freundlichem Gruß aus dem Schaumburger Land Matthias

[@AzrielKnight]

I think if you paid within your budget and you like the camera, it's a good deal. Congrats :)

[@Socrates...]

How does this camera compare to the Pentax MX ?

[@joshrock]

The MX is basically the mechanical version. The advantages to the me super would be up to 1/2000th shutter, and auto mode. The mx advantages would be the basic mechanical controls

[@Socrates...]

@@joshrock thank you

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Does manual override work now ? 😁

[@AzrielKnight]

Yeah, shit, I forgot to mention that :P I figured the flat was enough humility for one episode.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

@@AzrielKnight 🤣

[@cdl0]

Nice video.

[@AzrielKnight]

Thanks :)

[@ManuelGuzmanPhotography]

F I I I R S S T

[@terrywbreedlove]

WTH man just change the flat so easy.

[@AzrielKnight]

The what?

[@terrywbreedlove]

@@AzrielKnight WTH = What The Hell 😆

[@AzrielKnight]

I know. What is a flat?

[@terrywbreedlove]

@@AzrielKnight It is that black thing that isn’t so round anymore.

[@tulud]

reiview nikon fm3a

[@AzrielKnight]

Will keep my eyes peeled.