Pentax ME Super, The future 70's style

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Let's take a look at this icon from the late70's/early 80's. Let's talk about the good and less good this has to offer.
Did you have an ME Super? Tell us about it in the comments.

[@cruzinthru8285]

So Happy to see a Review on this Amazing Camera in 2022! You seem to be bothered though by not having a shutter speed dial on the top of the camera. The ME Super was the First 35mm SLR that had Push Button Electronic Control for Manual Shutter Speeds, and it was a Huge Innovation! It was Designed so that the user never had to remove their Eye from the Viewfinder to reset a Shutter Speed. Unlike pretty much all cameras at the time. One of the Best Uses for THIS Camera, above all others at the time, was that This Feature, and the LED Indicator in the Viewfinder, made it a "Best Choice" for people like myself, who took Photos of Stage Acts, and Especially "Rock Concerts" in the 1980's... Because of my Concert Photos, which I printed in Color, 11x14 in my Darkroom, and then Gave Away. to a lot of the right people.. I got to know many Show Promoters, Venue and Band Managers. Did lots of Promo Work for some of the more famous groups of the day. I always had No Problem dropping the right names, or making the right phone calls, to get an "All Access Pass" for to the Best Concerts ever, anywhere in the U.S.. So not just right in front of the Stage shots at Concerts, but Back Stage as well as After Show Parties etc. Most shot with my Pentax ME Super, and some more important work, with my Pentax 67 I had purchased a few years later. In 1982 I purchased a Black Body ME Super with Leather (not Vinyl) case., and the SMC 50mm f1.4 Lens... with many lenses to follow. I still have that camera, and it is in Pristine Condition... Not even a scratch or brassing after 40 years with 20+ years of Continuous use. It still has the original Plastic Protection for the Bottom Plate it shipped with intact. (Part of the reason was I always had the ME-II Winder mounted to the bottom.) A few years ago, I sent it 2000+ miles away for a complete "checkup" and had the Seals replaced, shutter speeds calibrated etc. The owner of the shop wanted to buy it from me, as he said he had repaired well over 1000 of these, and never has seen one in such fantastic condition. I declined of course... This camera was actually a Huge Upgrade from the Asahi Pentax SV with the 55mm f1.8 Lens, that I bought in 1964 when I was Nine years old. I saved my morning and evening "Paper Route" money for over a year to buy it, and it's Velvet Lined Leather Case... It was nearly $500.00 which was Big Money in 1964. Still have that camera, and it is also still in Pristine Condition... Used it last week actually. Still have my Darkroom for Color and B+W. Big Fun with Pentax Cameras! BTW... even though I have more modern Sony Mirrorless Digital Cameras... I also have a Pentax *ist DS2, a Pentax D20 and a Pentax K-3III, soon maybe a K-1 II. Obviously I'm a Big Pentax Fan... Love their Cameras... Always a Joy to use, and I never sell them as I become too attached to them. ... lol Thanks for this very well done Video!

[@mariannamonteiro6146]

Dunno where you’re done but come back we need u!!!!!

[@albertofernandez-sanguino3373]

Wow, that was a definitely a trip down memory lane! Was gifted one in 1993, came with a Rokinon 28-80 mm lens and frankly loved it, used it very often. However, for a number of years, photography took a back seat but now I have recently returned to 35mm SLRs. My ME Super was not working but a change of batteries was all that was required to bring this beauty back into my life! There's something reassuring about the look and feel of old SLRs vs those of the late 80s and into the early 2000s. Don't get me wrong, those later cameras are technically exceptional pieces of electronics and have recently purchased 2 myself (Canon EOSs) for little money. However, the mechanical nature of old SLRs reminds me of an old mechanical watch .... aesthetically very pleasing and reasurring. Thanks for a great review! BTW the 1600 ISO/ASA rating is the ceiling on this camera. When utilising 3200 ISO film and trying to use the exposure compensation dial to reduce by one stop, mechanically it simply won't let you, it's blocked. A similar thing happens with ISO 800, you can only go down one stop. So you would have to adjust using shutter speed. But frankly a minor gripe. Also have figured out Pentax's system for stops up or down. Say you're using ISO 400 film. 2 stops down would be ISO 100 or 1/4 of the original. Same thing going up.... 2 stops would take you to 1600, therefore x4 the original. Unconventionally logical would be my conclusion. Also one issue I have, which apparently is quite common on this model (maybe other Pentaxs??)..... the camera back can mysteriously open up and film ruined! Need to take this to a technician, do a good service, plus change of seals, mirror buffer sponge thing, etc etc

[@MpenziYako]

Super duper introduction to the ME Super. Many thank. mark

[@nickm8134]

I bought my first ME Super in 1980, then swapped it for something about 20 years ago! I found a good-condition replacement about 3 years ago. Completely agree with everything in the video - I treat this as a super-compact aperture priority automatic almost 100% of the time, it really is a point-and-shoot SLR in many respects. Though build down to a price, it is a lovely camera, and if looked after is very reliable. They can suffer from rewind issues, especially if they have been heavily used with the winder, and probably seals will need to be replaced at some point. The 'standard' Pentax M 50mm f1.7 is a really great lens and a perfect match for this camera. The ME Super is a perfect companion for the LX, the LX having much better manual control, etc. but the ME is smaller, lighter, and often the one I will grab!

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello Nick M, Thank you for your comments and sharing your memories of using your ME Super. The LX is a great camera too and much underappreciated to be frank. ALl the 50mm F1.7 or1.8 lenses of the day were good but when AF came along people also wanted to move to a zoom lens but still pay a low low price thus the kit lens was born! Kind regards MVC

[@jocknarn3225]

yep, I just got an LX in gorgeous cosmetic condition but "sticky mirror" & light meter issues .. always nervous with electronic faults of this vintage so checking my technician's credentials as best I can🤞. Tho way over my skill atm, hoping this will b my "go to".

[@daviddedick14]

I just purchased a ME (not super). It came with the 40 mm lens up mentioned. A super compact lens on a very compact camera I’m liking it a lot!

[@mariannamonteiro6146]

Your channels so amazing hope you’re well and still creating ❤

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

fascinating camera! Great review! I am a big Pentax fan!

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Thank you for your comment TSTS. Have a peaceful Easter. MVC

[@krustysurfer]

❤ *Pentax*

[@Big.E]

Thank you 👍

[@andyoclover]

Quite the reverse, Sir!The images are rather nice.I recently bought such camera on ebay and now waiting for the first film Ilford HP5 plus to be processed and photographs developed at lab.Thank you for indepth look at this nice little camera.

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello Andis, Thank you for your comments and kind words. I hope you enjoy your new camera. B and W developing can be a bit hit and miss so I hope you found a good lab that will use the right developer and development time. I think things have got better recently as it is now more of an enthusiast cottage industry but if your film turns out more grey than black and white maybe try XP2 next time. All the best MVC

[@SPTSuperSprinter156]

When I was new to film photography 10 years ago I had an om-10. It was a lovely camera with lots of accessories… but little did I know it was actually entirely dependent on that button cell battery. Typically, while out shooting under dark skies in cold weather it gave up the ghost. I thought the shutter had jammed, but the battery had simply died in the cold. I absolutely could not believe that this old silver camera would refuse to work without a battery just as much as a modern one would. Glad to see this one you reviewed had some sort of fallback, much more sensible.

[@SanTM]

I bought the Fuji DL-270 thanks to this channel (£19 on ebay) and it's been great for the point and shoot. But now I'm looking for something with more control over an automatic so your videos are great for this. I like that you do give a running pros and cons of the items. I might give this a miss despite how cheap some are going for on ebay and go for your other recommendations for inexpensive beginner SLR's

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello Sanichiban, Thank you for your kind words. I'm pleased to hear the DL-270 is working out for you. The great thing is there are so many SLR cameras from the late 80's and 90's that can be bought fairly cheaply, just male sure you can return them if there is an issue. I tend to gamble on some offers for sale but I hope I can find value in what I buy but first time out you might prefer a 14 day return window! Thank you for your support. All the best MVC

[@SanTM]

@@mostlyvintagecameras4323 Thank you for the response and invaluable information. Any particular models you recommend? Already looked at Canon AE-1 and Olympus OM-1 on ebay and other resell sites and they are usually going around £100. Have seen brands like Pratika,Yashica going for cheaper. As long as it's sold as working and there's a good bargain then can't lose can I?! Thanks !

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello Sanichiban, In summary you are asking what the best first SLR is. That's a big question for the comments section! The likelihood is it won't be your last so that takes the pressure off, unless you plan for your first SLR to be your last in which case the question is what's the best SLR ever made? To keep things simple maybe look for the camera with the most lenses and bits and bobs with it for the lowest price (that has a warranty or return period). I feel cameras like the EOS range offer a lot of bang for your buck, also similar Nikon's F-601, 801, 70, 80 etc but they both lack some of the cool factor of a 70's camera. Vivitar SLR's are all manual if you want a "learning" camera, they have Pentax lens fitting are quite reliable (made in Japan by Cosina) and are very cheap. As I said before there's a lot of choice you can't go far wrong or you could go crazy and just buy a Hasselblad 500cm or cx, that would be a bold move for sure! All the best MVC

[@SanTM]

@@mostlyvintagecameras4323 Thanks for the reply. In the end I managed to get a pretty near excellent condition Fujica ST801 for about £44. The seals are completely rotten so it's getting fixed but I couldn't be happier with having this as my entry level. As you say, after I commented the research I did meant it was just as simple as buying a Rolleiflex with very little control over the focus etc. I'll load it up with some test expired film and get started on it. Thanks!

[@volaticusfilms6185]

Nice overview and even the filming style and font looks like an ad from the era for a camera like this. The ME Super was my first ever SLR and I saved for over 3 years to get one. As a child, I was mesmerised by the electronic display and buttons instead of classic dials. The design did make the top part of the camera more elegant and simple. But for manual exposure, it was a stupid design decision. With no autofocus, it made a bit more sense as you would be forced to peer through the viewfinder for focus and composition. So the up/down shutter buttons made more sense. But to me, on reflection, the camera was a bit of a gimmick with its 1/2000 second shutter and glowing electronic display. In those days I was far more interested in how cool it looked than its ergonomics or function.

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello volatcusfilms, Thank you for your comments and sharing your memories of the ME Super from "back in the day". All the best MVC

[@jocknarn3225]

or u could start with a Pentax K-1000 .. so many i knew had/have one. Hey: gr8 demo pix .. gr8 detail, expert DOF. I hadda new one mid-80s/long since gone BUT recently found another .. an all-black number in "working condition" so off 4 a service/CLA she goes (light seals have disintegrated). THAT in turn (thx 2 the subverting power of YTube reviews) led me 2 an LX but that's another story ...

[@monochromebluess]

Just bought a Pentax me Super to relive my younger days. Thanks for the video which has refreshed my memory after digital brainwashing over the years !! I had one back in the early 80’s. It was my first SLR after a rangefinder Zorki. Interesting pictures in and around Nottingham as that is where I live. Are you a member of any vintage camera groups in the area. Are there any.

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello Alan, Thank you for your comments and I hope you enjoy your ME Super again. The 80's was of course the best decade as we all know. I'm not from Nottingham but I tend to travel a little bit up and down the country but I'm afraid I have no knowledge of local vintage groups. Perhaps you could start one? All the best MVC

[@iskandartaib]

When I first saw the ME and MX in a store display case I really, really, really wanted one - they were so small and compact. But alas, I was 10 or 11 at the time. About a decade later I had saved some money and was about to buy my own SLR camera body for the first time, and I chose a Ricoh XR2s, mainly because it had a K mount AND it had a bunch of features the ME didn't have, including an actual shutter speed dial. Unfortunately it was quite a big larger. I finally did get a ME after yet another decade - I'd suddenly found that all those desirable cameras from the mid-70s were being sold, used, at ridiculously low prices (my ME was sitting on a local camera's store shelf). Never did get a ME Super, though. And to be honest - the couple of battery powered built-in winder Ricoh bodies (Sears branded, off eBay) I bought later didn't really appeal to me that much.

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello iskandartaid, Thank you for your comment and sharing your vintage (I guess not vintage at the time) camera history. I have to say I have not encountered a Ricoh XR2 so that's a new one on me! Thanks again MVC

[@iskandartaib]

@@mostlyvintagecameras4323 Yeah, Ricoh made a series of SLR bodies with K mount lenses - there was a XR1 (all mechanical, 100% manual) and the XR2 (aperture priority auto + manual). I forget what they did to turn it into a XR2s.. maybe the ability to take a motor winder. The cheaper KR10 was a stripped down XR2s (it could still take a motor drive), and there was an even cheaper KR5. Back then you read up about new cameras in magazines, one review of the XR2s said it was a "mongrel" - sort of like a Nikon (forget which model exactly) but with a K mount. Sears also sold several of these under various model numbers, too. There's a bunch of manuals available for download on Mr. Butkus's excellent website.

[@pdtech4524]

Very nice overview of this lovely little camera. I actually picked one up recently for £15 with the Pentax-A 50mm 1.7 lens. Unfortunately it has some issues, a very slow mirror return, thankfully it's not stuck or infinitely windng, a common issue but it's a related issue. The electronics were not working but after cleaning the battery cover that issue is now sorted. Bulb mode is a bit hit and miss, I guess the mode dial wants lifting off and the contacts cleaning. So I assume the top plate has to come off for that? I've got to go inside it and clean and lubricate the mirror return mechanism anyway. I've added your channel, hopefully you'll connect with a retro photographer?

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello pdtech, Thank you for your comments. £15, sounds like you got a bargain there as the lens alone must be worth that much. If there is a little line of residue on the bottom edge of the mirror them the slow return is likely sticky light trap foam at the leading edge of the focus screen area. For repair advice I'd recommend looking at Fix Old Cameras on YT, they have a video on removing the top plate I believe. All the best MVC

[@pdtech4524]

@@mostlyvintagecameras4323 Thanks for the tip, very helpful. Yes the lens alone is potentially worth more than I paid, although that also has an issue, the aperture ring won't go past f9.5 ish to f22 and when on the camera is a bit 'gritty' at the other end around 1.7 however off the camera is smooth in that area! I can take the lens apart and check the aperture ring, I think a small piece has become dislodged and got stuck? You're right about the sticky leading edge on the focusing prism, the light seals seem to have broken down and become 'gummy' the mirror seems to stick to it for a moment if I manually pull up the mirror. But when the mirror starts to lift as the shutter button is pressed, there is definitely a delay as it rises very slowly, with some use it goes back to normal operation. It looks like it needs opening up and given a full CLA, I'll study the videos you mention.

[@glasgoresam54]

Great video! I've just been gifted my dad's old Pentax ME Super. I'm very new to photography, what 35mm film would you recommend a beginner to use in this? Thank you!

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello glasgoresman54, Thank you for your comment. It's great to hear you will be using your father's old camera. For a first film you can't go far wrong with Kodak Gold or ultramarine 400. Kodak Portra is great if you want to splash out but maybe use the regular Kodak first time to make sure all is working well. If you want black and white Ilford XP2 is a great choice. I just picked up three rolls myself! All the best MVC

[@sannedendikken]

hi, my lens is stuck on the camera body. I dont know anything about cameras, and have been trying this camera out for the past week since my grandpa gifted it to me. but I can't seem to change the lens anymore, its completely stuck. the "button" I have to push is not really moving, only a bit side to side maybe, do you have any tips?

[@sannedendikken]

it still works perfectly fine tho, and I can still take pictures. but I just want to be able to change te lens

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello sanne den dikken, Thank you for your comment, sorry to hear things are not going well. it does mot sound good. just to be sure maybe double check this video about mounting the lens kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJfEpYqcg7CasLs. other than that it may be an anti rotation screw has dropped out and the lens is overrotated. That's a trip to the guy woth the screwdrivers i'm afraid. good luck MVC

[@melvinch]

Your big hands make the already miniscule camera looks much smaller. 😅

[@wahid182]

Thorough and great video thank you! Reading all the comments above, trips down memory lane are truly heartwarming. I hope to create some too as this is my first SLR camera, purchased it a year ago as good digital cameras are fairly expensive. I have had some issues with auto mode as it sets the shutter speed too slow but seeing how you adjusted the exposure and aperture is a great tip will use it soon! All th best and thanks for the great content!

[@mostlyvintagecameras4323]

Hello Rothnik Croft, Thank you for your comments. If auto is choosing a slow speed (I assume you are getting camera shake?) then you can open the appature (move to small numbers like F4, 2.8 or 1.7 depending what settings your lens has). If the camera still shows a speed that would cause camera shake then I'm afraid you will need a tripod and a cable release. If this is happeing then maybe choose a faster fillm speed next time. Keep at it. All the best MVC

[@wahid182]

@@mostlyvintagecameras4323 This worked wonderfully it brought it all the way down to an acceptable shutter speed. I even tweaked the exposure which brought it down a bit more. Thanks again and all the best!