Impulse buy: Pentax ME Super

[Doug]

They're incredibly small, that's sure! That whole M series lineup, and the LX shares most of that size reduction too, and was probably the smallest pro-level film SLR.

 

[meeker]

Inspired by this thread, I've decided to send of my ME Super and MX for a CLA. You know, you can't keep a good Pentax down. I'll report back cost & service details when they're done, if there's interest.

cheers,

 

[manfromh]

Inspired by this thread, I've decided to send of my ME Super and MX for a CLA. You know, you can't keep a good Pentax down. I'll report back cost & service details when they're done, if there's interest.

cheers,

Good luck with your cameras!

That reminds me, I still havent used film in mine. I hope to get to it in the next few days.

 

[meeker]

Update: I had both cameras CLA'd by Eric Hendrickson (http://www.pentaxs.com/). He was very responsive to emails, turnaround was very quick (~week), and he warranties the work for 6 months. Cost was $65/camera.

 

[charjohncarter]

Matis, I think you got a good deal. I recently bought a SFn1 on Ebay ($36) with the same lens. I bought it because I have trouble focusing wide angle lenses. The SFn1 is not the camera the ME is and I had to pay $10-12 for shipping. I know you will like it. Keep your eyes open for another K mount lenses. I bought a 200mm SMC Pentax lense for $19 on ebay. The best deal (lens) I have is the 50mm f1.7 SMC A or AF. You will find happiness with the ME, even if it isn't a rangefinder. If you need help with anything, let me know, I have nothing but time.

 

[DougK]

Congrats on the find! You've inspired me to go dig out my MG.

I'm sure my wife just loves the cameras cluttering up the place as a result of surfing here the last few days...

 

[meeker]

Interestingly (perhaps only to me), the ME Super has a vertical metal shutter (just like my Bessa R), and the MX has a horizontal cloth shutter (just like my M6). Each has its own sound, though the MX is not any quieter than the ME Super (unlike the M6 vs. the R). ONe thing that does strike me is how compact the M series is compared to even my relatively small *ist DL. I also have the SMC-A 50/1.7. Supposedly the 1.4 is the one to get, but the 1.7 is a fine lens IMO.

 

[Doug]

I have pairs of ME Super, MX, and LX, and never paid much attention to subsequent 35mm Pentax models, but I've been getting more informed... The Super A (Super Program in the US) seems to be a bright spot, making use of SMCP-A series lenses.

And, moving on to autofocus, the MZ-3 and MZ-5n (ZX-5n in the US) look particularly attractive. They are light and compact, and still have rotating shutter speed dials for a reasonably traditional user interface. Easy loading and motor film advance like a Contax G or Hexar RF. I recently received a ZX-5n and liked it right away. So now I have a MZ-3 on the way from the UK... 😱 Pretty much the same camera, but the MZ-3 has faster X-sync and 1/4000 top speed instead of 1/2000.

 

[manfromh]

After using it I prefer it to every camera I've ever used. Its more comfortable than any of my rangefinders. This ones a keeper! I managed to get a russian-made m42 adapter for it. Here are some pics from the first rolls with a Jupiter-9

First two on Efke 50

and Efke 100

 

[Kim Coxon]

The best place for Pentax manuals is the website of one of your friendly moderators (but then again I may just be a little biased. 😀 )

www.pentax-manuals.com

MES manual on this page http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/mf/mfmanuals.htm

Kim

About 2 hours ago (or less) I saw an ad in an estonian photography forum about a Pentax ME Super + Takumar-a 28-80mm for about 64 dollars. Im not sure how much they are worth, but the price looked good to me. I called the guy and it turned out he lives in the same area of Tallinn as I do. Got his adress, went and bought the camera. Everything looks good. I've been wanting this camera since I first saw one for sale in a photostore.
Whooo I'm happy. I only need to find a manual for it in the internet.

Just expressing my joy 🙂 ,

Matis