PENTAX ME SUPER

Name: Pentax ME Super
Brand: Pentax

The Pentax ME Super is a compact 35mm film SLR camera introduced in 1979 as an evolution of the popular Pentax ME. Designed for advanced amateur photographers, it combines aperture-priority autoexposure with a newly added manual exposure mode and an expanded shutter speed range, making it one of the most versatile compact SLRs of its era.

Overview

Released in 1979, the Pentax ME Super was developed to address user feedback on its predecessor, the Pentax ME, which lacked manual exposure control. Positioned as a compact, lightweight SLR for enthusiasts seeking automation without sacrificing creative control, the ME Super retained the original’s small form factor while introducing significant upgrades. It was marketed as "the world’s smallest and lightest auto-exposure SLR with manual override," appealing to photographers who desired portability and technical flexibility.

The ME Super featured a vertically-traveling metal-blade focal-plane shutter with speeds from 4 seconds to 1/2000 second, a notable improvement over the ME’s 1/1000 second maximum. This shutter, combined with aperture-priority AE and a newly implemented manual mode, gave users greater creative latitude in both low-light and high-speed photography. The camera used the Pentax K-mount (also known as the PK mount), ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Pentax and third-party lenses, many of which featured the "A" coupling for automatic aperture transmission.

Internally, the ME Super relied on an electronically controlled shutter system powered by two 1.5V SR44 or PX76 batteries. Its TTL (through-the-lens) open-aperture metering system used a silicon photodiode (SPD) sensor, providing accurate exposure readings under various lighting conditions. The viewfinder displayed shutter speed information via an LED array—a novel feature at the time—allowing users to monitor exposure settings without taking their eye from the finder.

Within Pentax’s lineup, the ME Super occupied a mid-tier position between the fully automatic ME and the professional-grade Pentax LX. It was part of a broader trend in the late 1970s and early 1980s toward miniaturized, electronically controlled SLRs, exemplified by models like the Olympus OM series and Minolta XD series. The ME Super’s blend of automation, manual control, and compact design made it a favorite among travel and street photographers.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm film SLR
Film Format	35mm (135)
Years Produced	1979–1984
Lens Mount	Pentax K-mount (PK mount)
Shutter	Electronically controlled vertical-travel metal focal-plane; 4 sec to 1/2000 sec, plus Bulb (B)
Metering	TTL open-aperture center-weighted average using silicon photodiode (SPD)
Exposure Modes	Aperture-priority autoexposure, Manual mode
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with 0.92x magnification, 92% coverage; LED shutter speed display
Dimensions	130 × 80 × 48 mm (5.1 × 3.1 × 1.9 in); Approx. 490 g (17.3 oz) body only

Key Features

Expanded Shutter Speed Range: 4 seconds to 1/2000 second, enabling high-speed action capture and long exposures.
Dual Exposure Modes: Aperture-priority AE for automatic exposure and manual mode for full user control.
Compact Design: At the time of release, it was among the smallest and lightest electronic SLRs available.
LED Viewfinder Display: Real-time shutter speed readout via red LEDs in the viewfinder.
K-Mount Compatibility: Supports Pentax K, M, A series lenses and most third-party lenses with automatic stop-down metering.

Historical Context

The Pentax ME Super was launched during a pivotal period in SLR development, when manufacturers were rapidly transitioning from fully mechanical cameras to electronically controlled models. The late 1970s saw increasing demand for automation and ease of use, particularly among amateur photographers entering the SLR market. Pentax, having introduced the ME in 1976 as a compact aperture-priority camera, responded to criticism about its lack of manual control by releasing the ME Super in 1979.

This model directly competed with the Olympus OM-2, Minolta XD-11 (XD-7), and Canon AE-1 Program. While the Olympus OM-2 offered sophisticated off-the-film (OTF) metering and the Minolta XD series provided both aperture- and shutter-priority modes, the ME Super carved a niche with its balance of size, simplicity, and expanded functionality. It was particularly praised for its intuitive interface and robust build quality relative to its size.

Despite its technical merits, the ME Super was discontinued in 1984 as Pentax shifted focus toward more advanced programmable models like the Super A (Pentax Super Program) and the autofocus SF series. Nevertheless, it remains a respected model among vintage camera enthusiasts for its blend of retro design and functional sophistication.

Collectibility & Value

Today, the Pentax ME Super is a sought-after camera among film photography enthusiasts and collectors of 1970s–80s SLRs. Its compact size, manual mode, and 1/2000 sec shutter make it more desirable than the original ME, and it often commands higher prices on the used market. In working condition, with a clean body and functioning meter, the ME Super typically sells for $100–$180 USD, depending on included lens and cosmetic condition.

When purchasing an ME Super, buyers should verify that the shutter operates correctly at all speeds and that the meter responds to light changes. Common issues include degraded light seals, sticky shutter curtains (especially if stored improperly), and failing capacitors in the electronic circuitry. The camera uses two 1.5V SR44 (or equivalent) batteries, which are widely available, but corrosion in the battery compartment is a frequent problem in older units. Additionally, the LED display in the viewfinder may dim or fail over time due to aging components.

Fully functional units with original lenses (such as the SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 or f/2) are particularly valuable. Rarer variants, like special edition models or those with uncommon finishes, are scarce but not widely documented. Overall, the ME Super is considered a reliable and practical film camera for everyday use, not just a display piece.

Similar Cameras

Olympus OM-2 – Offers TTL OTF metering and compact design; strong competitor in the enthusiast SLR market.
Minolta XD-11 (XD-7) – Dual aperture- and shutter-priority modes in a small body; praised for its build and handling.
Canon AE-1 Program – Popularized programmable exposure in a compact SLR; widely used in photography education.
Nikon EM – Compact Nikon SLR with aperture-priority AE; targeted at beginners but less rugged than the ME Super.
Pentax MG – A near-identical contemporary from Pentax with similar features but slightly different styling and controls.

Repair & Maintenance

The Pentax ME Super runs on two 1.5V SR44 (or PX76) silver-oxide batteries, located in the base of the camera. These power the electronic shutter control, metering system, and LED display. Battery leakage is a common issue, so corroded contacts should be cleaned carefully with isopropyl alcohol. The camera’s electronics are relatively simple but can suffer from capacitor degradation over time, leading to shutter timing errors or complete failure.

Shutter maintenance should be performed by a technician experienced with electronic SLRs. The vertical metal shutter is durable but may develop oil residue on the curtains, causing slow speeds to stick. Light seals should be replaced every 10–15 years to prevent light leaks and fogging. The mirror mechanism is robust but can accumulate dust; cleaning should be done with appropriate tools to avoid scratching the reflex mirror.

Overall, the ME Super is considered moderately repairable. Parts are still available through camera repair specialists and online marketplaces, and its design allows for relatively straightforward disassembly. Regular use and battery removal when not in storage are recommended to maximize longevity.