PENTAX ME SUPER

Name: Pentax ME Super
Brand: Pentax

The Pentax ME Super is a compact 35mm film SLR introduced in 1979 as an evolution of the Pentax ME. It was aimed at advanced amateurs. It has aperture-priority autoexposure, a newly added manual exposure mode and a wider shutter speed range.

Overview

Pentax released the ME Super in 1979 in response to user feedback on the Pentax ME, which had no manual exposure control. It was a compact, lightweight SLR for enthusiasts who wanted automation without giving up creative control. It kept the original's small form factor and added significant upgrades. Pentax marketed it as "the world’s smallest and lightest auto-exposure SLR with manual override," for photographers who wanted portability and technical flexibility.

The ME Super has a vertically-traveling metal-blade focal-plane shutter with speeds from 4 seconds to 1/2000 second. The ME topped out at 1/1000 second. Add aperture-priority AE and the new manual mode, and you get more latitude in both low light and high-speed work. The camera uses the Pentax K-mount (also called the PK mount), so it takes a wide range of Pentax and third-party lenses, many with the "A" coupling for automatic aperture transmission.

Inside, the ME Super has an electronically controlled shutter powered by two 1.5V SR44 or PX76 batteries. The TTL (through-the-lens) open-aperture metering uses a silicon photodiode (SPD) sensor and gives accurate readings under various lighting conditions. The viewfinder shows shutter speed with an LED array - a novel feature at the time - so you can check exposure settings without taking your eye from the finder.

In the Pentax lineup, the ME Super sat in the middle, between the fully automatic ME and the professional-grade Pentax LX. It was part of a trend in the late 1970s and early 1980s toward miniaturized, electronically controlled SLRs, along with the Olympus OM series and Minolta XD series. Its mix of automation, manual control and compact design made it a favorite among travel and street photographers.

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 ME Super arrived while manufacturers were rapidly moving from fully mechanical cameras to electronically controlled ones. Demand for automation and ease of use was growing in the late 1970s, especially among amateurs entering the SLR market. Pentax had introduced the ME in 1976 as a compact aperture-priority camera. After criticism of its missing manual control, it released the ME Super in 1979.

This model competed directly with the Olympus OM-2, Minolta XD-11 (XD-7), and Canon AE-1 Program. The Olympus OM-2 offered off-the-film (OTF) metering, and the Minolta XD series gave you both aperture- and shutter-priority modes. The ME Super found its niche in size, simplicity and expanded functionality. It was praised for its intuitive interface and solid build quality for its size.

Pentax discontinued the ME Super in 1984 as it shifted focus to more advanced programmable models like the Super A (Pentax Super Program) and the autofocus SF series. It remains a respected model among vintage camera enthusiasts for its retro design and functional sophistication.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Pentax ME Super is sought after by film photography enthusiasts and collectors of 1970s - 80s SLRs. The 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, it typically sells for $100 - $180 USD, depending on included lens and cosmetic condition.

When buying an ME Super, check that the shutter works correctly at all speeds and that the meter responds to light changes. Common issues are 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. The LED display in the viewfinder may also 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. The ME Super is considered a reliable and practical film camera for everyday use.

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 in the base of the camera. They power the electronic shutter control, metering system and LED display. Battery leakage is common, so clean corroded contacts carefully with isopropyl alcohol. The electronics are relatively simple but can suffer from capacitor degradation over time, leading to shutter timing errors or complete failure.

Have shutter maintenance done 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 sturdy but can accumulate dust. Clean it with appropriate tools to avoid scratching the reflex mirror.

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

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PENTAX ME SUPER                                                 Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $85                                     Latest             $42 │
│ Median    $57                                     Trend                — │
│ Low       $40                                     Volume           ~8/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $100 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │          .                               .                      │
│    $57 ┤                                          .                     .│
│        │.         .                                                      │
│        │          .                                                     .│
│        │                                                                 │
│     $0 ┤                                                                 │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▂         █                               ▅                     ▅│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-08                      2026-08                      2026-08│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.