Pentax ME
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{{{image caption}}} Maker: Pentax Dates: 1977-1979 Variants: chrome, black, SE Camera Type: 35mm SLR Focusing: manual Lens mount: Pentax K Shutter: focal plane, vertical, metal Exposure meter: TTL, open aperture, Exposure modes: aperture priority ASA/ISO range: 12 to 1600 Finder screen: fixed Flash shoe: fixed hot shoe Flash speed: 1/100 TTL Flash: no Motor drive: external winder ME I (2i/s) or motor (5i/s) Battery: 2 x 1.5V Weight: 490g w/o lens Number produced: {{{number produced}}} |
In 1977, Pentax introduced two compact 35mm SLRs, the MX and the ME. The Olympus OM-1 presented in 1972 had introduced a new trend for compactness in SLR cameras.
The Pentax ME was an aperture priority automatic camera, with an electronic focal plane shutter from 8s to 1/1000, synchronized at 1/100. The shutter curtains were metal and had a vertical movement. There was no shutter dial, and the camera could not be used in manual mode, except for B and 1/100 exposures. The exposure meter was of the standard TTL open aperture center weighted type. It was activated by a slight pressure on the release button.
The Pentax ME had a 0.95x viewfinder, covering 92% of the field. The finder screen was fixed, with a split image image and a microprism ring in the center. The shutter speed chosen by the camera was displayed in the finder, the aperture was not.
There was a hot shoe on the top of the prism and a self-timer. The selector around the release button had four positions: L (lock), Auto, 100X (1/100, X sync) and B. The Pentax MX could attach an external winder ME I (1.5 i/s) or the later ME II (2i/s). There was also a Data ME databack available.
The lenses were interchangeable with the K bayonet mount. Together with the MX and ME was introduced the SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses.
The Pentax MX existed in chrome or black finish, and a limited edition called ME SE had a brown leather covering with the chrome finish.
