Difference between revisions of "Pentax ME Super"

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{{Infobox_35mm_MF_SLR|camera name='''Pentax ME Super'''
 
{{Infobox_35mm_MF_SLR|camera name='''Pentax ME Super'''
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|image source=
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|image source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/89853469@N00/2091306567/in/pool-camerawiki/
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|image=
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|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2091306567_34bb86d9ec_m.jpg
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|image caption= <br/><small>Image by [[:Category: Image by Pablo Coronel|Pablo Coronel]]</small> {{with permission}}
 
|maker=[[Pentax]]
 
|maker=[[Pentax]]
−
|dates=1979-1984
+
|dates=1980-1986
 
|variants=chrome, black, SE
 
|variants=chrome, black, SE
−
|lens mount=Pentax K
+
|lens mount=Pentax K with fully automatic diaphragm linkage
−
|shutter type=focal plane, vertical, metal
+
|shutter type= SEIKO MFC-E2 electronic [[focal plane shutter|focal plane]], vertical, metal
 
|min shutter speed=4s
 
|min shutter speed=4s
 
|max shutter speed=1/2000
 
|max shutter speed=1/2000
 
|sync speed=1/125
 
|sync speed=1/125
−
|exposure meter=TTL, open aperture,<br> center weighted
+
|exposure meter=[[TTL]], open aperture,<br> center weighted by GPD cells.  EV 1-19
−
|exposure modes=aperture priority, manual
+
|exposure modes=[[aperture priority]], manual, 125 mechanical, Bulb
−
|iso range=12 to 1600
+
|iso range=12 to 1600 [[ASA|ISO]]
−
|finder screen=fixed
+
|viewfinder= microprism, showing 92% of the image.  Indication [[LED]]s - red for over, under, green for correct exposure (1/60-1/2000) and yellow for [[camera shake]] warning (4s to 1/30)
−
|shoe=fixed hot shoe, contact for dedicated flash
+
|finder screen=fixed split-screen
 +
|shoe=fixed [[hot shoe]], contact for dedicated flash
 
|ttl flash=no
 
|ttl flash=no
 
|motor drive=external Winder ME (1.5i/s) or Winder ME II (2i/s)
 
|motor drive=external Winder ME (1.5i/s) or Winder ME II (2i/s)
−
|battery=2 x 1.5V
+
|battery=2 &times; 1.5V (SR44, LR44 or equivalent)
 +
|dimensions = 131.5x83x49.5 mm
 
|weight=445g w/o lens
 
|weight=445g w/o lens
 
|number produced=unknown
 
|number produced=unknown
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
In 1977, [[Pentax]] had introduced two compact 35mm [[SLR]]s, the [[Pentax MX|MX]] and the [[Pentax ME|ME]], after the [[Olympus OM-1]] presented in 1972 had introduced a new trend for compactness in SLR cameras.
+
In 1977, [[Pentax]] introduced two compact 35mm [[SLR]]s, the [[Pentax MX|MX]] and the [[Pentax ME|ME]]. These followed a trend towards smaller size in SLR cameras inspired by 1972's [[Olympus OM-1]].
  
−
The [[Pentax ME]] was the automatic model, but it had no manual mode. It was replaced in 1979 by the simpler [[Pentax MV|MV]] and the more advanced '''ME Super''', with the following changes:
+
Of the pair, the [[Pentax ME|ME]] was the autoexposure model, but it lacked any manual shutter-speed settings. In 1979 Pentax replaced the original ME with the simpler [[Pentax MV|MV]] and the more advanced '''ME Super''', which had the following changes:
−
* manual mode added
+
 
 +
* manual mode added, which lights a green indicator LED in viewfinder
 
* shutter speed range from 4s to 1/2000, sync at 1/125
 
* shutter speed range from 4s to 1/2000, sync at 1/125
−
* additional shoe contact for dedicated Pentax flash units
+
* over- and under-exposure LEDs blink
−
* different finder magnification
+
* blinking "EF" indicator LED when exposure compensation dial is moved away from standard 1x position
 +
* additional [[hot shoe|shoe]] contact for dedicated Pentax flash units
 +
* -1.0 diopter eyepiece (changed from -0.5)
 +
* The marking "ASAHI" in the pentaprism housing was eliminated sometime between the ME and the ME Super
 +
 
 +
The "Super" version is also a fraction of a millimeter taller than the original ME, although the difference is imperceptible in use. Both are exceptionally small bodies for a full 24x36mm format SLR.
 +
 
 +
The Pentax ME Super is an [[aperture priority]] automatic camera, with a [[focal plane shutter]] electronically timed from 4s to 1/2000, and with [[flash sync]] at 1/125. The shutter uses vertically-traveling metal curtains. For manual mode the ME Super uses two buttons, up and down, to select the shutter speed, rather than a more conventional rotary dial. The [[light meter|exposure meter]] is of the standard [[TTL]] open aperture center-weighted type. It is activated by a slight pressure on the release button, which should illuminate one or several LEDs at the left edge of the viewfinder.
  
−
The Pentax ME Super was an aperture priority automatic camera, with an electronic focal plane shutter from 4s to 1/2000, synchronized at 1/125. The shutter curtains were metal and had a vertical movement. For manual mode, the shutter knob usual at the time was replaced by two buttons, up and down, to select the shutter speed. 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 selector around the release button has five positions: L (lock), Auto, M (manual), 125X and B. With dead or missing batteries, A or M settings revert to a minimal, uncalibrated shutter speed. The user who fails to notice the unlit viewfinder LEDs and is fooled by the normal-sounding shutter operation may discover they have shot only blank or greatly-underexposed film. The mechanical B and 125X settings are usable without batteries, however.
  
−
The Pentax ME Super 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 or the user was displayed in the finder, the aperture was not.
+
The Pentax ME Super has a 0.95x viewfinder, covering 92% of the field. The finder screen is fixed, with a [[Split-image device|split image]] and a [[microprism]] ring in the center. The shutter speed chosen by the camera or the user is displayed in the finder, although aperture is not.
  
−
There was a self-timer and a hot shoe on the top of the prism with an additional contact for dedicated Pentax flash units. The selector around the release button had five positions: L (lock), Auto, M (manual), 125 and B. The Pentax ME Super could attach the external ''winder ME'' (1.5 i/s) or the later ''Winder ME II'' (2i/s). The Pentax ME Super could also mount a ''Dial Data ME'' databack, or the later ''Digital Data M'' databack via a cord adapter.
+
The ME has a mechanical self-timer with a maximum delay of about 10 seconds. After setting, the self-timer lever must be nudged clockwise again to begin the countdown. The camera has a [[hot shoe]] with an additional contact. Dedicated Pentax flash units use this to communicate a flash-ready indicator in the viewfinder and to automatically select the correct 1/125 sec. shutter speed, overriding any manual or auto setting.
  
−
The lenses were interchangeable with the K bayonet mount. Together with the ME and MX had been introduced the SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses.
+
The Pentax ME Super can accept either the external ''winder ME'' (1.5 i/s) or the later ''Winder ME II'' (2i/s). The Pentax ME Super can also mount a ''Dial Data ME'' databack, or the later ''Digital Data M'' databack via a cord adapter.
  
−
The Pentax ME Super existed in chrome or black finish. There was a special edition called '''ME Super SE''', only sold in chrome finish; the differences are the ''SE'' marking and the diagonal instead of horizontal split-image device in the focusing screen.<REF> [http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/bodies/M/ME_Super.html ME Super page] by Bojidar Dimitrov. </REF>
+
Interchangeable lenses for the ME Super use the [[K mount lenses|K bayonet mount]]. SMC Pentax-M lenses are a more compact K-mount series introduced alongside the ME and MX cameras.
  
−
A derivative with a primitive autofocus mechanism, called the [[Pentax ME-F]], was released in 1981. Production of the ME Super stopped in 1984.
+
The Pentax ME Super exists in chrome or black finish. There is a special edition called '''ME Super SE''', only sold in chrome finish; the differences are the ''SE'' marking and the diagonal instead of horizontal split-image device in the focusing screen.<REF> [http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/bodies/film_m/me_super/ ME Super page] by Bojidar Dimitrov. </REF>
  
 +
A derivative with a primitive autofocus mechanism, called the [[Pentax ME-F]], was released in 1981. Production of the ME Super stopped in 1986.
 +
 +
{|class=plainlinks
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/2980683897/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2980683897_782c907f43_m.jpg]
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/2981538602/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2981538602_96ec49db41_m.jpg]
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||[http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/2981538020/in/pool-camerawiki/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2981538020_a7c95ae929_m.jpg]
 +
|-
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| colspan=3 align=center |
 +
{{Flickr_image_caption
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|image_text=
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|image_by= Dirk HR Spennemann
 +
|image_rights= with permission
 +
}}
 +
|}
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
 +
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
−
 
+
{{Flickr_image
−
* [http://perso.wanadoo.fr/krg/collection/serie-m.htm The Pentax M series at krg site]
+
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolf-t/7329990162/in/pool-camerawiki/
−
* [http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/pentaxmeramblings.html Pentax ME Super Ramblings]
+
|image=  http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7329990162_74da367c66_m.jpg
−
* [http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/ Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-mount site]
+
|image_align= right
−
* [http://aya-2.hp.infoseek.co.jp/pentax-mesuper_ca.html The ME Super at Aya's Cameras]
+
|image_text= ME Super SE
−
* [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/pentax/html/mesuper.php ME Super] and [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/album_notices_P_Z/Pentax_Mesuper/index.html french user manual] at www.collection-appareils.fr
+
|image_by= wolf4max
 +
|image_rights= nc
 +
}}
 +
*[https://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax/pentax_me_super/pentax_me_super.htm Pentax ME Super user manual] at [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.org]
 +
* [http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/support/manual/542_1314745099-1539904450_manual.pdf User's manual] at [http://www.pentaximaging.com Pentax Imaging]
 +
* [https://krg.pagesperso-orange.fr/collection/serie-m.htm The Pentax M series] at [https://krg.pagesperso-orange.fr/index.htm the KRG site] (in French)
 +
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20160303190308/http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/pentaxmeramblings.html Pentax ME Super Ramblings]by Henry Taber  at kyphoto.com via [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive: The Wayback Machine]
 +
* [http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/bodies/film_m/me_super/ Pentax ME Super] at [http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/ Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-mount site]
 +
* [http://aya3photo.sakura.ne.jp/aya-2/pentax-mesuper_ca.html The ME Super at Aya's Cameras]
 +
* [http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/mf/mfmanuals.htm Pentax-Manuals.com] Manual for the Pentax Manual Focus cameras
  
 
{{Pentax K mount}}
 
{{Pentax K mount}}
Line 57: Line 92:
 
[[Category: K mount]]
 
[[Category: K mount]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 35mm SLR]]
 
[[Category: Japanese 35mm SLR]]
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[[Category: Pentax]]
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[[Category: Pentax|ME super]]
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[[Category: P]]
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[[Category: M|ME Super Pentax]]
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[[Category: M|Me Super]]
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[[Category: Image by Pablo Coronel]]

Latest revision as of 06:17, 11 October 2021

Pentax ME Super
2091306567_34bb86d9ec_m.jpg

Image by Pablo Coronel (Image rights)

Maker: Pentax

Dates: 1980-1986

Variants: chrome, black, SE

Camera Type: 35mm SLR

Focusing: manual

Lens mount: Pentax K with fully automatic diaphragm linkage

Shutter: SEIKO MFC-E2 electronic focal plane, vertical, metal
from 4s to 1/2000

Exposure meter: TTL, open aperture,
center weighted by GPD cells. EV 1-19

Exposure modes: aperture priority, manual, 125 mechanical, Bulb

ASA/ISO range: 12 to 1600 ISO

Finder screen: fixed split-screen

Flash shoe: fixed hot shoe, contact for dedicated flash

Flash speed: 1/125

TTL Flash: no

Motor drive: external Winder ME (1.5i/s) or Winder ME II (2i/s)

Battery: 2 × 1.5V (SR44, LR44 or equivalent)

Weight: 445g w/o lens

Number produced: unknown

In 1977, Pentax introduced two compact 35mm SLRs, the MX and the ME. These followed a trend towards smaller size in SLR cameras inspired by 1972's Olympus OM-1.

Of the pair, the ME was the autoexposure model, but it lacked any manual shutter-speed settings. In 1979 Pentax replaced the original ME with the simpler MV and the more advanced ME Super, which had the following changes:

  • manual mode added, which lights a green indicator LED in viewfinder
  • shutter speed range from 4s to 1/2000, sync at 1/125
  • over- and under-exposure LEDs blink
  • blinking "EF" indicator LED when exposure compensation dial is moved away from standard 1x position
  • additional shoe contact for dedicated Pentax flash units
  • -1.0 diopter eyepiece (changed from -0.5)
  • The marking "ASAHI" in the pentaprism housing was eliminated sometime between the ME and the ME Super

The "Super" version is also a fraction of a millimeter taller than the original ME, although the difference is imperceptible in use. Both are exceptionally small bodies for a full 24x36mm format SLR.

The Pentax ME Super is an aperture priority automatic camera, with a focal plane shutter electronically timed from 4s to 1/2000, and with flash sync at 1/125. The shutter uses vertically-traveling metal curtains. For manual mode the ME Super uses two buttons, up and down, to select the shutter speed, rather than a more conventional rotary dial. The exposure meter is of the standard TTL open aperture center-weighted type. It is activated by a slight pressure on the release button, which should illuminate one or several LEDs at the left edge of the viewfinder.

The selector around the release button has five positions: L (lock), Auto, M (manual), 125X and B. With dead or missing batteries, A or M settings revert to a minimal, uncalibrated shutter speed. The user who fails to notice the unlit viewfinder LEDs and is fooled by the normal-sounding shutter operation may discover they have shot only blank or greatly-underexposed film. The mechanical B and 125X settings are usable without batteries, however.

The Pentax ME Super has a 0.95x viewfinder, covering 92% of the field. The finder screen is fixed, with a split image and a microprism ring in the center. The shutter speed chosen by the camera or the user is displayed in the finder, although aperture is not.

The ME has a mechanical self-timer with a maximum delay of about 10 seconds. After setting, the self-timer lever must be nudged clockwise again to begin the countdown. The camera has a hot shoe with an additional contact. Dedicated Pentax flash units use this to communicate a flash-ready indicator in the viewfinder and to automatically select the correct 1/125 sec. shutter speed, overriding any manual or auto setting.

The Pentax ME Super can accept either the external winder ME (1.5 i/s) or the later Winder ME II (2i/s). The Pentax ME Super can also mount a Dial Data ME databack, or the later Digital Data M databack via a cord adapter.

Interchangeable lenses for the ME Super use the K bayonet mount. SMC Pentax-M lenses are a more compact K-mount series introduced alongside the ME and MX cameras.

The Pentax ME Super exists in chrome or black finish. There is a special edition called ME Super SE, only sold in chrome finish; the differences are the SE marking and the diagonal instead of horizontal split-image device in the focusing screen.[1]

A derivative with a primitive autofocus mechanism, called the Pentax ME-F, was released in 1981. Production of the ME Super stopped in 1986.

2980683897_782c907f43_m.jpg 2981538602_96ec49db41_m.jpg 2981538020_a7c95ae929_m.jpg

images by Dirk HR Spennemann (Image rights)

Notes

  1. ↑ ME Super page by Bojidar Dimitrov.


Links

7329990162_74da367c66_m.jpg
ME Super SE
image by wolf4max (Image rights)
Pentax K mount SLR Cameras
K2 | KX | KM | K1000 | MX | ME | ME Super | ME-F | MV | MV1 | MG | LX | Super-A | Program-A | A3 | P30| P30n/P3n/P30t | P50 | SFX/SF1 | SF7/SF10 | SFXn/SF1n | Z-1/PZ-1 | Z-10/PZ-10 | Z-20/PZ-20 | Z-50p | Z-5 | Z-5p | Z-70/PZ-70 | Z-1p/PZ-1p | MZ-5/ZX-5 | MZ-3/ZX-3 | MZ-5N/ZX-5N | MZ-7/ZX-7 | MZ-6/ZX-L | MZ-S | MZ-10/ZX-10 | MZ-50/ZX-50 | MZ-30/ZX-30 | MZ-60/ZX-60 | Pentax *ist | MZ-M/ZX-M
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