In the golden age of 35mm photography during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pentax was one of the dominant players in the SLR market. Among their many offerings, the Pentax ME Super stands out as a particularly iconic model. Compact, lightweight, beautifully designed, and mechanically reliable, the ME Super continues to captivate film photographers even decades after its release.
Introduced in 1979 as a successor to the Pentax ME, the ME Super was aimed at advanced amateurs and enthusiasts who wanted more manual control without sacrificing compactness or usability. It was one of the first SLRs to successfully combine electronic shutter operation with manual override, and it featured an easy-to-read LED display in the viewfinder, making it one of the more technologically advanced cameras of its era.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, design, features, usability, legacy, and ongoing relevance of the Pentax ME Super.
Historical Context
The Pentax ME Super was introduced at a time when camera manufacturers were striving to make SLRs smaller, smarter, and easier to use, while still giving photographers access to manual exposure controls. Automation was beginning to take hold, but photographers still valued the creative control afforded by manual operation. The ME Super represented a balance of both worlds.
Where the original Pentax ME (1976) only offered aperture priority automation, the ME Super introduced manual shutter speed selection via electronic push buttons—an innovation at the time. It was marketed as a more advanced sibling in the Pentax M-series lineup, alongside models like the MX, MG, and later the Program Plus.
Build Quality and Design
The Pentax ME Super has a distinctly retro aesthetic that is appreciated even today. Its compact form factor makes it one of the smallest 35mm SLRs ever made, especially when paired with the pancake-style Pentax-M 40mm f/2.8 lens or the common 50mm f/1.7 lens. The body measures approximately 131 x 83 x 49 mm and weighs around 450 grams (body only), making it a joy to carry for street and travel photography.
The ME Super is constructed from metal and high-quality plastic, giving it a solid feel in the hand. Its design is minimalistic, with clean lines and easy-to-reach controls. The shutter speed controls are operated by two small buttons on the top plate—marked with up and down arrows—rather than a traditional dial. While this may seem unorthodox, it allows for precise control and contributes to the camera’s sleek profile.
Shutter and Exposure Control
One of the standout features of the ME Super is its electronically controlled, vertically traveling metal shutter, with speeds ranging from 4 seconds to 1/2000 of a second—very fast for its time. It also features a bulb mode (B) for long exposures and a mechanical backup speed of 1/125s in case the batteries die.
The camera supports two shooting modes:
- Aperture Priority Auto Mode: The photographer selects the aperture, and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed based on the TTL (Through The Lens) metering.
- Manual Mode: Shutter speeds are selected via the up/down buttons, with exposure guidance provided via a column of LED lights in the viewfinder.
The combination of automation and manual control made the ME Super flexible for photographers of all skill levels.
Viewfinder and Display
The viewfinder is one of the best aspects of the ME Super. It provides a bright, clear display with 92% frame coverage and 0.95x magnification. The split-image and microprism focusing aid in the center of the matte screen make it easy to focus manually—essential in a time before autofocus became widespread.
Inside the viewfinder, a vertical column of LEDs indicates the shutter speed, with a blinking light when the camera is suggesting a different setting than what’s selected. This system is intuitive and easier to read than many of the needle-based systems in other SLRs of the era.
Lens Compatibility
The ME Super uses the Pentax K-mount, which was introduced in 1975 and became one of the most enduring lens mounts in the history of photography. This means the ME Super is compatible with a wide range of Pentax lenses, including:
- Pentax-M and Pentax-A series lenses
- Third-party K-mount lenses (e.g., by Vivitar, Tokina, Tamron)
- Modern Pentax lenses (though lacking electronic contacts, so manual focus and aperture control are required)
Some of the most popular lenses paired with the ME Super include the Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7, known for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh, and the Pentax-M 28mm f/2.8, perfect for landscapes and street photography.
Metering and Batteries
The ME Super features TTL (center-weighted) metering, which reads light through the lens and delivers generally accurate exposures. It does not offer spot metering or matrix metering, but the center-weighted system is predictable and reliable once you understand its behavior.
The camera requires two LR44 or SR44 button cell batteries (or equivalent 1.5V silver-oxide batteries) to operate its light meter and electronic shutter. As mentioned earlier, in the absence of battery power, the camera can still shoot at 1/125s—making it functional in emergencies.
Film Loading and Operation
The ME Super is a manual-focus, manual-wind camera. Loading film is straightforward: open the back using the rewind knob, insert the 35mm film, thread the leader onto the take-up spool, and wind it on. A film advance lever is used to wind to the next frame, and a frame counter tracks your progress.
The shutter release has a soft, responsive feel, and there’s a standard self-timer lever on the front for delayed shots. The rewind crank is smooth and reliable.
Flash and Accessories
The camera includes a hot shoe for external flash units, and a PC sync port for off-camera flash setups. Flash sync speed is 1/125s, which is fairly typical for SLRs of its generation.
Pentax offered a number of accessories for the ME Super, including:
- Motor Drive ME for automatic film advance
- Data backs for time/date imprinting
- Dedicated flashes like the Pentax AF160
These additions made the camera customizable and adaptable to different photographic needs.
Why the ME Super Still Matters
Despite being over four decades old, the Pentax ME Super still has a passionate following among film photographers. Here’s why it remains relevant:
1. Build and Reliability
With proper care, the ME Super continues to operate smoothly. Many copies from the 1980s still function without issue. The mechanical simplicity (relative to digital cameras) and availability of parts make it a solid long-term investment.
2. Compact Form Factor
Even compared to other vintage SLRs, the ME Super is remarkably small and light. This makes it a favorite for street photographers and travelers who want a high-quality film experience without the bulk.
3. Affordable and Accessible
Prices on the used market are generally affordable, especially compared to Leica or Contax film cameras. For those interested in exploring 35mm photography, it’s a great starting point.
4. Lens Ecosystem
The K-mount continues to be supported by Ricoh-Pentax, and there is an abundance of vintage and third-party lenses available, often for reasonable prices.
Drawbacks to Consider
Like any camera, the ME Super isn’t perfect. Here are a few caveats:
- Battery Dependency: Full functionality requires working batteries.
- No Depth-of-Field Preview: Lacking a DOF preview lever limits critical composition.
- No Exposure Lock: Some competing models offered AE lock for recomposing; the ME Super does not.
- Push Button Shutter Control: While innovative, some photographers prefer a traditional dial for tactile feedback.
Despite these, most would agree the strengths far outweigh the limitations.
Conclusion
The Pentax ME Super is a true classic in the world of 35mm film photography. It represents a moment when manufacturers were striking a balance between automation and control, form and function. With its compact size, stylish design, bright viewfinder, and reliable performance, the ME Super is a rewarding camera for anyone who values the tactile and deliberate nature of analog photography.
Whether you’re an experienced film shooter, a collector, or someone just entering the world of film, the Pentax ME Super deserves a spot in your kit—or on your shelf as a cherished piece of photographic history.
