My grandfather passed away last year at 95 years old and I recently inherited his ME. It came in a nice leather bag with two lenses, he has a ton of the original documentation and random things in the camera bag. It is a bit of a time capsule. He was one the smartest, kindest, and most adventurous people I have ever known. The camera has been all over the world. I'm just trying to learn what I can about the camera, I'm pretty thrilled to learn it is an aperture priority mode camera as that is how I shoot like 90% of the time with my mirrorless. Thanks for making the video.
I was 5 years old the first time my dad put the pentax me in my hands and let me take a shot...I remember looking through the view finder and never looking at things the same after that... fast forward 36 years, that camera is now on my shelf..absolutely love it
Really enjoyed this review Max I don't think it could be improved upon. What's important is the technical details of the lens coatings and physics of it all. You may not realize it but this channel is the standard by which other analog channels could be measured. Tell Greg I said what's up.
All the M Pentax cameras are excellent ME, ME SE, MX, ME Super - equally capable - ya' just gotta' have ya' head in the right space. EDIT: I possess 4 Canon AE1+Ps plus K1000 / ME SE / ME Super / MX - the MX is my favourite Pentax. My ME SE has a 45 degree focusing screen which I adore which I would love in the MX - Excellent Presentation - thanks.
I used Pentax MX cameras with 35, 50, 85, and 200 for all my work including 200plus weddings up through 2005. All manual. All focused and clear with 200 ASA Fuji i or Kodak gold film. Duel headed Metz flashes I loved the light weight and maneuverability I had Cameras these days are so ponderous and heavy.
I absolutely fell in love with the ME and it's my main go-on-a-walk camera now. I bought a lot of higher end SLRs a few years ago when they were still very cheap on ebay, but once I tried out a friend's MX I wanted that small and lightweight body too. At that point the prices already increased a lot so I couldn't find a good deal and only bought a ME because it was so cheap and came with so many rolls of film that I really didn't care if I'd use it or not. Lo and behold, turns out I'm perfectly fine with it's automatic-only nature, all the pictures I took so far turned out great and with the 50 1.7 I'm totally set. When I'm doing some portrait session at home or the like I can still grab a manual camera, but at this point the ME is my favorite.
Great comparison of these two cameras, really liked how much effort you went into talking about Pentax's history - so good to see the brand getting some love! The photos you got out of these were lovely as well, your portraits at the end were fantastic. I've used different film SLRs but have only ever kept Pentax ones so am biased, but they and the lenses really are wonderful, especially the original K series lenses which have the same incredible build quality as the earlier Takumars (and some unusual focal lengths like the 30/2.8). I wouldn't change my LX or MX for anything else. Thanks again for a superb review.
KM, KX, K2, K2-DMD, K1000. Perhaps 5 K series models. The MX and ME both had damping of the mirror it was never a problem and was advertised as a virtue. Still aim to use hoods, light arriving at extreme angles will bounce around between elements reducing contrast and causing flare. The m-series was just MX and ME at launch. The MX was manual, it had very accurate metering, full information viewfinder, the ability to take motordrive , autowinder, databanks and interchangeable focussing screens even though it was tiny. The ME was automated with exposure compensation. They were not based on the same mechanicals and the ME is smaller than the MX. Image quality with th SMC-M and SMC-K glass is outstanding. The ergonomics as you said allows you to keep your eye in the viewfinder you don’t need to lower the camera to check or make settings. Good review with excellent pictures!
You guys have a very smooth way of discussing film photography and incorporating excellent examples. Also your facts regarding introduction dates, features and the overall photographic scene at that time are spot on. Nice work! Keep it coming.
I have the Pentax MV, that my father purchased in 1977. Still in great condition it has a 50 mm SMC M mount F 1.7 to F 22 lens that is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever had. I get some remarkable photos with this little camera. It seems to do better with black and white film for some reason. Thank you for this video.
The ME is just a great camera for candid shots and certainly works well for street photography. If I want to shoot more pro like, I have medium format, but if I want to shoot on the fly, the ME is the ticket.
I bought my first SLR in 1980. The current Pentax models were the metal bodied auto ME and the manual MX. However, the new ME Super was brought out which combined both and therefore it looked a better bet. I soon hankered for manual only and bought one of the last new MX's in 1982. This is still in mint condition and I still love it. After a few years the polycarbonate ME Super packed up and I bought a very well used ME. This camera, only slightly larger than the MX, felt just right, partly because of it's metal construction. It is also one of my favourite film cameras and gets a regular outing due to it's simplicity. The exposure compensation facility deals with any necessary exposure adjustment leaving me to concentrate on composition. Both the ME and MX, coupled with the beautifully build quality and 'feel' of the M series lenses are a joy to use.
I need to pick up an ME at some point for when I don't feel like shooting fully manually. I absolutely love my MX, which I was turned on to by your review. I'm blown away by how good the Pentax glass is too. Just the basic 50mm f1.7 is an incredibly good lens (stopped down a bit) and the 100mm f2.8 is also amazing. In the past I thought of Pentax as a bit of an 'also ran' camera company given their relative obscurity in the digital era, but the things they made in their golden age in the 60s-80s are brilliant.
I have enjoyed watching this review twice now and thank you for it. On the K2, the manual speeds are actually electronic and battery-dependent, except for 1/125s, but of course there's a full range of them. (The Pentax ES/ESII, which the K2 replaced, does however have mechanically-timed manual speeds 1/60-1/1000 + B, which work without the battery).
What a great pair of cameras to review and discuss. Thank you for the synopsis of their histories. I have a ME and I absolutely love it. Pentax-M lenses are still amazing, just as well built and fun as the Minolta Rokkors of that time.
marvelous review. I still love my ME. I would even say its my most trusted camera. My ME survived drops on granit from 4 meters (inkluding 50/1.7 lens!!) , survived a 1 h bath in salty red sea, worked below -35°C and much much more. I prefered the ME over the MX because of ease of use and similiar robustness allthough it has more electronics. Even the LX later did not reach the same trust level as my ME...
@2:33 the K-Series were not a reaction to the OM-1, the M-Series was. The K's were caught out by the changing fashion to smaller cameras so were soon discontinued - except the K2 was upgraded to the pro K2-DMD and the KM was downgraded to the budget K1000. The ME was upgraded to the ME Super when it was realised (at last) people wanted Auto _and_ Manual - the K2 led the way in that.
The K series were basically Spotmatics with K mount. Solid build and classic features. Only the cloth shutter in rest of the K series is not that reliable, the highest speeds will most likely be quite slower. I haven't seen good K1000 which would run 1/1000 faster than actual 1/500s. K2 is good choice in the K series, if you can get the DMD version even better. Then the M series cameras only a year later with significant improvements which made K models obsolete overnight. The favorite of mine has to be the Pentax ME Super with quirky buttons, manual mode and 1/2000 which wasn't a thing in budget oriented cameras at the time, especially when a large part of the industry were still using cloth shutters and they don't run reliably at high speeds, even when controlled electronically (looking at you, Pentax 6x7...). It depends on your shooting style, I don't use the compensation that much and rather switch to manual mode if the scene has difficult lighting but you can get away with +-2 EV of control.
I have serviced K1000 recently and shutter speed is accurate enough to shoot slides. On an unrelated note, I actually prefer the sound of cloth shutter to metallic one, much more pleasant to the ear. Every film era Leica had a cloth shutter ;).
Only the KM and K1000 were bascially Spotmatics, with the self-timer/DoF lever removed for the K1000. The KX and K2 were in similar bodies but quite different. They had silicon photo-diode metering and the K2 had an advanced vertical-run metal shutter, the forerunner of the M-Series shutter.
Great review of Pentax cameras. I have been a pentax fan since the spotmatic. Just when I am thinking about selling my collection I see these videos and think twice about it.
I bought my ME in 1978 and put 2 rolls a day through it for 20 years. Twice was in the middle of no where and the battery died but got the shots at 1/100 mechanical speed. Folks like their leica's for being so tiny, compare it to an ME. Also, for street, set aperture at f/11 dial in any compensation, zone focus and you can use it for street as a point and shoot 35 mm film camera with superb image quality. With something like HP5 with its huge forgiving dynamic range, it makes street shooting with this camera a natural if you prefer a tiny camera. Now, I currently shoot a mamiya 645 pro tl for street, but I just may pull out this camera for shooting with the 50 1.7 and a fm2n nikon body with pancake 50 and a Zeiss 35 distagon and 85 planar makes for a kit hardly noticeable carried all day. Contrast carrying the ME with a backpack and Mamiya rb67 glass and backs! Heck, an RB back alone is bigger than this camera!
I'm such a Pentax fan! Nice video comparing the two systems and history of the SMC lens technology. I like the ME, but the ME Super is even a step ahead! It has full manual, albeit the shutter speeds are selected electronically. I can second your opinion on shooting the SMC lenses digitally too, I've shot them on the K1 as well as Fuji X bodies and they work very nicely indeed! Something I have always appreciated about Pentax, and the SMC-M lenses in particular is how well they work together as a system, they're lovely, quality glass in small form factor, and even small details like the filter threads (49mm) being the same size make them very convenient. When it comes to providing systems where everything worked well together I think Nikon F and Pentax K mounts achieved this to greatest extent. The one downside these days is that some of the less common Pentax lenses are not cheap and not easy to find either.
Fine video, very well presented. However, in the light of experience I have found the electronics of the ME/MG/MV series liable to early failure. As with other makes I would prefer a mechanical shutter. Just a thought....
This is a bit misleading. The MX was punted as a full professional system - all mechanical shutter, changeable focusing screens, a high-speed motor drive, and a range of accessories. But all with the tiny form - as small or smaller than the OM1. Their follow-up pro camera, the LX was a Rolls-Royce, but also maintained the tiny size. Unfortunately the tiny SLRs (Pentax and Olympus) lost out in the professional market to the big cameras (Nikon and Canon). Given how great the Pentax and Olympus pro cameras were, my suspicion is that the macho photojournalist image made pros choose the big, heavy Nikon F3 as their 'weapon.'
The LX was hardly tiny, 100gm more than the ME but less than the K2. It helps a pro to have a big camera. Eg it gives a wedding photographer the "authority" to order people around for the group pictures, with an ME he'd just look like another guest! Some wedding photographers had 6x7 Bronicas etc for that reason, but secretly with 35mm film backs.
Thank you once agian Max & Greg for sharing with us your thoughts and information on some 1970's Pentax cameras . I have actually got a film in my old Pentax K 1000 at the moment I took it on holiday to Scotland ( along with my digital cameras) with me but still have a few frames to finish before I get it developed. This video has made me want to get out there and finish off the film. So thank you for the inspiration :D Teddy
As someone using 2 MEs (one equipped with a winder, too), an MX, a K1000, KM, KX and an LX, I highly appreciate videos like this. I'm a die-hard Pentaxian and I am going to shoot with them as long as it is possible. Unfortunately, the LX has some issues now and apparently there is no one being able to repair/refurbish it...
@22fret I own a KX but not a K1000. I have a theory that the K1000, despite currently being vastly over priced, could be the best handling all mechanical SLRs ever, thanks to the medium body size that feels great in the hand, and the clutter free (no self timer etc) grip that allows you to hold it more securely. What do you think?
@@Whywas6scared That's no issue at all. Ergonomically, all these cameras are flawless, except for perhaps the K2, which ist a tad more complicated to handle. But all in all it's just a question of getting used to it. I love my K1000 for the simple reason that it was my first real SLR, but tbh, the KM (same light meter) with its self timer and a proper DOF control is the better camera...
Great review! I really like my ME Super w/ 50mm 1.4 lens. The Super is cool, because it has a manual exposure feature. The MX is a fun compact SLR too!
I love using Pentax lenses* with my Fujifilm X-T20. Very soon I will buy my first analogue reflex and it will be a Pentax ME. * - SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8 - SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7
Great review. I feel a better review would be the K2 with the MX, and the ME with the ME Super. I believe you would love both the MX and ME Super better. If you have a chance, please try these out!
I have the ME, MX, OM1, OM2, F3 and FE. The wind on action for the FE is easily the best but closely followed by the modest spec ME. This is a vastly under-rated gem.
I literally got this camera on a move In a nice old ladies garage. She said I could have everything In there and In a dusty old box In a leather carrying case I found It. It has a few lenses, I really don't know cameras but It looks really beautiful and clean so I took It. There was an old Harley Davidson her husband bought in 1967 she just gave me. She told me every young kid should ride a Harley at least once In their life why not own one. I was extremely surprised that she would just give It to me. She also has an old Pontiac GTO (I don't know the year) she's thinking about giving It to me, she said It was her husbands pride and joy that he bought It as a project and finished It In the early 80s or something she said she wasn't able to have kids so she like to pass It onto someone that could at least remember her existence. I'm really thankful I took the job I'm not gonna sell anything she gave me, I'll pass them down to my future kids one day.
Also the M series lenses are the perfect fit for M series cameras in compact size and being cheap for several of the common models. They have solid metal construction with nicely clicked aperture ring and smooth focusing, it's hard to find bad lens there. Then the A series came but also got more plastics and infamous unreliable aperture ring which gets stuck and hard to move precisely in either direction. There's a lot of praise about Pentax SMC coating but I don't think they were that much special, every other big manufacturer had a long standing tradition making multi coated glass and they were praised too like Minolta, Konica, Canon, Yashica, etc. They may have all slightly varying characteristics like more accurate colors or more contrast but they were all good. It seems to me more of a marketing hype despite being fan of Pentax and enjoying their system design.
I own a Pentax KX since 1980 and a K2 from a couple years later. Shot several thousands of photos with these, most with the K2. What I value most in the K2 is the exposure meter display, which is quite similar to the KX, and the manual mode with a full-featured speed wheel. I bought a couple MEs for collecting but these would never be my favorite cameras. Also not the ME Super, where I find the manual mode fumbly and the display in manual mode annoying, compared to the K2. I don't mind the 200g more weigth and the couple millimeters larger size in comparison to the features and handling of the K2, being superior to both the ME and ME Super.
Fully agree. But I‘m even more in favor for the KX. As a fully manual camera it might have the better basis for future, with lower risks for electronic failures. For me this will become the future classic, as most advanced mechanical Pentax camera.
@@ytuberization Also agree. Since the video was about automatic cameras I wanted to point out that the K2 is the better of these two. At the moment, I own 3 K2s (my old lady (chrome), and a black K2 and a K2dmd that I collected), and all are working fine. Let's see how long. The advantage of the KX is clearly that it works fully mechanical and the only electronic component is the meter, which is expendable. Talking mechanical, from my opinion, the MX is also considerable but I prefer the KX's meter display over the MX's.
Hi Max! I use a Pentax with a SMC 50mm F2 lens which so far no other lens has beat - it looks fuller and "creamier". My Nikon FM2 and Nikkor lenses, albeit nice, don't have the same look, and while a more fun camera, the end result are not the same. With your knowledge, can you find a reason for this? Thank you!
My first "real" camera was a Pentax ME Super (same as ME but with manual speed mode available) which I bought second hand in the early 90:s. Still working perfectly and producing great pictures after all these years.
Great review! I agree with your assessment of these cameras and I’m glad you took the time to explain the SMC lens coatings. It explains why these lenses are so GOOD. One question: did you run into any metering issues with either of these cameras? I have a K1000 and an ME Super SE that both have erratic meters. The ME Super in particular will take vastly different meter readings of the same scene and the K1000 consistently over-exposes. Did you have any metering issues with either of these cameras? Thanks.
Great video! Tip for using old Pentax SMC lenses on digital cameras: Try one of the 6x7 medium format lenses on for example a Canon DSLR. The resolution is amazing! And they're not that expensive either.
I'm not as enthusiastic... 6x7 medium format lenses were made for much larger (duh) size of recording media, so resolution wasn't main design concern. 645 lenses are closer to meeting resolving power needs of 35mm. Old Pentax A 645 manual lenses are quite a bargain these days and worth taking a shot, especially 35mm/3.5 and 150mm/3.5
I think it works pretty great! Don't knock it till you've tried it :-) The highest resolving lenses I've tried are the Mamiya Press system lenses, and they cover 6x9 negatives, so I really don't think the size is of importance here. The 645 lenses will obviously be smaller and more practical, though. If you want the resolution power of the entire lens; buy a speed booster!
If you get a chance to use the MX, go for it. I learned photography on it and it's still my favourite camera to use along with the Pentax 67. It and the Olympus OM1 both have features most other SLRs lack. The first is the incredibly light weight and small form and the other is the enormous viewfinder. With a 50mm on an MX you can shoot with both eyes open. Pentax M series and the Olympus OMs arguably have the best viewfinders of any SLRs.
I had an MX for a while. I have to say, for me, it was mostly too small. Everything felt cramped together for my hands. The viewfinder is magic, except for the readouts which are just about worthless in bright sunlight. For those reasons I got rid of it in favor of a K2. I'm still testing it out, but for me it's a more well featured K1000, which has been my favorite slr to use out of those I have tried this far. Nice video
The K2 is a more featured K1000 like a BMW is a more featured Ford Edsel. There is no relationship between them apart from the same style body. The K1000 was basically a 1960's Spotmatic, but the K2 was a generation further on, despite the K1000 coming out a year later - but already old-fashioned.
Hi - yesterday I picked up an Agfa Compact ( the last Agfa camera made in Germany ) for a couple of pounds. I wondered if you were going to review it at some point, since you enthused about the earlier optima series cameras. If you want I could lend it to you!
I enjoy watching this channel very much and I often come back to them. I came back to this video because I'm thinking about buying a Pentax MG. Please write what you think about him, your opinion 👍
Coincidentally I was in a Charity Shop just today, I asked the Lady did she have any old cameras, she went upstairs and returned with a beautiful black Pentax ME-Super with a 50mm f1.4 lens. Sadly the camera was jammed and the lens had fungus. I would have offered her something for them but she was reluctant to sell stating that she had a man coming in to value the camera. A broken camera has no value just the potential to have it repaired.
It has a value, for now it's cheaper to source another but one day they will run out of the working unserviced ones. Usually ME Supers have problem with frame advance not engaging (gummed up lube, can be fixed), often jammed shutter is also simple fix removing the bottom plate. And cleaning fungus on the 50mm f/1.4 is one hour job with disassembly tutorial being available on YT too, it's not a complex design. Depends if you have the time and willingness to fix it, for me it's a pity that most of the some minor problem will make the camera worthless while rest of it works fine and will after a little servicing which is understandable after 50 years of life.
i own a pentax me and i was wondering if you could make a video showing how to use it, i know how to use it, i just dont know all the ways to make a good photo.
I purchased a Pentax ME with a great condition SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/2 at a flea market for $20 a few years ago to get back into shooting film. The ME only lasted for a few rolls of film before jamming up completely, but it was a fantastic camera while it was still functional -- metered perfectly, beautiful viewfinder, and so lightweight. I'm still holding onto the lens in hopes that I find a decent price on another Pentax camera because the images it helped to produce were incredibly sharp and contrasty.
A request if I may: please review the Canon AE-1 and/or its siblings. The FD-lenses are wonderful. Also, the AE-1is one of the most produced film cameras ever. For a reason.
The Pentax ME reminds me so much of the Nikon EM, from the Aperture Priority Only Automatic mode, lighter body, smaller sized lenses. It was quite a decent camera that got really bad reviews because it was mostly marketed at women.
Alan Gibson , the Pentax MG dosnˋt provide the option to override the shutter speed, as you have it in correction wheel under the film rewinder in the ME. It also dosnˋt have a separate X-contact for the flash on the front of the camera body. Best regards, Greg
@@berkeleygang1834 : you're absolutely right, my mistake. I thought the K2 was only a manual camera. Doesn't change my opinion though. I'd rather have control at the expense of automation in our days.
The K2dmd ist not an "upgrade" to the K2, it's functional equal except for the ability to attach a motor. Would be sufficient to compare the K2 with the ME super. I know the result already, the K2 is more a professional or at least semi-professional camera, the ME super clearly targets the amateur market. The manual speed setting is cumbersome on the ME super and perfect on the K2, since you have a normal speed knob there. The meter in the viewfinder is very intuitive in the K2, same as in the KX except for the automatic position.
@@edoardobattistini3013 Wait I'll get my dmd and check that. 😃 Well yes they've hidden that very well, I had to read the manual though... Nobody can guess it's by pushing the mirror lock knob down. Nice feature and probably the only noticeable difference when you don't use motors. No, I forgot the aperture number window in the finder (also the KX and the MX have that) which is also a great feature. That's what I really miss on my K2. BTW there is no real comparison between the K2 or the K2dmd on the one and the ME and MEsuper on the other hand. That's like apples and oranges. Particularly the ME is a nice little camera but absolutely not on pair with the K2s. Except a KM, I own all K series cameras now. And yes you're right there are really some differences between the K2 and the dmd that makes it legit to regard it as an upgrade and not only adding a motor connection. But yeah, the K2 alone will smash down the MEsuper, so why need a dmd 😉?
I sold my ME super because of the optics and haptic of the Shutter Button ans the wheel around, that remind me of bakelite. :D Thats very picky, i know. Except of that, it was a really useful and small Camera, easy to carry around.
The mx has depth of field preview on the same lever as the timer. Idk if the me has the same feature. EDIT: I checked with my brother who owns an ME super and nope. The lever and mechanism is different.
Nice video. But this channel is more and more a review channel for analogue equipment. It would be nice to see some the story behind the shoot videos again.
Many of the commenters here have made much of the Me Super and the MX and rightly so, they may have been better targets for this vlog. I myself had an ME back in the day but it succumbed to electronics issues and died on me, I replaced it with an MEF (claimed to be the world's first autofocus camera), I wonder how many people here have got one of those.
@@evangelion045 I've had mine since the 1980s and it's never given any trouble. You are not likely to find the custom autofocus lens for it, and nor would it be a lot of use.The body carries the standard lens mount as used by the ME Super etc., the benefit is that you get everything the Super has got plus in viewfinder electronic focus confirmation with a green light and a beep. This a bonus for anyone who dislikes split screen focusing which this also has. The bodies are virtually identical.
I have both the me and the me super and an MX. All three brilliant cameras. I love the way that with an ME you get 1 picture more because the body is so small. I was in the zoo the other week in the cafe there and a guy on the table next to me pulled out his DSLR with a lens the size of a rocket launcher so I put my ME super on the table too. He looked over at me and I pretended not to notice.. but I was smiling (internally).... heres a pic I took today flic.kr/p/2gszYoc
I celebrate that you have returned to talking about cameras, lenses, and photography, and not stuck with artists and art. I think most of us here want camera discussions. We could talk about Ansel Adams, or any other giant of the photographic world, to death. But equipment has a greater interest to the ordinary amongst us.
KM, KX, K2, K2-DMD, K1000. Perhaps 5 K series models. The MX and ME both had damping of the mirror it was never a problem and was advertised as a virtue. Still aim to use hoods, light arriving at extreme angles will bounce around between elements reducing contrast and causing flare. The m-series was just MX and ME at launch. The MX was manual, it had very accurate metering, full information viewfinder, the ability to take motordrive , autowinder, databacks and interchangeable focussing screens even though it was tiny. The ME was automated with exposure compensation. They were not based on the same mechanicals and the ME is smaller than the MX. Image quality with th SMC-M and SMC-K glass is outstanding. The ergonomics as you said allows you to keep your eye in the viewfinder you don’t need to lower the camera to check or make settings. Good review with excellent pictures!
My grandfather passed away last year at 95 years old and I recently inherited his ME. It came in a nice leather bag with two lenses, he has a ton of the original documentation and random things in the camera bag. It is a bit of a time capsule. He was one the smartest, kindest, and most adventurous people I have ever known. The camera has been all over the world.
I'm just trying to learn what I can about the camera, I'm pretty thrilled to learn it is an aperture priority mode camera as that is how I shoot like 90% of the time with my mirrorless.
Thanks for making the video.
Just recently discovered this channel and loving your videos. Almost 40yrs ago exactly I got my Pentax ME Super with 50mm f1.7, my first proper camera
I was 5 years old the first time my dad put the pentax me in my hands and let me take a shot...I remember looking through the view finder and never looking at things the same after that... fast forward 36 years, that camera is now on my shelf..absolutely love it
Really enjoyed this review Max I don't think it could be improved upon. What's important is the technical details of the lens coatings and physics of it all. You may not realize it but this channel is the standard by which other analog channels could be measured. Tell Greg I said what's up.
Raychristofer , thank you so much for your allways kind comments. It is inspiring and motivating.
Best regards, Greg
All the M Pentax cameras are excellent ME, ME SE, MX, ME Super - equally capable - ya' just gotta' have ya' head in the right space. EDIT: I possess 4 Canon AE1+Ps plus K1000 / ME SE / ME Super / MX - the MX is my favourite Pentax. My ME SE has a 45 degree focusing screen which I adore which I would love in the MX - Excellent Presentation - thanks.
I have the ME and I love it!
I used Pentax MX cameras with 35, 50, 85, and 200
for all my work including 200plus weddings up through
2005. All manual. All focused and clear with 200 ASA Fuji i
or Kodak gold film. Duel headed Metz flashes
I loved the light weight and maneuverability I had
Cameras these days are so ponderous and heavy.
I used the depth of field guidelines on the lens plus distance
to keep in focus in moving or dark situations
I had a MX too. Great little camera but one big problem - the led exposure dots were almost not visible in bright sunlight!
I absolutely fell in love with the ME and it's my main go-on-a-walk camera now. I bought a lot of higher end SLRs a few years ago when they were still very cheap on ebay, but once I tried out a friend's MX I wanted that small and lightweight body too. At that point the prices already increased a lot so I couldn't find a good deal and only bought a ME because it was so cheap and came with so many rolls of film that I really didn't care if I'd use it or not. Lo and behold, turns out I'm perfectly fine with it's automatic-only nature, all the pictures I took so far turned out great and with the 50 1.7 I'm totally set. When I'm doing some portrait session at home or the like I can still grab a manual camera, but at this point the ME is my favorite.
Finally! Been waiting so long for new contents from Analog Insights!
Great comparison of these two cameras, really liked how much effort you went into talking about Pentax's history - so good to see the brand getting some love! The photos you got out of these were lovely as well, your portraits at the end were fantastic. I've used different film SLRs but have only ever kept Pentax ones so am biased, but they and the lenses really are wonderful, especially the original K series lenses which have the same incredible build quality as the earlier Takumars (and some unusual focal lengths like the 30/2.8). I wouldn't change my LX or MX for anything else. Thanks again for a superb review.
KM, KX, K2, K2-DMD, K1000. Perhaps 5 K series models.
The MX and ME both had damping of the mirror it was never a problem and was advertised as a virtue. Still aim to use hoods, light arriving at extreme angles will bounce around between elements reducing contrast and causing flare. The m-series was just MX and ME at launch. The MX was manual, it had very accurate metering, full information viewfinder, the ability to take motordrive , autowinder, databanks and interchangeable focussing screens even though it was tiny. The ME was automated with exposure compensation. They were not based on the same mechanicals and the ME is smaller than the MX. Image quality with th SMC-M and SMC-K glass is outstanding. The ergonomics as you said allows you to keep your eye in the viewfinder you don’t need to lower the camera to check or make settings.
Good review with excellent pictures!
You guys have a very smooth way of discussing film photography and incorporating excellent examples. Also your facts regarding introduction dates, features and the overall photographic scene at that time are spot on. Nice work! Keep it coming.
My grandfather was the maker of the Pentax me I’m so proud of him nalgasaki Rodriguez
I have the Pentax MV, that my father purchased in 1977. Still in great condition it has a 50 mm SMC M mount F 1.7 to F 22 lens that is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever had. I get some remarkable photos with this little camera. It seems to do better with black and white film for some reason. Thank you for this video.
Such a calming voice in this crazy time
The ME is just a great camera for candid shots and certainly works well for street photography. If I want to shoot more pro like, I have medium format, but if I want to shoot on the fly, the ME is the ticket.
I have never owned a Pentax, but I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks.
Just acquired an ME and I'm looking forward to learning the ropes with it. Thanks for the informative video!
Great video, thank you for making all of this amazing content!
I bought my first SLR in 1980. The current Pentax models were the metal bodied auto ME and the manual MX. However, the new ME Super was brought out which combined both and therefore it looked a better bet. I soon hankered for manual only and bought one of the last new MX's in 1982. This is still in mint condition and I still love it. After a few years the polycarbonate ME Super packed up and I bought a very well used ME. This camera, only slightly larger than the MX, felt just right, partly because of it's metal construction. It is also one of my favourite film cameras and gets a regular outing due to it's simplicity. The exposure compensation facility deals with any necessary exposure adjustment leaving me to concentrate on composition. Both the ME and MX, coupled with the beautifully build quality and 'feel' of the M series lenses are a joy to use.
I need to pick up an ME at some point for when I don't feel like shooting fully manually. I absolutely love my MX, which I was turned on to by your review. I'm blown away by how good the Pentax glass is too. Just the basic 50mm f1.7 is an incredibly good lens (stopped down a bit) and the 100mm f2.8 is also amazing. In the past I thought of Pentax as a bit of an 'also ran' camera company given their relative obscurity in the digital era, but the things they made in their golden age in the 60s-80s are brilliant.
I have enjoyed watching this review twice now and thank you for it. On the K2, the manual speeds are actually electronic and battery-dependent, except for 1/125s, but of course there's a full range of them. (The Pentax ES/ESII, which the K2 replaced, does however have mechanically-timed manual speeds 1/60-1/1000 + B, which work without the battery).
What a great pair of cameras to review and discuss. Thank you for the synopsis of their histories. I have a ME and I absolutely love it. Pentax-M lenses are still amazing, just as well built and fun as the Minolta Rokkors of that time.
I Developed My Photographic Eye Using a ME SUPER , GREAT CAMERA !!!
Interesting comparation from 2 foto profesionals man,thank you.Bravo.
marvelous review. I still love my ME. I would even say its my most trusted camera. My ME survived drops on granit from 4 meters (inkluding 50/1.7 lens!!) , survived a 1 h bath in salty red sea, worked below -35°C and much much more. I prefered the ME over the MX because of ease of use and similiar robustness allthough it has more electronics. Even the LX later did not reach the same trust level as my ME...
Had the ME in 1980s really enjoyed using it,. This brought back warm memories, thanks.
@2:33 the K-Series were not a reaction to the OM-1, the M-Series was. The K's were caught out by the changing fashion to smaller cameras so were soon discontinued - except the K2 was upgraded to the pro K2-DMD and the KM was downgraded to the budget K1000. The ME was upgraded to the ME Super when it was realised (at last) people wanted Auto _and_ Manual - the K2 led the way in that.
The K series were basically Spotmatics with K mount. Solid build and classic features. Only the cloth shutter in rest of the K series is not that reliable, the highest speeds will most likely be quite slower. I haven't seen good K1000 which would run 1/1000 faster than actual 1/500s. K2 is good choice in the K series, if you can get the DMD version even better. Then the M series cameras only a year later with significant improvements which made K models obsolete overnight. The favorite of mine has to be the Pentax ME Super with quirky buttons, manual mode and 1/2000 which wasn't a thing in budget oriented cameras at the time, especially when a large part of the industry were still using cloth shutters and they don't run reliably at high speeds, even when controlled electronically (looking at you, Pentax 6x7...).
It depends on your shooting style, I don't use the compensation that much and rather switch to manual mode if the scene has difficult lighting but you can get away with +-2 EV of control.
I have serviced K1000 recently and shutter speed is accurate enough to shoot slides. On an unrelated note, I actually prefer the sound of cloth shutter to metallic one, much more pleasant to the ear. Every film era Leica had a cloth shutter ;).
100% the ME Super is the best choice here. Such a bang for the buck even these days. Still find them for sub $50.
Only the KM and K1000 were bascially Spotmatics, with the self-timer/DoF lever removed for the K1000. The KX and K2 were in similar bodies but quite different. They had silicon photo-diode metering and the K2 had an advanced vertical-run metal shutter, the forerunner of the M-Series shutter.
Great review of Pentax cameras. I have been a pentax fan since the spotmatic. Just when I am thinking about selling my collection I see these videos and think twice about it.
I bought my ME in 1978 and put 2 rolls a day through it for 20 years. Twice was in the middle of no where and the battery died but got the shots at 1/100 mechanical speed. Folks like their leica's for being so tiny, compare it to an ME. Also, for street, set aperture at f/11 dial in any compensation, zone focus and you can use it for street as a point and shoot 35 mm film camera with superb image quality. With something like HP5 with its huge forgiving dynamic range, it makes street shooting with this camera a natural if you prefer a tiny camera. Now, I currently shoot a mamiya 645 pro tl for street, but I just may pull out this camera for shooting with the 50 1.7 and a fm2n nikon body with pancake 50 and a Zeiss 35 distagon and 85 planar makes for a kit hardly noticeable carried all day. Contrast carrying the ME with a backpack and Mamiya rb67 glass and backs! Heck, an RB back alone is bigger than this camera!
I'm such a Pentax fan! Nice video comparing the two systems and history of the SMC lens technology. I like the ME, but the ME Super is even a step ahead! It has full manual, albeit the shutter speeds are selected electronically. I can second your opinion on shooting the SMC lenses digitally too, I've shot them on the K1 as well as Fuji X bodies and they work very nicely indeed! Something I have always appreciated about Pentax, and the SMC-M lenses in particular is how well they work together as a system, they're lovely, quality glass in small form factor, and even small details like the filter threads (49mm) being the same size make them very convenient. When it comes to providing systems where everything worked well together I think Nikon F and Pentax K mounts achieved this to greatest extent. The one downside these days is that some of the less common Pentax lenses are not cheap and not easy to find either.
Great to see another video again, quality content! My first film camera was the ME Super because the great viewfinder :)
nicely done, greg appears to be a leica and pentax lover. amazing lenses in both systems.
Fine video, very well presented. However, in the light of experience I have found the electronics of the ME/MG/MV series liable to early failure. As with other makes I would prefer a mechanical shutter. Just a thought....
This is a bit misleading. The MX was punted as a full professional system - all mechanical shutter, changeable focusing screens, a high-speed motor drive, and a range of accessories. But all with the tiny form - as small or smaller than the OM1. Their follow-up pro camera, the LX was a Rolls-Royce, but also maintained the tiny size.
Unfortunately the tiny SLRs (Pentax and Olympus) lost out in the professional market to the big cameras (Nikon and Canon). Given how great the Pentax and Olympus pro cameras were, my suspicion is that the macho photojournalist image made pros choose the big, heavy Nikon F3 as their 'weapon.'
The LX was hardly tiny, 100gm more than the ME but less than the K2. It helps a pro to have a big camera. Eg it gives a wedding photographer the "authority" to order people around for the group pictures, with an ME he'd just look like another guest! Some wedding photographers had 6x7 Bronicas etc for that reason, but secretly with 35mm film backs.
Thank you once agian Max & Greg for sharing with us your thoughts and information on some 1970's Pentax cameras . I have actually got a film in my old Pentax K 1000 at the moment I took it on holiday to Scotland ( along with my digital cameras) with me but still have a few frames to finish before I get it developed. This video has made me want to get out there and finish off the film. So thank you for the inspiration :D Teddy
As someone using 2 MEs (one equipped with a winder, too), an MX, a K1000, KM, KX and an LX, I highly appreciate videos like this. I'm a die-hard Pentaxian and I am going to shoot with them as long as it is possible. Unfortunately, the LX has some issues now and apparently there is no one being able to repair/refurbish it...
UPDATE: the LX had an overhaul and works perfectly fine now. Ah, and and I've bought a K2 4 months ago... 😂
@22fret I own a KX but not a K1000. I have a theory that the K1000, despite currently being vastly over priced, could be the best handling all mechanical SLRs ever, thanks to the medium body size that feels great in the hand, and the clutter free (no self timer etc) grip that allows you to hold it more securely. What do you think?
@@Whywas6scared That's no issue at all. Ergonomically, all these cameras are flawless, except for perhaps the K2, which ist a tad more complicated to handle. But all in all it's just a question of getting used to it. I love my K1000 for the simple reason that it was my first real SLR, but tbh, the KM (same light meter) with its self timer and a proper DOF control is the better camera...
I had a ME-Super with its manual mode for many years, lovely little camera.
Still use Pentax.
Great review! I really like my ME Super w/ 50mm 1.4 lens. The Super is cool, because it has a manual exposure feature. The MX is a fun compact SLR too!
Not only manual exposure but also 1/2000 with precisely controlled metal shutter for very cheap.
VeloRydr Thanks for your comment. By the way, we reviewed the Pentax MX here on the channel before. :)
I had an ME in the 90s that I got super cheap in a pawn shop. Great little camera.
I love using Pentax lenses* with my Fujifilm X-T20. Very soon I will buy my first analogue reflex and it will be a Pentax ME.
*
- SMC Pentax-A 28mm f/2.8
- SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7
Great review. I feel a better review would be the K2 with the MX, and the ME with the ME Super. I believe you would love both the MX and ME Super better. If you have a chance, please try these out!
Or even better, KX vs MX. Both fully manual and a pleasure to use
Uno Engborg , please watch one of our older videos, where we testet the MX, KX and LX. Enjoy and best regards, Greg
I've owned pentax ME Super since early 80's. I notice using a sun shade would improve color.
great photographs and I want that hood.
I have the ME, MX, OM1, OM2, F3 and FE. The wind on action for the FE is easily the best but closely followed by the modest spec ME. This is a vastly under-rated gem.
I literally got this camera on a move In a nice old ladies garage. She said I could have everything In there and In a dusty old box In a leather carrying case I found It. It has a few lenses, I really don't know cameras but It looks really beautiful and clean so I took It. There was an old Harley Davidson her husband bought in 1967 she just gave me. She told me every young kid should ride a Harley at least once In their life why not own one. I was extremely surprised that she would just give It to me. She also has an old Pontiac GTO (I don't know the year) she's thinking about giving It to me, she said It was her husbands pride and joy that he bought It as a project and finished It In the early 80s or something she said she wasn't able to have kids so she like to pass It onto someone that could at least remember her existence. I'm really thankful I took the job I'm not gonna sell anything she gave me, I'll pass them down to my future kids one day.
I had a Pentax ME and sort of regret selling it. Such a nice camera to use and great lenses.
Also the M series lenses are the perfect fit for M series cameras in compact size and being cheap for several of the common models. They have solid metal construction with nicely clicked aperture ring and smooth focusing, it's hard to find bad lens there. Then the A series came but also got more plastics and infamous unreliable aperture ring which gets stuck and hard to move precisely in either direction. There's a lot of praise about Pentax SMC coating but I don't think they were that much special, every other big manufacturer had a long standing tradition making multi coated glass and they were praised too like Minolta, Konica, Canon, Yashica, etc. They may have all slightly varying characteristics like more accurate colors or more contrast but they were all good. It seems to me more of a marketing hype despite being fan of Pentax and enjoying their system design.
I own a Pentax KX since 1980 and a K2 from a couple years later. Shot several thousands of photos with these, most with the K2. What I value most in the K2 is the exposure meter display, which is quite similar to the KX, and the manual mode with a full-featured speed wheel. I bought a couple MEs for collecting but these would never be my favorite cameras. Also not the ME Super, where I find the manual mode fumbly and the display in manual mode annoying, compared to the K2. I don't mind the 200g more weigth and the couple millimeters larger size in comparison to the features and handling of the K2, being superior to both the ME and ME Super.
Fully agree. But I‘m even more in favor for the KX. As a fully manual camera it might have the better basis for future, with lower risks for electronic failures. For me this will become the future classic, as most advanced mechanical Pentax camera.
@@ytuberization Also agree. Since the video was about automatic cameras I wanted to point out that the K2 is the better of these two. At the moment, I own 3 K2s (my old lady (chrome), and a black K2 and a K2dmd that I collected), and all are working fine. Let's see how long. The advantage of the KX is clearly that it works fully mechanical and the only electronic component is the meter, which is expendable. Talking mechanical, from my opinion, the MX is also considerable but I prefer the KX's meter display over the MX's.
Really love my ME- Super nice and discrete with the 50mm f2.0 (real sharp), 28mm and 135 mm in my kit..
Would never trade it for a K series camera..
Another superb analog review.. Thank you! 👍
Hi Max! I use a Pentax with a SMC 50mm F2 lens which so far no other lens has beat - it looks fuller and "creamier". My Nikon FM2 and Nikkor lenses, albeit nice, don't have the same look, and while a more fun camera, the end result are not the same. With your knowledge, can you find a reason for this?
Thank you!
As always - fantastic video, great pictures - and not at all good for analog GAS.
My first "real" camera was a Pentax ME Super (same as ME but with manual speed mode available) which I bought second hand in the early 90:s. Still working perfectly and producing great pictures after all these years.
Nice video. Thinned out my collection of Pentax cameras recently and parted with my ME...kept the Spotmatic F and KX though 😊
Great review! I agree with your assessment of these cameras and I’m glad you took the time to explain the SMC lens coatings. It explains why these lenses are so GOOD. One question: did you run into any metering issues with either of these cameras? I have a K1000 and an ME Super SE that both have erratic meters. The ME Super in particular will take vastly different meter readings of the same scene and the K1000 consistently over-exposes. Did you have any metering issues with either of these cameras? Thanks.
Great video!
Tip for using old Pentax SMC lenses on digital cameras:
Try one of the 6x7 medium format lenses on for example a Canon DSLR. The resolution is amazing! And they're not that expensive either.
I'm not as enthusiastic... 6x7 medium format lenses were made for much larger (duh) size of recording media, so resolution wasn't main design concern. 645 lenses are closer to meeting resolving power needs of 35mm. Old Pentax A 645 manual lenses are quite a bargain these days and worth taking a shot, especially 35mm/3.5 and 150mm/3.5
I think it works pretty great! Don't knock it till you've tried it :-)
The highest resolving lenses I've tried are the Mamiya Press system lenses, and they cover 6x9 negatives, so I really don't think the size is of importance here. The 645 lenses will obviously be smaller and more practical, though. If you want the resolution power of the entire lens; buy a speed booster!
If you get a chance to use the MX, go for it. I learned photography on it and it's still my favourite camera to use along with the Pentax 67. It and the Olympus OM1 both have features most other SLRs lack. The first is the incredibly light weight and small form and the other is the enormous viewfinder. With a 50mm on an MX you can shoot with both eyes open. Pentax M series and the Olympus OMs arguably have the best viewfinders of any SLRs.
thecaveofthedead Thanks for your comment. Please check out video about the Pentax MX, LX and so forth. :)
I have Pentax ME (Black), nice camera. It lies nicely in your hands.
Love your videos. Keep the good work! Pentax fanboy here BTW :)
Just bought pentax k2 . But the blue needle for shutter speed not working.. :( Will i get to take good picture?
I had an MX for a while. I have to say, for me, it was mostly too small. Everything felt cramped together for my hands. The viewfinder is magic, except for the readouts which are just about worthless in bright sunlight. For those reasons I got rid of it in favor of a K2. I'm still testing it out, but for me it's a more well featured K1000, which has been my favorite slr to use out of those I have tried this far. Nice video
The K2 is a more featured K1000 like a BMW is a more featured Ford Edsel. There is no relationship between them apart from the same style body. The K1000 was basically a 1960's Spotmatic, but the K2 was a generation further on, despite the K1000 coming out a year later - but already old-fashioned.
Hi - yesterday I picked up an Agfa Compact ( the last Agfa camera made in Germany ) for a couple of pounds. I wondered if you were going to review it at some point, since you enthused about the earlier optima series cameras. If you want I could lend it to you!
love old pentax manual lenses on my k5 more than newer pentax lenses
I enjoy watching this channel very much and I often come back to them. I came back to this video because I'm thinking about buying a Pentax MG. Please write what you think about him, your opinion 👍
Coincidentally I was in a Charity Shop just today, I asked the Lady did she have any old cameras, she went upstairs and returned with a beautiful black Pentax ME-Super with a 50mm f1.4 lens. Sadly the camera was jammed and the lens had fungus. I would have offered her something for them but she was reluctant to sell stating that she had a man coming in to value the camera. A broken camera has no value just the potential to have it repaired.
It has a value, for now it's cheaper to source another but one day they will run out of the working unserviced ones. Usually ME Supers have problem with frame advance not engaging (gummed up lube, can be fixed), often jammed shutter is also simple fix removing the bottom plate. And cleaning fungus on the 50mm f/1.4 is one hour job with disassembly tutorial being available on YT too, it's not a complex design. Depends if you have the time and willingness to fix it, for me it's a pity that most of the some minor problem will make the camera worthless while rest of it works fine and will after a little servicing which is understandable after 50 years of life.
i own a pentax me and i was wondering if you could make a video showing how to use it, i know how to use it, i just dont know all the ways to make a good photo.
Будешь ли ты учавствовать в фотоконкурсе от Pentax, который скоро будет?
Bitte, wo bekommt man eine bezahlbare und voll funktionsfähige K2 oder Kx her ?
Zwischen 50-70 Euro könnte ich schaffen, nur das Gehäuse.
I just picked up a ME for under $30 I couldn’t pass it up!
sehr gutes informatives video. herzlichen dank!
I purchased a Pentax ME with a great condition SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/2 at a flea market for $20 a few years ago to get back into shooting film. The ME only lasted for a few rolls of film before jamming up completely, but it was a fantastic camera while it was still functional -- metered perfectly, beautiful viewfinder, and so lightweight. I'm still holding onto the lens in hopes that I find a decent price on another Pentax camera because the images it helped to produce were incredibly sharp and contrasty.
what grip accessories are you using in the ME?
A request if I may: please review the Canon AE-1 and/or its siblings. The FD-lenses are wonderful. Also, the AE-1is one of the most produced film cameras ever. For a reason.
Is that a Pentax branded square hood?
Wish you guys could do a video on nikon FM
My dad had the ME, and yet, it still took him an hour to setup an underexposed family portrait for some reason.
The Pentax ME reminds me so much of the Nikon EM, from the Aperture Priority Only Automatic mode, lighter body, smaller sized lenses. It was quite a decent camera that got really bad reviews because it was mostly marketed at women.
Very informative. Is there much difference between the ME and the MG?
Alan Gibson , the Pentax MG dosnˋt provide the option to override the shutter speed, as you have it in correction wheel under the film rewinder in the ME. It also dosnˋt have a separate X-contact for the flash on the front of the camera body.
Best regards, Greg
Penatx ME size + Pentax K2 features = Pentax MX. That's what I'd choose.
The MX didn't have Aperture Priority auto exposure. It was full manual. Think of it as a compact K1000.
@@berkeleygang1834 : you're absolutely right, my mistake. I thought the K2 was only a manual camera. Doesn't change my opinion though. I'd rather have control at the expense of automation in our days.
@@ordinosaurs ME Super had Aperture Priority AE + Manual.
@@berkeleygang1834 Actually the MX was a compact KX. A lot more than just a stripped-down K1000.
I'd have to agree, the MX and ME Super are definitely better options, and depending on what you are looking for, one will be better than the other.
awesome... ich liebe deine Videos sehr.... weiter sooo... !!!!!!
it would be interesting a review between their upgraded models: The K2dmd vs the MEsuper
The K2dmd ist not an "upgrade" to the K2, it's functional equal except for the ability to attach a motor.
Would be sufficient to compare the K2 with the ME super.
I know the result already, the K2 is more a professional or at least semi-professional camera, the ME super clearly targets the amateur market.
The manual speed setting is cumbersome on the ME super and perfect on the K2, since you have a normal speed knob there.
The meter in the viewfinder is very intuitive in the K2, same as in the KX except for the automatic position.
@@thecalif2914 the dmd added also the AE lock ( the first time in pentax till the P30)
@@edoardobattistini3013 Wait I'll get my dmd and check that. 😃 Well yes they've hidden that very well, I had to read the manual though... Nobody can guess it's by pushing the mirror lock knob down. Nice feature and probably the only noticeable difference when you don't use motors. No, I forgot the aperture number window in the finder (also the KX and the MX have that) which is also a great feature. That's what I really miss on my K2.
BTW there is no real comparison between the K2 or the K2dmd on the one and the ME and MEsuper on the other hand. That's like apples and oranges.
Particularly the ME is a nice little camera but absolutely not on pair with the K2s.
Except a KM, I own all K series cameras now.
And yes you're right there are really some differences between the K2 and the dmd that makes it legit to regard it as an upgrade and not only adding a motor connection.
But yeah, the K2 alone will smash down the MEsuper, so why need a dmd 😉?
great review
I sold my ME super because of the optics and haptic of the Shutter Button ans the wheel around, that remind me of bakelite. :D Thats very picky, i know. Except of that, it was a really useful and small Camera, easy to carry around.
Reminds me to my nikon EM. 😎
Best and sexiest Pentax: Spotmatic F in black. :)
The mx has depth of field preview on the same lever as the timer. Idk if the me has the same feature.
EDIT: I checked with my brother who owns an ME super and nope. The lever and mechanism is different.
Ich könnte jede Kamera kaufen, die ihr vorstellt😁
Nice video. But this channel is more and more a review channel for analogue equipment. It would be nice to see some the story behind the shoot videos again.
Alexander Kirsch There will be a new episode soon. ;)
This should be pentax me super vs pentax k2, the pentax me is only aperture priority :(
Agreed, I would not want an auto-only camera. I guess they are reviewing what they have to hand.
Many of the commenters here have made much of the Me Super and the MX and rightly so, they may have been better targets for this vlog. I myself had an ME back in the day but it succumbed to electronics issues and died on me, I replaced it with an MEF (claimed to be the world's first autofocus camera), I wonder how many people here have got one of those.
Would you recommend buying an ME F?
@@evangelion045 I've had mine since the 1980s and it's never given any trouble. You are not likely to find the custom autofocus lens for it, and nor would it be a lot of use.The body carries the standard lens mount as used by the ME Super etc., the benefit is that you get everything the Super has got plus in viewfinder electronic focus confirmation with a green light and a beep. This a bonus for anyone who dislikes split screen focusing which this also has. The bodies are virtually identical.
@@TelstarFirst Thank you so much for your answer!
ugh... 😭📷
does your friend greg happen to want to sell THE ONLY COPY OF THE PENTAX 18MM 3.5 LEFT ON EARTH?!?
Punk Rachmaninoff , I am so sorry - never ever.
Cheers, Greg
I have both the me and the me super and an MX. All three brilliant cameras. I love the way that with an ME you get 1 picture more because the body is so small. I was in the zoo the other week in the cafe there and a guy on the table next to me pulled out his DSLR with a lens the size of a rocket launcher so I put my ME super on the table too. He looked over at me and I pretended not to notice.. but I was smiling (internally).... heres a pic I took today flic.kr/p/2gszYoc
No comparison, the K2 is far superior to the auto only ME
I celebrate that you have returned to talking about cameras, lenses, and photography, and not stuck with artists and art. I think most of us here want camera discussions. We could talk about Ansel Adams, or any other giant of the photographic world, to death. But equipment has a greater interest to the ordinary amongst us.
I was waiting for the porn flick to start but it never did. The soothing voice clickbated me
KM, KX, K2, K2-DMD, K1000. Perhaps 5 K series models.
The MX and ME both had damping of the mirror it was never a problem and was advertised as a virtue. Still aim to use hoods, light arriving at extreme angles will bounce around between elements reducing contrast and causing flare. The m-series was just MX and ME at launch. The MX was manual, it had very accurate metering, full information viewfinder, the ability to take motordrive , autowinder, databacks and interchangeable focussing screens even though it was tiny. The ME was automated with exposure compensation. They were not based on the same mechanicals and the ME is smaller than the MX. Image quality with th SMC-M and SMC-K glass is outstanding. The ergonomics as you said allows you to keep your eye in the viewfinder you don’t need to lower the camera to check or make settings.
Good review with excellent pictures!