Pentax ME

Pentax ME
Maker	Pentax
Dates	1977-1979
Variants	chrome, black, SE
Lens mount	Pentax K
Shutter type	focal plane Seiko MFC-E metal curtains, vertical travel
Min. shutter speed	8s
Max. shutter speed	1/1000
Exposure meter	TTL, open aperture, center weighted
Exposure modes	aperture priority
ASA/ISO range	12 to 1600
Finder screen	fixed
Shoe	fixed hot shoe
X sync speed	1/100
TTL Flash	no
Motor drive	external winder ME I (1.5i/s) or ME II (2i/s)
Battery	2×1.5V
Weight	460g w/o lens
Number produced	unknown

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 0.97× viewfinder, covering 92% of the field. The finder screen was fixed, with a split 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 ME could attach an external winder ME I (1.5 i/s) or the later ME II (2i/s). The Pentax ME could also mount a Dial Data ME databack, or the later Digital Data M databack via a cord adapter.

The lenses were interchangeable with the K bayonet mount. Together with the ME and MX was introduced the SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses.

The Pentax ME existed in chrome or black finish, and a limited edition called ME SE had a brown leather covering with the chrome finish.

It was followed in 1979 by the more advanced Pentax ME Super and the simpler Pentax MV.

Note: This camera is the last of the Pentaxes to have the Asahi Brand.

Links

• The Pentax M series at krg site
• Bojidar Dimitrov's Pentax K-mount site
• The largest database K/PK mount lenses compatible Pentax (In english and French)
• The ME at Aya's Cameras
• Pentax ME on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand