Pentax ME

The Pentax ME was introduced in 1976 as the world's most compact SLR for the 24 × 36 mm film format.

The introduction of the Pentax ME was a bold move by Pentax in the direction of automation, since the camera with aperture priority (Av ) had only a single exposure mode. The photographer set the aperture and the camera chose the shutter speed accordingly. A / - 2 EV exposure compensation was the only means by which the photographer could affect the exposure. In addition, there was 1/100 s a mechanical speed setting, but it was meant only as a last resort if the batteries were empty. Metering was not available in this mode. The selector lever around the shutter release button had four positions: L (lock ), Auto, 100X ( 1/100s, X - sync) and B.

The case of the ME was black, the upper and lower housing cover chrome and black. A ME SE (Special Edition) model version was later introduced with brown leather. The camera has a hot shoe on the top of the prism and a self-timer. The viewfinder was big and bright, larger than in the Pentax K- series of cameras introduced the year before.

Together with the ME and its sister camera MX SMC Pentax -M series of compact lenses for the K bayonet was introduced.

The ME was replaced in 1979 by Pentax ME Super successor model and the simpler Pentax MV.

Swell

• Bojidar Dimitrov 's Pentax K- Mount website (English), comprehensive information on Pentax cameras, lenses and accessories for the K bayonet
• PentaxForums Pentax ME Website (English)