I have a pentax me super. Is it worth buying a nikon fe/nikon el2 or other slr?

Iodosan · Apr 17, 2021

I have a super pentax me with 50mm/1.7 and 40mm/2.8. I have seen some opportunities to buy SLRs from other systems such as nikon fe /el2/nikkormat ftn, rolleiflex sl35 e, canon ftn... But I was wondering if it was really worth it even if my camera has a lower value. I can find in addition to pentax lenses some good 50mm even in the m42 world, right? Maybe it's only worth it if I find a nikon f/f2 or canon f1, right? You have 50mm tips also f2 and over with great contrast And little barrel distortion?

runswithsizzers · Apr 17, 2021

There are many ways to compare cameras - size and weight, lens selection, durability, ease of use, etc. But all the cameras you mention are capable of taking equally good photos, so if judged by that criteria, none is better than the others.

If you have a camera that works, and if you enjoy using it, then why switch? Is there something about your ME Super that you don't like? What would you hope to gain by switching to another brand?

Personally, I would rather have two Pentax bodies than one Pentax and one Canon (or Nikon, etc.); that way all my Pentax lenses can be used on either body. So for me, it would make more sense to buy a second Pentax body.

Wallendo · Apr 17, 2021

The only good reason to upgrade any SLR is you need or want a feature it doesn’t support.

Don_ih · Apr 17, 2021

If you're satisfied with the quality of your photos, you likely won't be more satisfied with Nikon or Canon. There's pretty much no difference between those three, in terms of general lens quality. Add Olympus and Minolta to that list, also.

mrosenlof · Apr 17, 2021

If you are happy with the Pentax, then there may not be a reason to look for something else. Pentax lenses from that era are very good. You won't find an SLR/lens combo smaller than the ME with that 40/2.8. If the glass in your 50/1.7 is clean, you have an excellent 50 and not a lot of need for a lens upgrade.

That said, the ME Super is an old camera. If it stops working, it has enough electronics that it may be difficult to get fixed. Replacement parts are mostly not available. It does not have a lot of features by today's standards. Several other manufacturers made K-mount bodies, so replacement bodies can be found, from Pentax or Ricoh, or Cosina, and probably a few others.

voceumana · Apr 17, 2021

In terms of optical quality as exhibited in actual photographs, there is really no reason to recommend one brand over another--perhaps one or two specific lenses are superior in a minor fashion, but overall lens quality is not really a reason to choose a brand. As to camera, base your decision on features you find important and, in a used camera, the condition.

As mentioned above, it makes more sense to have a 2nd camera body of the same lens mount system than your 1st body.

If I were in the Pentax bayonet system (K and M series cameras), I'd look for a KX body in great condition--but I am in the Nikon system, as it was what I could most easily get when I went shopping for an SLR.

Paul Howell · Apr 17, 2021

I would invest in a new lens, maybe a 28 2.8 or if you have the funds a 105 2.8. If you have KA lens, and really want a new body then look for a AF body, all Pentax AF bodies will take KA lens in manual focus mode, only a few of the higher end bodies will work with M42 or standard K lens.

Iodosan · Apr 17, 2021

voceumana said:
In terms of optical quality as exhibited in actual photographs, there is really no reason to recommend one brand over another--perhaps one or two specific lenses are superior in a minor fashion, but overall lens quality is not really a reason to choose a brand. As to camera, base your decision on features you find important and, in a used camera, the condition.

As mentioned above, it makes more sense to have a 2nd camera body of the same lens mount system than your 1st body.

If I were in the Pentax bayonet system (K and M series cameras), I'd look for a KX body in great condition--but I am in the Nikon system, as it was what I could most easily get when I went shopping for an SLR.

In fact, my question is not about the quality of the photos that goes to the photographer's taste and there are some who prefer pentax or minolta to leica for example. My doubt was in the long run. If he deserved to change now and use another system or use me super as long as his electronics last and then look for a totally manual one. I like pentax asahi but they are not compatible. So I should go on a kx that doesn't like. The top of the range pentax the pentax lx also the Suffers from many problems

Dan Fromm · Apr 17, 2021

Hmm. I'm a Nikonist. Not that I'm convinced Nikon is best, rather that I started with Nikons and never found a reason to change.

Years ago one of my research assistants let me play with his ME Super. It is a nice little camera, but too small for my hands. If yours fits your hands and face well, stick with it. Changing to another system -- Nikon is not the only possibility -- or to a different Pentax camera will make sense only of the ME doesn't fit you well. Otherwise, there's nothing to gain by changing.

You mentioned the EL2. My wife still has and ELW, much the same camera. It works well, does what it is supposed to but it is larger and heavier than the FE. I have an FM2n. It is the same size and weight as an FE, fits me.

If you have K-mount lenses, stick with K-mount bodies.

darkosaric · Apr 17, 2021

If you want to use some specific lens - for example 105mm f2.5 Nikkor, or something - then yes, go for it. I used M42 cameras because it offered some lenses that I cannot easily use on my Nikon cameras. One of the main reason why I am using Leica is possibility to use some very special lenses, like Summar, Summitar and so on.

Paul Howell · Apr 17, 2021

The top of the range pentax the pentax lx also the Suffers from many problems[/QUOTE]

With only a few expectations such as the Pentax K1000 manual focus SLRs are now 35years to 60 years old. The large manufactures such as Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Pentax, Konica all made decent reliable cameras, the top of the line bodies built for heavy use had better build quality, but many were used by professionals or advanced armatures and got the heavy use they were indented for. Your Pentax Super was mid level body, good features, overall reliable, but the electronic shutter is a problem, cannot be be easily repaired, lack of parts and trained technicians. So all manual Pentax KX, MX, Minolta 101 or 102, Canon Ftb, are all very good bodies, in your part of the world are there camera repair folks who work on bodies that are 35 to 40 years old? Where I live there is a photo shop that will clean, lube and adjust as long the camera is in good working order but will not take in a camera that might need parts. I tend to use my 90s mid level AF bodies, they are so cheap if one breaks I toss and get a new on. I do have have Minolta 9, but only use it when I out of town or shooting sports or wildlife, other wise I use Minolta 5s and 3s to avoid wear and tear on my 9.

narsuitus · Apr 17, 2021

The Nikon F4 was my largest 35mm SLR.

When I needed to carry an automatic/electronic camera that was smaller, lighter, and less expensive than my Nikon F4, I carried a Pentax ME.

Pentax ME & Nikon F4 by Narsuitus, on Flickr

voceumana · Apr 17, 2021

While I have a Nikon FM2n and an F3 (the F3 was the latecomer), and the FM2n is a fine camera, I do find the larger size of the F3 fits my hands better. Likewise, I find the smaller Pentax ME size is not as natural in my hands because of size. It's all a matter of personal preference.

albada · Apr 17, 2021

The problem with electronics over 20 years old is that electrolytic capacitors tend to dry out and fail. Therefore, I suggest using cameras with mechanical shutters. Two good choices among small SLRs are the OM-1 and Pentax MX. You have many more choices among larger SLRs, such as Nikkormat, Konica, Minolta SRt, Pentax K1000 and KX, Ricoh, and others.

mawz · Apr 17, 2021

I'll freely admit I utterly despise the ME Super, I consider it one of the worst designed Pentax bodies (and that's a high bar for the company that brought us the PZ and SF lines).

That said, my suggestion is if you are looking for something different, buy some of the extremely good Pentax lenses to round out your system, or go grab something like a K2, KX, MX or LX and experience the high points of Pentax's manual camera lineup. They made some terrible cameras, but they also did some of the best cameras out there.

Autonerd · Apr 18, 2021

Iodosan said:
I have a super pentax me with 50mm/1.7 and 40mm/2.8. I have seen some opportunities to buy SLRs from other systems such as nikon fe /el2/nikkormat ftn, rolleiflex sl35 e, canon ftn... But I was wondering if it was really worth it even if my camera has a lower value.

No, not worth it -- you'd be better off keeping the ME Super and your lenses (especially that 40/2.8, those are worth some dough!) and investing in the Pentax ecosystem.

I started out as a Pentaxian and now own several brands of 35mm SLRs, including the Nikon FE, FG, and Nikomat FT2. IMHO, Nikons are lovely cameras but overrated. Nikon lenses are great but so are Pentax and Minolta lenses. I'm pretty sure that if I posted photos of similar scenes taken with my Nikon FE/Nikkor 50/1.4 and my $7 Sears KS Auto/Sears 50/1.7, no one could which image was taken with which camera.

I'd keep the ME Super -- I have one and it's one of my favorite walk-around cameras. Nothing (with the possible exception of the Olympus OM-series) can touch it for light weight and easy handling.

I'd consider adding a longer lens to your collection -- the SMC Pentax-M 135/3.5 is very affordable, as is the Pentax 80-200 f/4.5 zoom, and both are compact and light. A 28mm is good to have as well -- Pentax's own 28s are expensive but I think the old Vivitar 28/2.8 does a great job.

I'd consider another body. The Pentax KX is a favorite of mine; it's all-manual, all-mechanical, and lots of fun to use. Also very affordable ($75-$100). I personally prefer it to the much-vaunted MX. Another great source of Pentax K-compatible bodies is Ricoh -- great underrated cameras. They're cheap and the Sears-branded versions are even cheaper. The Ricoh XR-1/Sears KS-1000 is an all-mechanical body with a feature set similar to the KX. The Ricoh XR-2/XR-2s/Sears KS Auto has a similar feature set with an electronic shutter and automatic mode (and is easier to use in manual mode than your ME Super). he Ricoh KR-10/Sears KSX is another great camera. All of these cameras can be found on eBay for less than $40 and often less than $20. Or $10. TThey have polycarb bodies and aren't as refined as the Pentax Ks but are still magnificent.

Here's the best part: You can most likely get a Pentax KX body, a Sears KS Auto body, a Pentax 80-200 *and* a Vivitar 28/2.8 all for less than the cost of a Nikon FM.

Aaron

Autonerd · Apr 18, 2021

Paul Howell said:
but the electronic shutter is a problem, cannot be be easily repaired, lack of parts and trained technicians..

Paul, not to pick on you, but I disagree with the sentiment that electronic shutters should be avoided. The electronics are pretty simple and pretty robust, and sometimes when they break it's merely a matter of a little resoldering. They have the advantages of almost never going out of adjustment (as opposed to mechanical cameras which can be victims of gummy lubrication) so if they work, they generally work right. And they're often cheaper than all-mechanical cameras.

So far I've had very good luck with electronic-shutter cameras. My Nikon FE has been the most troublesome, but the FG -- the one that Nikonists seem to hate -- is a great little camera and I'm thinking of getting a second one.

Aaron

Paul Howell · Apr 18, 2021

Autonerd said:
Paul, not to pick on you, but I disagree with the sentiment that electronic shutters should be avoided. The electronics are pretty simple and pretty robust, and sometimes when they break it's merely a matter of a little resoldering. They have the advantages of almost never going out of adjustment (as opposed to mechanical cameras which can be victims of gummy lubrication) so if they work, they generally work right. And they're often cheaper than all-mechanical cameras.

So far I've had very good luck with electronic-shutter cameras. My Nikon FE has been the most troublesome, but the FG -- the one that Nikonists seem to hate -- is a great little camera and I'm thinking of getting a second one.

Aaron

I agree that electronic shutters are pretty robust, and in many cases only need a replacement capacitor or repair of a soldered connection that has come lose over the years. But, and a big but is finding a camera repair shop that will work on film cameras/ Lets say you bring a camera in and a chip has gone bad, unless you have a donor camera not repairable your out any where from $30 to a $80 just for the diagnostic charge. Some shooters are pretty good with repairs, I'm not one, lack the equipment, shop manuals and temperament. I shoot with Minolta A mount and Pentax MF and AF, many with electronic shutters, have a number of backup bodies, the only body that I would consider a repair is my Minolta 9. BTW I had a FG, back to a F3P, it was a great camera, when my F3 was ripped off at LAX after 9/11 when I was forced to check my camera bag, I passed the FG off to my son who still has it.

albada · Apr 18, 2021

mawz said:
I'll freely admit I utterly despise the ME Super, I consider it one of the worst designed Pentax bodies

I found the ME Super to be a pleasure to use. It's lightweight, has a bright VF that is easy to focus, shutterspeed and meter are visible in the VF, shutterspeed and aperture are easy to change. I have used all the major brands of SLR, and found the ME Super to be most enjoyable.
What specifically do you dislike about it?
(I'm not going to argue; I'm just curious)

removed account4 · Apr 18, 2021

your me super and the lenses that go with it are probably one of best kept secrets of photography
let the Leica. Nikon, Canon, and Minolta people have their cameras and jack up the prices. the the Pentax me super
is small and works like a dream. lenses really can't be beat either ...

titrisol · Apr 18, 2021

As long as your camera is well maintained, I wouldn't do it
The MESuper is quirky with the buttons instead of dials but once you learn to use it is pretty powerful
If you plan to stay in Pentax, get a Sper Program

Unless you have a ton of Nikon glass, in that case get a FM2a

mawz · Apr 19, 2021

albada said:
I found the ME Super to be a pleasure to use. It's lightweight, has a bright VF that is easy to focus, shutterspeed and meter are visible in the VF, shutterspeed and aperture are easy to change. I have used all the major brands of SLR, and found the ME Super to be most enjoyable.
What specifically do you dislike about it?
(I'm not going to argue; I'm just curious)

The viewfinder is decent enough, but nothing to write home about, the shutter speed control is pretty much the worst I've ever used (I HATE the 2-button shutter speed control), and I dislike the magic needle system, I find it excessively fiddly to load compared to a traditional slotted takeup spool. The only post-K series Pentax body I've ever liked was the LX (which is great, except for the magic needles) although the MX is a good body that's just not quite comfortable for me to use (I get eyestrain from the finder)

I've owned SLR's from pretty much every major system except Canon FD, and the ME Super is one of the ones I've liked the least. I've had two and dumped both quickly. I was pretty seriously into Pentax for quite some time, but never could find a Pentax body other than the LX that I really got along with. I do like the Cosina CS-1 variants though, they're my preferred light carry bodies in pretty much every system.

cptrios · Apr 20, 2021

mawz said:
The viewfinder is decent enough, but nothing to write home about, the shutter speed control is pretty much the worst I've ever used (I HATE the 2-button shutter speed control), and I dislike the magic needle system, I find it excessively fiddly to load compared to a traditional slotted takeup spool. The only post-K series Pentax body I've ever liked was the LX (which is great, except for the magic needles) although the MX is a good body that's just not quite comfortable for me to use (I get eyestrain from the finder)

I've owned SLR's from pretty much every major system except Canon FD, and the ME Super is one of the ones I've liked the least. I've had two and dumped both quickly. I was pretty seriously into Pentax for quite some time, but never could find a Pentax body other than the LX that I really got along with. I do like the Cosina CS-1 variants though, they're my preferred light carry bodies in pretty much every system.

It's always funny to see the whole "different strokes" range on topics like this. I picked up an ME Super a few weeks ago, and so far I love it. I'm mainly happy with the size/weight, and I really dig the big VF. The two-button shutter thing is definitely odd, but I'm in aperture priority most of the time so it's not a big deal. I'll definitely agree on loading, though!

Out of curiosity, which of those Cosina variants do you like? The only one I've used is a Konica TC-X, which was...not great. Constantly tempted by an FE10, T60, or OM2000, though. I'm all about weight reduction.

digitalintrigue · Apr 21, 2021

ME Super is one of my favorites. Super small, light, but a HUGE viewfinder. As can be seen in this thread, given enough time, you're going to get every possible answer (both pro and con) for every 35mm SLR. If the ME Super is working for you, keep shooting it.

mawz · Apr 21, 2021

cptrios said:
It's always funny to see the whole "different strokes" range on topics like this. I picked up an ME Super a few weeks ago, and so far I love it. I'm mainly happy with the size/weight, and I really dig the big VF. The two-button shutter thing is definitely odd, but I'm in aperture priority most of the time so it's not a big deal. I'll definitely agree on loading, though!

Out of curiosity, which of those Cosina variants do you like? The only one I've used is a Konica TC-X, which was...not great. Constantly tempted by an FE10, T60, or OM2000, though. I'm all about weight reduction.

I know folks love the ME Super, which is why I tried a couple. Frankly if I wanted another camera in that line I'd just get an MV ;-)

The OM2000 is my favourite Cosina variant, for the selectable spot metering. Otherwise it's the FM10. These bodies changes a lot in the 80's and the older the version, the less polished they are. The late versions from the 90's like the FM10/FE10, OM2000 and similar are the best experience because they have better grip designs and the wind lever locks the shutter. I do kind of dislike the 'spaceship' looks of the late CS-1 itself and the late Vivitar versions.

Note the T60 is unique as well. It's the only one with a horizontal travel shutter.

If you're really looking for small, the OM2000 is the way to go, followed by one of the late K variants (Ricoh KR-5sv or late Vivitar/Cosina branded ones), specifically for the small lenses available. The FM10 with the Series E primes is also a small setup, but be aware the Series E 28 is a dog, the 35, 50, 100 and 135 are all quite good and the 100 is unusually small and light for its focal length.

I have a pentax me super. Is it worth buying a nikon fe/nikon el2 or other slr?

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