 Pentax ME w/50mm f/1.7 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. |
| Type | SLR |
| Released | 1977 |
| Production | 1977–1979 |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | K mount |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Recording medium | 135 film |
| Focusing | |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure | Aperture priority |
| Flash | |
| Flash | Hot shoe |
| Shutter | |
| Shutter speeds | 1 – 1/1000 s, Bulb |
| General | |
| Dimensions | 135.8×82.5×49.3 mm (5.35×3.25×1.94 in) |
| Weight | 495 g (17 oz) (1.091 lb) |
| Made in | Japan |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Pentax ME Super |
The Pentax ME, originally marked the Asahi Pentax ME, was a 1977-introduced, aperture priority automatic camera with an electronic focal plane shutter from 8 s to 1/1000 s, synchronized at 1/100 s produced by Pentax of Japan between 1977 and 1979.
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 Pentax-invented digital light meter was of the standard TTL open aperture center weighted type. It was activated by a slight pressure on the release button.
ME and MX models were Pentax's response to a new trend towards compactness in SLR cameras, which began with the launch of the Olympus OM-1 in 1972. In fact, an ME is even smaller than an OM-1.
Overview
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 cheaper Pentax MV.
External links
- Pentax ME, camerapedia
- Pentax ME, PentaxForums.com
- Pentax ME, Bojidar Dimitrov
- Pentax ME ad, 1979, Pentax Corporation
Media related to Pentax ME at Wikimedia Commons
This article was originally based on one in Camerapedia, retrieved at an unknown date under the GNU Free Documentation License.
