USED - Pentax ME, 50mm f1.7 35mm film SLR & Accessories

Introduced in 1976, the lovely Pentax ME was Pentax's first M-Series film SLR camera, with aperture priority automation, an electronic focal plane shutter from 8 s to 1/1000s, flash synchronized at 1/100s; with vertical travel metal shutter curtains. There is no shutter dial, and the camera has no manual mode, except for Bulb and 1/100 exposures. The Pentax-invented digital light meter is of the standard TTL open aperture center weighted type, activated by a slight pressure on the release button.

A then-huge 0.97× viewfinder, covering 92% of the field, the finder screen is a split image and a microprism ring in the center. The shutter speed chosen by the camera is displayed in the finder.

A hot shoe on the top of the prism, a self-timer lever on the front, the selector around the release button has four positions: L (lock), Auto, 100X (1/100, X sync) and B.  The Pentax ME can also attach an external winder ME I (1.5 i/s) or the later ME II (2i/s), and also mount the Dial Data ME databack, or the later Digital Data M databack via a cord adapter.

Lenses are interchangeable with the K bayonet mount, and with the ME and MX was introduced the SMC Pentax-M series of compact lenses.  The Pentax ME was available in chrome or black finish. It was followed in 1979 by the more advanced Pentax ME Super and the cheaper Pentax MV / MV1, and later it's direct replacement, the very short-lived MG.