Background & History
The Pentax ME Super + 50mm f/1.7 is one of those rare vintage 35mm film SLR kits that strikes a perfect balance between compact design and manual refinement. Launched in 1979, it improved upon the Pentax ME by adding a manual mode alongside its aperture-priority automation. When paired with the renowned SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 lens, this camera kit became a starting point for countless photographers who valued sharpness, portability, and creative control.
I still remember the first time I picked up a vintage SLR—its simplicity was refreshing. No menus, no screens. Just glass, shutter, and memory in the making.
Key Technical Characteristics
Camera Body
The ME Super features both aperture-priority and full manual exposure modes, giving new shooters a way to learn progression with control. Its electronically controlled vertical shutter reaches 1/2000s – rare at its size for the period. A reliable light meter is viewfinder-coupled, helping users nail exposures quickly.
The Lens
The included 50mm f/1.7 remains one of Pentax’s best-loved primes. With excellent sharpness wide open and a signature rendering admired in portraits, it offers creamy bokeh and vintage warmth—a character digital shooters eagerly emulate today.
Who Is This Kit For?
This kit is versatile enough to suit multiple photographer profiles:
- Analog beginners experimenting with manual focus and exposure.
- Hybrid shooters adapting the Pentax K-mount lens to digital bodies.
- Street photographers who appreciate lightweight, quiet operation.
- Independent filmmakers who crave vintage glass rendering for moving images.
The moment I limited myself to just one camera and lens, everything sharpened. I stopped worrying about gear and started seeing the photograph itself.
Creative Uses Today
In 2025, the ME Super empowers photographers beyond nostalgia. With the 50mm f/1.7, portraiture gains natural subject separation, while street work feels intuitive thanks to its discreet body size. Meanwhile, adapter use has opened doors to digital videographers chasing an organic cinematic feel. And with just 36 exposures per roll, learning discipline becomes part of the art-making process.
2025 Workflows & Techniques
Modern shooters incorporate this kit into flexible workflows. Scanning negatives bridges analog with digital, while mounting the lens onto mirrorless and cinema bodies extends its utility. Many are exploring modern creative emulsions—from color-negative films with pastel hues to tungsten-balanced stocks giving unique night aesthetics. Keeping to one prime lens teaches composition in a way zoom systems rarely encourage.
Accessories & Buying Guide
Buying second hand? A few accessories and checks go a long way. The ME Super requires SR44 batteries, still widely available online and in local shops. Lens adapters extend the SMC Pentax-M 50mm to mirrorless systems with ease. For shooting, a simple strap, lens hood, and reliable film stock make it all come together.
- ☑ Test shutter speeds including 1/2000s and 1/125s backup.
- ☑ Check electronic shutter buttons for stickiness.
- ☑ Inspect viewfinder clarity and light seals.
- ☑ Examine lens for fungus or oil on blades.
- ☑ Prefer tested bodies with a return option.
When I bought my first second-hand camera, I forgot to check the light seals. The first roll leaked with flares. Lesson learned: details matter.
Why It Still Matters in 2025
There’s a reason the Pentax ME Super film camera continues to hold value. It encourages a slower, mindful approach to photography that digital often sidelines. Its affordability makes it one of the most approachable serious film SLR kits. And the SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 lens adapts seamlessly to today’s digital systems, retaining its vintage personality while producing images that can still wow by contemporary standards. This is a camera that exists as both a creative instrument and a collectible—proving true sustainability in the world of used gear.
FAQs
Is the Pentax ME Super still reliable for film photography? Yes, with proper maintenance. Electronics age, but shutters and meters often remain dependable. Light seals are replaceable.
Can the Pentax 50mm f/1.7 lens be adapted to digital cameras? Absolutely. With K-mount adapters, the lens shines on modern mirrorless systems, producing vintage rendering.
What film stocks work best with the Pentax ME Super? Beginners may enjoy Kodak Gold 200. Enthusiasts often reach for Portra 400, CineStill 800T, or Ektachrome.
What should I check when buying a second-hand Pentax ME Super? Test shutter accuracy, look for sticky buttons, inspect light seals, and ensure the lens is free of haze, fungus, or oily blades.
Final Thoughts
The Pentax ME Super + 50mm f/1.7 kit belongs among the finest choices for anyone exploring second-hand gear. It balances usability, history, and creative opportunities in a way that feels as timeless now as it did in the late 70s. If you’re inspired to start exploring film shooting or want to adapt a gem of a lens for your digital system, this kit can provide that doorway.
Browse more second-hand film cameras for additional options. Or visit our guide to adapting vintage lenses for digital. For more inspiration, dive into our film photography tips.
Shop this classic Pentax ME Super kit now.
0 comments