The Pentax ME arrived in 1976, whilst superficially similar to the K series Pentaxes, it is a complete redesign. Physically smaller in all dimensions, it does, however, use the same K mount. The ME is fully automatic, aperture priority, no speed dial is fitted, but the resulting speed is displayed in the viewfinder, fully automatic between 8sec and 1000th. Focus is achieved on a lovely mix of mainly ground screen, a small centre circular split field with Fresnel surround. The shutter itself is no longer the horizontal cloth blind of the K series, but a vertical running metal blind, with flash synchronization set at 100th sec.. Although the same K mount was used, the lenses themselves were new designs, also of reduced dimensions. Though the earlier K mount lenses will still work with the ME. All told the ME is a typically well built camera that sits very nicely in the hand. The design was later enhanced in 1980 to become the popular ME-Super with varied shutter speeds and the option of manual operation.

This example was donated in January 2010, by Mr. A. Westlake.

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Body No.1052099
Shutter, metal focal plane, speeds B ,8s, 4s 2s, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500 & 1000th
Lens No.2844213, Pentax - M SMC, 50mm f/1.7

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