Pentax (Asahi Pentax) ME

Name/Title

Pentax (Asahi Pentax) ME

Entry/Object ID

376

Tags

Interesting

Description

The Pentax ME was a revolutionary entry in the ultra-compact SLR market, released as the electronic, aperture-priority sibling to the professional MX. It is almost entirely automated, featuring an electronic metal-blade focal plane shutter that only offers two manual settings: "100X" (mechanical sync) and "B" (Bulb). For all other shooting, the camera calculates the shutter speed automatically based on the user's selected aperture, displayed via a vertical LED scale in the viewfinder. This specific unit is paired with the high-performance SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 lens, a "fast" prime lens prized for its low-light capability and shallow depth of field. Because the ME lacks a manual shutter speed dial, it represents the late-1970s push toward "thinking" cameras that prioritized portability and ease of use without sacrificing the optical superiority of the K-mount system.

Category

Camera, SLR, 35mm Film
Media Type

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Pentax

Date made

1976 - 1981

Other Names and Numbers

Other Names

Name Type

Model

Other Name

ME

Other Numbers

Number Type

Serial Number

Other Number

1168748