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Rent NowPentax ME Super SE (Special Edition) 35mm SLR Film Camera Body (Chrome)
Classic Compact Analog Legend with Tactile Push-Button Manual Override — Sold AS-IS
The Pentax ME Super SE (Special Edition) is an iconic, ultra-compact 35mm SLR film camera body that stands as a high-water mark in Pentax’s classic analog lineup. Representing the exact historical turning point where the “Asahi” moniker was officially dropped from camera names, this highly sought-after Special Edition updates the standard ME framework with a tactile dual push-button manual shutter speed override and advanced manual metering capabilities.
Built with an electronically controlled Seiko vertical-moving metal blade shutter, a higher shutter speed ceiling of 1/2000s, and a dedicated hot shoe, this chrome beauty delivers timeless SLR mechanics in an incredibly lightweight chassis.
“AS-IS” CONDITION NOTE & USER DIAGNOSIS
This camera body is being offered strictly AS-IS / FOR PARTS, REPAIR, OR MANUAL SHOOTING due to a localized electronic component failure. Please review the specific breakdown below before purchasing:
Non-Functional Light Meter: The internal TTL light meter is completely non-working. The viewfinder’s LED metering display scale does not illuminate or calculate exposure.
Manual Shooting Workaround: Because the light meter does not function, the camera cannot calculate Aperture Priority AE mode. To shoot with this body, you must use an external handheld light meter, a smartphone metering app, or follow the Sunny 16 rule while shooting in full Manual (M) mode.
Good Exterior Cosmetic Condition: Cosmetically, the body is in good condition. The classic chrome plating is bright with only minor, normal signs of age. This specific variant features the highly stylized, premium Black Leather grip covering wrapped tightly around the chassis rather than the alternative brown leather trim.
Fully Functional Mechanics: Mechanically, the camera is operational. The film advance lever pulls smoothly, the mechanical cable release socket is intact, the film compartment door clicks shut, and the manual focus alignment mirror remains crisp.
Expanded Manual Controls & Advanced Seiko Shutter
Dual Push-Button Manual Exposure Override: Upgrading the automated baseline of the original ME, the ME Super features an innovative set of dual push-button controls near the top plate. This lets you manually step your shutter speeds up and down with tactile precision when set to Manual mode.
Electronically Controlled Seiko Metal Shutter: Built with a vertically moving Seiko metal blade shutter system. In manual mode, it steps precisely between 4 seconds and a blistering 1/2000th of a second (plus Bulb), while offering smooth, stepless speed tracking when paired with a working auto system.
Mechanical Backup Speeds: Features two physical, battery-independent mechanical shutter settings on the five-position main control dial: 1/125x (Flash Sync) and B (Bulb). This ensures you can still fire the shutter and capture long night exposures even if your batteries drain completely in the field.
Universal Pentax K Bayonet Mount: Natively accommodates the vast, legendary ecosystem of Pentax K-mount lenses, along with thousands of premium vintage third-party lenses.
Pro-Tier Body Architecture & Hardware Syncing
Dedicated Flash Shoe & PC Sync Terminal: Outfitted with a dedicated electronic hot shoe on the pentaprism housing for seamless integration with legacy flashes (such as the AF160, AF200S, and AF300S). Includes a dedicated side-facing PC terminal for studio strobe synchronization.
Tactile Five-Position Mode Selector: Features an elegant top dial to instantly switch camera states: L (Shutter Lock), Auto, M (Manual Push-Button Control), 125x (Mechanical Flash Sync), and B (Bulb long exposure mode).
Manual Film Management Architecture: Retains a completely mechanical, user-controlled film advance lever, a pop-up rewind crank handle, and a manual ISO film speed selection wheel supporting emulsion speeds from ISO 12 to 1600.
Modular Peripheral Support Compatibility: Fully compatible with vintage Pentax modular accessories (sold separately), including the Dial Data ME Back datestamp unit, the high-speed Winder ME, and the Winder ME II rapid motor drives.
Technical Specifications
Camera System Classification: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Film Camera Body
Lens Mount Architecture: Universal Pentax K Bayonet Mount
Exposure Modes: Full Manual (M) | Aperture Priority AE (Requires working meter, non-functional on this unit)
Shutter System Construction: Seiko Electronically Controlled Vertical Metal Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter Speed Spectrum: 1/2000s to 4 Seconds | Dedicated Bulb (B) Long Exposure Mode
Emergency Mechanical Speeds: 1/125s (X-Sync) & Bulb (Functions completely battery-free)
Flash Synchronization Threshold: 1/125 Second Max Sync Speed via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal
Film Speed Range Sensitivity: ISO 12 to 1600 (Manually Selectable Dial)
Film Advance System: Manual Single-Stroke Lever with 135° Throw (Supports external ME winders)
Viewfinder Optical Telemetry: Fixed Eye-Level Pentaprism (Integrated LED shutter speed scale non-functional)
On-Body Utility Ports: Mechanical Threaded Cable Release Socket | Threaded Tripod Base Receiver
Power Requirement Specifications: Requires 2x 1.5V MS76 / LR44 Button Cell Batteries to drive electronic manual speeds
Chassis Shell Materials: Aluminum Die-Cast Frame with Chrome Top Plates & Black Leather Covering
Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 5.16 x 3.25 x 1.95 inches / 131.0 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm
Weight (Body Only): Approx. 15.7 oz / 445 grams (Ultra-compact SLR travel footprint)
