In 1977 Pentax introduced two compact 35mm SLRs , the MX and ME after the Olympus OM-1 presented in 1972 , Olympus introduced a new trend for compactness in SLR cameras. The Pentax ME was replaced in 1979 by the more advanced Pentax ME super. In 1981 a derivate of the ME super was called Pentax ME-F was launched. The differences with the ME super where :
Focus assistance mechanism.
Brighter finder screen
Different finder magnification.
4 batteries instead of 2.
The focusing assistance mechanism had a selector lever with 3 positions: High aperture lens; small aperture lens: Off. An LED in the finder and a (de-activatable) beep told the user that the subject was in focus.. The lens mount had five electrical contacts. The dedicated SMC Pentax AF 35-70 /2.8 zoom-lens allowed full autofocus . but incorporated four AAA batteries. The Pentax ME-F was the very first TTL autofocus SLR to reach the market. The ME-F was an aperture priority automatic camera
Specifications: Pentax ME-F.
Maker : Pentax.
Dates: 1981-1984.
Lens mount : Pentax K mount.
Shutter : Focal plane made by Seiko MFC-E2 metal curtains vertical travel.
Max shutter speed: 4sec
Min shutter speed : 1/2000sec
Exposure meter : TTL open aperture center weighted .
Exposure modes: Aperture priority , manual, 125X and bulb.
ISO range: 12 to 1600.
Finder screen : Fixed split image ( horizontal)
Flash shoe: Fixed hot shoe and contacts for dedicated flash
X sync speed : 1/125 sec
Motor drive ability : Yes with winder ME.
Weight 445 gram w/o lens.
Dimensions: 32x88x49mm w/o lens.
Weight : 675 gram. W lens
Battery : 4x 1,5 volt SR76 or similar.
