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Pentax ME Film Camera

The Pentax ME is a 24 x 36mm full-frame film camera — known for its Pentax K Lens Mount and Full-Frame 35mm Exposure. Used copies start from $55.42 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Pentax ME Film Camera

Pentax ME Film Camera

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Pentax ME SLR Film Camera Body Chrome

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • Compact 35mm SLR
  • Aperture-priority auto
  • Manual focus
  • Lightweight design

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Used Pentax ME Listings on GearFocus

Pentax ME SLR Film Camera Body Chrome
Pentax ME SLR Film Camera Body Chrome

Good

$55.42

🚚 Free Shipping

Pentax ME SLR Film Camera Body Chrome
Pentax ME SLR Film Camera Body Chrome

Good

$55.42

🚚 Free Shipping

Camera Overview — Pentax ME

The Pentax ME is a 35mm film SLR camera built around the Pentax K lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of K-mount glass. It shoots on full-frame 35mm film with a 24 x 36mm exposure area, making it a true full-frame shooting experience by design. The camera operates on two LR44 or equivalent 1.5V cells, keeping the power requirements simple and widely available.

Focusing is handled entirely manually, with no autofocus system onboard, putting full creative control in the shooter's hands. The optical viewfinder delivers 0.97x magnification and 92% frame coverage, giving you a large, bright view of your scene with only a slight crop relative to the actual frame. Flash connectivity is well covered, with both a hot shoe and a PC socket available, syncing at 1/100s.

The camera supports a film ISO range from 12 to 1600, accommodating everything from slow, fine-grain emulsions to faster stocks suited for lower light situations. Weighing in at 450g, the ME is a compact and manageable body. There is no image stabilization and no weather sealing, which are expected trade-offs for a camera of this class and era.

For film photographers seeking a lightweight, full-frame 35mm SLR with solid viewfinder performance and flexible flash options, the Pentax ME is a compelling and practical option.

Key Features — Pentax ME

Pentax K Lens Mount: Compatible with the broad ecosystem of Pentax K-mount lenses, including a wide range of vintage and modern glass.

Full-Frame 35mm Exposure: Uses the full 24 x 36mm film frame, giving you maximum image area on every shot.

0.97x Optical Viewfinder: Large, bright viewfinder with 92% frame coverage makes manual focusing accurate and comfortable.

Aperture-Priority AE Mode: Set your aperture and the camera automatically selects the correct shutter speed, streamlining exposure in varied lighting.

ISO 12–1600 Film Range: Accommodates everything from slow, fine-grain emulsions to faster stocks suited for lower light conditions.

Dual Flash Connectivity: Both a hot shoe and PC socket are available, syncing with flash at 1/100s for flexible off-camera and on-camera flash setups.

Camera Specifications — Pentax ME

Pentax ME full specifications
SpecDetail
TypeFilm
SensorFull Frame (35mm)
Resolution24 x 36mm
ISO Range12 – 1600
AF SystemManual Focus Only
Max Photo Resolution24 x 36mm
Image StabilizationNone
ViewfinderOptical
Viewfinder Resolution0.97x magnification, 92% coverage
BatteryTwo LR44 or equivalent 1.5V cells
Weather SealingNone
Weight450g

Description — Pentax ME

The Pentax ME is a full-frame 35mm film SLR built around the Pentax K lens mount, delivering a 24 x 36mm exposure area on standard 35mm film stock. The camera accepts a film ISO range of 12 to 1600, giving photographers the flexibility to shoot with a wide variety of emulsions depending on their lighting conditions and creative goals. Focusing is manual only, supported by an optical viewfinder with an impressive 0.97x magnification and 92% frame coverage — making it easier to nail focus and compose accurately.

For flash users, the ME offers both a hot shoe and a PC socket, with a sync speed of 1/100s. Power comes from two LR44 or equivalent 1.5V cells, a common and easy-to-source battery format. The body tips the scales at 450g, keeping the overall kit light and manageable.

There is no image stabilization and no weather sealing, so it is best used with care in challenging conditions. The Pentax K mount opens the door to a broad selection of compatible lenses, making the ME a versatile platform for film photography enthusiasts.

Pros — Pentax ME

  • ✓Large 0.97x magnification optical viewfinder with 92% frame coverage aids precise manual focusing
  • ✓Full-frame 35mm exposure area (24 x 36mm) maximizes film real estate on every shot
  • ✓Broad ISO range of 12 to 1600 supports a wide variety of film stocks

Cons — Pentax ME

  • ✗No weather sealing, making the camera vulnerable in wet or dusty conditions
  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus system for faster or more casual shooting
  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind, relying entirely on shooter technique and film speed

Videos — Pentax ME

Pentax ME Super in 3 minutes — Three Minute Pro

Resources & Downloads — Pentax ME

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Pentax ME

What lenses are compatible with the Pentax ME?+
The Pentax ME uses the Pentax K lens mount, so any K-mount lens will physically attach to the body. This gives you access to a substantial range of both vintage and more recent Pentax K-mount glass.
What batteries does the Pentax ME require?+
The camera runs on two LR44 or equivalent 1.5V cells. These are widely available at electronics and general retail stores, making power sourcing straightforward.
What film ISO range does the Pentax ME support?+
The ME supports film ISO settings from 12 to 1600. This range covers very slow, fine-grain emulsions all the way up to faster stocks suited for lower-light shooting.
Does the Pentax ME have autofocus?+
No, the Pentax ME is manual focus only. There is no autofocus system on this camera, so you will need to focus using the lens's focus ring while composing through the optical viewfinder.
Can I use a flash with the Pentax ME?+
Yes, the ME features both a hot shoe and a PC socket for flash connectivity. The sync speed is 1/100s, which is the maximum shutter speed you should use when shooting with flash.
Is the Pentax ME weather sealed?+
No, the Pentax ME has no weather sealing. Care should be taken to protect the camera from rain, moisture, and dust during use.

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