Pentax ME Super Repair

The ME and ME Super represent Pentax's effort to create smaller, easier to handle SLRs compared to previous generations. They were introduced alongside the Pentax MX, a compact all mechanical SLR, and a series of redesigned compact lenses, the Pentax-M lenses. The ME Super has an electronically timed shutter, which enables an aperture priority autoexposure mode. While the light meter and various shutter speeds require electricity to function, the fundamental functions of the camera are still primarily mechanical. For example, the mirror and shutter release, self-timer, film advance and focusing are all fully mechanical. The camera can even shoot at its default shutter speed, 1/125 of a second, without batteries, serving as a kind of fail safe mode.

The ME Super has a modular construction, which makes it quite easy to disassemble, compared to other SLRs of its era. Separating the front lens board and mirror box from the main chassis is usually the first step in a major repair or overhaul. From there, individual subassemblies can be separated and inspected. If the viewfinder is dirty, that can be removed, disassembled and cleaned. If the shutter is malfunctioning, it can be removed as a unit and either serviced or replaced.

All ME Supers share the same overall construction, but there are some differences between production runs. The main PCB and particularly the adjustment potentiometers vary from year to year. Some of the wired connections may also look different than what is presented in the guides. Before unsoldering anything, make sure that your camera matches what is shown, and if it differs, take your own pictures to reference during reassembly.

The most common failures for the Pentax ME Super are a stuck reflex mirror or an advance lever that winds continuously (aka, "infinite wind"). Both have the same root cause, which are degraded rubber dampers in the mirror box mechanism. The failure can usually be repaired by cleaning out the old material to free up stuck parts (see the Mirror Box Disassembly guide).

Stuck shutter curtains are another common failure and are also caused by degrading rubber components. Disassembling and cleaning the shutter can restore proper functionality (see the Shutter Block Disassembly guide).

The electronics in the ME Super are generally reliable, but it's not uncommon to see inoperable light meters. This is usually caused by corroded battery contacts or internal wiring, which is repairable. Sometimes the light meter cell can fail, which requires a replacement part.

If you are already performing significant disassembly of the camera for a repair, consider doing a more complete overhaul of the camera to reduce the chance of future issues. The following service will address the most common failure points of the ME Super.

• Mirror box mechanism: Remove old degraded rubber bumpers and clean all affected components.
• Shutter block: Remove old degraded rubber bumpers and clean curtain pivots.
• Viewfinder: Clean and replace old foam light/dust seals.
• Light seals: Remove and replace old foam light/dust seals.

• Open cell foam, self-adhesive, 1.5 mm thick: For light seals and mirror bumpers
• Isopropyl alcohol: General cleaning
• Cotton buds: General cleaning
• Contact cement: Adhesive for attaching leatherette
• Molybdenum grease: Lubrication for mechanical latching points

See the Pentax ME Super Troubleshooting page.