Pentax Super Program

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.75 of 5,
4 votes

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I have owned a K1000 and an ME previosly which worked flawlessley. I recently trade My old reliable ME and a Lens, for it I always wanted the Super Program but coul not afford it when it came out. This camera as all other Pentax products I have owned works flawlessley I use a Pentax AF 220T flash and the dedicated features are great this is why I always wanted the Super Program I also have a Vivitar 285 which I can use off camera I will never get rid of this camera It is perfect for the beginner as well as the Pro.

Strengths:
TTl Flash capability 6 exposure modes all work flawless what more could you want

Weaknesses:
I have not found any I could't handle. But an off camera cord WOULD be nice for the dedicated Flashes

Similar Products Used:
Pentax K1000, and Pentax ME which I used since 1980. and my Grandson is using it now at 7yrs. Old I can't belive the pictures he has taken with it. One would think an adult took them He uses a Pentax 50mm 1:4 Lens and a Tokina 80-200 zoom with exellent results

Customer Service:
Have never needed it.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
The SuperProgram is superb -- the best general purpose camera ever from Pentax, IMHO. I purchased my first SuperProgram new in 1982, with Pentax A-series f3.5 28-80 zoom lens, and Pentax auto flash. With only one professional service / cleaning in 1989, on average I have shot two 24 or 36 ex rolls per month since new, about 500 rolls in total, in all imaginable conditions including worldwide travel. The combo has always served 100% with perfect exposures every time (not counting operator error!!). Bought my second SuperProgram, used, with fantastic and super-sharp Pentax 40mm pancake lens last year. This second SuperProgram is also superb; same top-notch performance and quality; no problems whatsoever. Both examples are like bulletproof extensions of the senses. With the five-star rating, I would add "+++++".

Strengths:
Extremely durable, robust, very high build quality, lightweight, forgiving, extremely easy to use. Viewfinder and all controls are clear and intuitive. Battery life is excellent, even with extended use.

Weaknesses:
First, this camera is no longer made -- a shame as I suspect even as we move through the first decade of the 21st Century, it would still sell quite well, especially with a very careful application of today's materials, microcircuitry, sensor and servo improvements that could be subtly incorporated into the design with little front-end development cost (relatively speaking). Second, the film leader very occasionally gets caught in pressure plate at completion of rewind, but this has never a serious problem of any kind. Third, film speed, exposure compensation, rewind, other function controls are on the small side, but this is a design feature given the camera's size, so even calling this a 'weakness' isn't quite right -- just something that some people might not feel comfortable with.

Similar Products Used:
A wide range of comparable non-Pentax SLRs. Have also owned and extensively used an old H1a, Spotmatic F, ME Super and SF-10.

Customer Service:
When used more than a decade ago, Pentax service was prompt, very inexpensive and of excellent quality.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Kenmore Camera, Kenm

Summary:
I have used this fine camera for several years now. I also own a Pentax PZ-1P, but the Super Program is still my primary camera! I shoot a wide variety of photography types, and have never been disappointed with its performance. If you don't need or want autofocus, this camera comes highly recommended. Super indeed! (Purchase price above included trade-in of a Vivitar SLR, otherwise would have been around $200.)

Strengths:
Attractive, durable, mostly-metal camera. Six exposure modes available when using A Series or FA Series lenses. Easy to use, and suitable for pros and amateurs alike. (Often used by pros as a dependable back-up.) Classic K-mount allows one of the widest ranges of lenses available. Batteries easy to find, and not too expensive.

Weaknesses:
Batteries MUST be used to operate the camera. Was only in production for a few years, so replacement parts may be scarce. Few accessories available.

Similar Products Used:
Nikon F3HP, Canon AE-1 Program, Konica T4, Minolta SRT 101 (Compares favorably with all of these)

Customer Service:
Apparently, Pentax no longer services the Super Program/Super A, but numerous independent shops do. Operating manual available for download at http://www.pentaxusa.com

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I had a Super Program almost 2 decades and have used it extensively with complete satisfaction. It is a light weight, small, highly flexible, reliable workhorse that can use a wide range of lenses.

Strengths:
It uses the gamut of Pentax and Pentax-targeted lenses (screw and bayonet mount). It is solidly constructed (metal, not plastic). It's easy to use and virtually intuitive. A very reliable machine. After thousands of pictures, still no problems.

Weaknesses:
No autofocus facility. Until I got used to them, some of the controls seemed more suitable to smaller hands than mine.

Similar Products Used:
Pentax Spotmatic Miranda Sensomat Pentax Z-1 M

Customer Service:
No problems with the body. When I had a minor problem with a Pentax zoom lens, Pentax repaired it quickly and cheaply (free).

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $125.00 from Ebay

Summary:
I use the Super Program as a backup or alternate film body to my ZX5N. After a used purchase and a good CLA, this camera has been a great unit with excellent center weighted exposure. A joy to shoot with and easily transportable. Rated as a basic program body, this camera is excellent.

Strengths:
Excellent responsive metering Compact size (also a weakness) Full basic features With a winder, it handles very well TTL flash has worked well with Metz equipment Most KA lenses are exceptional. Autofocus lenses work fine.

Weaknesses:
Small controls for setting ASA and small buttons for shutter speed adjustment. Center metering causes shift to manual mode more frequently. LCD exposure is dim in cold or dark conditions. Light to illuminate display is weak at times. Must remember to turn off flash when not in use; it is a body battery drainer.

Similar Products Used:
ZX5N, MX, ME Super Olympus Stylus Epic, and XA rangefinder

Customer Service:
Bought used and with CLA worked like new. Have shot about 100 rolls over the last 2 years with very few dissapointing shots.