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

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

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.

Customer Service

Have never needed it.

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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

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.

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.

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 "+++++".

Customer Service

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

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

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.

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.

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.)

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

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

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.

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

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.

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).

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Pentax Spotmatic Miranda Sensomat Pentax Z-1 M

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.

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.

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.

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.

Similar Products Used:

ZX5N, MX, ME Super Olympus Stylus Epic, and XA rangefinder

Easy to use, great features. Nice solid feeling camera, yet not heavy like other models. Pentax makes great lenses.

Sometimes film gets stuck inside camera at the end while rewinding. Luckily, this does not affect the outcome of the photos.

After 9 months with this camera, I can finally feel like I can write a review for it. After pulling it off a dusty shelf and having it cleaned and re-set, this camera works perfectly. It has a standard SMC Pentax 50 mm lens, f/1.4 which has yielded sharp pictures. I love the aperture priority feature. A manual slr really forces you to examine the subject and compose a picture you would not normally have done with an automatic camera.

Customer Service

No service from Pentax; however, was able to find a great camera repair place in the city who cleaned it up real nice.

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None

Small & compact body, very well built (durable and shock resistant), simple to use, not too many buttons and gears but features every really needed function an advanced amateur may desire including D.O.F., TTL metering (also with flash), Speeds from 15 sec's (good for night exposures)to 1/2000 and a flash synch of 1/125 sec. and bulb. Operation systems include an auto mode (manual focusing), and Aperture priority. Metering is only by an averaged alegorythm, still it does the job even in tricky situations. Focusing is made easy thanks to its bright viewfinder and the clear split image (w/ microprism collar around it)image system.

Metering prone to malfunction in extreme cold or heat.

This camera is a good option for those opting for manual system but don't like the basic models offered by some (as the Olympus 2000 and Nikon's fm10) - this one offers more and is available in the second hand market for rediculous prices. A good bargain but do remeber - this is a manual focusing, one metering system Camera.

Customer Service

The piece is more than 15 years old. Needed srevoce only once - the winding lever stuck. Fixed easily and effectively with no problems since.

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I generally use this camera with a telezoom lens. My "normal lens" kit is a nikon N90S and a Nikkor AF35-70/2.

Nice camera with great features built into a small body. TTL flash works great especially with the audible sounds from a Pentax flash unit indicating proper exposure.

None

Great camera that I never use anymore.

Customer Service

None

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k1000

Durability. My mother got it for herself when I was born and still takes pictures after 17 years. Exposure metering is accurate and has a nice LCD display inside to give you the heads up.

The averaged center-weighted metering of this camera cannot compare with the more recent technologies coming out, and may account for the occasional overexposure of film. Also, the flash sync is not easy to get used to.

A great camera to learn on. It's simple and doesn't sport a whole bunch of funky gadgets to put your mind on overkill. Basic features that were "new" back then might have been the Aperture/Shutter Priority function, even Full Auto; basic features that are still in force today, and just as helpful. Adjust shutter speed, aperture, then release...simple as that. Once a beginning photographer gets a hold of the basics then it provides an excellent transition to the higher end models. (Worked great when I first started!) Sadly, it is an old fart of a camera and is not produced anymore :(

Customer Service

None, just had to replace the old old old battery.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Rebel 2000

The Pentax Super Program with the Pentax 35-70 mm zoom lens served my purposes extremely well for 12 years, without mechanical malfunction or electronic problems. The metering was consistent, and it was easy to focus manually. The lens created sharp images throughout the 35-70 mm range, as well as close-up work with the macro setting. For available-light photography, such as dimly lit cathedrals, I used a Pentax 50 mm f/1.7 lens which always captured the picture just as I wanted it. One of the strong points of Pentax cameras is the logical, intuitive layout of controls, and the Super Program was no exception. From the "full" program mode, you could simply select a different f-stop or shutter speed, and the camera automatically "knew" that you had shifted to one of the priority modes, without you having to physically select a new mode-setting. I liked its light weight (17.4 oz.) and solid construction. Exposure modes included: Programmed Automatic, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, TTL Auto-flash, Programmed Auto-flash, and Metered Manual.

Although metering was consistent, the Super Program tended to over-expose pictures by 1/2 to 1 EV-step. This problem was easily corrected by a quick adjustment on the Exposure Compensation Dial.

This camera was designed for ease of use, and it exceeded all my expectations. I wish I still had it!

Customer Service

N/A -- Never required repair

Similar Products Used:

Yashica GS-35 (Rangefinder)
Nikon One-Touch 100 (P&S)