ME Super: to service or not?

I've finally returned to the world of film with an ME Super, £24 on Ebay + £4 for batteries. Great little camera, very intuitive (apart from the white button on the mode dial) and makes a satisfying noise when the shutter's released! All in working order and just got my first film back: example below taken with Pentax-M 50mm f/2. It's a bit of fun really, though I might put it on the tripod to do a B&W series of local historic buildings.




The camera doesn't have any light leakage or shutter problems but the seals are pretty gungy and it could probably do with an overhaul. It's one obvious fault is a dirty focusing screen, not enough to affect composition or focusing but it has several noticeable grey streaks across it. I gather the focusing screen is a major job to replace, so probably not worth the effort, but the question is, do I send it off to Harrow Technical for a service (£56), or just keep using it until something goes wrong?

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K5IIs & ME Super with FA24-90, DA17-70, DA55-300, misc old primes; Fuji X20.

Sorry, link didn't work:


https://www.pentaxuser.com/photo/dillington-house-24639/large

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K5IIs & ME Super with FA24-90, DA17-70, DA55-300, misc old primes; Fuji X20.

Opinions will vary on this one but I, personally, like the peace of mind that a service gives and have had my LX, MX, KM, 2 x ME Supers and my ME-F serviced by Harrow. I am trying to decide which camera to send next, either my Program A or my S1a...

Nice photo by the way...

K.

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Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
My website

Thanks Kris, I'm inclined to get it serviced and see if the screen will clean up at all. I like the colour rendition in that photo, even allowing it's basic Kodak 200 film.

Stan

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K5IIs & ME Super with FA24-90, DA17-70, DA55-300, misc old primes; Fuji X20.

Go for it. There's hardly a shortage of clean but dead ME Supers which could donate a screen if yours can't be dealt with.

I have a similar problem with an ME, where a load of hair and dust and general detritus has got in between the prism and the screen. I can't fathom how to remove either part without desoldering all the wires around the prism, which is beyond what I'm inclined to fiddle with as it could easily turn a working camera into a brick.

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Matt

Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.

I have a .pdf copy of the ME Super service manual. Should go ok via email as an attachment (758kb file). PM me with email address(es) if anyone wants a copy.

Could you upload it to megaupload or rapidshare? Thanks!!!

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K100d Super | K20d | ME Super

There is a version available online ... http://www.robertstech.com/manuals.htm

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www.sandehalynch.com

Thanks to JonhX I have uploaded to megaupload the following:

PENTAX ME SUPER
- Disassembly guide
- Manual
- Service manual

Link: www.megaupload.com/?d=NG1QRRA2

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K100d Super | K20d | ME Super

ME Super gone off for service today. Looking forward to using my second roll of film when it comes back

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K5IIs & ME Super with FA24-90, DA17-70, DA55-300, misc old primes; Fuji X20.

Thank you for posting that JohnX.

I have at last just got round to sending my ME Super for a well deserved service.

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Regards, John Reed

I've just received my ME Super back from Harrow. Very pleased with the result, and the focusing screen while not perfect is much cleaner than I expected. Second roll of film going in at the weekend.

Stan

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K5IIs & ME Super with FA24-90, DA17-70, DA55-300, misc old primes; Fuji X20.

Glad you're pleased with the service. Wishing you many more years of happy shooting.

I got my ME Super back from Harrow Tech. about a fortnight ago. A few days after they received it Robin (the big cheese there) phoned me to advise that they found the prism was starting to delaminate (not an uncommon problem apparently) - would I like this replaced ? I agreed and it was returned to me a few days later at a total cost of £84.35 (inc. P&P and PU discount).

I consider this to be a very fair price. Considering that what started off as an old but nice clean camera, is now a reliable near mint copy.

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Regards, John Reed

The only cheese... HT is a one man band.

K.

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Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
My website

Whatever. I still think he's worthy of the title.

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Regards, John Reed