35mm Film Camera advice - Pentax ME Super, Minolta X-300 or Olympus OM series?

Question

I'm looking for a new 35mm camera on ebay and I've already had a good experience with my Olympus OM-10 which I unfortunately left on holiday a few months ago.
I've heard good things about the Minolta X-300 and Pentax ME Super - does anyone have any experience with these cameras?
Or should I stick with Olympus? (I'm thinking if I go with Olympus then I'd upgrade to the OM-1)

Thank you!

Answer 1

Any of those choices will be good as long as the cameras are in working order and you can get or have good lenses for that system. A ward of warning though, the X-300 at this age can often be found in broken condition due to common capacitor failures, so if you get an X-300, make absolutely sure it works.



If you can get it for cheap, the OM-1 is definitely the best choice out of those three. If it's too expensive get any of the other choices.

Answer 2

I would agree with everything in the previous answer, but if you don't need or want full auto, and prefer something that doesn't need batteries except for the meter, then the Pentax MX is a good choice. Less bulky than the K1000, and similar in size and general design to the ME Super. The Pentax K-mount is excellent for compatibility both forwards and backwards: not only can you use Pentax lenses from 1985 onwards on modern dSLR's like the K5, but more importantly for anyone using a K-mount Pentax film SLR, modern lenses made for FX format dSLR's will fit old Pentaxes. For landscape work I use a Sigma EX DG 12-24mm on a Pentax MX, giving me a viewing angle that would have been the stuff of science-fiction when the camera was new. The myth that you can't use modern (digital camera) lenses on film slr's is just that: a myth. Image quality from the Sigma on Velvia 50 is outstanding.

Answer 3

If you have any Olympus lenses then stick with Olympus, the Pentax system has lots to commend it, you can still use any of the lenses on any Pentax DSLR being probably the most important. Pentax lenses and cameras are usually cheaper as there are more of them around, build quality is very good about the only the thing I have had to do with my collection is change the light seals (they eventually go 'tacky' on all cameras) which is not difficult.



The ME Super needs a battery to work, you can only use 1/125th of a second without it, but that's true of any camera with a totally auto function, the Pentax K1000 is popular as the battery is only used for the meter, it's a manual camera with metering.



Other cameras worth considering if you come across a good example is the Chinon CE-4 series which used the Pentax lens system. A poor mans Pentax at the time, but well built, Chinon grew into the Ricoh brand and abandoned SLR when digital came out, though they were the first to offer auto focus.



Chris

Answer 4

Oh you'll be fine with the Canon. Since you're moving from an AF/AE 35mm SLR it's just like getting a new car and not knowing where the buttons and knobs are any more. Photography skills can't be lost, so you should be able pick things up after reading the manual. Only a couple of things may be different: - Multi point autofocus - 'film' now lasts over 300 shots between changes. - And you can see the result of your photo instantly. - Less confusing metering system. But pretty much everything is the same except improved from before and buttons have been moved elsewhere.

Answer 5

I never recommend people buy cameras from eBay unless they are willing to take the financial hit if the camera is not in the condition expected and the seller refuses a refund etc. For all the trouble that often occurs there, there is often very little money saved. I suggest buying from KEH.com or Adorama.com. You're buying from renowned dealers at these sites and you have a good return policy. Plus, if the camera you receive does not work out for you, they usually have another one that it can be replaced with so you're not running around eBay looking for another favourable auction in the event of a return. the Cameras on KEH and Adorama have usually been serviced before sale also. This is usually not the case with eBay.



I can't speak much about the Minolta X-300 as I've never handled one, but I will say that I've handled about 20 Minolta SLR's in my time and only 2 of them didn't have something wrong with them. Minolta SLR's have even gotten broken during perfectly normal shipping to me. I just don't have a very high opinion of their durability despite the excellent lenses and throngs of people who love them. Personally, I'd rather buy cameras with known track records of durability. All these things are old so we may as well buy the best that we can in hopes they will last long under our care.



I own and have handled several Olympus OM-1's and Pentax ME Super's. Both these cameras are very durable and capable of excellent photos in a variety of conditions.



The Pentax has the advantage of an automated shutter if desired. The only problem with this is that the shutter is therefore electronic and dependent on the light meter to work. If anything goes wrong in the metering system, the camera becomes useless aside from a single speed.



The OM-1 is fully mechanical and so if anything happens to its metering system, the camera will work just fine outside of not having a light meter.



Both cameras are very compact and quiet, making them great for carrying around on a daily basis, on long trips and just to get candid shots.



The Pentax is made mostly of plastic whereas the Oly is all metal. I prefer metal in terms of durability but the Pentax certainly doesn't feel plasticky in use and is well built.



Both cameras only go to ISO 1600, whereas larger SLR's go to 3200 (some to 6400.) In 1600 light, you may prefer the LED meter read out of the Pentax. You can clearly see the meter in the dark with this camera. The OM-1 has a swing needle that is a little more difficult to see in low light but it's possible. The OM-1's focusing screen is brighter and bigger than the ME Super though, so while you can expose more accurately in low light with the ME Super, focusing is perhaps more accurate and easy with the OM-1.



I suggest purchasing the OM-1n for it's more ergonomic film advance and motordrive capability. Only late model OM-1's, called OM-1 MD's, can use motor drives. You may not care about using one but it's a nice option and all Pentax ME Supers accept them. Personally, I think the ME Super drive (ME II Winder) is significantly more durable than the Olympus drive (OM Winder II) and if I were getting a camera to specifically use with a motor, I'd reach for the Pentax, easily. The ME Super's metal shutter can handle the abuse of the motor moreso than the OM-1's cloth shutter anyway.



If you want to do macro photography, the OM-1 is the must because it has mirror lock-up and you can install matte focusing screens which will work better with slow macro lenses which will black out the split screen. The Pentax does not even compete at this capacity.



Lenses for both systems are pretty much around the same price and availability range. I prefer Pentax lenses for overall sharpness but OM lenses for texture and bokeh.



Hope this helps! Good luck and enjoy!

Answer 6

1