Brand: PENTAX
Category: Camera
Document Type:
Language: EN
Manual for ME
Uploaded: Aug. 9, 2025, 11:47 p.m.
Warranty Information
No specific warranty period information is provided in this manual.
Basic Operation Summary
The PENTAX ME is a 35mm SLR camera with aperture-priority auto exposure. Key operations include:
- Setting Aperture: Use the shutter dial to select desired f-stops.
- Setting Shutter Speed: The camera automatically sets the shutter speed based on the selected aperture and light metering.
- Loading Film: Open the back cover, insert the film leader into the take-up spool, and advance the film a few frames to ensure it is properly engaged.
- Winding Film: Use the winding lever to advance to the next frame.
- Focusing: Use the focusing ring on the lens to achieve sharp images.
- Taking a Photo: Frame your subject, set the aperture, and press the shutter release button.
- Self-timer: Engage the self-timer lever for delayed shooting.
Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on specific functions like battery testing, ASA speed setting, and flash synchronization.
Troubleshooting and error codes
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Shutter gives only mechanical speed at auto, LEDs don't turn on | Battery voltage at flex circuit | Check for +3V between ground and each red wire at top of flex circuit. Check battery box and red wire solder connections. |
| Shutter gives only mechanical speed at auto, LEDs don't turn on | Main switch | Check for +3V at center lead to front-plate circuit board with release-side partially depressed. Check main switch for poor contact or short between red wire at flex circuit and center terminal at front-plate circuit board. |
| Auto-exposure erratic, shutter sometimes delivers mechanical speed only. | Memory time lag / Chattering in magnet switch | Check timing between magnet and memory switches using an oscilloscope. Adjust time lag by reforming the magnet switch blade. |
| Shutter delivers only fastest speed at auto, LEDs operate OK | Electromagnet | Check continuity of electromagnet coil between blue and brown wires. |
| Shutter delivers only fastest speed at auto, LEDs operate OK | Magnet switch SWg | Check for direct continuity between orange and black wires when shutter is held open on Bulb. If no continuity, magnet switch is not closing. |
| Power winder transports film during exposure | Winder sync switch | Check continuity between green-wire power winder terminal and ground with shutter open. |
| LEDs work, shutter hangs open or delivers slow speed (Violet wire issue) | Poor solder connections or poor contact at mirror-box connection 1100 | Inspect and repair connections. |
| LEDs work but continue to charge with mirror up (Orange wire issue) | Poor solder connections or poor contact at mirror-box connection 1100 | Inspect and repair connections. |
| Shutter delivers mechanical action only (Violet wire issue) | Poor solder connections or poor contact at mirror-box connection 1100 | Inspect and repair connections. |
| "Over" LED remains on, shutter delivers mechanical action only (Yellow wire issue) | Faulty LED or associated circuitry | Refer to specific troubleshooting for LED circuits. |
| LEDs work, shutter delivers mechanical action only (White wire issue) | Faulty LED or associated circuitry | Refer to specific troubleshooting for LED circuits. |
| LEDs do not work, shutter delivers mechanical action only (Blue wire issue) | Faulty LED or associated circuitry | Refer to specific troubleshooting for LED circuits. |
| LEDs work, shutter delivers mechanical action only (Brown wire issue) | Faulty LED or associated circuitry | Refer to specific troubleshooting for LED circuits. |
| LEDs do not work, shutter delivers mechanical action only (Black wire issue) | Faulty LED or associated circuitry | Refer to specific troubleshooting for LED circuits. |