Pentax Super A

Deano69

Deano69

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I been into digital photography for years but was never into back in film days, recently I picked up an ME Super and various lenses etc and this Pentax super A which is a real good looking camera from around 1983, not used yet but looking forward to getting a roll in there.
Any advice as I'm new to film but understand the basics but obviously different to my Canon Digitals.
20221204_140234.jpg
 
Well, first thing I would do is check that it works, obviously. It'll only work with a battery. That then will give you an indication if the meter is working. Next thing would probably be to check the light seals. Whip the lens off and check the mirror bumper hasn't degraded. Then open the door and run your finger along the lip. If it's noticeably sticky then the seals need to be replaced. You can more closely inspect the channels with a good magnifying glass with decent light. I'd also download the manual online, before you start. Good luck with it. The Super A is said to be a nice camera.
 
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The Pentax Super A is an excellent camera. It is a good consumer camera rather than professional. The design dates from the early years of automation. You will get either 24 or 36 shots to a roll of film so don't touch the shutter release until you are sure of the shot.
 
Plain Nev said:
Well, first thing I would do is check that it works, obviously. It'll only work with a battery. That then will give you an indication if the meter is working. Next thing would probably be to check the light seals. Whip the lens off and check the mirror bumper hasn't degraded. Then open the door and run your finger along the lip. If it's noticeably sticky then the seals need to be replaced. You can more closely inspect the channels with a good magnifying glass with decent light. I'd also download the manual online, before you start. Good luck with it. The Super A is said to be a nice camera.
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Thanks for info, it is all working well meter works, fitted new batteries, light seals and buffer seem fine tight film door and no residue.
It's very clean surprisingly without even a lightest scuff I'm quite impressed it looks new.
 
john.margetts said:
The Pentax Super A is an excellent camera. It is a good consumer camera rather than professional. The design dates from the early years of automation. You will get either 24 or 36 shots to a roll of film so don't touch the shutter release until you are sure of the shot.
Click to expand...
Thanks
 
That's good news. I find the light seals in Pentax cameras are very good. Often I'll only change the mirror bumper. You'll have fun, I'm sure.
 
Hi,
Welcome to film.
It's worth noting the lens on your camera is a "M" series. That's not a problem but be aware you can only use manual and apature priority exposure modes. Program ans shutter priority need an "A" series lens to work (including latter auto focus lenses which will be manual focus on your camera).
It looks really clean, you even have the finger rest which often gets lost.
Film wise I'd suggest Ilford XP 2 for black and white and Portra 160 or 400 for colour. It's tempting to find the cheapest colour film but it would not be doing the camera justice.

Have fun
 
Probably the only real difference to shooting digital. With digital you are shooting "positives" and generally expose to the highlights, blown highlights are completely lost information. With most films you are likely to use you will be shooting negatives so we tend to expose for the shadows/shade, a piece of film with absolutely no silver left on it is no different to a blown highlight in digital
 
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