Pentax Super A

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Pentax Super A
Pentax Super-A on white bg.jpg
Type: 35 mm single lens reflex camera
Production period: 1983-1985
Lens connection : Pentax KA bayonet
Film format : 35 mm (small picture)
Recording format : 24 × 36 mm
Viewfinder : Pentaprism
Viewfinder field: 92%
Enlargement: 0.82 times
Operating modes: P, Tv, Av, M, B, X
Film transport: Quick transport lever
Exposure metering : TTL with aperture open, center-weighted
Measuring range: EV 1 through EV 19
Correction : 1/4 × to 4x
Closure : Seiko MFC-E3 metal lamella focal plane shutter
Shutter speed : 1 / 2000s to 15s, B.
Control: electronically
Flash control: TTL flash mode with film surface measurement
Lightning connection : Hot shoe and PC sync socket
Synchronization : 1 / 125s
Power supply: two 1.5 V silver oxide batteries (SR44) or 1 × 3 V lithium battery (CR1108)
Casing: Metal housing, plastic top cap
Dimensions: 131 mm × 87 mm × 47.5 mm
Weight: 490 g

With the Pentax Super A , Asahi Pentax started their A-series in 1983 . It is the first camera from the Japanese company Asahi Pentax with an automatic aperture and program control. In 1983, the year it was launched, it was voted " Camera of the Year 83 " in Europe ; On the American market it was sold under the name Pentax Super Program .

General

The Pentax Super A / Super Program is a 35mm SLR camera from the Japanese company Asahi Optical KK for 135 film with center-weighted TTL light metering. With it, Asahi introduced the A series, which also includes a new lens series and thus also a new lens bayonet. The new functions of the camera series require information about possible aperture values ​​and the position of the aperture ring of the lens. For this purpose, the K bayonet was modified by a few electrical contacts, but the basic design and thus mechanical compatibility were retained. The bayonet was named KA (A for automatic). This made it possible to equip the cameras with an automatic aperture and program control. The Pentax Super A is a so-called multi-machine and represents the top model of the A series. It is the first camera from Asahi that comes up with an automatic program and aperture control and TTL flash control. In addition, it also has automatic timing, manual tracking measurement, a fixed X synchro time and the bulb mode for long exposure. In its time in 1983, it offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art equipment. You can see its origin from the ME-Super on the outside. A plastic grip for the thumb and a memo holder for the film packaging flap have been added on the right-hand side on the rear wall. Correspondingly opposite on the front there is a screw-off handle shell. The prism dome has also increased in size, has become more angular and has a light window for the LCD display in the viewfinder. The accessory shoe with X-synchronous contact and 2 additional control contacts for flash units are also located on this.

Data and equipment features

Controls

On the top of the camera on the right shoulder is the program selector switch with the settings (turned counterclockwise from the front) L (for "Lock") for switching off, AUTO for automatic program and timer, M for manual time setting for tracking measurement, 125 X for manual flash sync and B for bulb . Next to it is the quick transport lever with the picture counter above. On the left shoulder there is the film rewind crank, which also serves as a release for the rear panel, and the ISO dial with release button. The exposure correction from 1/4 to 4 × is also integrated in this. The switch for the electronic timer with a red LED is located on the right front next to the mirror box. Below is the lever for checking the depth of field and the lens release. The PC flash sync socket and a button for the switchable LCD lighting are located on the left side of the mirror box. On the underside is the battery compartment, the backwash button , the tripod connection socket with 1/4 ″ BSW thread and the connection for a motorized film transport.

Clasp

A Seiko MFC E3 is installed as a closure. It is a vertical metal slat focal plane shutter. The shutter is controlled exclusively electromagnetically and allows shutter speeds from 1/2000 s to 15 s, 1/125 s as flash sync time and bulb.

Viewfinder

The Pentax Super A has a penta prism finder with silver coating. The focusing screen is equipped with a sectional image indicator and a microprism ring . The viewfinder coverage is 92% of the film format and offers a magnification of 0.82 × with a 50mm lens in the infinity setting.

trigger

The camera's trigger is an electromechanical button with 2 pressure points on the right shoulder of the camera, a light tap activates the exposure metering, pressing it down triggers the shutter electromagnetically. In addition, it has a connection thread for an electrical or mechanical remote release. The camera also has a self-timer, which is activated via a switch on the right-hand side next to the mirror box and offers an electronic shutter release delay of 12 seconds. The function of the self-timer is indicated by a flashing red LED and a beep when triggered.

Measurement system and displays

The camera has a center-weighted TTL open aperture measurement through the lens using GaAsP photodiodes . The measuring range extends from EV 1 to EV 19. The exposure is displayed via an LCD display in the lower viewfinder frame, which is illuminated by a light window in the front slope of the pentaprism dome. Switchable lighting can be activated via a button on the left of the mirror box and makes reading easier. In addition, there is an LCD display under the program selection switch. The automatically or manually set exposure times and aperture values ​​are displayed, with manual tracking measurement the light values ​​of over- or underexposure, a flash symbol for flash readiness and a P for automatic program. In the event of incorrect operation, an E is displayed. If the battery is weak, the display flashes at approx. 0.5 Hz.

power supply

The camera is washed with 2 x 1.5 V silver oxide batteries SR44 supplied. Alternatively, 2x 1.5V alkaline batteries LR44 / PX76A or a 3V lithium battery CR1108 can be used.

equipment

  • Asahi Pentax has an automatic bellows unit A , auto extension rings, microscope and eyepiece adapters, adapters for using the 6x7 and 645 objectives.
  • System-compliant flash units can also be used that have a hot shoe with an X center contact; the contacts for flash readiness display and TTL control on the flash unit are required for the functions of the TTL flash control / automatic.
  • Asahi offers a 3-channel infrared remote control system with the A series.
  • The rear panel on the camera can be exchanged for the data rear panels Dial-Data ME and Digital-Data M.
  • The Winder ME II and the Motor-Drive-A from the M series are available as accessories for quick and easy film sequences.

swell

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ arnoldstark.de

Web links

Commons : Pentax Super A  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files