Review 2 of 19
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$0.00 Summary: The SuperProgram is superb -- the best general purpose camera ever from Pentax, IMHO. I purchased my first SuperProgram new in 1982, with Pentax A-series f3.5 28-80 zoom lens, and Pentax auto flash. With only one professional service / cleaning in 1989, on average I have shot two 24 or 36 ex rolls per month since new, about 500 rolls in total, in all imaginable conditions including worldwide travel. The combo has always served 100% with perfect exposures every time (not counting operator error!!). Bought my second SuperProgram, used, with fantastic and super-sharp Pentax 40mm pancake lens last year. This second SuperProgram is also superb; same top-notch performance and quality; no problems whatsoever. Both examples are like bulletproof extensions of the senses. With the five-star rating, I would add "+++++". Strengths: Extremely durable, robust, very high build quality, lightweight, forgiving, extremely easy to use. Viewfinder and all controls are clear and intuitive. Battery life is excellent, even with extended use. Weaknesses: First, this camera is no longer made -- a shame as I suspect even as we move through the first decade of the 21st Century, it would still sell quite well, especially with a very careful application of today's materials, microcircuitry, sensor and servo improvements that could be subtly incorporated into the design with little front-end development cost (relatively speaking). Second, the film leader very occasionally gets caught in pressure plate at completion of rewind, but this has never a serious problem of any kind. Third, film speed, exposure compensation, rewind, other function controls are on the small side, but this is a design feature given the camera's size, so even calling this a 'weakness' isn't quite right -- just something that some people might not feel comfortable with. Similar Products Used: A wide range of comparable non-Pentax SLRs. Have also owned and extensively used an old H1a, Spotmatic F, ME Super and SF-10. Customer Service: When used more than a decade ago, Pentax service was prompt, very inexpensive and of excellent quality.
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