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From: tjk@cbneb.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.rec.photo
Subject: Re: More on Topcon repair & alternatives
Message-ID: <168@cbneb.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 21-Nov-83 15:37:15 EST
Article-I.D.: cbneb.168
Posted: Mon Nov 21 15:37:15 1983
Date-Received: Wed, 23-Nov-83 03:50:53 EST
References: <1797@ihnss.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus, OH
Lines: 42

I've recently shopped around for 35mm SLRs and have settled on the
Pentax ME Super Program as the best buy for my money and taste.
I disliked the controls on the Canon A-1 as well as the Oly line.
The X-700 is okay, and the Nikon FG is nice right now due to the
$35 dollar rebate through 1/31/84, but the Super Program beats 
them for features. Here's what I liked about it.
 
1. Shutter speeds from 8 sec. to 1/2000. Nikon FG (1 - 1/1000).
 
2. TTL flash , 1/125 sec synch.
 
3. Very nice controls, solid feeling compactness. I personally like
the push button shutter speed controls over the traditional dial.
 
4. PC terminal (Nikon FG has none).
 
5. The easiest to read and most informative viewfinder I looked
at. LCD readouts for shutter speed and f-stop, illuminated in low
light. Ricoh also uses LCDs plus f-stop reflecected off lense barrel 
like Minolta,  but Ricoh's viewfinder is harder to read and can't 
be illuminatied. Nikon FG doesn't tells you f-stop in any mode.
 
6. Full multi-mode exposure options like A-1 ...  fully programmed,
aperture priority, shutter priority, fully manual.

The only disadvantage ... for full functionality, the Super Program
requires the new Pentax A series lenses, a variation on the standard
K mount. These lenses are as new as the camera and are naturally more
expensive than regular K mount lenses. Standard K lenses can be used
but only in manual and aperture priority mode.  

Shop around. I picked mine up for $249.95  at a local catalog store 
with a f/1.7 50mm lense. For a Nikon FG, you'll probably pay around 
$170 - $200 for the body and a standard 50mm lense after the rebate 
(based on mail order prices in latest Popular Photo). The extra bucks
to me are worth it for the Pentax, plus the lenses will come down with 
time like everything else. Then too, the independents like Tokina and 
Vivitar should eventually pick up on the A series and offer some 
competition.

					Good Luck,
					Tim K.