Pentax Super A 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Black KA Mount Strap Tested

Description

The Pentax Super A (known in North America as the Super Program) is an advanced, award-winning 35mm manual focus SLR film camera body introduced by Asahi Pentax in 1983. Winner of the prestigious European Camera of the Year award, it introduced multi-mode exposure capability to the Pentax K-mount lineup. Equipped with the Pentax KA bayonet mount, it supports Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Full Manual exposure modes when paired with SMC Pentax-A lenses, while retaining full backward compatibility with classic K-mount optics. Features dual LCD displays (top plate and inside viewfinder), an electronically controlled focal plane shutter with speeds up to 1/2000s, push-button shutter speed adjustment, exposure compensation (+/- 2 EV), preview window for external aperture viewing, and removable finger grip. Serial number 1378558. Complete with black fabric neck strap.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good / Fully Working

Cosmetically in well-preserved vintage condition with minor surface wear, light brassing along the prism edges, and light scuffing on the bottom plate. Textured black vinyl covering and front finger grip are firm and intact. Viewfinder is clean and clear with active LCD exposure readouts. Mirror chamber, shutter curtains, and film pressure plate are clean and free from damage. Fully tested and operational: electronic shutter fires crisply across all speeds from 15s to 1/2000s plus Bulb, mode switch functions smoothly, push buttons adjust shutter speeds accurately, metering responds correctly to light changes, and film advance lever winds evenly. Serial number 1378558. Made in Japan.

Included

• Pentax Super A 35mm SLR Film Camera Body (Serial No. 1378558)
• Pentax Black Fabric Neck Strap

Key Features

• Multi-mode exposure options: Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual
• Pentax KA Bayonet Mount compatible with SMC Pentax-A, K, M, and adapted M42 lenses
• Electronically controlled vertical-travel metal shutter with speeds from 15s to 1/2000s plus Bulb
• Dual LCD panels displaying shutter speed and aperture information on the top plate and inside the viewfinder
• X-sync flash synchronization at 1/125s with TTL flash support via dedicated Speedlites
• Exposure compensation switch (+2 to -2 EV) and exposure memory lock lever
• Powered by two standard 1.5V LR44/SR44 button batteries

Collector's Notes

The Super A represented the flagship achievement of Pentax's compact A-series range in the 1980s, crowned European Camera of the Year for 1983. Highly regarded for its intuitive ergonomics, digital LCD feedback, and lightweight yet solid construction, it bridges the era between classic mechanical SLRs and modern automated film cameras. It remains a standout user camera for enthusiasts looking to pair classic Pentax glass with versatile shooting modes.

Keywords

Pentax Super A, Pentax Super Program, Vintage Pentax SLR, Pentax KA Mount, 35mm Film Camera Body, European Camera of the Year 1983, Tested Pentax Body, Retro 1980s Film SLR