arhphotographic

In its December 1984 edition, Popular Photography included a review of the Pentax Program A/ Program Plus. It can be found here. The reviewer concluded with the thought: “I found the Program Plus to be an excellently made, highly usable camera.” This just about sums up my experience with it.

When the camera is set to Auto and fitted with an ‘A’ type lens (one that features an A on its aperture barrel) the camera sets both aperture and shutter speed depending on the lighting conditions. I chose a Miranda 35-70mm lens, for its macro capabilities, that didn’t have the A and so the camera adopts aperture priority mode. Alternately you can choose Manual mode where you choose the aperture by rotating the lens aperture barrel and setting the shutter speed via an up or down button. In this mode looking through the viewfinder you are informed of the shutter speed but not the aperture. Instead you are told only if your choice of aperture is +/- 1,2,3 stops over or under what the cameras meter has assessed to be the correct exposure .I would have preferred an indication of the aperture chosen, but you do get used to the +/- readout after a while.

There is an exposure compensation dial that doubles up as the film speed dial. Useful too is the depth of view preview lever.

I found the camera sat in the hand very comfortably, something I have found that can make or break a relationship with a camera. There is a plastic grip, the Grip Super A, which can be removed if necessary. On some cameras I have had to remove the grip as they make the camera more awkward to hold. In the case of the Grip Super A, it actually made the camera…well Super to hold.

The camera requires two L44 type batteries to operate.

I was presented with a unique opportunity, to me, of taking some automotive photos. So with a roll of Kentmere 400 loaded here are the results.

What a thoroughly enjoyable time I had. The Pentax Program A that I have was inclined to under expose by a fraction but not enough to worry about. Once again I find myself with a camera I’m going to be keeping. It allows me to focus on the photo I have in my mind and returns the favour by producing the results. All the buttons and dials are in the right place so that you don’t have to take your eye away from the viewfinder.

So if you like the Pentax small form factor, this is definitely worth considering.