Gear & Software

Pentax Super Program

In this review, I share my thoughts about another Pentax camera: the Super Program (also known as the Super A).

Dominik Marczuk

Mar 1, 2025 — 6 min read

I've already reviewed the Pentax P30N and P30T. For a while, they were among my main workhorses. I sold the P30T after shooting a few rolls of film with it because I didn't need two near-identical cameras and the marginally more "vintage" looks of the P30N appealed more to me. However, I wanted a camera with a little more control over the ISO setting and possibly with a PC port for flash connectivity.

After some hesitation, I ordered a Pentax Super Program, as it was called in the USA. Most of the world refers to this camera as the Pentax Super A. I chose the American variant over the European one based on the looks. The Super A was available in all-black while the Super Program was silver. I have a soft spot for silver camera bodies

The Super Program, introduced in 1983, is slightly older than the P30N. I could have gone for the newer Pentax P50, the bigger sibling of the entry-level P30. But again, I'm a sucker for vintage camera looks.

Technical Specs

I'll start with a few selected specs that I find relevant. This is by no means an exhaustive list.

PK-A mount with electrical contacts
No built-in motor drive
"Magic Needles" film takeup spool
The top plate includes a small LCD showing the selected shutter speed and doubles as a low battery indicator
Shutter speeds are selected using up/down buttons instead of a dial
Bright viewfinder with 92% coverage and split-image and microdiaprism collar focusing aids
Shutter speed, exposure and/or f-stop (depending on mode) are displayed in the viewfinder using two LCD screens
Viewfinder LCD backlight
PC port for X flash synchronisation
ISO hot shoe
Self-timer that beeps
Depth of field preview
Mechanical shutter release cord thread in the shutter button
Possibility to remotely trigger the shutter via IR (requires a separate controller)
+2 to -2 EV exposure compensation
1/2000" to 15" shutter speeds plus "B" mode
Operates using two LR44 batteries
Film memo holder that doubles as a thumb rest
Detachable shallow front grip
Aperture priority, shutter speed priority, full programme and metered manual modes

The camera lacks a viewfinder curtain.

Usage

My first attempt at using the camera failed. The Magic Needles are rubbish at gripping unusually shaped film leaders. My HAS65 200D film was unusable with the Super Program. Luckily, it wasn't the only film I had on me.

When I closed the film back, I proceeded to turn the camera on. That's when I noticed how difficult it was to dial in the metered manual mode with gloves on. The mode dial has a small button that needs to be pressed to change modes when the lock is engaged. The first position is "L" (which stands for "lock", I presume, as it just shuts the camera off), and the second is "Auto". Both engage the dial lock and require the unlock button to be pressed to proceed to the third mode, which is "M", or metered manual. The unlock button is so small, it's difficult to press it even without gloves. With gloves, the task becomes near impossible.

I also noticed that the light meter was permanently on when the camera was powered on. I don't know how much strain this causes the battery, but I can guess it's not insignificant. According to the manual, it should switch off 30 seconds after taking the finger off the shutter button to save power, but my unit seems faulty in this regard.

Quickly, a third disappointment struck me. The camera requires me to fire the shutter three times before I can use the light meter. The shutter speed in manual mode is fixed at 1/1000 of a second and the light meter is off. Unless I'm using a fast film in bright conditions, this wastes two frames. I know the "0" and "00" frames are meant to be skipped due to the possibility of light leaks, but most films aren't as prone to this. It's a pity. However, I've noticed that the flash sync mode (1/125") and bulb mode override the 1/1000" speed problem, so I can manoeuvre around the problem, assuming I've got an external light meter - which I usually do.

Another hurdle appeared as soon as I connected a remote shutter trigger cord. It screws into the shutter button, obstructing the shutter speed rocker buttons. Changing shutter speeds with the cord attached requires awkward finger positioning. It would be a better idea to place the remote shutter cord port at the side of the bayonet, along with the PC port and LCD backlight button.

The final inconvenience turned out to be battery longevity. I went out when it was cold outside and the battery voltage dropped so much that the camera immediately displayed the low battery warning. I knew the batteries were fresh. The warning makes it more difficult to see the selected shutter speed and light meter reading, as all LCD screens (on the camera's top and inside the viewfinder) are used to display it; they alternate between what they usually display and the low battery indication. However, the camera never stopped working and I know the longevity issue is linked to the light meter not switching off.

So far, my review looks critical, but the positives about the Pentax Super Program outweigh the negatives. The Magic Needles will grab 99% of the film out there. I only need to use the mode dial twice per photowalk (to turn the camera on and off). Most cameras skip frames "0" and "00" too, so I'm used to this behaviour. The obstructed shutter speed buttons aren't unusable; they're just a little less comfortable to reach.

On the flip side, I love how much information is available in the viewfinder. The backlight is an awesome feature, allowing me to use the camera even at night. The focusing screen is bright and the light meter is accurate (even though permanently turned on).

What's most important, I noticed zero mechanical issues. So far, the Super Program appears to be very reliable, which inspires confidence.

After coming back from my second photowalk with the camera, I had a few shots left on the film roll. I decided to try slapping a flash on the hot shoe. I was pleased to see that my Nikon flash worked fine on the Pentax, which is something I can't say about some cameras. I attached a remote flash trigger to the hot shoe and shot a still-life scene at various flash power settings.

The photos came out great, although the second roll was mostly underexposed. I'm not sure what went wrong. I'll drop the camera off at a repair shop so they can fix the constantly engaged light meter issue and also take a look at the shutter speeds and light meter readings.

Closing Words and Sample Images

My overall feelings about this camera are very positive. It lies acceptably well in the hand, it looks great and it's a pleasure to use. It performs well in the field and the studio, making it useful in every situation. I can see this camera becoming my main workhorse.

Before I show sample pictures taken with this camera, as usual, a disclaimer: it's not the camera that defines the picture quality; it's mostly the photographer, the lens and the film. The photographs presented below are here just for fun and in no way give any information about the camera.