In 1977, Pentax introduced two small 35mm SLRs, the MX and the ME. These models were Pentax’s response to a new trend towards compactness in SLR cameras, which began with the launch of the Olympus OM-1 in 1972. In fact, an ME is even smaller than an OM-1, by several millimeters in every dimension. At about 460g, the ME is also 60 grams (2 oz.) lighter than an OM-1 or OM-2. The ME remains among the smallest 24x36mm format SLRs ever made.