Canonet QL 17 cracked rangefinder plastic

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v_roma

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Hi,

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to use and how to go about replacing the plastic cover on the top plate of a Canonet QL17? This is the plastic in front of the rangefinder rather than the viewfinder, if that matters. I have a Canonet QL17 that is otherwise working but the plastic in front of the rangefinder is cracked...

Thank you!
 
KoNickon said:
Does it make affect the function of the rangefinder? If it doesn't, I'd leave it alone (though I can understand the temptation to fix it purely for esthetic reasons).
Click to expand...

I can see the crack in the rangefinder patch and, in some albeit limited situations, it can interfere with focusing. Also, it bothers me to see it 😀

I've been doing some more research and my current thinking is to try and find a "for parts" Canonet QL 17 or 19 or even a Canonet 28. Mine is a "New" QL17 (i.e., not the GIII nor the original, larger one either) and I think either a "new" or GIII QL17 or QL19 would work. The original might work too as the rangefinder windows seems to be the same size. Same goes for a Canonet 28.

If anyone out there has a broken Canonet, I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know. I'd be willing to buy it or trade for some film.

Thanks!
 
If you want it to be original, then a parts camera is the way to go. If you just want to be rid of the crack, find some similarly thick clear plastic and cut yourself a replacement with a razor blade.
 
02Pilot said:
If you want it to be original, then a parts camera is the way to go. If you just want to be rid of the crack, find some similarly thick clear plastic and cut yourself a replacement with a razor blade.
Click to expand...

That's a good point. I'm not worried about this particular plastic piece being original but I know some plastic is more prone to scratches than others. Would you (or anyone else) be able to suggest a suitable type of plastic that would not scratch easily and, I supposed, had good clarity?

Thanks again!
 
v_roma said:
That's a good point. I'm not worried about this particular plastic piece being original but I know some plastic is more prone to scratches than others. Would you (or anyone else) be able to suggest a suitable type of plastic that would not scratch easily and, I supposed, had good clarity?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I'd be inclined to try the plastic packaging used in blister packs, at least for my first attempt. It's pretty soft and easy to cut, and while it might be somewhat more prone to scratching than the original material, it's also not hard to source and replace as necessary. Plus it's free.

If you want something more rigid and potentially scratch-resistant, I'd check in a hobby shop or online for options.
 
Which plastic are you talking about? The windows in front of the rangefinder/viewfinder should be glass. The only plastic on the top cover is the flash synch cover and the bezel around the rear viewfinder window.

BTW, I have lots of spares for the Canonet, let me know what you need, I probably have it.
 
Go to www.shopgoodwill.com....

Go to www.shopgoodwill.com....

v_roma said:
Hi,

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to use and how to go about replacing the plastic cover on the top plate of a Canonet QL17? This is the plastic in front of the rangefinder rather than the viewfinder, if that matters. I have a Canonet QL17 that is otherwise working but the plastic in front of the rangefinder is cracked...

Thank you!
Click to expand...

There are usually, at any given time, anywhere from three to a half dozen Canon QL17, even GIII in various states of repair. In fact, more often than not, I have acquired fully function Canonets that needed only one set of Jon Goodmans light seals, which come with rangefinder adjustment instructions for $12. Add the seals, a fresh battery, film and go shooting. Meters even often work.

Surely you can get a parts camera, but it's just as likely you'll get one that's nicer than the one you now have. Luck of the draw with www.shopgoodwill.com.
 
02Pilot: Thanks, good thought. Certainly good enough for at least a test, maybe even a permanent solution.

Frontman: This is the "cover" on the top plate in front of the rangefinder window. I haven't removed the plate to take out this piece yet so I'm not sure but it feels and sounds like plastic.

Kuzano: Thanks for the suggestion. I will check out shopgoodwill.com
 
I just saw one that looks decent....

I just saw one that looks decent....

v_roma said:
02Pilot: Thanks, good thought. Certainly good enough for at least a test, maybe even a permanent solution.

Frontman: This is the "cover" on the top plate in front of the rangefinder window. I haven't removed the plate to take out this piece yet so I'm not sure but it feels and sounds like plastic.

Kuzano: Thanks for the suggestion. I will check out shopgoodwill.com
Click to expand...

There is a GIII currently on SGW site. looks good, but remember, the people at SGW are probably the farthest from knowledgable camera people you can imagine.

I have been very lucky there by looking closely at images, some of which are sketchy. The one listed now has some decent pics.
 
I'm almost positive it should be glass, if it is, your local auto glass or framing store should be able to cut you a new one! I had a new piece of
Glass cut for a Yashica GSN by a local glass company years ago.
I think it cost me all of 5$

I did have the broken piece in hand to match the thickness and relative shape.
 
As far as plastic goes, its all relatively scratch prone. Ide suggest using acrylic, clear ABS usually comes with a blue tint and is most commonly found in sub 1/2 inch thicknesses.
A close friend and fellow tinkerer would know better than I, ill talk with him later this evening and see if he can't recommend a plastic.
 
Thank you, B-9! I ended up getting a "for parts" Canonet 28, which based on looking at photos, seems to have the same size RF window. We'll see how it goes. I looked into acrylic but, at least online, I think I would have trouble getting someone to cut and sell such a small piece without making a larger purchase with it. The local framing store is a great idea for glass, though. I'll have to keep it in mind. I'd also be interested in what your friend has to say in case the Canonet 28 route doesn't work.
 
v_roma said:
Thank you, B-9! I ended up getting a "for parts" Canonet 28, which based on looking at photos, seems to have the same size RF window. We'll see how it goes. I looked into acrylic but, at least online, I think I would have trouble getting someone to cut and sell such a small piece without making a larger purchase with it. The local framing store is a great idea for glass, though. I'll have to keep it in mind. I'd also be interested in what your friend has to say in case the Canonet 28 route doesn't work.
Click to expand...


I have plenty of Canonet parts, and I have several viewfinder windows, PM me your address and I will mail one to you.
 
Your choice for materials can be limited. The best option is a direct replacement from a beater or parts-only body.

If you want to do something in the meantime, pick up a new CD case. That plastic is close to the same thickness.

Put some Scotch tape over the area that you plan to use. If you have the original glass, even if it's in two parts, use it as a guide for the new glass. Use a utility knife with a very sharp blade to score the plastic. You want to repeatedly score it until you're at least halfway through. Put a magazine or cutting board under the plastic.

Once you've scored it, use a pair of pliers to snap away the cut area. Use some find sandpaper or one of those sandpaper sponges to smooth the edges. Make sure it fits before you remove the tape.

I think this is a temporary fix, but it will do until you can find a suitable replacement.

I just did this on a little camera. This one:

zi_s312_34.jpg


The viewfinder glass was cracked diagonally over the viewfinder. This is with the CD cover plastic. I used the plastic from one of those mini-CDs, which was very close in thickness to the original. I'm now in search of a beater Contessa S 310.
 
I think of it as more a short-term fix than something permanent and until you can find a beater. So far, it's working well with the camera pictured above.
 
Thanks again to everyone for chiming in (past and future 🙂). I am waiting on a for parts Canonet 28 and will report back.
 
v_roma said:
I can see the crack in the rangefinder patch and, in some albeit limited situations, it can interfere with focusing. Also, it bothers me to see it 😀

I've been doing some more research and my current thinking is to try and find a "for parts" Canonet QL 17 or 19 or even a Canonet 28. Mine is a "New" QL17 (i.e., not the GIII nor the original, larger one either) and I think either a "new" or GIII QL17 or QL19 would work. The original might work too as the rangefinder windows seems to be the same size. Same goes for a Canonet 28.

If anyone out there has a broken Canonet, I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know. I'd be willing to buy it or trade for some film.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
The 28 model has a totally different rangefinder, and all of these are all made of glass internally
 
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