A Canonet Experience of my Own

[undies]

I am an amateur photographer but have found my manual focus SLR increasingly difficult to use in recent years. Slightly fuzzy vision (20/30) meant I was unsatisfied with the focus of many photos, and I had resigned myself to a life of auto-focus snapshots.

Then I stumbled upon a perfectly functioning Canonet QL17 GIII at the local Goodwill thrift store last winter for $10. I bought it on a whim and it has re-envigorated my enthusiasm for photography. I'd never even heard of a rangefinder before buying this camera, and I find that I am able to use it easily even with my imperfect vision.

I've been lurking on this forum for a couple of weeks and have enjoyed the sample shots that folks post, so here are a couple of my own.

 

[undies]

A few more...

 

[undies]

Last three for now.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Yep, the Canonet is a wonderful camera.

Yep, the Canonet is a wonderful camera.

Your pictures show it. I also love the 40mm perspective of the G lll in particular. Your pictures show off this camera very well. Keep posting.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

If that one of the little girl is your daughter you made your $10 back and a whole lot more. "Cameras motivate us to see what we haven't seen before."

 

[DeeCee3]

An Added Benefit

An Added Benefit

I think many more people would enjoy photography if they would only try a split-image (or even coincident) viewfinder/rangefinder. As you have so aptly put it, failing eyesight does NOT have to be a deterrent to the enjoyment of our hobby as long as rangefinders exist.

dc3

 

[undies]

If that one of the little girl is your daughter you made your $10 back and a whole lot more.

My niece actually. But I agree this camera has been probably the best $10 I've ever spent, and not just because of the quality of the camera itself but for the inspiration it has given me.

Thanks for the positive comments folks!

 

[fishtek]

Nice stuff, Undies!

I've just got a couple of these, and am in the process of familiarization. Those of who are er....mature...need all the help we can get. I'm still using my DSLR and SLR gear, but these RF's are LOTS of fun.

Regards!
Don

 

[Bingley]

Yes, good work! I liked the shot on the bike. Having a small, light RF like the Canonet helps to make a shot like that possible (I take it that you were riding at the time?). The QL17 is a great little camera, sharp lens, pocketable; there are a lot of users on this forum. Welcome, and keep posting.