Canon Canonet QL17 w/ 40mm f/1.7-test results

[Russ]

Canon Canonet QL17 w/ 40mm f/1.7

Vignetting = B+ @ f/1.7 & f/2, A- @ f/2.8 to f/5.6, A thereafter
Distortion = slight pincushion
Aperture Center Corner
f/1.7 C+ C+
f/2 B C+
f/2.8 B+ B-
f/4 A- B
f/5.6 A- B+
f/8 B+ B+
f/11 B B+
f/16 B B

Notes: Low contrast at f/1.7; moderately low contrast at f/2; moderate contrast at f/2.8 and f/5.6 to f/16; moderately high contrast at f/4.

 

[Doug]

A test from Modern/Popular Photography?

 

[Russ]

A test from Modern/Popular Photography?

Doug

No, this is one that I pulled from an Olympus lens site. If you'd like, I'll see about digging up a publication test or two. As for the Canonet GIII QL-17, I have pretty much relegated it for indoor people shooting. Because of it's "softer" lens, coupled with a deep yellow filter & B/W film, it'll yield fine results. I'm not bashing the GIII QL-17, it's a fine camera. But for overall sharpness, I repeatedly find that my Viv ES and Oly RC, have the superior glass. The GIII QL-17 is a well made rig, with a superb focusing patch. I really like that about it. And for indoor flash work, I set it and the popper @ f/8, (probably it's best appy) and blast away. I've gotten good results in doing this. When you receive your Neopan 400CN film, rate it @ 200 with a yellow filter, and I think that you'll love the wonderful flesh tones this camera and film combination will give you. For general street shooting, I rate it, and the fantastic Neopan 400 (standard B/W film non-chromogenic) @ 320. Have you tried the traditional Neopan 400? It's wonderful stuff. I'll throw a couple rolls into your package.

I received your mailing addy, and will send it out soon. I tried to E you off-group, but my POS puter locked up on me midway through the transfer (probably made by Kiev) I think I am going to go back to carrier Pigeons for my communications. Much more reliable.

Merry Christmas (how about we all partake in submitting one Holidays rangefinder made snap?

Russ

Merry Christmas

 

[Doug]

Thanks Russ! I've never used any Neopan films before, though I do hear nice comments here. Do I read you right that you're using a deep yellow filter indoors for people shots?

Sorry to hear of your 'puter distress; how about treating yourself to a nice G5 Mac for Christmas? Happier Holidays! 🙂

 

[Russ]

Thanks Russ! I've never used any Neopan films before, though I do hear nice comments here. Do I read you right that you're using a deep yellow filter indoors for people shots?

Sorry to hear of your 'puter distress; how about treating yourself to a nice G5 Mac for Christmas? Happier Holidays! 🙂

Doug

Don't mention the G5 around here. Sharona has dreams about those. They sure look sweet. Yeah, I'll toss the Neopan 400CN & traditional Neopan 400 into your package. The traditional stuff is fantastic. By far, my favorite 400 speed B/W emulsion. I have found that when using the deep yellow filter with a flash indoors, that it really smoothes out facial complexions and flesh tones. Give it a try. You'll really like what it does for flesh tones.

Russ

 

[Huck Finn]

Modern Photography, July, 1970 Test Results: Canonet 40/1.7 for Sharpness

Center/Edge

1.7 - Good/Acceptable
2.0 - VeryGood/Acceptable
2.8 - Excellent/Acceptable
4.0 - Excellent/Good
5.6 - Excellent/Excellent
8.0 - Excellent/Excellent
11.0 Excellent/Excellent
16.0 Excellent/Excellent

 

[nwcanonman]

Russ and Huck,
Thanks for the Excellent/Excellent information on the Canonet 1.7.
~ ; - )

 

[Doug]

I'll toss the Neopan 400CN & traditional Neopan 400 into your package. The traditional stuff is fantastic. By far, my favorite 400 speed B/W emulsion. I have found that when using the deep yellow filter with a flash indoors, that it really smoothes out facial complexions and flesh tones.

Ah, with flash, yes I bet that helps, as the flash tends to be cold and harsh. I just don't use flash unless I'm really desperate, so my indoor people are usually under very warm light anyway. The bluish flash would emphasize skin blemishes...

I'll be delighted to try the traditional Neopan 400 too! I mostly use chromogenicss, so at this point I'm down to using only Diafine with traditional B&W films. Hope Neopan responds well with this soup.

Then there's the scanning issue; I have the local pro lab scan my C41 films without printing, while traditional film scans are stacked up waiting for me to get my scanner working...

Best wishes for happy holidays!

 

[Russ]

Ah, with flash, yes I bet that helps, as the flash tends to be cold and harsh. I just don't use flash unless I'm really desperate, so my indoor people are usually under very warm light anyway. The bluish flash would emphasize skin blemishes...

I'll be delighted to try the traditional Neopan 400 too! I mostly use chromogenicss, so at this point I'm down to using only Diafine with traditional B&W films. Hope Neopan responds well with this soup.

Then there's the scanning issue; I have the local pro lab scan my C41 films without printing, while traditional film scans are stacked up waiting for me to get my scanner working...

Best wishes for happy holidays!

Doug

My girlfriend, and her sister are somewhat fair skinned, and with freckled complexion. The yellow filter also helps quite a bit for outdoor shooting. It greatly reduces the blotchy look that you can get with this type of skin.

Russ

 

[maxim]

Doug

. The GIII QL-17 is a well made rig, with a superb focusing patch. I really like that about it.

Russ

Merry Christmas

hi
whats a "focusing patch"??
I do find the focusing abit difficult and it shows when
i am using it at f1.7 but at f8, i guess it dont matter
much

good advice about the yellow filter
I went looking for a red filter ( for more contrast )
but seems like 48mm is very uncommon

 

[Poptart]

The focusing patch is the small yellowish rectangle in the center of the window that gives you the double image unfocused.