SCOTFORTHLAD
Slow learner,but keen!
Hi,
i have a chance on a Canonet with the 45mm f1.9 lens.I am looking for a carry around rangefinder and in view of the good reputation generally for Canon compacts I was wondering if any one might be prepared to express an opinion on this model, for producing nice sharp prints in b/w and colour.
Cheers,
Brian.
i have a chance on a Canonet with the 45mm f1.9 lens.I am looking for a carry around rangefinder and in view of the good reputation generally for Canon compacts I was wondering if any one might be prepared to express an opinion on this model, for producing nice sharp prints in b/w and colour.
Cheers,
Brian.
PrestonR
Established
Hello Brian,
I have a camera similar to yours, a Canonet ql17 (non g-III) with a 40mm 1.7. It's no leica, but it's a good camera nonetheless. I can't speak for the quality of the AE function because mine doesn't work. Always used it manually.
I have a camera similar to yours, a Canonet ql17 (non g-III) with a 40mm 1.7. It's no leica, but it's a good camera nonetheless. I can't speak for the quality of the AE function because mine doesn't work. Always used it manually.
f16sunshine
Moderator
Hi Brian
I prefer the Yashica GX for an ae camera...
The canonet for manual exposure is great but every one I have got up and running has failed mid roll at some point.
It's a strange system being shutter priority.
The camera adjusts the aperture.... Not always very well.
Anyway, just my experience. Many others have great luck with the Canonet.
It is sharp and has nice character.
The Yashica is just nicer to use and seems to always expose perfectly.
One other thing about the canon... It has a very long shutter release throw.
Not good in slow speed situations.
I prefer the Yashica GX for an ae camera...
The canonet for manual exposure is great but every one I have got up and running has failed mid roll at some point.
It's a strange system being shutter priority.
The camera adjusts the aperture.... Not always very well.
Anyway, just my experience. Many others have great luck with the Canonet.
It is sharp and has nice character.
The Yashica is just nicer to use and seems to always expose perfectly.
One other thing about the canon... It has a very long shutter release throw.
Not good in slow speed situations.
Never had any issue with the shutter throw on Canonet...it is long compared to a Leica, but the key is a gentle squeeze. The really challenging one is the Olympus 35SP. It takes some reverse thinking but it's possible to operate these shutter priority cameras as aperture priority...
johnf04
Well-known
The youngest Canonets are now 40 years old, and the models with that lens even older. You should have any of these checked by a repairer, if you intend to use them.
02Pilot
Malcontent
I had a QL19 (late, smaller body) for a while. Good camera, nice lens. I found the viewfinder was particularly good, at least compared with some of the other cameras of the time. I never had a problem with it, but I didn't use it extensively before I sold it. Nothing wrong with it, I just found I preferred other cameras.
SCOTFORTHLAD
Slow learner,but keen!
Thanks for the helpful comments,much appreciated.
The model I have looked at is the very early 1961 version with the rewind lever on the bottom plate.Apparently it has manual exposure (in addition to the 'auto' facility governed by a selenium cell around the lens).Everything manual is my preference so the camera should work for me,and no doubt the lens will be a good one.
55 years of age for the mechanical functions should be taken into account I know,but I am often tempted to take a punt on these cameras which were around when I was a teenager but never could hope to own at the time.
The model I have looked at is the very early 1961 version with the rewind lever on the bottom plate.Apparently it has manual exposure (in addition to the 'auto' facility governed by a selenium cell around the lens).Everything manual is my preference so the camera should work for me,and no doubt the lens will be a good one.
55 years of age for the mechanical functions should be taken into account I know,but I am often tempted to take a punt on these cameras which were around when I was a teenager but never could hope to own at the time.
davebean
Newbie
I just got a QL19 and trying to figure it out. Taking it out this week to check for light leaks. Who does repairs on this?
Where are you located?
CMur12
Veteran
Welcome to RFF, davebean!
SCOTFORTHLAD: I have a Canonet GIII 17 QL and I found it to be a great travel camera. I always got sharp, perfectly exposed slides from it.
In your case, I would be concerned about the selenium cell, in particular, as these seem to lose sensitivity over time. If the camera appears to function well otherwise, it has manual override, and the price is good, it might be worth the risk.
It has been three weeks since your original post. Did you decide to get the camera?
- Murray
SCOTFORTHLAD: I have a Canonet GIII 17 QL and I found it to be a great travel camera. I always got sharp, perfectly exposed slides from it.
In your case, I would be concerned about the selenium cell, in particular, as these seem to lose sensitivity over time. If the camera appears to function well otherwise, it has manual override, and the price is good, it might be worth the risk.
It has been three weeks since your original post. Did you decide to get the camera?
- Murray
ColSebastianMoran
( IRL Richard Karash )
QL17-gIII had auto exposure problems, kept locking up in light that should have been OK. When it fired, the exposures were fine.
Shooting it manual exposure, it's pretty good, but it's just a bit clumsy changing speed and aperture.
Very nice package, small, well made. Excellent image quality.
For a small carry around RF camera, I second the recommendation for the Yeshiva GX.
Shooting it manual exposure, it's pretty good, but it's just a bit clumsy changing speed and aperture.
Very nice package, small, well made. Excellent image quality.
For a small carry around RF camera, I second the recommendation for the Yeshiva GX.
CliveC
Well-known
Anecdotal evidence only, but most Canonet QL17s I've seen are broken in some way. Maybe they're just so valued that even broken ones are kept around. I've purchased two online, and neither are fully functional. Yashicas, on the other hand, I've had better luck with.