Canon QL 17 metering indicator

[dgriff2]

I'm hoping someone here can answer a question about the Canon QL17. I have downloaded the manual but can't find any info on my problem. When focusing the rangefinder without the flash attached, the metering indicator needle moves up and down. Is this normal? I read that it is supposed to move with the flash attached which it does, but the needle moves while focusing with no flash attached and I don't remember this happening when I first started using the camera. If this is abnormal, what do I need to do for a repair. Thanks for any help.

dgriff2

 

[ErnestoJL]

You a have either the "New" Canonet QL 17 or the Canonet G III QL 17. (that´s because the original Canonet QL 17 doesn´t have this feature and is something different (bigger size and lens also changes). This can be normal only if you are focusing and the aperture ring is in any of the three positions past the "AUTO" mark to the left of the ring. You have diaphragm f numbers to the right, and to the left of the AUTO mark you have three different numbers which apply for differente Guide numbers for flash. If you set the aperture ring in any of those numbers, what you see in the VF is the aperture the camera chooses for any distance in regard of the guide number selected.
This cameras switch on the meter when you select either AUTO or any of the three guide numbers. If you set the aperture ring to any setting other than those before mentioned (AUTO and GN) the meter doesn´t work.
Hope this helps.

 

[dgriff2]

Canon QL 17 metering indicator

Thanks Ernesto, but I do have the aperture ring at the "A" setting. Can't figure this out, been shooting with it a lot here lately and no problems until today. Thanks again.

 

[ErnestoJL]

Forgot to say that this feature works with or without the flash, and is usefull for non automatic flashes. GN numbers are for ISO 100. Shutter is also blocked if the pointer goes out of the range of possible exposure (top or bottomof the scale).

 

[ErnestoJL]

Sorry, can´t figure it either!

 

[dgriff2]

Canon QL 17 metering indicator

Thanks Ernesto, maybe someone else can tell me once they read the threads.

 

[dgriff2]

Thanks greyhoundman, I'll give it a shot and let you know.

 

[dgriff2]

Well, here's my venture into the QL17III thanks to greyhoundman. I removed the bottom cover and located the two copper wipers and their respective strip. All appeared clean, but I cleaned the contacts with alcohol and it seemed to be OK. After installing the flash and test firing, the metering returned to it's prior state, with no flash in the shoe mount, the metering needle moves with the focusing lever. It was an intermittent problem, as a few times it seemed to work properly. I gently turned the two screws that hold the wipers in place and now it seems to operate correctly everytime. I have mounted and dismounted the flash numerous times, and it appears to work Ok. The wipers were dirty as evidenced by the dark grime on the cloth with alcohol that i used, but by slightly moving those two screws, I have moved something. Any ideas on what I can check greyhoundman, or is it better to leave well enough alone while it is working correctly. May take awhile now to bring my confidence level back up with the Canon, but I'm not ready to give up on it yet. Thanks for your advice.

 

[dgriff2]

Thanks, it wasn't that bad to clean. The rest of the camera looks intimidating though, lots of little parts inside. Amazing it works so well. Have a good day.