Canon QL17 G-III Viewfinder

[sygyzy]

Hi,

I am relatively new to film cameras and rangefinders. I just picked up a QL17 and it seems to be functioning properly, except I don't really know since I am not a pro. One question I have off the bat is how clear/sharp is the viewfinder supposed to be? I can see the focusing box just fine and can achieve focus (at least through the finder; haven't loaded film yet) but it's sort of hazy. I mean I am really worried about having difficulty focusing (from not getting a clear picture) when lighting conditions are low. Is it supposed to be clear as a clean glass window?

Thanks for your help, this is my first post here!

 

[anjoca76]

This is quite common for this camera in particular. There are others far more knowledgeable about this than I, and I haven't even used mine in a while, but if I recall on mine I have a tiny square piece of blue tape on the rangefinder window so that the focusing patch has more contrast and makes it easier to focus. There are other ways to clean the viewfinder itself internally, but I've never done so. But probably before I even get this reply posted someone will respond with solid advice.

The good news is that you have a damn good camera with a sharp lens, and the viewfinder issue is fixable.

 

[edge100]

The viewfinder on my old QL17 GIII was not nearly as clear as my M6 or my Mamiya 7. The patch was slightly yellow, which helped a bit with focusing. To be honest, my SOP with the Canonet was to stop down to give myself extra focus latitude; the VERY short focus throw doesn't help, either.

Stop down, use ISO 400 film, and you should be fine. The Canonet is a nice camera.

 

[Frontman]

By now most Canonet viewfinders are going to be somewhat hazy. Fortunately, cleaning out the viewfinder is very easy, and requires only 2 tools, a pair of pliers and a small philips screwdriver.

You need to remove the top cover to get to the viewfinder. To remove the cover, you remove the chrome ring around the shutter button with the pliers, and lift off the winding lever and the thick washer underneath. Then remove the three philips screws which hold on the cover. With the screws removed, the top cover will lift off. As you remove parts, set them down in order so you know how to put them back on.

Clean all the glass surfaces with lens cleaning fluid and cotton swabs. A plastic (sometimes metal) cover is glued over the viewfinder mechanism. Pull the cover off, and clean the glass surfaces inside. Be careful with the gold colored beam splitter, the reflective surface can be damaged if you clean too aggressively.

Clean the insides of the glass windows on the top cover. Glue the plastic (or metal) cover over the viewfinder mechansim, and put the camera back together. Be careful not to cross-thread the chrome shutter button ring when you put it back on.

 

[gb hill]

The more you use the camera the more familure you will get with the VF. The Canonets finder isn't nearly as bright as a Bessa but is better than the russian cameras. I like the finder on my GIII.

 

[sygyzy]

Thank you all for your help. I just replaced the seals and put in a roll of Portra 400. I am still learning this camera and rangefinders in general (my first one). I will do the top disassembly when this roll is done since I assume the film will be exposed if I remove the top cover?

I also will need to remove the top to replace a missing strap lug on the right side. Can anyone point me in the direction of a spare?

 

[Frontman]

Thank you all for your help. I just replaced the seals and put in a roll of Portra 400. I am still learning this camera and rangefinders in general (my first one). I will do the top disassembly when this roll is done since I assume the film will be exposed if I remove the top cover?

I also will need to remove the top to replace a missing strap lug on the right side. Can anyone point me in the direction of a spare?

Yes, the film will be exposed if you remove the top cover, as the film door must be opened to remove the rewind knob. I have lots of Canonet parts, PM me with what you need.

 

[sygyzy]

Thanks Frontman! I've sent you a PM.

Another question - I received a new WeinCell for the camera. I removed the blue sticker labeled (+) and on the opposite end noticed a silver sticker with a bump. It was off center so I centered it and installed it but I don't get a light when I press the battery check button. I measured it with my multimeter and I do get a voltage reading. Am I doing something wrong?