canonet 17 ql gIII

[Michael I.]

Recently i've been presented with a canonet 17 QL GIII (made in taiwan).
The main problem with it that in strong harsh contra lighting the rf spot isn't visible.I've taped over the VF center like Rick Oleson adviced and it improved the situation but the split image isn't as effective(speed wise)a the double image.
Is there any way to improve the double image contrast?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

What is the overall condition of the finder? Usually they "fog up" and need to be cleaned. The top of the Canonet is fairly easy to get off, the cover over the film advance lever comes off with a rubber block or a mouse pad. A few screws holds it down from there. The viefinder glass is accessed after taking off a plastic cover from over the viewfinder module. Be very careful of the beamsplitter glass, it's semi-silvered surface can easily be damaged. Usually a "breath" to fampen the surface and the most gentle swipe with a Q-Tip is all that is required.

 

[ednaz]

No question that having the finders cleaned is a great investment. I just got a gorgeous III-17 (cosmetically) and took it in to have the finders cleaned and the shutter unstuck. The viewfinder is now astonishingly bright. The little camera is highly addictive now.