Canonet GIII QL17 frame lines

[Assaf]

Well, it a kind of an RTFM question, but I did not get a manual with this camera (an electronic copy, if found, would be highly appriciated, though).

The frame lines in the viewfinder are nice and clear, but I don't understand where the frame ends on the right hand side. I assumed that the frame ended at the begining of the aperture scale (it's left border). However, I shot this way and I think I get more than I intended.

Does anyone know the exact answer? In addition, is there anybody that can tell me from his own experience how accurate the frame lines are, and how is the parallax characterized?

Many thanks and good night
Assaf
​

 

[Xmas]

http://primco.org/photo/galleries/canonet_ql17_manual/index-006.htm

seems to say within the frame but I use the outside (rightside) of the meter area...

Noel

 

[sircarl]

Assaf --
I usually get a larger image than I anticipated with my GIII. But since the relationship of rangefinder framelines to image actually captured can be inaccurate with even the best of cameras, I'm not surprised. At least you're not getting a SMALLER image, which would be a real bummer.

 

[Assaf]

Hi Noel,
thanks for the manual and reply 🙂
I think you are right about taking the right hand side of meter. The wierd thing is that I measured the hight and width inside the frame lines in the manual (left hand side of meter) and it turned exactly 4 by 6. Meaning, we should take left border of meter....
Or maybe the frame is larger from all sides?
wierd...

 

[Xmas]

Assaf

If you shooting slides for projection, then open back of camera and stick 3M mat tape across film gate and compare inverted image with viewfinder.

Noel

 

[Assaf]

Noel,
if I understood you correctly, that's a brilliant idea!
I don't know what a 3M mat tape is, but I took a semi-opaque file sleeve, put it on the film gate and opened the shutter in bulb with a cable release.
I managed to see a nice projection on the sleeve.
In order to investigate the frame lines thoroughly I have to put the camera on a tripod a have a more careful look, but it's past midnight and work early tomorrow😱
I'll tell you if I come up with a brilliant conclusion!
thanks
Assaf