Canonet GIII - stiff, gritty focusing ring

[Valleyboy]

Hi all, long-time reader, first-time poster here.

I've got a Canonet QL17 GIII just acquired. Still shooting my first roll through it, but in the last few days the focusing ring has been getting increasingly stiff/gritty. I don't expect or need it to be loosy goosy, but it's getting to the point where being able to fine-tune focus is almost impossible.

Should I try a bit of lighter fluid/other type of lube in the ring? Is it possible that other mechanisms like the rangefinder could be the source? (as the focus operates the rangefinder)

Have never done repairs on these, any help is appreciated

 

[02Pilot]

More than likely what's happening is that grit is dislodging through use and making its way into the helicoid. I doubt the RF or anything else is at fault.

You can try a drop of Ronsonol in the ring, but that probably won't be enough to flush it out. If you use more, you risk it getting into the lens/shutter/aperture. Disassembly is the only real fix, but I would probably be inclined to try a drop of lighter fluid and work the focusing mechanism while holding the camera at various angles to try to work it loose. Knowing that I might need to take it apart anyway, I figure there's little to lose by trying the easy way first.

 

[btgc]

Instead of lighter fluid I'd try first a flow of warm air, say, from hair dryer (got a wife or gf?). Just don't melt camera! Apply warm air, not hot and don't melt old grease - just let it become a little smoother otherwise it can start migrating around and mess things up even more.

 

[oftheherd]

You might also try these URLs:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/search.php?searchid=7180167

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140323&highlight=canonet+repair

Good luck. Let us know how it works out for you whatever method(s) you try.

 

[Valleyboy]

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone - I'll try these out and let you know how it goes