Canonet problem

[Johntaxi]

Hi,

I bought a G111 GL (silver) on eBay for £25.00

The camera looks in top condition cosmetically. When I unpacked it I tried the frame advance which engaged and returned.....but thats it, the shutter button does nothing, the frames advance now only moves around one third the way.

Anyhow, when I opened the back I found a roll of film wound inside. I had a go at loading a film but as I say I cannot advance it. Also the pin I pressed to rewind the film has stayed put.

Looking through the lens the shutters are closed, and the aperture blades move freely.

The camera still had the old Mercury battery in it, I have or orded a replacement.

I am new to this type of camera and hope I am missing something obvious,

But fear it has major problems.any advise much appreciated.

Thanks John

 

[papaki]

Hi and welcome to the Forum John,
Make sure you are not trying it at auto exposure without a battery. Move the aperture ring away from the 'A' position and try tripping the shutter again.

 

[Johntaxi]

Hello,

Thanks for your response, when I moved the dial from the auto setting the shutter button descended all the way down. But still nothing triggered....is the self timer 100% mechanical as I have engaged this but again without success.

Thanks John

 

[Johntaxi]

looking online, it seems it's not straightforward...shutter & timer problems very common.

I will check meter when the battery arrives, and put it back on eBay for repairs.

Thanks again for you help.

 

[ftw1952]

Put a few drops of lighter fluid into the self-timer slot were the lever is exposed. turn the camera around in a circular motion for one minute keeping the lens pointing away from you and not up and down. That should loosen the timer to work. If so and the shutter does not operate still add a few more drops into the camera area once more. Set the camera down on it's back side for one minute. Now the shutter should work. If so do this everyday for a week. Trip the shutter only once each day or else the fluid will travel on the optics. Let me know the outcome

 

[Johntaxi]

Thanks, ftw 1952 ....I shall be giving this a try. I have put in the new battery and the battery life indicator glows. But nothing inside at the meter, also now shutter speed ring will not move after i selected B setting. Hopefully your advice will free up the self timer and resolve the other issues.

I will order some lighter fluid online.....I have some 99.9% isopropyl alcohol, does this do the same job.

Thanks.

 

[Johntaxi]

Fully working Canonet...except meter.

Put in the isopropyl and turned as you said. Shutter blades did get wet so blew air in with a lens blower. Sorted.

Thanks for your helpful advice.