Canonet QL17 1.7 added to the pack

[CopperB]

I picked up a Canonet QL17 1.7 on the w/e for $50. I've dropped a roll of expired Xtra 800 into it and plan to run the roll today. One complaint so far is difficulty pressing in and moving the metal slider to change the ASA setting. Do you have to keep it pressed while you slide it or just press - release - slide?

Any other pointers, tips, comments about performance would be appreciated.

 

[Gumby]

Cognratulations. I hope you like the camera.

Mien didn't work out so good for me but I can, hopefully, help with your ASA setting problem. Mine did the same thing. Since it is open there is lot of opportunity for gunk to make that slider tough to slide. I put the tiniest amount of solvent (lighter fluid) and moved the slider a few time to loosen mine up. I say again for emphasis... TINY amount; less than a real drop. I probably dipped a jewelers screwdriver and used that to apply the solvent. That's how tiny an amount I'm talking about.

 

[LKeithR]

This may be a slight hijack but I'm curious to know what you think of the QL25? Research suggests that the 17, 19 and 25 are essentially the same camera; the only difference being the aperture. I'm wondering because I have an opportunity to pick up a QL25 on the cheap--I can probably get it for 20-25 bucks. Thanks for any comments...

 

[Gumby]

Suggest you start a separate thread Keith. There are likely to be some folks who would contribute.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I also cleaned up the ASA setting slide with a tiny drop of 99% Isopropyl Alchohol.

Lighter Fluid- even better.

I got the QL17L out this weekend to take some pics for the "Classifieds". Just could not do it, I'm keeping it. They are really nice cameras, well made. Mine is a "Panda" with black top and bottom plates from an Ebay gamble that did not pan out.

 

[ghostganz]

I didn't even realize the ASA slider was supposed to be smooth, I've just applied a painful amount of force with my nails. Lucky I mostly use the same film speed. 🙂

 

[CopperB]

I cleaned it with a bit of an alcohol swap here in my office and presto! Smooth as silk now.

I took some shots downtown this a.m. while waiting for the bus. Can't wait to see what I get.

 

[dmr]

I have two of these (GIII model), one black, one chrome. On both of these I just apply a moderate pressure with the thumb nail and it slides freely.

This may be a slight hijack but I'm curious to know what you think of the QL25?

We (one of my brothers and I) gave my dad a QL25 when he retired and he loved it. He was a Kodak folder fan who swore he "would never go 35" and he finally admitted that he liked the QL25 better than the old Kodaks.

Although I haven't handled the 25 for maybe 15 years, IIRC it lacks some of the features that are on the QL17, at least the GIII model. I admit I initially resisted the suggestions for the GIII since I knew the 25 had some limitations.

It's probably still in a closet at my stepmom's place. I may try to find it and retrieve it on my next trip.