Canonet QL17 shutter stuck/slow below 1/30th

[jackson.parrell]

Hey everyone,

I've seen similar stories about stuck shutters on this camera in this forum. but my problem is a little peculiar so i hope im justified in posting the question. I recently was given this camera and i was very excited upon seeing the condition untill i discovered the shutter is very slow at speeds 1/30th and lower. taking a photo at 1/30th feels closer to 1 second exposure, and 1/8 is like 3 seconds. you can hear the spring or shutter mechanism working away but it doesnt sound so healthy.

Im wondering if any of you who have taken these things apart to de-gunk your shutters could perhaps shed some light on this problem. im guessing speeds below 60 use another timer then those above, and im guessing mine needs some fixing. Im prepared to open it up and tinker as i have no personal investment in the camera and would love to see it working.

Any ideas, help, or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Daan]

I had a similar problem with my QL17 G-3. Mine wouldn't fire at all below 1/30.
I didn't open it, I just put it next to the heater let it get warm and then fire the shutter lots off times on the slow speeds. After repeating this (a long time) the camera now works fine on all shutter speeds. Never had trouble with it again. It's problably that the camera wasn't used in a long time.
I even read somewhere you could put in the oven on it's lowest setting for a minute, but I'd be carefull with that. Next to the heater is probably safer.
Maybe this helps..

 

[dmr]

I have a similar issue with the Mamiya SD (same basic shutter). Mine works fine as slow as 1/8 (which I very seldom use) but hesitates at 1/4 and below (which I almost never use). I'm meaning to tear into it and clean it (they tell me a slow-speed gear is probably sticking) but haven't as of yet.

I'll try the heat trick and see if it helps. 🙂

 

[jackson.parrell]

I tried the heat trick. the results were almost instant. 30, 15, and even 8 started sounding proper. but once the camera cools down it pretty much goes back its normal sluggish tendencies. which makes me think it is in fact a gunked up timing gear or mechanism. does anybody know if that mechanism is easily reached in disassembly?

thanks for all the help so far guys, really has shed allot of light on this problem.

 

[Bobfrance]

I think once it's warm you're best to fire the shutter as many times as possible. Give it a real work out. Hopefully then you'll have cleared the blades somewhat.

 

[dmr]

does anybody know if that mechanism is easily reached in disassembly?

Depends on how you define "easily". 🙂

The trick to disassembling the front of the QL17, at least the GIII version, is getting the center lens group out. I had to use a dremel tool and drill two "dimples" in the slanted part of the group housing and then use a lens spanner to get it out.

I was then able to get my shutter firing again (it was totally frozen) by massaging the shutter blades with a Q-tip soaked in Ronsonol. It actually startled me when it snapped the first time! 🙂 I then exercised it well and it's been working ever since. I never had to go in as far as the shutter gears and such on the GIII, but I have had a Mamiya SD taken apart that far.

The service manual with exploded diagrams is floating around. Google and you shall find I'm sure. If you can't find it, I can get you a copy.

 

[dmr]

Update: Here are a few of the threads from way back where the gang here kind of talked me through disassembly. The step-by-step is mid-way through this thread:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4858

And some follow-up once it came back to life:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4891

 

[Daan]

On my camera it took me a while to get it going, try to fire the shutter a lot like bob suggested.
If all fails you can always open it up.

 

[jackson.parrell]

I've had a look at the exploded parts repair manual, haha definitely will avoid going in at all costs. I've been firing off the shutter while heated a whole lot today. i feel its made a teensy bit of an improvement, but nothing to speak of. certainly works like a charm while its still hot though. maybe the solution is to move out of canada haha, warmer climate all the time.

would taking off the bottom and pumping some canned air into the mechanics be a terrible idea? probably wouldnt do anything.

 

[Daan]

the problem is problably bigger with you're camera then it was with mine. There was a big difference on my QL17 after a day. Good luck with the camera!