Canonet QL17: spoilt metering

[juggler]

*sigh*

I have 2 nice looking QL17 but in both the metering doesn't work. Though cameras should be able to be used for photo-taking, it would be better if the metering works as well to cut down the guess-work.

The problems are:

1) New Canonet QL17 (1969):

Metering not working. Battery check works as the needle moved down from f/1.7 to the green zone when the red check button is pressed. However, in "Auto" mode, the needle remains above the f/1.7 mark.

2) Canonet GIII QL17 (1972):

In this one, the battery check did not give me any indication. Battery compartment looks clean. The metering needle remain above the f/1.7 mark when in "Auto" mode. Hopefully this one is just a loose connection problem.

Anyone can help guide me though further checking and repair? I am not so much of a techie person. I don't know anything about the electronics inside the camera... 🙂

Thanks for any advice. Cheers!

 

[zuikologist]

Is the film speed set to a reasonable speed - say 100 ASA or over? If it is a slow film speed, the meter might not respond to light beyond its range. Also, Sometimes the contacts inside the aperture ring get dirty - it helps to move the aperture ring to clear any minor corrosion or dirt.

 

[dmr]

If it would help, I have a service manual for the GIII which has the electrical schematic. PM me if you want this.

 

[juggler]

Thanks for all replies.

Just an update:

I tried the GIII again. Fiddled here, turned there, took out the battery and re-insert. And the metering is alive again. The battery check worked as well. I think it may be dirty contact problem. Whew!

However, for the QL17, it is the same problem.