Canonet QL19 - rangefinder broken

[benno]

Hi guys,
I acquired a QL19 on eBay recently and the **** seller didn't tell me the rangefinder was faulty... it seems like the focus patch is uncoupled from the focus ring or something as it doesn't move when I try to focus.

Is this an easy fix by any chance? (hey I can hope!)

Managed to get the meter working with a 675 battery, a bunch of washers and a cut up pen lid. Everything else seems ok, just wish I could make the ******* focus!

(sorry, crappy phone pic - my SLR is also away being fixed 😡 )

Thanks guys
benno

 

[Kim Coxon]

You have managed to get hold of one of the very early models. I would start by taking the top of and looking at the linkage there. This is a far more likely area than within the lens unit. BTW, unless you think you will need to use it, I wouldn't try the self timer unless you strip the lens unit down and clean it first. this tend to jam and are easily broken if forced.

One of these days I will get the complete Canonet mrepair manual scanned and put on line. so far I have only managed to do the ones for the GIII version as this is the most popular.

Kim

 

[benno]

Thanks Kim. I'll pull the top off when I get a chance.

The self timer seems to work actually.

 

[benno]

Sorted!
I took the top cap off and worked the focus mechanism for a bit. I could see something in the body moving, but the rangefinder wasn't. I took the rangefinder off and found the problem - it was really stiff, and wouldn't return when the spring pulled it back. A few drops of oil and she's all good again!

Now to do the light seals... yuk. Is there any household sort of material that I could use instead of ordering an ebay kit?

 

[zuikologist]

Benno - if you have any other older RFs or SLRs which might need seals, I would get the kit. You can probably replace the seals on half a dozen cameras with one kit. Otherwise, I understand the felt from film canisters or even thin black string works, but no guarantee of correct guage or effectiveness.