Canon LTM Cleaning a Canonet?

[Kyle]

I picked up a Canonet a couple days ago (can't remember the model, I'm in class right now). Its probably not very usable right now, the light seals are bad, the rangefinder is kinda dull (but I'm really not sure what I should be comparing it to, the only other RF I've owned was a Bessa R). Anyways, it was at a yard sale, and I paid $2 for it. Basically I'd like to tear it apart and clean it up this weekend. It was so cheap that I don't care if I ruin this one in the process and I think it would be an interesting project. Does anyone have any links to sites that have instructions on cleaning it up and doing repairs? I've never done this sort of thing and I'm honestly not sure whats involved, but I've always wanted to tear a camera apart, and I figure that a $2 banged up Canonet is probably the best one to start with. Sorry if my questions were vague in any way, but can anybody help? Thanks.

-Kyle

 

[Rob]

One member here can sell you precut seals with instructions how to do it correctly..
Lots of us have had them opened up. Look in the repair forum here, I think there
is a RF cleaning procedure there.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I posted some pictures on the VF/RF cleaning. It is very straight forward, not hidden wires on the top plate. Taking the seals out is a gooey process; taking the pressure plate out really helps. I finally resorted to pouring 99% isopropyl alchohol onto them and swabbing the goo out with Q-Tips and paper towels. If the shutter works, you do not need any special tools. I ended up replacing some lens elements yesterday, and used needle-nosed pliers and a rubber cork to get the front section out. The shutters can be "unstuck" with Ronsonol and/or isopropyl alchohol. The latter does best when allowed to sit overnight.

Canonet VF/RF cleaning:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/582