Diagnosing my QL19

[trueblue]

Hi, I just got a Canonet QL19 (large version), it's my first rangefinder and I'm very excited to have it.

It seems to have a number of problems, so I'm gonna tackle them in order of importance. Firstly, it seems to have the sticky shutter problem - it is often difficult to press the shutter button all the way in. Secondly, I opened up the back and it looks like the aperture doesn't change when I change the aperture ring. It looks stuck on f/16.

My question - is the stuck aperture likely related to the sticky shutter problem, so both can be fixed with some solvent, or is it perhaps another problem (like a disconnected L-bracket on the aperture ring that I read about here).

 

[Kim Coxon]

The best place to statrt is to assume the aperture needs cleaning as well. If that fails then start looking elswhere.

Kim

 

[Bobfrance]

It's solvent time! 😉

It was the same problem on mine, both were stuck.
I fixed with the help and guidence of the kind Mr Coxon - he knows a thing or two.

 

[Kim Coxon]

I wouldn't say that but I do know how to spell my name correctly. 😀

Kim

It's solvent time! 😉

It was the same problem on mine, both were stuck.
I fixed with the help and guidence of the kind Mr Coxton - he knows a thing or two.

 

[trueblue]

OK, thanks to both of your for your advice. Another question (and probably not the last...) should I approach the shutter/aperture blades from the front or through the back?

 

[Kim Coxon]

With the older "large" versions, it is easier through the front. Remove the silver retaining ring around the bezel. the bezel will now drop out together with the mter ring underneath. There should also be a spacing collar under that. The whole front group can noe be unscrewed and you have acces to the shutter blades.. If you fo in through the back, you may need to make a special tool.

Kim

 

[Bobfrance]

I wouldn't say that but I do know how to spell my name correctly. 😀

Kim

Oops!

Edited 😱