First Canonet

[eli griggs]

I found my first Canonet tonight, a QL17, second type, with a nice, clean 40mm F1.7 lens and a so-so two piece eveready case. The camera seems to work quite well mechanically, minty in fact, with the exception of a sticky self-timer, something not unexpected.

The light seals need replacing, but I still have plenty of of proper material left in a kit from Interslice, so I'm good-to-go on that front. A quick check with an hearing aid battery shows the meter works but I need to look at how well with actual film.

I would like to know what the main difference between this and the QL17 III are and how that relates price-wise to these models?

I found this for $25, so how'd I do?

I also need the top half to one of these everready cases, as mine is cracked, so if you can help, shoot me a line, please.

I do like the size of this camera and it should make a good companion to my Leica IIIc or a FED, when I want to carry two manual focus 35 RFs and have a fast lens.

Eli

 

[fishtek]

Hi, Eli!

I've got 'em both, and the differences are minimal. As far as I can see, the only difference is the battery check system. On the QL17, pushing the battery check button deflects the needle on the aperture scale only. Sorta tough to push the button and look through the viewfinder at the same time. The QL17 GIII has a tiny lamp that lights when you push the button, rather than deflecting the needle.

Other than that, I can't find any differences. I'm well pleased with mine....and yeah...I think your price was fine, if everything is in good shape.

Lookin' forward to some pix...

Regards!
Don

 

[Kim Coxon]

If you have one of the later type "leatherette" cases, finding an uncracked one will be alomost impossible. About the only cases that have withstood the test of time is the slightly earlier hard plastic ones but these do tend to cause bright marks on the chrome.

Kim

 

[eli griggs]

Don, Kim, thanks for the replies, it's helpful.

Kim, the case on this thing is plastic and though I can duck-tape it back together I'd rather like a intact one.

About bright marks, they've really never bothered me much. I've always accepted that sort of wear the natural consequence of using a piece of kit and I 99% prefer a user to a safe-queen.

Guys, this camera is a Japan built model; did Canon make any of this generation in Taiwan, or elsewhere?

Don, I'll post pics as soon as I am able.

Cheers

 

[Steve Bellayr]

The major differences are between the first and second generation 1965 v. 1969. Between 69 & 72 nearly identical. They were made in Taiwan. Some were made in Japan. They were probably for domestic use. No difference. Some claim that there is a rarity (value) to be assesed.