Focus with Canonet QL17 in the low light

[IgalSc]

I asked it in the canon RF forum, but got no answer
So, I'll try my luck here:
Yesterday i finally fixed my Canonet with new CdS, so that when I'm confused with "Sunny 16", i can have a "second opinion"

But trying to take pictures of my daughter at the playground with pretty low light, i found it very difficult to focus (I'm used to focus scales on the SLRs, but Canonet doesn't have it).

Any helpful advice will be welcome

Thanks
Igal

 

[stompyq]

Get the RF/vf cleaned. I use mine all the time in dim light. It's much easier to focus than any other fixed lens RF i've tried (minolta himatic 7sII and oly 35RC all CLA'd as well).

 

[IgalSc]

thank you for advice, will do it

 

[dmr]

There is a trick to brighten the focus patch, which involves a small square of opaque tape over the center of the front of the main viewfinder. I haven't had any trouble with this, but this is a fix for some who have.

 

[IgalSc]

There is a trick to brighten the focus patch, which involves a small square of opaque tape over the center of the front of the main viewfinder. I haven't had any trouble with this, but this is a fix for some who have.

is there any online guide?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

First shine a light through the viewfinder to see if it is hazy. Then try popping the top and cleaning the viewfinder. The silver retaining ring over the advance lever comes off with a rubber cork or mousepad. The rewind knob comes off, hold the inside of the fork still using a screwdriver, then unscrew the normal way- counterclockwise. Three Philips screws, the top should pop. DO NOT clean the beamsplitter with fluid or anything unless is is really bad. THEN: breathe on it and extremely gently wipe with a Q-tip. Clean glass surfaces, but leabe mirrors alone.

If the semi-silvered beamsplitter is worn, that will greate a dim patch. You need to replace it of it is worn.

Rewind: unscrew counterclockwise, Silver ring over Advance: use Mouse Pad or something to grip, off Counterclockwise.

Finder should look like crystal glass. This one looked like the inside of a car with vinyl seats before cleaning.

 

[rjbuzzclick]

Here it is:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-165.html

I've done it to a few cameras and it works well.