Help with Canonet QL17

[davyc]

Hi, having the urge to try out rangefinder cameras I recently purchased a QL17 on Ebay. Although it's in nice condition I decided the rangefinder needed a clean and while cleaning it a blue plastic washer fell onto my worksurface. For the life of me I have no idea where it came from. After putting it back together (minus the washer) everything is still working fine but this leftover washer is annoying me no end. Does anyone know where it goes?

Thanks

Davy

 

[davyc]

I can take a picture to post tonight after I finish work. If it helps, I had the entire rangefinder assembly almost completely off till I discovered the top plate came off (DOH!!) so not sure if there is anything under there where it may have come from.

Thanks again.

 

[davyc]

Nope it's about half an inch diameter, 1/16th thick (tall?) and the hole is almost the full diameter. That's from memory so not exact. Sorry I never thought to take a picture last night. Maybe less like a washer and more like a collar off something?

 

[davyc]

Wow, thanks very much. I'm thinking it is very possibly from something below the rangefinder assembly though as I never got it completely off (couldn't quite get into one screw) I did have it at an interesting angle. That's when I think it may have fell out though I didn't notice at the time. What I did notice was that the top of the rangefinder assembly came off for cleaning access and so I started screwing it all back on again. You live and learn though I wish I'd discovered this forum first.

 

[davyc]

Thanks very much for taking the time to look. I was pretty bemused at the time as well. I was working in a nice clean and clutter free area so I know the washer definately came from inside the camera but it's baffling as to where it goes. I guess as long as the camera's working I shouldn't worry. The rangefinder is certainly nice and clean now. Can't wait to get out there shooting just as soon as I have it re-sealed.

 

[matu]

Your QL17 is the little modern GIII or the big old model?
I have the old one and I can strip it to see if I can find your blue washer.

Pablo

 

[davyc]

My QL17 is the older model with no battery test light. Not sure of the year but one I saw claimed 1965 though I originally thought it was about 1970.

 

[matu]

Davy, it must be like mine, I'll take the pictures during the weekend.

Pablo

 

[pshinkaw]

Davyc:

There is a model in between the original QL-17 with the 45mm lens and the GIII thay most users here have. There is a picrure and description on this site:

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/f_camera.html

They call it the Canonet QL-17 New Model. It looks a lot like the GIII in the smaller body and with the shorter lens, but does not have the battery check light. Uses the meter needle instead. Some of them have a different style rewind crank too.

It's the same model I have. Canon made fewer of them than the GIII, but even though there are fewer of them, they tend to be less sought after.

It's possible that your blue washer is a light blocking seal from the rewind crank shaft.

-Paul

 

[matu]

Davy:
I couldn't find the blue washer.
But I took some pictures that may help you, just to see if you re-ensambled ok.
I believe that you'll have to follow grehoundman's wise advise.
Anyhow good luck.

Pablo