Pawn Shop Canonet

[squeaky_clean]

So, I am sure all of these questions have been asked here before, and if there are good answers that anyone knows of, feel free to simply point me in the right direction.

Anyhow, I just picked up a Canonet GIII QL at a pawn shop for $10. Overall it is in decent shape, although somewhat dirty. I got it cheap because the shutter doesn't seem to fire. I was thinking maybe a good cleaning would take care of it? Any other ideas? Also, any good ideas on batteries? I am not super familiar with these cameras, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Chris

 

[back alley]

chris, there is a ton of info on these cameras here.
do a search and some reading and if you still have questions i'm sure a few of the local gurus would love to help out.

welcome,
joe

 

[squeaky_clean]

Thanks for the info guys... I have found a lot of good stuff so far... My only question (for the moment) is do you think it is easier to get to the shutter from the front or the back? I seem to read conflicting reports on it. Also, if I just can't seem to get it done, what do you charge Gman?

 

[dmr]

Thanks for the info guys... I have found a lot of good stuff so far... My only question (for the moment) is do you think it is easier to get to the shutter from the front or the back? I seem to read conflicting reports on it.

I found it to be relatively easy thru the front. The only majorly tricky part was getting that middle lens group out. Just take your time, be patient, and ask questions if you get stuck. You'll end up with a sweet little camera. 🙂

Also, if I just can't seem to get it done, what do you charge Gman?

Hey, if I can do it, you can too! 🙂

 

[garythegit]

I sent it to Gman after failing miserably from the front and back! I just don't have the skills baby! But boy did Gman do a good job! Got it back in under 2 weeks! (i'm in the UK btw) Well worth sending it to a pro like Dave rather than risking scratching the little gem yourself!

Good luck! Sounds like you got a bargain!

 

[jjthe2]

People will always disagree with me, but if it's really just a stuck shutter, I think it easier to go in through the back. There is only one element to unscrew and you're there. Going through the front may be more thourough but it requires significantly more disassembly (and that middle element is a real pain).

 

[squeaky_clean]

I found it to be relatively easy thru the front. The only majorly tricky part was getting that middle lens group out. Just take your time, be patient, and ask questions if you get stuck. You'll end up with a sweet little camera. 🙂



Hey, if I can do it, you can too! 🙂

hey dmr,

thanks for the info! i have the front of the lens mostly apart, i just can't seem to get that middle part out. any tricks? it has two little notches in it, but it doesn't want to seem to turn at all... would a bit of penetrating oil be a bad thing? i don't have a real spanner wrench (i fashioned a goofy one myself), and i couldn't seem to get it to turn that middle lens. any suggestions you have would be great. i'd really love to do this myself, that's why i bought it! 🙂

and thanks again to all the RFF people. you guys are awesome!

 

[garythegit]

Happy holidays Dave! Thanks for all your help over the past year! (esp the canonet) 🙂

 

[Kim Coxon]

I have tried 2 other ways. The most efficient comes from my modelling experience. I got a piece of 1/2" x 1/4" brass stock, drilled 2 holes at the right spacing and soldered in 2 short lengths of steel piano wire. The quicker solution (but it needs care) is to use a lens bung.

Kim

Don't use penetrating oil. I fashioned a lens tool from a pair of needlenose pliers. I ground them and bent them to fit. The lens is held with some sealer, but it will come out.
You could also use the Goodman trick. Drill two small divots on each side of the slanted inner surface and then use a spanner or sharpened pliers to remove the inner lens group.

BTW, sent you a PM.

 

[dmr]

thanks for the info! i have the front of the lens mostly apart, i just can't seem to get that middle part out. any tricks? it has two little notches in it, but it doesn't want to seem to turn at all... would a bit of penetrating oil be a bad thing? i don't have a real spanner wrench (i fashioned a goofy one myself), and i couldn't seem to get it to turn that middle lens. any suggestions you have would be great. i'd really love to do this myself, that's why i bought it! 🙂

What I did is this, and more detailed instructions are on the net somewhere.

I drilled 2 very small holes less than a mm deep into the slanted part right at the top of the middle lens assembly. Just deep enough to get the pointed tips of the spanner to get a good grip. It came out easily with just a wee bit of gentle force.

I used a dremel tool and a lot of patience. 🙂

This was really my baptism by fire in camera repair, but it came out quite well.

After the lens group was out, just a wee bit of Ronsonol on a q-tip and gently massaging the shutter blades did the trick.