QL17 G-III viewfinder - newbie

[lfcdm]

Hi all,

Thanks for this great forum.
I have just bought and received my first rangefinder camera : a Canon QL17 G-III.
Everything is in great condition : very clean body , clean lens, no problem with the blade, slow speeds OK, etc...

But a question is remaining about the viewfinder.
In my case, the patch I can see is very pale. I mean I was expecting to see one that has the same lumonisoty than the border displayed for example.
Is it supposed to be the case ?
The bottom part of the patch is more hazy than the top part btw.
So, my question is : I guess I will have to clean the viewfinder or the problem is deeper and I have no chance to get it back ?

Thanks.

 

[Spyderman]

It might be just dirt and dust, or it might be something more serious (like some problem with beam-splitter).

First try to clean it. Open the top, then with lens cleaning fluid and cotton sticks clean the front glass, the mirror, as well as some lenses inside. Be very careful when cleaning the beamsplitter.

I'm sure someone will give you more detailed procedure... I'm not an expert at Canonets and it's a long time since I had mine disassembled.

 

[lfcdm]

Thanks for your reply. I'll try to clean it tonight. Will see...

An additional information : when my eye is not on the camera and I look through the viewfinder I can see a clear yellow square. But when my eye is in contact with the viewfinder, the yellow becomes plae, vague, less and less clear.

Same diagnostic ? Does someone has already encountered that ?


Thanks.

 

[lfcdm]

Hi again,

So the conclusion is not so great I think.
I have cleaned carefully the viewfinder - the front and back glasses - but without success....;-(. The square is still pale with a low contrast.
Do you know if there is a chance to fix that or does that means that all the VF/RF system is messed up ?
If the repair is possible, any advice about places where they can repair such a problem ?

Thanks,

 

[Kim Coxon]

It could well be a film of muck built up on the inside. You nedd to take the top off to clean it properly.

Kim

Hi again,

So the conclusion is not so great I think.
I have cleaned carefully the viewfinder - the front and back glasses - but without success....;-(. The square is still pale with a low contrast.
Do you know if there is a chance to fix that or does that means that all the VF/RF system is messed up ?
If the repair is possible, any advice about places where they can repair such a problem ?

Thanks,

 

[lfcdm]

Hi,

Thanks....but....I have already completely opened the VF/RF. i have remove the top plate, and the second little plate glued over thr VF/RF. From there I have cleaned the front and back lenses - interior & exterior - .....No more brightness....

So, do you know if there is a chance to fix that or does that means that all the VF/RF system is messed up ?
If the repair is possible, any advice about places where they can repair such a problem ?

thanks,

 

[lfcdm]

Hi,

Thanks for your answer.
Just to be sure : how is supposed to be the patch ?
I mean the quite same brightness, contrast than the borders and the exposure indicator ?
Using the black tape tip from Rick Oleson, that's right the patch is well delimited and bright....If the patch is supposed to be like that, that's not my case......

And I think you are right G'man : sounds like a beamsplitter issue

Thanks

 

[lfcdm]

Ok, thanks.
But when I have opened the VF/RF, I have looked carefully everywhere, and didn't see any yellow marker marks....
The borders/indicator look like the viewfinder displayed at the bottom of this page :
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-165.html not more

Thanks,

 

[lfcdm]

Thanks again,

>The beamsplitter will have the same look as a piece of glass you colored with a magic marker
When I have opened the VF/RF part, the beamsplitter looks like golden depending of the angle.

>As long as you can see the two images to focus, I wouldn't worry.
I can see them, but first I have to "found" the square ;-)

>pale yellow.
To give you an idea in a RGB space, the yellow is quite corresonding to a (255, 255, 220)....
Probably I was expecting to see something brighter and with more contrast. I'm discovering the Canonet and the rangefinder world. I have to get use ;-)

OK....the black tape tip will probably help me to begin ;-)

Youd don't seem very worried...Am i right ?

And thanks again for your precious answers.