QL17 winder advance lock comes & goes...

[Michael W]

As mentioned in my previous post, I recently aquired 2 QL17 GIII's (for $10 a piece, 1 black and 1 silver, both with flashes). Thanks to Jon Goodman's excellent post on the central lens group, I've been able to fix the shutter on the silver camera, and after I replace the seals, it will be in near mint and perfect working condition.

The black one still has this strange malfunction with the shutter lock after the film winder is advanced. With slight upward pressure on the winder, it will lock tight, but with slight downward pressure, it advances easily. Sometimes it will advance freely no matter what, but you can always feel a slight notch where the lock should engage. I've cleaned the lower mechanisms that I can reach, but have not opened the top. Is there anything up there that could be sticking? Other than that, all camera functions work perfectly, both in manual an auto. Any suggestions?

All the best,

Michael

 

[bmattock]

Michael,

That's a common problem with the QL-17. I've got a couple of them and one has that problem too. I'm sorry, it's late and I don't have the URL handy, but there is a web page that describes the fix for this. Perhaps Google can help - or maybe someone else recalls this one.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[glchua]

I have exactly the same problem with my QL17 GIII. Looking forward for some knowledgable answers too.

 

[bmattock]

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-30.html

I also believe our own sfaust has done some work along these lines and reported on it here on RFF.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[bmattock]

And here is that link...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1630

 

[Michael W]

Thanks! Great photos & diagrams, and doesn't look too difficult. My one question would be pealing back the leather and removing the nameplate. I assume you need to glue the leather and nameplate back on. Will the original leather look the same as it was before it was peeled it off? Also, what type of adhesive should be used?

 

[Michael W]

I had a feeling that was the case. I've actually been gently jiggling the crank at the lock point and the lock seems to be holding firm now, so it seems more of a lube issue than a bent part issue. Also, the wind crank now seems a bit stiff from the closed point to the lock point, where would the clean & lube point be to loosen it up a bit?