papkee
Newbie
Hi all!
Picked up a Canonet QL19 for $8 via the usual online website. It was listed for parts with the usual stuck shutter problem but otherwise looked absolutely flawless. 10/10 cosmetic condition so I couldn't pass it up for the price.
It's a few hours since I got it and I've managed to revive the shutters to near fully working using isopropyl alcohol and lighter fluid. The slower speeds (1/4 to 1/1) initially didn't work at all, but after working it for a bit they all cycle properly (but slower than they should, 1/1 takes about 2 seconds).
The main problem I'm struggling with now is the aperture blades. They stop down just fine with the ring, but when I open back up to F/1.9 and crank the winding lever, the blades barely move. It takes four or five cranks to get them all the way back open, and this is after two or three hours of liberal soaking in lighter fluid.
Curious if anyone has had sticky aperture blades on their Canonet and if so, what their fix was.
Cheers everyone, and I'm glad to be a part of the rangefinder community. This is my first RF so I'm excited to get it working.
Picked up a Canonet QL19 for $8 via the usual online website. It was listed for parts with the usual stuck shutter problem but otherwise looked absolutely flawless. 10/10 cosmetic condition so I couldn't pass it up for the price.
It's a few hours since I got it and I've managed to revive the shutters to near fully working using isopropyl alcohol and lighter fluid. The slower speeds (1/4 to 1/1) initially didn't work at all, but after working it for a bit they all cycle properly (but slower than they should, 1/1 takes about 2 seconds).
The main problem I'm struggling with now is the aperture blades. They stop down just fine with the ring, but when I open back up to F/1.9 and crank the winding lever, the blades barely move. It takes four or five cranks to get them all the way back open, and this is after two or three hours of liberal soaking in lighter fluid.
Curious if anyone has had sticky aperture blades on their Canonet and if so, what their fix was.
Cheers everyone, and I'm glad to be a part of the rangefinder community. This is my first RF so I'm excited to get it working.