Received my Canonet!

[Dave]

I am the proud new owner of a QL17 GIII.

The lens and the shutter release seem a bit loose though. Is this normal?

Now I just have to figure out how to use it. So far I noticed I have to point the middle part at the subject to get the split image.

Now I need some film!

I'm told the mercury batteries aren't sold in North America anymore, but alkaline batteries of similar dimensions will work, with AE trouble. How far off is it?

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Hi, Dave, and congratulations on your new toy! 🙂 😀

Now, wobbly lens is normal... shutter release... in what sense is it loose? As long as it works, it's better loose than stuck! 😉

Now, regarding the batteries, there's an entire body of work about whether the current 1.5 V batteries overpower or wreck the meter. Nothing of that happens and your meter will give you correct readings. You can use regular PX625 batteries (available at any local Wally World) for the camera meter. BTW, this is a shutterspeed priority camera, which means that your meter (which is a needle) will set the aperture according to the shutterspeed you choose. If the meter decides there's not enough (or too much light) for a good exposure, it'll block the shutter release button.

Use this camera with slow film. Superia 100 or Reala are great, but don't shun filters, which come in handy on sunny days. Also, avoid using faster film (like ISO 400) on sunny days, as the camera's highest shutterspeed is 1/500 and it won't be able to handle the light.

Now... check the seals. They maybe a bit gunky, but that's not too much of a problem unless you have light leaks.

Further information... click on the link that will make your heart beat faster: the Canonet G-III QL17, for a nicely scanned manual of this camera.

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/instructionmanuals.html

And now, for you to have an idea of the things you can do with this magic wonder... Take a look!

 

[thejazzguy]

you've got your hands on a really great camera. the split image will only appear on the middle, so focus on your subject and then recompose. you'll get used to it rather quickly.

get a wein cell from your photo store. they're cheap. they only last 6 months or so, but the meters on these ql17's are quite functional usually. i have some recent examples posted on my website.

i'll let people with more experience comment on the loose lens fitting.

good luck with it.

craig
therangefinder.org

 

[Dave]

thanks guys. unfortunately already stuck 400 speed film in there, so i guess i'll be limited to overcast-ish days.

the shutter release is wobbly in that it moves from side to side.

can't wait to get going!

 

[taffer]

Dave, I think you'll really LOVE that camera !

About the problems you mention, don't worry, lens is also a bit loose on mine and seems a common problem on fixed lens rangefinders. My shutter release "dances" a bit too.

Again, don't worry, apart from looking a bit "un-professional" it won't cause problems 🙂

When you finish your 400, give it a try with 100 iso slide film, you won't be disappointed.

Oscar

 

[Dave]

wow. at i know the camera can do it. but can i? 😀

more initial-use questions:

how bright is the finder supposed to be? sometimes i have trouble spotting the meter, or seeing if the subject is in focus using the focus patch.

additionally, my film advance lever shows no resistance in the first 45 degrees or so.

😕

these are all terribly n00b questions, but i've only had it a few days. i am taking pictures though.

 

[back alley]

i also just got a 1.7 so my info is limited...the finder shows the meter needle just fine an any light. it's easier to focus outdoors than indoors with mine though i can focus indoors. i'm not sure if it's my old eyes or the camera.

joe

 

[pshinkaw]

My Canonets all came with slightly cloudy viewfinders. So far I've cleaned one, and it turned out to be a thin film on the inside of the viewfinder and rangefinder windows. There was also lint or dust on the half-silvered mirrors. There was a tremendous improvement when it was cleaned. It's not just the Canonets, most of my rangefinder cameras from this time period have the same problem.

-Paul