Slow film advance lever return

[jimk2000]

I was at a flea market and came across a G-III QL. Everything seems to be fine mechanically on the camera including the shutter. However, the film advance lever after it's cocked and starts to return back it stops about three-fourths the way and then you have to push/guide it to its flush position on the body. It acts like some of the tension is lost in the lever. It pushes back fine with no resistance. Is this an indication of a problem that might be of a concern.

Also the camera is in very nice condtion. No appearance of any abuse. The lowest price they would go was $40. Is this too much? I usually do not mind paying a little more for a camera in person than I would on an auction site because I can actually hold the camera and check it out. Also no shipping charges.

 

[dmr]

I have two of these and they behave more or less the same way. The lever will not return ALL the way on its own and you do have to push it if you want it flush.

$40 seems like a good price for one in good shape. Check the condition of the light seals, as these often get very grungy.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

I bought my QL17 GIII about 2.5 years ago for 16 USD from an american ebay seller. it was in perfect condition (except for the light seals, but it was still light-tight, even though they looked ugly from the inside) and it did the same thing, but I never came to think of it as faulty because I use cameras with my thumb up in between body and advance lever anyway, for a better grip.
I gave the camera to a friend in Switzerland at some point who is happily using it to this day.

 

[FrankS]

I have an OM1 with the same symptom.

While on this topic, I also have another OM1 that has a jammed shutter release button when the camera lower half case is on (screwed to the tripod socket) that works fine without the case or with the attachment screw loose.