Which has a better viewfinder: GIIIQL17 or 7sII?

[Shaocaholica]

I'm looking for a cheap(er) fixed lens RF and the GIIIQL17 & 7sII are both at the top of my list but I just can't decide which one I want and their pros/cons are pretty similar except the viewfinder which I have very little information. Perhaps there are other issues I haven't come to realise as well. Any thoughts?

 

[Anupam]

The EV readouts of the Minolta make it a breeze to set exposure while metering by eye.

-A

 

[oftheherd]

I haven't had the Minolta, but I do have the Canonet Q17 and I really like it. It is heavier than its size makes it seem it should be, but no objectionably for me. If the Minolta is smaller, that is a surprise and the Canonet is small. I can't compare its viewfinder but I do find it easy to use, even in low light. Of course, that is always one of the advantages of RF I guess.

 

[rover]

Which is better? I would say the cleaner one. Compared to each other I would guess my Canonet is better. Compared to a Bessa or any new camera, they are not wonderful.

 

[Shaocaholica]

Thanks for the info guys.


Also, is it pretty easy to modify these older mercury cell cameras to use 1.5V cells by putting a diode in series right at the meter circuit? I assume they aren't using an electric shutter.

 

[colyn]

Thanks for the info guys.


Also, is it pretty easy to modify these older mercury cell cameras to use 1.5V cells by putting a diode in series right at the meter circuit? I assume they aren't using an electric shutter.

I was able to install a inline diode in the 7sII but the Canonet doesn't have enough room inside. Instead you should use a homemade MR9 type adapter with silver battery.

 

[motrhead]

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum, but I have both cameras, and had to comment.
The Canonet definitely has the better viewfinder, but that's not enough reason to pick it over the 7sII. The Minolta is significantly smaller, and fits in a jacket pocket.
In my opinion, the Minolta matches or even beats the Canonet in picture quality, but I don't have any examples handy to back up that claim. It's splitting hairs anyways. I think the Minolta feels more solid, contrary to what others may think.
My Canonets are on a shelf , and the Minolta is in my camera bag.

COLYN:
Do you have any links to pictures, or a schematic, or any kind of tutorial to show how to install the diode in the Minolta meter cicuit?
I do some camera repairs of my own, but electronic work is not my favorite thing. However, my brother is a technician, so if I tell him what and where, he can safely do this for me. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dean

 

[agi]

I have both that have been CLA'd so I would say that the Canonet has a brighter viewfinder. Also, the Canonet is easier to get out there and it's cheaper but you have to be careful not to get one that has problems (ie stuck shutter).

 

[bensyverson]

I agree that "whichever is cleaner" is probably a good idea.

FWIW, I don't find parallax correction to be a very big deal. I'm usually photographing portraits at 1m or landscapes at close to infinity, so I can just use the two framelines indicated on the VF of the 7sII...

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I have both that have been CLA'd so I would say that the Canonet has a brighter viewfinder. Also, the Canonet is easier to get out there and it's cheaper but you have to be careful not to get one that has problems (ie stuck shutter).

The Canon is also just slightly larger and heavier.
For me that makes it *easier* to hold and operate...

Chris