Back to film Bringing a canonet g-iii ql17 to life
What is the Canonet GIII QL17
It is a 35mm film rangefinder camera, from 1972. This little gem was the most sold rangefinder with built in meter, of all time (considering that rangefinders are not produced anymore, it will hardly lose its title)
Why this one in particular?
The Canonet 17, also know as the poor mans Leica, has an amazing 42mm f1.7 lens, with full manual modes. It has also an automatic exposure mode when fitted with the battery.
Ebay...
Isn't Ebay great? You can find anything in there. I found the listing for this Canonet, the seller described it as in excellent condition. I assumed I would need to reseal the camera for new light seals, but from the description it looked in very good condition.
Unfortunately it was not in such an excellent condition after all. The light seals where melted and moldy as it is to be expected from a camera that is now 44 years old. It turns out the moldy seals are not the only thing in need of attention, the shutter jammed after a few tries, thos shutter blades were in need of attention too.
return it, or fix it .
I got in touch with the seller, who kindly returned most of the money I had paid for it.
At this point I had made up my mind of trying to fix her up, is there anything more enjoyable than using an old piece of kit that you brought to life yourself?