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Sonicslp
Tinkerer
Username: Sonicslp
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2011
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2011 - 03:22 pm: | 
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I've been a quiet lurker over the last week or so and I've referred to this site a lot to gather information for a recent repair job.
I'm a confessed filmoholic (I use digital for my day job) and I have a serious problem of not being able to pass up a good deal on an old film camera when we cross paths. I still carry an EOS630 on a daily basis (I just can't seem to break up with her) and even have a Rebel G in my glove compartment with a 50mm always connected. I recently acquired one of my old favorites, the Canonet QL17 G-III. I bought it off a kid for $30. So far, I've only had to clean it up (re-lube, rangefinder, etc.) and replace the light seals. I would have bought a seal kit from one of the members here, but I found his ebay info after I had already started.
At any rate, I thought I'd post up a few photos of the Camera for those who appreciate these old dogs as much as I do:
Before paint touchup and new seals:
http://www.shaneparkerphoto.com/photo/canon/ql17_03.jpg
After paint touchup and new seals:
http://www.shaneparkerphoto.com/photo/canon/ql17_04.jpg
Look how perty this little thing is:
http://www.shaneparkerphoto.com/photo/canon/ql17_05.jpg
http://www.shaneparkerphoto.com/photo/canon/ql17_06.jpg
Anyway, thanks again for unknowingly helping me out! I look forward to restoring more of these as my addiction continues :~) |
Sonicslp
Tinkerer
Username: Sonicslp
Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2011
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2011 - 04:00 pm: |
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Oh, and I do have one question for you fine folks that I have yet to find the answer to.
The shutter speed ring on the front of the lens is VERY tough to move. I've turned it back and forth quite a bit and it isn't loosening up. Any tips on loosening it up a bit? |
Waynemel
Tinkerer
Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 5
Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2011 - 04:15 pm: |
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Nice looking camera, and gorgeous photos.
I too am just finishing up on my own QL17 (it also looks like I have the same caliper as you). I will next be replacing the leatherette, maybe in a green or red.
My shutter speed ring is also on the stiff side, but not enough for me to worry about it.
You may want to try a small drop of lighter fluid and work it back and forth. If that doesn't work, the threaded ring that holds the assembly in place may be too tight. Just guessing though. |
Sonicslp
Tinkerer
Username: Sonicslp
Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2011
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 10:31 am: |
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I was very lucky with this camera. The leatherette is in perfect condition and I'm still floored about the glass... there's literally not a mark on it (inside or out). It's amazing how well these things hold up considering the amount of moving parts and what they [usually] go through. I think I fell into a sample that sat on a shelf for a couple decades.
Thanks for the tip on the ring, I'm not sure if I'm super comfortable using the lighter fluid method, but I will if it gets too hard to turn. Right now, I've only been switching between about 3 different speeds, so it's not too bad. I don't even know if 1/500 works. |
Waynemel
Tinkerer
Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 6
Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 11:41 am: |
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A single drop of lighter fluid behind the ring shouldn't be a problem.
If the ring is really tight, don't force it. It could be tight because of dirt, or it may actually be a mechanism in the shutter that is binding. If it is the latter, you don't want to run the risk of applying too much force and bending or breaking something.
My camera is also in excellent condition. I am replacing the leather because I had to remove it in order to replace a wire inside the camera. If you ever get the urge to replace the leather on a Canonet, think twice! The glue they used is very difficult to remove! The leather came off in small pieces. It took me longer to remove the old leather than to dissassemble the camera, replace the wire and reassemble. |
Sonicslp
Tinkerer
Username: Sonicslp
Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2011
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 02:11 pm: |
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I'll give the lighter fluid a try over the weekend. And thanks for the tips on the leather, I hope I never have to rip it off.
FYI, when not in use, I've been keeping the aperture ring at f16 just to keep it closed down as much as possible (kind of afraid of light leak) and to keep it out of auto. Would keeping it in auto drain the battery faster than keeping it in one of the manual apertures? |
Waynemel
Tinkerer
Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 7
Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 03:54 pm: |
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I think you may be right. If the camera is in Auto, the meter is on. Either take it off of auto like you are doing, or use a lens cap. |
