Canon Canonet QL17 Overview

In this video I describe some features and my opinions on the popular and compact Canon Canonet QL17. Then inevitably compare it to a Nikon range finder. I also included some sample images this time.

[@tigerfilm200]

One of my favorite cameras! I too have had battery issues so I generally use a hand held meter.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

That seems to be the best approach.

[@LennyCooke636]

I purchased this camera because I wanted to experiense using a range finder. I have all sorts of other cameras all the way from Point-and-shoot film/digital, Manual SLR, DSLR, Medium Format and even Large format. So the Range Finder was missing from my collection. I didn't want to start right off the bat with a 'Leica M3', Rangefinder so I opted for something that was a little over $100 used which is why I purchased the Canonet being that its one of the best in that price range and genre according to the reviews. Mine came in so-so shape, but it does seem to work. The battery-check button is missing and no longer works, neither does the self-timer, but every thing else seems to work. I was a little underwhelmed by the Range Finder focusing method thinking there was more to it than that. Everything is pretty much straight forward, so there is no sense to even read the Manual concerning focusing. What drew me to this Video is the complaints about the battery. My camera is the G-III so maybe this is where the differences lie in regards to the camera used in this video(The QL). The manual stated my camera uses the old 1.3V mercury batteries that are no longer made(BUMMER). I didnt really care because I was planning to use this camera with my trusty Sekonic hand metter that is small enough to fit in my pocket. I still decided to check if the light-meter was working on the Canonet, so I purchased one of those Excell 1.35V batteries from Amazon. Actually, I had already purchased about 2 of these and 2 Wein Cell's to use with my Pentax Spotmatic F which also uses the same battery. On my Pentax Spotmatic the Wein cell batteries didn't last more than 2 weeks ! Not sure about the Excell ? So I borrowed one of those Excell 1.35V batteries and plopped it in my Canonet with no problems whatsoever. To remove the battery I have to use a pair of tweezers though, but any sharp object such as a paper-clip will dislodge the battery. It is not wedged in there too tightly ! Maybe that's another difference between the QL and the G-III ? I put some film in the camera took a couple of shots, then put the camera on top of a dresser in my bedroom and forgot about it. About 2 months later I checked the light meter not expecting much and to my surprise it still worked ! Unlike when I used the Wein cell battery on my Pentax Spotmatic, it still held a charge. As a matter of fact, it now 8 months, or longer since I inserted this battery into my Canonet and believe it or not, the light meter still works ! I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm not complaining ? Maybe this is another difference between both cameras, or maybe batteries ?

[@beelzking]

The battery adapters are supposed to be paired with sr43 which is slightly smaller and thinner version of sr44, try that instead

[@martinhendry]

Great vid, thanks!

[@growfoodordietrying]

Get a lens cap your battery dying cuz the metering cell exposed to light

[@0rb0d]

Use hearing aid batteries (675 if I recall correctly). They only last a week or two, but only cost about .25 each. The Canonet is not comparable to the Nikon interchangeable lens rangefinders. As far as I know, Nikon never offered anything in the fixed lens RF space of the late 60s and 70s such as these, Konica, Minolta, Olympus, etc. The Canon P or other Canon would be more comparable to your Nikon RF. You're making an apples and oranges comparison pitting the Canonet against the Nikon. The Canonet is fine for what it is.

[@growfoodordietrying]

Thanks for the honest video feel like Film enthusiasts get this cult like following for a camera and then fail to talk about the down sides.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I try to be honest and give opinions based on actual usability and image quality, there are alreadt enough camera salesmen out there.

[@zondervonstrek]

Love your photos at the end where were they taken?

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Thanks a lot! Some were taken at the Grand Canyon the Rest at the Nelson Ghost Town in Nevada

[@angelinemoizard]

hi! :) what is the reference of the nikon camera you show several time during the video? thank you very much!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Nikon S3 with a 35mm f2.5 lens. A very good lens and a good camera but some suffer from a weak RF patch making it difficult to focus.

[@geofff6671]

I think with most of these cameras the meter and hence the battery is working whenever the lens cap is off. If you put a lens cap on, the battery should be good for ages.

[@sneakingelephant]

Does the focus wheel change how the focus looks through the viewfinder? My viewfinder is always fully in focus so I can't tell if I'm nailing focus at all

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Turning the focus wheel wields 2 results in the finder. 1. the Frame lines shift on the diagonal slightly to account for parallax correction. 2. The secondary image in the Range finder patch shifts. You know the image is in focus when the secondary image lines up with the primary still image in the finder.

[@dustinlenz2955]

Could you link us to the battery bowls you were mentioning?

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Japan Camera Hunter has the voltage corrected ones, but they don't fit. The cheaper ones and the voltage corrected ones are on Ebay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=1.35v+battery+adapter&_sacat=0

[@mavisking6072]

I just got one, at a garage sale. It's actually in pretty condition. Would you know if they're worth anything? I might hold on to it because it's cool but someone else could probably get more value out of it

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Price depends a lot on the condition and exact model. But around $75-150. I always suggest using a camera for a week or two before selling.

[@mavisking6072]

@@andrewsmithphoto Really? That's crazy. I picked it up for $5! I will probably hold on to it for a while. Thanks so much 👍