Canonet QL17 Review

[@kencarnley7101]

Recently went on a trip to Daytona Beach Florida with my 13yr old Grandson. Left our digital cameras home. I used a Yashica Electro 35 and he used a Canonet QLIII I had purchased for him. He has decided that it is now his camera. I am fine with that. He plans on using it on a school history trip next spring. As far as composition goes he has advanced from Student to Teacher.

[@sunnybhai1904]

This is the video that started me on my film journey. Can’t believe it’s been five years. It doesn’t feel like too long ago.

[@RyoFerasta]

Just purchased this 2 weeks ago and I loved it so much, the lens is probably one of the sharpest out there.

[@robinj.9329]

I live very close to a huge University. With a group of very zanny Physicists that I chat with in a near Campus Coffee Shop! For 2 years these guys and gals have been hashing out the problem of Time Travel! And we are all agreed that, the Time Traveler would have no use for a modern DIGITAL camera! The tremendous disruption in the local Electro-magnetic field surrounding the "Time Machine" (Not a Delorean!) Would render most all integrated circuit dependent devices USELESS! To get any pictures at all, our traveler would need a FILM CAMERA! So, you see, film isn't dead yet! Shussss. This is all TOP SECRET stuff!

[@H2o3G2a]

Hashim ya hashim, I like the humbleness and purity of the videos. Keep up the good work and can you guy maybe someday do something about all of the Minolta x-series maybe also film reviews and prefered settings.

[@filmlovephotography]

That's a beautiful camera, I love my canonet ql 1.9 it's almost like that one. I use with a handheld light meter or with a external light meter on top, in the hot shoe, and I don't use any battery in the camera. I basically use the auto setting as a lock for the shutter, when I put the camera in the bag. For me is one of the best cameras for using the flash. Cheers 👍

[@MichaelNNguyen]

Love the designed. Canon should remake this in digital form.

[@jaeAre200]

New Subscriber!! I think you may have just convinced me in getting this as my FIRST FILM CAMERA. I just started a street photography channel but its all digital. I would LOVE to eventually progress into making it a film street photography channel. Slowwwly but surely.

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks! That's great, there are so many film cameras that make perfect options for shooting street, and the medium itself is liberating and can also sharpen your skill. I'll have to check out the channel!

[@jorgecruzf60]

The design on this variant is amazing

[@jenohogan9254]

Those shots are great. This was really inspiring.

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks very much! 😁

[@TarrelScot]

Really nice review. I’ve just taken delivery of one of these (a QL19) and can’t wait to put a roll of film through it. That Colorplus 200 rocks! (Although I think a lot of the great vivid colour is down to your choice of when to shoot). Think I might try some.

[@chiragpatel2423]

Great and informative video mate, thank you. And great shots of your town . Have you showed the shop owners in your town the photos you have taken and the story your presenting?

[@pushingfilm]

Some! I've recently printed a draft zine, so I have something to carry with me on my next shoots

[@lm14000]

appreciate this video a lot, got a QL17 a few months ago and fell in love with it as it was my first film camera ever (had always shot digital) but I didn't know a lot of the features before watching this video bc I pretty much tried to learn everything myself, so big thanks

[@lm14000]

also I paid a whole a** $70 for mine so.... 😅

[@tiemanmalcolm]

Very nice video! Neat camera as well, I’ve got a G111, it looks quite a bit smaller than yours, some really tasty shots there!

[@pushingfilm]

Thank you! Yeah they're a great series altogether

[@pedlpower]

I just got a QL17 today. 22 85 US including shipping. Looks great. Works great. Very little wear. It needs light seals. But it's kinda weird. It doesn't say GIII on the front but it appears to be the same size as GIII. Its made in Japan. It's smaller than your Canonet. I can't wait to try it! Thank you for your vid.

[@pushingfilm]

Nice! Yeah there seem to be so many variants, but imo all ql17 are great 🙂

[@steinsvideos3997]

Very nice review mate! I love your project and hope you'll turn it into a gallery at some point.

[@agwithey]

Nice work. I have an M10 and a Barnack but I’d prefer something a bit simpler to load film and carry everywhere. I’ll have hit some Op Shops and see if I can find one! Oh I’m also from Melbourne!

[@danialhabriarsyi6778]

Nice review. I bought one few months ago, it was around $25 here in Indonesia. Just like you said, it's a good camera to start shooting with film. The features are very straightforward... 😊

[@windyadiyatna7912]

Danial Habri Arsyi bro pake step up ring ga? Ato kl mau beli UV filter pake ukuran brp ya? Di video ini sih gw liat pake 55mm, tapi bukannya ukuran 48mm ya kata orang2

[@HV71851]

Well done, thanks! I can’t afford a a Leica, so this rangefinder I would like to get to complement my X-Pan.

[@pushingfilm]

Good choice!

[@raksh9]

I saw one of these at a local photo market. Beautiful and clean. Didn't know what I was looking at back then, and bought a XA2 and Trip instead. Wish I'd got the Canonet, too.

[@acidsnow5915]

thats a damn beautiful camera! AMAZING VIDEO

[@pushingfilm]

ACID SNOW Thank you!

[@Srulio]

Thanks for this informative video. Melbourne is a photogenic city.

[@bobkids009]

Very well presented indeed......well done....! I am getting one within this week......!

[@XXXIII-cv4zy]

Love the channel! New to film, recently bought an Olympus om-4. It arrived 2 days ago and I just finished shooting with my first roll. Would really love it if you guys can make an in depth video (for beginners) explaining aperture, shutter speed, light meter etc and when and how much of what is needed for various scenarios. Thank you!

[@pushingfilm]

X.XXIII Thanks for your feedback! This is a great idea and something we've been thinking about, and would want to execute it well if we do so! Happy shooting 😁

[@janillerose7961]

Hi! I’m newbie and have the same camera! I always watch this video of yours since your the only one that have review with the camera same as mine. I’m really confused on what to set on ISO. if your film ISO is 200 should I set it half from your film iso on camera iso? I'm really desperate since the 3 films that been developed are blank and i'm pretty sure there's no problem with loading and unloading of film and I always use lightmeter 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@pushingfilm]

Hi Janille, if you've had 3 completely blank rolls and you're loading the film correctly, it's probably not a problem with setting the ISO. It sounds like maybe your shutter isn't working, and I would advise checking while the camera is empty by firing it at different speeds. You should be able to see the blades inside the lens opening and closing at all the different speeds. If it simply clicks without the shutter working, you'll get no shots exposed on the film (this would mean the camera needs service)

[@adrianhlina7820]

Great video, lot of useful information, and very well made. Photos looks great. Keep it up ! :)

[@pushingfilm]

Adrián Hlina thanks very much!

[@richardg6109]

Nice review and video. Your series looks interesting as well. Thanks.

[@pushingfilm]

Thank you Richard!

[@Gerard-hu6kp]

Good review Accurate information and presented nicely

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks!

[@damonlangley6615]

Oh wow we have similar stomping grounds aha. (My Girlfriend lives on the same street as that Lab. Doug's the best!)

[@jazzman1626]

I got the GIII a while back but I’ve only put 1roll of black and white through it. It was a dull day and I wasn’t that pleased with the shots. In good light it’s nice and sharp by the looks of your pictures, so when the spring comes around, I’ll take it out to town along with the Zorki 4K with 1956 Jupiter8 lens I’ve just bought off eBay.

[@pushingfilm]

Yes! Also make sure your meter is accurate if possible

[@jazzman1626]

Pushing Film I’ve still got a Polaris light meter I used ages ago with the Contax RTSII I used to have. I’ll be using that this time.

[@heranguo5547]

Great review and beautiful shots!

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks a lot!

[@tomedwards81]

Can I ask how you get prints done? I’m also in Australia and am struggling to find a cost effective option. My local CameraHouse charges $19 a roll for prints + scans on a CD. They can’t do black and white in house and have to send it away for processing which is even costlier and slower. When you factor in decent film it works out in the region of $1 a shot. Is this just where things are at these days or am I missing something?

[@ellenrosie6677]

Hey, great video. I just bought one of these from eBay, apparently it has some fungus in the lens so I'm a little nervous but I'm prepared to fix it up :) I'm from Melbourne also and excited to get started on some street photography :)

[@pushingfilm]

Ellen Rosie That's great! Depending how much fungus there is, you may not notice any affect on your images :)

[@hakkespett3]

I have a Canonet Junior myself, very cool camera.

[@atroche1978]

Great shots! I really like the colors. I have a later version QL17 which I shot Kodak Gold 400 with. My pictures looked nothing like yours. Lol. Did you push your kodak film in this video? Oh, you mentioned zone focusing. How do you do that with a rangefinder? Thanks.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Thank you -- great review and use of the camera! I love ColorPlus 200 also -- inexpensive and nice deep colors. How do you scan your shots?

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks! All Colorplus shots in this combo were scanned at labs

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

@@pushingfilm -- good results!!!

[@jamesvdm]

I like your eye for composition.

[@_joka9]

Really enjoy your reviews a lot!! shukran! keep up the great work!

[@pushingfilm]

John Kawmı Thank you! 😁

[@강우승-q5n]

This camera is very compact and easy to use for film camera beginners!! But little bit heavy to hang on the neck.

[@iLVCA]

hi nice video. really easy to understand. can you explain what the range finder is in canonet please?

[@stonex55]

id love to see what you think of canons earlier rangefinders like the canon p or canon 7

[@pushingfilm]

Veganjedi97 would love to try one! Maybe one day

[@lilblingking1491]

I second this! Hopefully you can get your hands on one :)

[@TheMrJoshbrady]

How did you go about cleaning the rangefinder? I’ve just picked one up and it needs some love

[@pushingfilm]

Nice! I removed the top plate to access the glass lenses around the viewfinder and clean them.

[@jeremiahreyes1454]

Great review! Where did you get that advance lever? and how did you install on to it?

[@SzilviaVirag]

Mine arrived on Sunday but unfortunately isn't in excellent condition and working properly as described. Lots of fungus and scratches on the lens and the battery compartment is rusty and the metering doesn't work at all :-(. Such a shame because it's otherwise a nice sized camera and I do like the feel of focusing with a rangefinder and moving the little lever. So I've lodged a refund request for it. I've just put a roll of Ultramax 400 through it just to see just how badly the fungus affects the image quality. You were very lucky to get a nice one so cheap!

[@pushingfilm]

Oh damn! I've had this happen a few times recently with ebay sellers and it's unfortunate 😐 I did get very lucky with my one, even though it needed a bit of service it was well worth it. I hope you have better luck going forward!

[@SzilviaVirag]

@@pushingfilm Do you know who is worth sending old camera gear to for repairs? I also have a lens that the aperture is stuck wide open on and the famous Yoshi said he's retiring :-(.

[@pushingfilm]

@@SzilviaVirag it's hard to be sure that anyone will repair it for an economical price (depending on the value of the lens) But, besides Nagami in Melbourne, there's Vintech and Camera Clinic

[@chucklupardo]

I just picked up a QL17 shared in this video. Any experience with the differences between this camera and the GIII? Debating if there’s any reason to upgrade. Personally, I like the weight, the simplicity and the 45mm lens of this camera. Interested to hear anyones thoughts.

[@pushingfilm]

I personally haven't had any experience with the GIII, but from what I've seen it's considerably smaller!

[@chucklupardo]

@@pushingfilm thank you! I’ve seen that but love this model and the colors on your shots are excellent!

[@Inexperienced1]

Hey would you recommend this camera or the 500g or ql19 pls help

[@QUINTtastic]

Fantastic video

[@pushingfilm]

Thank you!

[@708photog]

Hi - great review! I have a similar model (G3). Can I ask: where did you pick up the leather half-case?

[@pushingfilm]

708photog Thanks! The leather case came with the camera when purchased

[@TheSMcKay]

Nice review. Thanks!

[@vanybastian431]

Please make a tutorial video to clean rangefinder for this camera

[@JP1050x]

Great results with ColorPlus 200. How does it compare to Gold 200? It would make an awesome video comparing the two film stock! :D

[@pushingfilm]

VeloRydr They're actually rather close in personal experience, but haven't shot as much Gold. A comparison would probably reveal the difference though!

[@mutitaqoh29]

Great review, very helpful! By the way, what is the size of your lens filter?

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks! 58mm

[@windyadiyatna7912]

Pushing Film do you use step up ring? From which mm?

[@BenjoC8632]

Just picked up a QL17, the early one w/45mm lens. I’m having a hard time finding info as to whether or not it has the same issues with light leaks that the GIII does...

[@jonlouis2582]

Great review. Oh to live somewhere with a "Local lab"

[@stevenpam]

The $10 QL17 days 😭😭😭

[@txm100]

Thanks!

[@mbecker163]

May I make a suggestion? Do a review of Yashica 35 Electro 35 vs Canont QL 17. I thin you'll be surprise by the results

[@shamikchoudhury5924]

How do you compare this with Ricoh500G..it is extermly small.

[@pushingfilm]

I've used the 500gx, which is much smaller and lighter than my version of the QL17. The ricoh lens goes to only 2.8, but in most other regards that camera is just as capable, if not more fun to use

[@jakapathuayrahan6846]

What do u use to lubricate ur film cam??

[@JP1050x]

That’s a really unique QL17. Must be an early one.

[@pushingfilm]

VeloRydr yes, it's probably one of the first few variants!

[@katarihug]

I have one of those. My viewfinder window is a bit cloudy so is there anywhere in Melbourne you would recommend I take it to get cleaned?

[@pushingfilm]

my film journey it would be worth getting a quote from Vintech and Michael's in the CBD

[@katarihug]

Pushing Film dropped it off at Michael's today. Look forward to seeing what it's like when I get it back. Thanks for the advice. Cheers Andrew

[@katarihug]

Picked it up from Michaels last Friday and it is almost like I have a brand new camera. The viewfinder is spotless and shutter sounds so good. Thanks for the recommendation and advice.

[@pushingfilm]

Great! I hope you get some great shots and enjoy using the camera going forward 👍

[@andyharrison2063]

What type of film do I need to buy

[@benykristia9839]

are u using pre focusing when do the shoot?

[@pushingfilm]

Generally not, with this camera. Sometimes though do I prefocus to 1.5m with f/8+ when walking around with the intention to shoot in that "zone" (around 1m-5m or so)

[@AndersBjornTH]

I recently bought a Canon QL17 at a film camera shop in Bangkok. My Camera looks a bit different than yours. The aperture, shutter and ASA rings around the lens differ, the light meter setting is vertical along the right side of the viewfinder and is not as clear. I've found that the light meter slightly underexposes the shot with a 1.5V battery. The shutter release is amazingly quiet. I have enjoyed using it.

[@InertiaEffect]

Andrew Criswell perhaps the giii version?

[@AndersBjornTH]

InertiaEffect The QL17 GIII is labeled as such on the front of the camera.

[@pushingfilm]

There were so many variants! I find setting the iso to just over half solves the problem of underexposure. (eg, I rate Colorplus 200 at 125)

[@CroPscyho]

hi, does the camera work in full manual without the battery?

[@pushingfilm]

I beleive it does, but there'll be no light meter

[@Itachi-nc8wf]

Ok! but how do you set the iso?

[@davymike761]

Cool video! More of it 😀

[@alexcarrillo4143]

I have the Olympus SP, and the RC, as the lenses are sharp, as it grew to my getting the Canon7, and the VT, and it just kept growing as I also have a Used Contax II, and III with 3 lenses. Love your videos Thank You.

[@chedleicester535]

What's the point of getting a QL17 over something like a Canon P, because with them you get interchangeable lenses, and being LTM there are loads of vintage lenses to go for, and full manual controls.

[@atroche1978]

The fact that the lens is fixed makes the user get used to one focal length which forces you to get closer to the subject. Also...my version of the QL17 has full manual and shutter priority mode. I guess in the end it all comes down to preference. Besides, it is a neat little camera.

[@MrWizzyD]

love it !

[@federicogramolini5776]

Great Review! I bought a Canonet Ql17, i saw your video but i don't understand which battery i have to buy. You talk about PX 625A, how many batteries do i have to put inside the compartment? Do you use an adaptator? Thanks so much!

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks for your feedback! It just needs one battery. I don't use an adaptor, but find that setting the iso at half the actual film speed gives an accurate enough meter reading!

[@adampawg64]

does this camera require a battery to operate or is the battery just for the light metering?

[@DanielMontenegro140982]

It needs a battery just for the light meter.

[@tellur2714]

Help pls! Hi! I have the exact same model of the ql17 but mine seems to have a problem. I already repaired shutter and aperture but the focus ring seems to be stuck. It doesn’t move at all and I have no idea why. It’s currently stuck at 2 meters and I don’t know got to repair it. I couldn’t found any posts about this problem before.

[@pushingfilm]

Tellur Hi, sorry to hear about this! It doesn't sound like a common problem, but quite a serious one that you might need to get looked at by a repair technician! Sorry we can't help more

[@phoslurperr]

A couple of corrections. The ql17 (new model or 2nd gen) and the ql17 g3 both have the same body - g3 is not smaller. The original Canonet was larger. Your model is known as "New Model Canonet". It was made in Japan and actually has a bit less internal plastic then the g3. The 3rd version or Giii is very similar, only changes were the external battery check light and an indicator that shutter is cocked or not. The g3 was made in Taiwan. Many people that have had both prefer the older ql17 over the Giii model for the Japanese construction and the perceived improved reliability as well as less plastic. The improvements of the G3 are minor and not seen as that useful.

[@daleycatch]

Great photos! I own one too and hope I can shoot like you some day. :)

[@pushingfilm]

Thank you Natasha!

[@AGL93311]

My QL25 light meter still functions when not in AUTO mode

[@christopherhowell3209]

If one did not know better,..the photos could pass as those shot with a Leica...yes?

[@pushingfilm]

All depends on the lens really, 😁

[@anamulhaqhaq9285]

Nice to

[@gui4j]

nice job dude ...

[@matiakd]

Great video! I just got a QL25 from the op shop and this video has got me excited to finally start shooting film. Just went and picked up a 3 pack of film! One question though… Do you have any resources on how to clean the rangefinder glass like you did in this video?

[@pushingfilm]

That's great! Its been some years and I don't recall if I used any particular guides or videos now, unfortunately (but I have a feeling I found a video on KZbin showing the top plate removal). As for the viewfinder cleaning, I probably used isopropyl solution.

[@doozledumbler5393]

Op-shop? I've been to heaps of op shops in Melbourne and have hardly seen any cameras. I bought one of these (GIII) for $280 off gumtree and sent it in to be fixed and was quoted $480 to service. Then when they opened it up the light meter was dead so I had pay $480 to use a manual camera. It ended up being cheaper buying another one from a legit second hand camera dealer. On the plus side, the light meter in the second one was perfectly aligned with my smartphone light meter app. I do not like this experience of buying second hand cameras.

[@pushingfilm]

Yeah man, things changed in that department since making this video. They've almost all caught on by now, and I rarely ever find bargains for the last few years. Sorry to hear about your experience with that one!

[@doozledumbler5393]

@@pushingfilm All good. Got a working one now. Have just started the first roll of Gold 200 on it so will how it goes. Melbourne so bloody cold though, I don't feel like going out.

[@pushingfilm]

@@doozledumbler5393 Good to hear! And yes, I know what you mean... it's been gloomy winter this year. Winter light can be so nice though (when it does break through!).

[@barclayjb]

Denae and Andrew sent me.

[@pushingfilm]

Oh really? That's great 😁 was it through one of their videos?

[@barclayjb]

Yes. Andrew highlighted 10 KZbin channels with 10k or less followers. I am glad to find you. @@pushingfilm

[@andreadimauro2161]

Filter diameter?

[@pushingfilm]

This one uses 55mm

[@LayarJouLL]

Saya ada nih kamera kaya gitu.

[@hartist2874]

Dammmnnnn 10$ T.T, on ebay it cost 100 Euros today

[@kookaikookai]

When I look into your eyes, I'm feeling something.. 🔥🤪😍

[@jolenegan]

TEN DOLLARS? like finding a golden doubloon on a beach

[@pushingfilm]

For sure! This many years later I no longer find such good deals

[@jolenegan]

@@pushingfilm you lucky lucky man!

[@tavshedfjols]

music through the whole vid sucks, didn't watch.

[@pushingfilm]

Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@TarrelScot]

Really nice review. I’ve just taken delivery of one of these (a QL19) and can’t wait to put a roll of film through it. That Colorplus 200 rocks! (Although I think a lot of the great vivid colour is down to your choice of when to shoot). Think I might try some.