How to Clean a Canonet Viewfinder (Canon QL 25)

[@david72lansdell]

That looks easier than I thought it would be ... thanks for the video I’ll tackle mine now with more confidence cheers 👍🏼

[@filmismorefun]

It is super easy, you should go for it! 😉

[@david72lansdell]

filmismorefun..... will bud ... cheers

[@BillLowenburg]

Thanks! I have a Canonet and it could use a bit of cleaning like you just did. I also need to replace the foam light seals. Thanks to KZbin I’ve learned how to do both jobs and saved myself a lot of money.

[@filmismorefun]

Hi Bill. I'm glad it was helpful! I agree KZbin can be such a wealth of information for fixing things and I reference it all the time as well.

[@fictionuk]

Brilliant video. My 25 is getting done later. Thanx again

[@filmismorefun]

I'm glad it was helpful 🙂

[@williampower2333]

Couple of points! Use COTTON Q-Tips as the Poly ones will scratch the coatings! Also use quality Japanese JIS screwdrivers! I place a magnetic vinyl sheet [you can get from a commercial sign store] over the work area so the screws etc. don't get launched to Perdition!!

[@filmismorefun]

Great points! Yes, I really need to get one of those magnetic mats for myself, actually. I have a rubber mat with magnetic 'dishes' but you're right losing these tiny screws is horrible!

[@chucklupardo]

Great video! Thank you! Was able to clean my QL17 (45mm lens) using this instruction. Super clear rangefinder now. The tape covered pliers was brilliant 👍

[@filmismorefun]

Awesome! I'm glad it was helpful 🙂

[@miguelmejiacastro9569]

Muchas gracias. Hoy compré una igual. Está impecable y con su estuche original. Pero me lamentaba que el visor esté algo opaco. Ahora mismo lo limpiaré. Un saludo desde Perú.

[@filmismorefun]

Enjoy!

[@philg6757]

Thank you for the video. I`ve just cleaned my QL19 VF, the beam splitter on this camera has a clear panels of glass each side of the panel with the coating, so it can be cleaned without damaging anything.

[@filmismorefun]

Awesome! 🙂

[@dangerpowers123]

Great guide .. good tip on the black tape on the jaws.

[@filmismorefun]

Thanks!

[@tobroken1965]

Great video. When I service any cameras i like to use egg cartons to arrange my small parts. Also I learned the hard way not to clean old beam splitters, I also learned its not the end of a camera. I was able to find new beam splitters on line and with some gentle glass cutting I was able to replace the one I cleaned. The new beam splitter glass is purple, ........nothing is perfect.

[@filmismorefun]

Egg cartons are a great idea! I learned the hard way on an old Canon rangefinder a few years back not to clean the beam splitter. Live and learn I guess haha. 🙂

[@LennyCooke636]

Great video, I was going to send my Canonet GIII QL17 out to get cleaned, but I think I can do this myself now ? Wish me luck !

[@filmismorefun]

You got this! Good luck 👍

[@danem2215]

Hi Chris, I have a QL19 with the diagonal mirror in the rangefinder (not sure its proper name, but not the beam splitter) that was completely loose. What's the proper way to reattach it, without having to lose accuracy? I assume it's positioned with the non-reflective square as centered as possible on the metal square?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi Dane. Unfortunately I won't be much help here as I no longer have the camera to refer to the positioning your asking about. About adhering mirrors, this very well may be incorrect, but I've used cyanoacrylate adhesive (Krazy glue) before. There may be a proper adhesive for this, but I'm not sure what it is. I would check around in some rangefinder forums and pose the question there, as someone may be able to provide a solution. 🙂

[@danem2215]

@@filmismorefun Thank you. I was going to use crazy glue regardless but I wanted to be doubly sure I'm positioning it correctly. I'll find a forum!

[@KAZEdays]

Hi there Awesome video. I just bought this camera for cheap from Ebay, it was untested. I'm also new to film cameras. I checked that the shutter worked and the aperture blades adjusted. And I noticed the viewfinder was hazy. But, I also noticed that there is a focus box in the centre but nothing changes when I move focus lever on the lens. Could you give me your opinion on what the issue may be ? And what part specifically I should look at when I open the top. Thanks so much.

[@filmismorefun]

Hey! Sometimes what can happen is that the rangefinder glass will become detached from the plate arm that moves it left and right to focus. When looking down into the top of the camera, it is an angled price of glass in the middle portion. I've created an image for you to reference: ibb.co/Dr0yVFx The blue circles the mirror I'm referring to, and the green dot is where the glue needs to hold the back of it to the arm plate. However, this may not be your problem, but hopefully it helps! Good luck 🙂

[@גבישלימוביץ]

Tell me please, how can I remove the rewind crank the part inside the camera? Do I need to open all the top like you did for cleaning? I got Canonet S with too big rewind crank, does not possible to load film even.

[@thahonzo2628]

Thanks for the cool video. Unfortunately the diagonal element in my camera has fungus. could you please give me a hint on how to proceed in this situation? is it possible to replace it? how can I realign the beam afterwards? thanks!

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there! You can try cleaning the fungus off the mirror, and hopefully there will be no etching on the surface from the fungus. I uploaded another video on how to do this which may be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5XEmpSIbdB7Zrc Good luck, I hope that helps! 🙂

[@georg3167]

Hi, great video! Unfortunately in my camera the beam splitter is missing and I wanna replace it. Could you please tell me the exact size, so that I can replace it?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there! Sorry I can't help you with that as I'm not sure if the size. Also, I don't know that parts would be easily sourced anymore, but one option is to buy a non-working copy for cheap on eBay to use for parts. Good luck! 🙂

[@claudiafierro8446]

Hello! I've cleaned the viewfinder but after putting back the case, condensation came out on the case's glass. Any idea about how to fix it?

[@alangibson980]

Don't have any of this kind of camera (wish I did) but interesting video again, thanks.

[@filmismorefun]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Alan. 🙂

[@chloeyeung3]

I can’t unscrew the three screws on the top plate......

[@filmismorefun]

@@chloeyeung3 Hi Clem. Your screw driver may be an incorrect size.

[@chloeyeung3]

filmismorefun thanks ! I just went to buy the right one and have finally finished cleaning the viewfinder. Sadly the coating of the ‘angled mirror’ is already worn out... My next step is to try cleaning the lens..

[@filmismorefun]

@@chloeyeung3 Awesome! I also have a video posted last year about fixing the shutter on a Canonet that goes through the front and rear lens removal of you need it. Good luck. 🙂

[@artkapana]

so helpful ! I have a question, sadly my Canonet fot a hit and the plastic part of the viewfinder got a crack, I'm thinking on change it myself, does someone knows if I can buy that plastic part somewhere? and does someone have experience that before? I dont know what kind of glue I should use , if someone know how to I will appreciate if they can guide me! Thanks :D

[@filmismorefun]

You could purchase a used one for parts on eBay. As for the glue, I'm not positive, but if it were my camera I might try any plastic-safe clear liquid based adhesive. I hope that helps! 🙂

[@artkapana]

@@filmismorefun That makes a lot of sense ! thank you for answering so fast, I appreciate it. Great channel :D

[@filmismorefun]

@@artkapana You're welcome. Good luck 🙂

[@jaru7873]

i have accidentally wiped off the coating in the beam splitter ☹️ is there anything i could do to fix it? , Wish i saw this vid before cleaning

[@filmismorefun]

You could try finding a copy on eBay that is non-working and switch out the beam splitter with yours.

[@metsrock15]

Is it safe to spray compressed air on the beam splitter?

[@filmismorefun]

I don't know to be honest. The compressed air shouldn't harm it, but sometimes you get a slight liquid that sprays a bit with it. I always use a rocket blower for the dust.

[@metsrock15]

@@filmismorefun I watched the cleaning of the beamsplitter video right after this one. Is that the more proper way to clean it? Where would I find the tools used in that video?

[@filmismorefun]

A rocket (squeeze bulb) blower. It's generally used for cleaning dust off negatives. It's available at photo suppliers, or probably Amazon.

[@duncantemple1]

Hey! I have one of these but have no idea what batteries to put in it, can you let me know? Thanks 😊

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there! If you search for "L1560F Battery" you should see some options and some alternatives. 🙂

[@duncantemple1]

filmismorefun amazing. I fitted 3 inside, just not entirely sure they’re powering it. Is there a way to tell it’s got power?

[@filmismorefun]

@@duncantemple1 3? Hmmm. I haven't had this camera for a while, but I only recall 1 battery fitting in the chamber. I believe the exposure meter and shutter are linked, so if the shutter won't fully depress, then there is an issue. I'm going off of memory here, because it's been a while since I've used this camera haha. I hope that helps!

[@marcotuazon4870]

Can you make a video on how to clean the view finder of minolta himatic 7s

[@filmismorefun]

Hi Marco! Sorry, I don't have that camera. Thanks for the suggestion, though. 🙂

[@ThanhKooiZ]

I have a QL19 the battery cap is kinda rusty and can not be opened , do you know any ways to open it?

[@filmismorefun]

Maybe try putting a very small amount of penetrating oil in the threads of the battery door for a while before trying to open it. I wonder if you'll find the batteries inside have a lot of corrosion and leaking.

[@alhardy1644]

you have a video on how to fix the light meter?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi Al. No, I don't. Sorry! 🙂

[@noahryzewicz1165]

woul this work for the canon a35 datelux rangefinder?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there. I'm not sure, I haven't owned that model. Sorry 😐

[@skylineracer329]

Holy 1995, Batman! A robogrip!

[@filmismorefun]

Haha yeah it's a classic!

[@itoshiterumaki]

man even tho it looks so simple, im still nervous! Haha

[@filmismorefun]

You got this! Easy as pie 🙂

[@itoshiterumaki]

@@filmismorefun it's probably the same as cleaning the canon canonet right?

[@filmismorefun]

Yeah, pretty much! Many of these style rangefinders are similar in that way.

[@itoshiterumaki]

@@filmismorefun HEY I JUST DID IT! ive just cleaned my vf and its all clear and it looks new! Thank you so much for the vid

[@filmismorefun]

Awesome! I'm glad you got it all set! 🙂