Re: [Leica] Canonet Rangefinder=Poor Man's Leica?

[ShadCat11@aol.com]

I've had several.  Within specs, they performed very well.  The lens was 
okay, if not brilliant.  Under most conditions and degrees of enlargement, it 
will acquit itself on par with most SLR lenses, IMHO, but don't expect 
Summicron.  

The inboard meter reads broadly, like a selenium cell.  It was a better than 
nothing feature, but I seldom relied on it without some extra screwing 
around.  Approaching a subject closely and trapping the setting or taking a 
substitute reading was the only reliable way to use it.  It was somewhat 
clumsier in operation than manually adjusted built-ins in SLRs, but oh well. 

The viewfinder had a parallax correcting floating frame and a rangefinder 
patch, both bright enough for easy use, better than just about any P&S with 
which I am familiar.  Loading was easy with a drop in system, all controls 
came readily to hand.  Everything operated smoothly and felt/sounded nice.  
Mainest problem was a resistant shutter release.  It took way too much 
pressure to make an exposure, not good for sharpness.  I had to spend some 
time practicing a good handhold to compensate for the stiff spring in that 
action.

The electronics fried in my last one, so I used it without meter until the VF 
frame shifted into a cocked position.  That was after @ 8 years of "light to 
moderate" use.  It may be fixable, but I haven't bothered.  Nor have I looked 
for a replacement, so make of that what you will.   

Check carefully before you buy.  I had one with what seemed to be a properly 
adjusted RF that misfocussed because the lens was out of tolerance.  It would 
have cost more to fix than replace.

It is a charming little camera that would certainly work for what you 
specify.  Good luck on finding a solid sample.

Allen Zak


In a message dated 05/15/2001 3:53:28 PM, you wrote:

<<Wondering if any of you have had the opportunity
to shoot/own a Canonet GIII QL17?

I'm thinking of buying one as a beater cam - something
I can carry on my person in the city without worry.

I'd be interested in hearing any informed opinions on
picture quality and value of this 70s classic.

I know its hard to find batteries for the meter these
days....yet I'm still curious.

Thanks,

Ara>>