Canonet Needing Light Seals - Too Much?

[Basset]

Would $60 be too much for a GIII that needs a lightseal job?

[ColSebastianMoran]

Where I shop, $60 gets you light seals and the mirror pad on an SLR. Presumably, just light seals on a Canonet is easier.

And, I second the comment that this can be a relatively easy do it yourself job.

[Johann Espiritu]

Is the $60 for the Canonet or for the service to fix the seals? Wasn't too sure reading your post. If it's for the Canonet, then $60 isn't bad at all. You can fix the seals yourself for cheap after.

[bugmenot]

If the OP means a $60 price to buy a GIII that needs seals then it's an OK price provided you are willing to re-seal it and if the camera is otherwise in good condition.

[Basset]

I meant is $60 too much to pay for a Canonet GIII that has gummy seals that need replacing. I've never done a light seal job, and I see lots of posts about it being tedious, messy, etc. So I was thinking of sending it in for a seal job / CLA. But maybe I could buy one that's ready shoot to go for less than $60 plus the CLA / seal job cost combined? A local camera shop has one CLA'd and converted to modern batteries, but they want $200.

Thanks. I am learning a lot from you all.

[shane_goguen]

Light seal replacement is easy, Get it!

[Basset]

Thanks for the info. Turns out meter's not working after putting in a Wein PX625 replacement. This one's going back.

[Frontman]

Originally Posted by Basset

Thanks for the info. Turns out meter's not working after putting in a Wein PX625 replacement. This one's going back.

Remember, the meter only works when the aperture ring is set to the "A" setting. Also, make sure the battery contacts are clean. Even if they look clean, clean them anyway. A pencil eraser will do the job.

[kuzano]

A Wein Cell MBR625 takes a bit of time after taking off the seal on the air holes to make the meter function. Unpack the battery, remove the seals, and leave the battery out for five minutes before installing in the camera.

And as mentioned, set the aperture ring on "A". Meter only functions there. $60 is a good price for a nice GIII showing clear lens and no cosmetic damage ($250 to 300 if it's a black model).

A seal kit is $10 to $15 and not a big job. The kit comes with ample instruction.

Also, before giving up on the Wein Cell, I'd question the mfr date of the battery, and time on the shelf on the Wein Cell you used. Better yet, test it with a voltmeter. They can be dead in the package when you buy them.

As a backup, get a NEW alkaline 625 from Radio Shack. The voltage is wrong (1.5 vs 1.35) and the discharge curve is horrible in a camera designed for the old mercury PX625, but you can test meter function.

I've had about ten of the GIII's and never seen one without any meter function at all given a fresh battery.