New Canonet Owner

willie_901 · 01-05-2006

I have been enjoying my Canonet G-III 17 for almost two weeks. In July I decided to take up photography again and bought a mint Nikon F3HP SLR with a nice set of Nikkor lenses (24mm 2.8, 35mm 2.0, 50mm 1.4, 200mm 4.0, 28-85 f3.5).

I became interested in RF cameras when I realized I was missing too many photo opportunities because the F3 seemed too big and heavy to carry everywhere.

I really enjoy the Canonet. Of course I am burning up lots of film learning how to best use the camera. The biggest adjustment for me seems to be focusing carefully. The Canonet is great for low-light situations and focusing takes more care than I first realized. I have to be careful not to disturb the focus as I handle the camera. I also found out I am too shaky at 1/30 s. shutter speed and I have to work on that too.

I’ve always used cameras spot meters until now. I’m enjoying learning more about setting exposure with my eye and brain rather than just the light meter.

With the Nikon glass I can get much closer to the subject. The Canonet seems best at 6-10 feet away. So I’m trying to develop a 40mm focal length eye for the f 1.7 lens and getting my zone focusing technique up to par.

Using the Canonet is so much fun I’m thinking about taking up B&W bulk loading and home negative developing.

I just uploaded some initial images to the Gallery.

I really appreciate RFF and the quality and kindness of those who contribute here.

willie

GeneW · 01-05-2006

Willie, welcome to RFF! The QL17 GIII is a perennial favourite here, and for good reason. Good, fast lens, small body, easy loading, fully manual option, quiet leaf shutter. A classic!

Gene

physiognomy · 01-05-2006

Hey Willie,

I like the picture with shadows on the wall... nice!

I'm sure you'll enjoy using your GIII... It is a neat little camera! Like you I am trying to develop an 'eye' for the 40mm focal length. It might take some more time, but since I've been playing with a J-12 on my Kiev I think 35mm is for me... I haven't tried too much low-light shooting with my GIII and I'm hoping to get some shots of people's christmas lights before they are all taken down. We'll see how that one turns out...

I'm a lazy scanner, hence the lack of images in my gallery, but I will try to post some pictures showing how well the GIII does with Kodak C-41 black&white... I was really impressed!

Cheers!

Peter

peter_n · 01-05-2006

Willie, I love my Canonet!

And you should try bulk loading and developing too! I've started to bulk load and I'm buying the bits and pieces needed for home development - can't wait...

Glad you're enjoying yourself here - I am too!

ErnestoJL · 01-05-2006

Willie:
Welcome to the forum!
You won´t be disappointed with the Canonet.
I had the previous model (the so called "new Canonet)" and had lots of fun using it. It´s almost the same camera with a few less features, but essentially equal.
Actually I´m owner of the oldest Canonet type (the original bigger Canonet) which I do prefer because of having the full set of speeds. However, the quality of the the lens is the same, no doubt, a gem!!.

Good luck and have a nice year!!!
Ernesto.

willie_901 · 01-06-2006

Thanks to everyone for the welcomes and kind words.

wilie

douwe · 07-09-2007

Hi,

I also just bought a canonet on ebay. A black QL17 G-III. Full CLA. It will arrive soon I hope, In the mean time, I'm busy finding the right material to redo the light seal on my QL19 G-III. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what material to use (and where to buy the stuff?)
I've got a question about canonet lenses as well. Does the QL19 lens perform equally well as the QL17 lens? I know that the QL17 has 6 elements in 4 groups and the QL19 has only 5 elements in 4 groups, but what does it matter?
Finally, the QL19 came with a canon S-50 hood. It fits the QL19, will it fit the QL17 as well?

btw I like this forum a lot, I has been a great help already.
Cheers,
Douwe

Xmas · 07-09-2007

QL17 has a 48mm thread.
One can of Fosters larger, and zero coffee on day helps shake, elbow on something solid or arm around pole.
Keep 1st and 2nd fingers on focus lever.
The 1.9 lens and 1.7 won't be distinguishable, apart from field of view, depth etc.

Noel

oftheherd · 07-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by douwe

Hi,

I also just bought a canonet on ebay. A black QL17 G-III. Full CLA. It will arrive soon I hope, In the mean time, I'm busy finding the right material to redo the light seal on my QL19 G-III. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what material to use (and where to buy the stuff?)
I've got a question about canonet lenses as well. Does the QL19 lens perform equally well as the QL17 lens? I know that the QL17 has 6 elements in 4 groups and the QL19 has only 5 elements in 4 groups, but what does it matter?
Finally, the QL19 came with a canon S-50 hood. It fits the QL19, will it fit the QL17 as well?

btw I like this forum a lot, I has been a great help already.
Cheers,
Douwe

A black Canonet QL17?!#?

BTW Welcome to RFF.

nzeeman · 07-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by douwe

Hi,

I also just bought a canonet on ebay. A black QL17 G-III. Full CLA. It will arrive soon I hope, In the mean time, I'm busy finding the right material to redo the light seal on my QL19 G-III. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what material to use (and where to buy the stuff?)
I've got a question about canonet lenses as well. Does the QL19 lens perform equally well as the QL17 lens? I know that the QL17 has 6 elements in 4 groups and the QL19 has only 5 elements in 4 groups, but what does it matter?
Finally, the QL19 came with a canon S-50 hood. It fits the QL19, will it fit the QL17 as well?

btw I like this forum a lot, I has been a great help already.
Cheers,
Douwe

i cut the edge of the mouse pad (around 3-4mm wide) and made long strips. they were too thick so i cut them horizontaly in a half - so i got two thinner strips 3-4 mm wide. that is good for bottom seal but top seal is not that wide - it is smaller. just cut it and make it narrower. then glue them in place of old seals. first day it was harder to close camera but when new seals were in camera few days they were pressed enough. now everything is great.
i dont know if you understood all this. im not so good with english to explain technical things.

Xmas · 07-09-2007

nzee
Excellent English but...
Need to use razor blade or really sharp skapel and metal ruler.
Noel

nzeeman · 07-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmas

nzee
Excellent English but...
Need to use razor blade or really sharp skapel and metal ruler.
Noel

thanks - yes i forgot to mention that. i should make photos while making a repairs - it could be usefull for other people (only there is a problem that i am too excited and scared while repairing cameras - i always think i will make some unrepairable mistake and always forget to photograph)
it was also very funny when my brother asked why his mouse pad is narrower.