Intro + questions...

[jayfixit]

Hello-

I just joined this forum as a soon to be Canonet G-III QL19 owner. I found one on eBay that is described in full working order, with good door seals, and a working Canolite D flash. The seller had good feedback, and already contacted me that it is on its way...I'm giddy!!!

This is a pretty new hobby to me, as I got into it by fixing digital point-and-shoot digital cameras for people. I made one for myself out of spare parts...went on vacation...took over 500 photos...and there you have it. I also bought a Canon dSLR this summer, and I'm now hooked deeper with lens options, and full manual control. As someone who likes to take old things, make them work again, and use them, I decided an old rangefinder looks like a good idea.

So...the camera: as mentioned is a G-III QL19. I've read about batteries, so I know the options there. Are there preferences people have for film (I like to shoot color, but will try a little B/W)? Also, any settings on the flash? I typically shoot indoors, parties and stuff; but will occassionally outdoor, sunlight (probably not much for a while, now that winter is coming).

Is there a good FAQ thread on these someone can link to?

Also, I'll be sure to post my pics as I get a few. Thanks!!!

[laptoprob]

Don't know about the QL19 myself, I only used the QL17. Very nice camera and great lens. You will find you can handhold a lot. But the flash system in these Canonets is brilliant. The meter/rangefinder combination safeguards you from overexposed flash shots. It is strange at first but it works very well. Just remember the system combines distance with flash power: Not every distance setting will be possible with flash.
The AE system works very well, you will find out quickly. Remember to cap the lens because otherwise the meter will measure all the time and drain the battery.

[wlewisiii]

Welcome! I hope the Canonet gives you a lot of fun.
It sounds as though you are completely new to film. If that's the case, I suggest that you stick to regular color film or chromogenic black & white film as these can be developed at your local one-hour photo place. I like my neighborhood Walgreens - I have them develope the negs, scan to a CD & then only print the ones I want to. Much cheaper that way

For film, the Walgreens house brand is made by Fuji so it's a good quality cheap film. The Fuji Superia multipacks that you see in the grocery store checkout lines is also a very good deal for high quality color film. I also like the Kodak BW400CN for chromogenic black & white.

Hope this helps! Have fun & good light!

William

[fishtek]

For a cheap intro to color, get some drugstore-grade Fuji. I ran a roll of 200 through my QL17 GIII, and was WAY impressed. I've got a roll of Fuji Superia Reala in the camera now, and everyone says it's terrific. For the battery, You can get the 625 from Freestyle.com for @3.00/each, or the Wein 625's for @5.00.

We'll be watchin' for your posts and images!

Regards!
Don

[rbiemer]

Welcome aboard!
Here's a good place to start:
http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index.html
The page comes up in Japanese but the navigation is easy; you'll see when you're there.
Ms Nakamura's site has pretty good basic info and some links to other places.
I can only agree with the film choices mentioned above!
Looking forward to some photos,
Rob

[jayfixit]

Thanks for the quick responses! This is my first attempt at some decent film shooting, so thanks for the beginner advice on film selection. I know film won't replace my dSLR in the future, but the vintage compact RF seemed like a nice way to try film with a good quality camera. Plus, there is only so much you can buy for a Canonet, unlike a SLR with numerous lens choices, etc. Hopefully this keeps my costs down.

Good advice on getting the negs developed and just getting a CD. If my results are anything like digital, I should have 1 good shot out of a roll. No sense paying for those other bad ones.