Canonet QL 19 Repair Advice - Newbie

[Ralf]

I have recently aquired a Canonet QL19 in beut condition except for the bits that dont work. Firstly, the shutter blades only moves about 1mm when I fire the shutter. When it recock the winder, the blades tighten slight and then relax when is fire the shutter again.

Also, the aperture blades appears to be stuck at f16. The self timer lever is stuck (in a position which is closest to the bottom of the camera, and moves only a little).

Now I have read as many of the posts on this as can find at RFF. I have a few specific questions. I think I have to enter the front of the camera, however I'm not sure how to take the rings off. Do they comes off by turning anti-clockwise?? Secondly, I cant find Ronsonal in Australia. Is there a generic brand, or perhaps details of it's constitution. Is zippo fluid an alternative?

Any advice will be appreciated. I'm gong to give this a try as the camer cost me 5 bucks. Nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Regards in anticipation

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Zippo fluid is an alternative.

Give up on the self timer.

The rings do turn anti-clockwise. I used a tootpick cut in half placing the blunt end into one of the notches. Once you have that off there are more steps. I am looking for the notes Greyhoundman sent to me.

If you don't mind, PM your email address and I can share his notes with you.

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Oh, use Zippo on cotton swabs to dab the fuid onto the shutter blades gently.

If your camera has been cocked and fired recently it may snap suddenly while you are cleaning it. This surprised another member.

[dmr]

Originally Posted by Fedzilla_Bob

Oh, use Zippo on cotton swabs to dab the fuid onto the shutter blades gently.

Iyour camera has been cocked and fired recently it may snap suddenly while you are cleaning it. This surprised another member.

That was, uh, me, and yes, I was startled when it snapped. This was a QL17 GIII and not a QL19 but I assume they are very similar. That's really all that was wrong with it. After I initially got it un-stuck, I fired it a few times at each speed and it's worked fine ever since.

Another thing you said about the aperture. After I got the shutter un-stuck, all of the aperture and meter and stuff then behaved as you would expect.

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Hi dmr436-- I wasn't trying to "out" you.

If it happened to me I would have cleared my chair by about 2 feet. I am sure of it.

One gets very focused on the task. Any sudden movement is a jolt.

[dmr]

Originally Posted by Fedzilla_Bob

Hi dmr436-- I wasn't trying "out" you.

LOL!

If it happened to me I would have cleared my chair by about 2 feet. I am sure of it.

One gets very focused on the task. Any sudden movement is a jolt.

It was surprising. I was kinda feeling like I was wandering into uncharted territory and somebody jumped out and yelled "BOO" or something.