Canon Canonet QL17
Canon Canonet QL17
Condition: Very good. The film advanced lever is a tad loose, however it does not impact performance. Light meter does not work.
The Canon Canonet QL17 is a classic rangefinder 35mm film camera, first introduced in 1961 and produced in various versions until the mid-1970s. It is known for its compact size, high-quality lens, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for street and candid photography.
Here are the key technical specifications for the Canon Canonet QL17:
General Features:
Type: 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Lens Mount: Fixed lens (non-interchangeable)
Film Format: 35mm
Viewfinder: Rangefinder with a brightline frame and parallax correction, with a 0.73x magnification and a 90% field of view
Weight: 500 g (with lens and film)
Dimensions: 113 x 69 x 44 mm (4.45 x 2.72 x 1.73 inches)
Lens:
Lens: 40mm f/1.7 Canon lens (the lens is a fast, high-quality lens for its time)
Aperture Range: f/1.7 to f/16 (manual aperture control)
Focusing: Manual focus with a rangefinder mechanism (focus on the split image in the viewfinder)
Close Focusing Distance: 0.9 meters (3 feet)
Exposure Control:
Metering:
Built-in selenium light meter (no battery required for metering)
Metering Range: EV 9-17 (at ISO 100)
Exposure Modes:
Shutter Priority: Set the aperture manually, and the camera will adjust the shutter speed accordingly
Manual Exposure: Both aperture and shutter speed are set manually
Shutter Speed Range:
1/500 sec to 1 second, plus Bulb mode
ISO Range: 25 to 800 (set manually using the ISO dial)
Shutter:
Type: Electronically controlled leaf shutter
Shutter Speed Range: 1/500 sec to 1 sec, plus Bulb mode
Power:
Battery: 1x 1.35V mercury battery (originally) or modern alternative (such as silver oxide or zinc-air battery, with adjustments for exposure readings)
Battery Life: Dependent on battery type and usage
Additional Features:
Flash: Hot shoe for external flash units
Self-Timer: Built-in 10-second self-timer
Film Transport: Manual film advance with a rewind lever
Film Rewind: Manual rewind with a lever
Quick Load System (QL): "Quick Load" film loading system for easier film setup
Build and Durability:
Body Material: Metal body with a compact, solid build
Durability: Reliable for long-lasting use, known for its sturdiness despite its small size
The Canon Canonet QL17 is often praised for its sharp lens, compact size, and fully manual controls combined with an automatic exposure mode, making it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced photographers who appreciate classic analog photography.