Canon Canonet QL17 G-III

The Canon Canonet QL17 G-III is a classic 35mm rangefinder camera that features a sharp and fast 40mm f1.7 lens. I got my hands on this one that was in quite nice condition except that the shutter was stuck - a common problem, especially if they've seen only light usage like this one. I took it to a local camera repair shop and they serviced it and now it's a fully functioning beauty!

LIKES: The lens is the best selling point on this camera, but it doesn't stop there. The camera is very solidly built and well designed. It's a pleasure to shoot with.

DISLIKES: There's really nothing I dislike about this camera. But I'll take the opportunity to suggest that perhaps it's reputation is just a tad over inflated. Yes, it's a fabulous rangefinder - but there are many other fabulous rangefinders from the same period that don't fetch the same price. And because I'm a cheapskate when it comes to my camera collecting and shooting hobby, I ended up selling this one. Heck, I really didn't need to keep it when I had landed a perfectly minty and fully working Yashica Electro 35 GSN at a thrift store for just $20. And a short while later, I purchased a nice all black Minolta Hi-Matic 7s, also in near mint condition and fully working for a fraction of the $160 I sold the Canonet for. But like I said, I'm a cheapskate!

Right: Garden gate in Winter at Gilsland Farm Maine Audubon in Falmouth, Maine. Photo taken with a Canonet QL17 G-III and Kodak Ultramax 400 film.

View gallery: Canonet QL17 G-III Sample Images