Figures just last night I was working on a small repair on a QL17 and was looking at the lens element and trying to figure out how to remove it for cleaning. Then this morning your video pops up. Thanks!
Oh man, now I’ve got to go see about the condition of the one I just received. Crossing fingers everything is ok, but thankful for your helpful video. Keep making repair videos, please!
Just got a Canonet QL19 from the thrift for 40 bucks (pretty pricey but its in great shape). I wanted to get the top cover off and clean the glass and rangefinder elements to clear up the slight fog and dust in the viewfinder. With this video as a guide I have been able to do just that. I'm so glad that my focusing doesn't seem to need any sort of adjustment and I'm now ready to go out and shoot my first roll of film through it! Hoping everything works out and this camera can continue taking great photos for years!
Great tutorial as always. Clear and easy to follow! I have the ql17 giii and the 19 giii but the focusing on both is way out. I would love to see your method on how to calibrate this. I've seen a few on UA-cam and online that have different methods. I was hoping you could share your method since you're easy to follow.
Great video, thanks for posting! I happen to be the original owner of my QL17 GIII (it was a graduation present in junior high school) and am fortunate to have never sold it. My camera is still working nearly perfectly, thankfully, and I've had the viewfinder cleaned in the past, the light seals replaced and have never seen any haze or fungus on the lens elements. However -- the ASA dial has gotten so stiff over the years it's now nearly impossible to move. Any thoughts on how I might loosen up this dial?
I really learn a lot from your videos. Thank you! At the end of this video you say that you are going to show us how to replace the light proofing foam, but hen the video ends. I have two of these Canonet QL17s and they both need the foam replaced. Is there another video for this?
i know im randomly asking but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
@Grant Sage I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
Incredible video very professional and straight to the point I subscribed immediately! I’m curious if you’ve ever worked on swing lens cameras. I own a horizon 202 and I get all these lens flares on my negatives. I’ve read many different things but haven’t found a solution.
The location of the sun is critical when using these cameras, you can use a visor set on an extension to keep any directly light from entering the lens.
Ohu Man! Thank you so mutch for your stunnig Video! I just found a Canon QL 17 GIII for 10 Euros at the lokal flea market. I had this exakt Camera as a wish in my Head when i went there. I was so supriced wen i saw it. The Lens is perfekt, just i bit of dirt on the front Element and the shutter is perfektly fine. No oil on the Blades at all. The Camera was still in the original traveling Case. Just the viewfinder is full of haze and some fungus that i need to remove. And the Light seals of corse. Iam so happy about this... and now i will whatch your Video again and fix my Canon at the same time. The only Thing am a bit nervos about is, that the entiry lens sems to be a bit loose. Not the fokus ring, but the rest of the lens has just a litte Play. is there a screw to thigten that? Thank yo for all that Information! Nils
Hi, great video, thanks for producing it. A quick question I hope you can answer, as I only watched your video AFTER doing my repair :). I removed the rear lens from the lens group, unfortunately it fell to my mat while disassembling rather than me catching it.. so I can't be 100% sure which way it goes back into the lens group. Do you happen to know if the more convex side faces the rear of the camera or the flatter side?
Thank you very much for your videos. It has served me well. My Canonet QL17 in automatic mode does not change the photometer when turning the "ASA" lever. What could it be... Thank you.
I have a fabulous sample of this camera that was given to me -- QC sticker says 1981 -- even though the serial number indicates 1979 or so... QUESTION: The battery health "light" -- is this an incandescent mini-bulb OR an LED -- seems a tad early for a LED but possible... Anyway - great video and channel - thank you!
I have one of those on my bench that has non-functioning 1/30th of sec and slower. Is it hard to get to the slow speed governor on that particular shutter?
Thanks for a great video. An incredible resource. My Canonet door hinge wont stay closed. seems like the spring is broken or completely worn out. Is it possible to replace it or fix it?
Great video! :). I am in need of some advice if you don't mind: my Canonet QL17 GIII, the advance leaver gets stuck after the 2nd/3rd picture, showing red on the back (small) window. Could you suggest what the issue could be? I have cleaned my camera following our instructions, and it looks incredible. Thanks for the upload!
It is possible that something has gotten stuck in the winding mechanism, either in the top or the bottom. The bottom is the easiest place to check first. Remove the bottom cover by taking off the Philips screws, and be careful not to lose the battery door and spring. Wind and fire the shutter and make sure than nothing is becoming jammed. If it looks okay you can remove the top cover as shown in the video. Look at the gears and such under the film winding lever area, and look for something which might be out of place, like a screw or a piece of plastic. You'll need to reattach the winding lever and screw while the top cover is off so you can operate it and look for problems.
Useful, informative and interesting as always 🙂 I own a Yashica Minister II with (I guess) sticky shutter blades, as the shutter won't fire and I'd appreciate it if you could make a video on how to fix it. Thanks and all the best. Sorry for my google translate english.
You can usually twist out the front lens assembly leftwards, this exposes the shutter blades. A drop or two of lighter fluid will usually get them moving freely again,
Coming to this video very late-but it is very well done! Just purchased an older Canonet GIII in very nice condition. Only issue seems to be the Battery Check Lamp does not light-even though the Auto Exposure Meter seems to work fine (MR-9 Adapter in use). Any idea how to repair/replace the Bulb?
in terms of stick shutter (i cant advance switch and timer is stuck) can you make a video of how to open the rear as you said its easier? Would really appreciate it thank you so much
hey there, thanks for the video it has helped a lot. Unfortunately did the down part of the rewind knob (the stick part) fall down during repair. Now I can't open the back anymore... do u know how to get around this ?
You can use a small hood or paperclip with the end bent around to pull up on the release lever, it is near the bottom of the hold under where the rewind knob goes.
Thank you very much for your videos. I think it is a great service for all those vintage camera lovers around the world! I have a QL17 GIII that has its shutter speed ring stuck to 1/500. Do you have any idea on how to fix this? I would really love to shoot the camera, so any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Fortunately, I was able to resolve the issue. For anyone with a similar problem, I suggest following these instructions: www.mikeeckman.com/2020/06/canonet-g-iii-ql17-1977/
Great video, I love this series of fixing cameras. I just have one question, I have the canonet ql19, the biggest one without the circular front cell. And the lens move just a tiny bit, it's something to be concerned? The camera works very well and the lens looks sharp. Can be some screw unscrewed or a bit loose? Thank you and cheers 🙏
It is normal for there to be a very small amount of movement, this is necessary so the lens helicoid and control rings don't stick in hot or cold temperatures. If the lens is too loose, there is a large nut below the rear lens element, on some models you can reach the nut without too much trouble, on others you must remove the front plate and lens assembly. But if the camera takes good photos, I wouldn't worry about it.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 thank you very much for your feedback. The movement is very small, and takes great pictures. I was worried about if the movement starts to grow in the future. But your explanation makes sense. Thanks again and wish you all the best. Cheers 👍
I just bought one of these and need some advice! I haven’t been able to open the back compartment. The lever that you pull up to open the back of the camera to load film seems tight and won’t pull up at all. I tried rewinding thinking maybe there was film inside, but the indicator doesn’t move so I don’t think it’s rewinding anything. What can I try next to get the camera open?
Hi, I have a Canonet QL19 and followed your instructions for cleaning the rangefinder. Unfortunatly when I opened the camera I realized that the mirror that reflects the aperture numbers and framing frame from the front window (the one with the rectangle hole) is loose. It has become detached from its support. Is it glued to the support? Should I use some kind of glue? Loctite? I suppose a couple of loctite in the support (gel version probably better) would do. But I am afraid of putting glue there, and it won't be easy to not stain the mirror with glue. Would it affect the telemeter calibration? I suppose not as the function of the mirror seems to be only superimpose the framing and numbers to the optical view and let pass the split image through the center hole. Thank you for any advice.
The mirror is held in with ordinary contact cement. The glue used in Japan is Bondo G17, but any brand is fine. When gluing in the mirror, make sure to look through the viewfinder and try to set the mirror so the rangefinder split image is near alignment with the camera focused to infinity. You can shift the mirror with a clean cotton swab to get in in the right spot. It doesn't have to be perfect, once the glue dries you can use the rangefinder adjustment screws to get it perfectly aligned.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Thank you. I could not find it locally, but I have found a similar glue (G17 transparent) in alliexpress. It is on the way. I will try to glue it in the right position. How do I check if it is correcly aligned? Just focus to infinity and point the camera to a distant object to see if the split image aligns?
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Hi I have received the G17 glue and tried to fix the mirror. I tried to align it correctly and then I tried to focus to regulate infinity focusing usin the srew in the back. But it seems that it does not align correctly, when I focus to a distant place, and align the split images, the focur ring is not in infinity. May be I have put the mirror reversed? I have glued the reflective part of the mirror close to the support and the glash part to the front. May be it should be the other way? The frame is seen as a double image, too, another frame displaced less brilliant.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Finally I could glue the mirror. It seems I had glued it incorrectly, with the reflective part close to the holding support and it seem to be the other way. Now I have to test it in the real world. Thank you.
Hi, I wanted to ask about the QL17 cause I'm pretty new to the rangefinder system. How do you know if the focusing patch is correctly aligned? I saw a UA-cam video on how to calibrate it but what are the ways to confirm if the focus is off or if it needs vertical/horizontal adjustments? And for the yellow focusing patch, is there a way to adjust how bright it is if it appears faded?
If the split image are aligned when the focus ring is at infinity, it is okay. If they are off, you can adjust them by removing the flash shoe cover and the chrome cap on the back of the top cover, the adjustment screws are underneath. if the focusing patch is not very bright, the glass elements inside the rangefinder should be cleaned.
Amazing work ! I have the same Canonet and my trigger button is stuck. It is not triggering anymore the shot and you push it to the void ... What can I do, do you think it is fixable ? Thanks a million !
I picked one up from a rummage sale for about $20 usd today and the viewfinder definitely needs some work. This video is immensely helpful, however the first ring around the lens is bent, as if it was dropped on the lens. Now the entire lens has a slight give to it, maybe 1 mm in any direction. Is this normal, and if not do you know how to fix it? Will this cause light leaks?
Hello, I’m your video, it’s mentioned that you prefer to replace the beam splitter from a Yashica RF. Is the replacement close to a one to one swap? I’ve read that there could be issues with focusing if the beam splitter is placed incorrectly. Thanks for the video!
Any beam splitting mirror will work, but it has to be cut to the proper size to fit. This is rather difficult to do without some practice. I use a pair of small cutters, which, with practice, cut the mirrors almost as easily as cutting paper with scissors. Then I clean the edges up with a diamond file so the mirror fits properly. The reflective side of the mirror must face toward your eye when holding the camera. I will soon make a video showing how to replace a mirror, and how to cut one to the right size.
If the old beam splitter is hazed or has the reflective coating rubbed off of it, you don7t have to be careful, you can break it to remove it if you like. If you want to remove the mirror intact, you can add some lacquer thinner to the edges to soften the glue, and then wiggle the mirror little by little until it becomes loose enough to lift out. There may be a metal spring spacer on one side, be careful not to lose it.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 well mine still works, it is just a little hard to focus in some conditions. I am debating if it is worth to swap. Don't know how many things could go wrong/worse
@@atroche1978 Not yet, I have devided to just shoot some more photos and stick with the stock one until I run into a situation which changes my mind. I would probably also not do it myself. I am from germany and I know an ex-Canon employee from the old days. I would ask for his opinion first.
Hi, I have a QL17 Giii that has an issue with the focus sticking and squeaking as I move the tab. What would be the best way to lubricate the focusing action on it?
It should be an easy fix, the parallax mask slides along a pin, and is retained by a spring, it may have become stuck, a slight push should get it loose.
Hey! So, this problem happened after I accidentally forgot to press the button in the lower part of the camera to rewind my finished roll of film... and now I can't advance my film... the advance knob isn't stuck but the sprockets don't move when turning the advance knob... any tips how ti fix it? Thanks very much for the video!
Hey JVC, Just wanted to ask about that tool you were using around 28:00 and were to obtain one, I'm struggling to find the right name for it or where to find one. I attempted to use a the regular lens spanner with the adjustable spacers, and the tips were too sharp and damaged some of the notches. The lens assembly was very well stuck - even after I had used lighter fluid. I am not sure if the previous owner had gone in and glued some bits in..as it showed sign of a previous attempt. Any advice would help. Thanks!
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Do you have a link for the specific tool you used? I'm unable to find it and having some trouble removing the ring on the front of my Canonet. My aperture blades aren't sticky but the shutter is very gummed up, so I'm hoping I can remove the rear element and be all set.
@@adamjohnschultz There are tools on eBay made by Japan Hobby Tool, some of these have pointed and bladed tips so you can remove rings or lens elements without needing separate tools.
@@aakifaslam6098 bought a normal lens spanner tool and was able to disassemble it but did scratch the outer bits of the lens a little. Damage is purely cosmetic though, if I had to do it again I'd probably pay someone else to do it lol.
I bought my Canonet QL17 GIII last year and it came with one of those weincell batteries and the meter worked until the battery died. I finally got around to getting one of those mr-9 battery voltage adapters to use a 386 battery, but now the meter doesn't work when I put it in. Im afraid I might of put the battery and adapter in wrong and short circuited something. Any advice?
Hi there! It would seem like I've broken my Canonet QL19 this morning when I accidently tried winding past the 37th frame. The film advance lever can be wound multiple times without the shutter ever being cocked. Pushing the shutter button doesn't seem to do anything. The film advance lever also seems fairly stiff. I've taken the top plate, bottom plate and camera right side cover off so I can look at the mechanism. If I wind on and keep the lever in the most advanced position and push the shutter charge lever manually all the way to camera right, after I release the lever the camera properly fires the shutter. Also of note is that if I advance the lever once, and then try advancing again occasionally it becomes stuck as if it was at 1 and 1/4 strokes. When I press the shutter I hear a click noise from the charge lever moving but the shutter doesn't fire. Any info or tips would be appreciated.
Is there any way to remove the splitter mirror? It was recommended to me that I swap out the entire rangefinder mechanism. But I cant find the screws to remove it. The exploded view shows two but I can't see them.
There is a screw near the beam splitting mirror which is harder to see. You can change the mirror without removing the rangefinder, but cutting a new mirror to size takes a little care.
Hey man, the round nut that holds the film lever keeps loosening little by little whenever i push the film lever back into the resting position. Do you happen to know why? It's been extremely frustrating and I have to keep tightening it every time I advance so the entire assembly wouldnt suddenly fall apart.
Nevermind, just realised that the little washer inside the advance lever has to be exactly in one position; any others would effectively render it useless!
@@ChairmanZhongXiNa There should be two washers, a flat brass washer, and a compression washer, the brass one fits against the film lever, the compression washer should press against the round nut.
I’m trying to calibrate the rangefinder, but I could get it to line up both near and at infinity simultaneously. And now, it seems like the screw isn’t changing the position of the rangefinder. Advice?
The mechanism might be stuck, there is a pin that the rangefinder mechanism turns upon, it can stick and prevent the mirror from traveling fully. A drop of oil can fix it.
Thanks for responding. Do I drop the oil right where the horizontal rangefinder screw is? Right now, it will move the mirror some to the left, but if I keep turning, it pops back to the extreme right and starts over.
He mentioned a slight difference in the insulating material on to of the rangefinder. Also, the black coverv was metal on the 17 while plastic on the 17g3 but that really didn't change the process.
Do not use WD-40, as it will leave oil everywhere, you want something which dries with no residue. You can get a small bottle of Testers model paint lacquer thinner for a couple of dollars, it will do the job perfectly.
The rear group is not removable on the QL19. The top must be removed and the leatherette removed so that the entire lens assembly can be pulled out. There is a shroud which acts as a retainer which prevents the rear group from coming out. Do not try to remove the rear group on the QL19. I fyou find yourself prying it out you will never get it back in.
The lever moves on a pivot under the rangefinder housing. Sometimes the pivot gets corroded and the rangefinder will stick. A drop of oil and exercising it a little will free it up, but you have to remove the top cover to get to it.
my QL was sitting unused for a few years and the battery leaked and now when i replaced the battery and cleaned the contacts, it’s still not working. anyone experienced this and had success repairing themselves? please let me know!!! thank you
Oh man, now I’ve got to go see about the condition of the one I just received. Crossing fingers everything is ok, but thankful for your helpful video. Keep making repair videos, please!
Figures just last night I was working on a small repair on a QL17 and was looking at the lens element and trying to figure out how to remove it for cleaning. Then this morning your video pops up. Thanks!
Oh man, now I’ve got to go see about the condition of the one I just received. Crossing fingers everything is ok, but thankful for your helpful video. Keep making repair videos, please!
Just got a Canonet QL19 from the thrift for 40 bucks (pretty pricey but its in great shape). I wanted to get the top cover off and clean the glass and rangefinder elements to clear up the slight fog and dust in the viewfinder. With this video as a guide I have been able to do just that. I'm so glad that my focusing doesn't seem to need any sort of adjustment and I'm now ready to go out and shoot my first roll of film through it! Hoping everything works out and this camera can continue taking great photos for years!
Its not pricy those cameras 150 euros in NL minimum.
What an amazing reference that will serve as a service manual. Great job and this video helped me greatly even after 3 years online. Thank you!
i had this camera broken sitting in a drawer for years, this video was a big help. thank you!
Great tutorial as always. Clear and easy to follow! I have the ql17 giii and the 19 giii but the focusing on both is way out. I would love to see your method on how to calibrate this. I've seen a few on UA-cam and online that have different methods. I was hoping you could share your method since you're easy to follow.
It is a great lesson for me. So I can follow your instructions step by step to clean up my Canonet ql17. Thanks!!!
Great video, thanks for posting! I happen to be the original owner of my QL17 GIII (it was a graduation present in junior high school) and am fortunate to have never sold it. My camera is still working nearly perfectly, thankfully, and I've had the viewfinder cleaned in the past, the light seals replaced and have never seen any haze or fungus on the lens elements. However -- the ASA dial has gotten so stiff over the years it's now nearly impossible to move. Any thoughts on how I might loosen up this dial?
I really learn a lot from your videos. Thank you! At the end of this video you say that you are going to show us how to replace the light proofing foam, but hen the video ends. I have two of these Canonet QL17s and they both need the foam replaced. Is there another video for this?
i know im randomly asking but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account?
I somehow lost the account password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
@Dayton Devin Instablaster =)
@Grant Sage I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Grant Sage it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much you really help me out!
@Dayton Devin happy to help xD
Incredible video very professional and straight to the point I subscribed immediately! I’m curious if you’ve ever worked on swing lens cameras. I own a horizon 202 and I get all these lens flares on my negatives. I’ve read many different things but haven’t found a solution.
The location of the sun is critical when using these cameras, you can use a visor set on an extension to keep any directly light from entering the lens.
Thanks, great tips
Ohu Man! Thank you so mutch for your stunnig Video! I just found a Canon QL 17 GIII for 10 Euros at the lokal flea market. I had this exakt Camera as a wish in my Head when i went there. I was so supriced wen i saw it. The Lens is perfekt, just i bit of dirt on the front Element and the shutter is perfektly fine. No oil on the Blades at all. The Camera was still in the original traveling Case. Just the viewfinder is full of haze and some fungus that i need to remove. And the Light seals of corse. Iam so happy about this... and now i will whatch your Video again and fix my Canon at the same time.
The only Thing am a bit nervos about is, that the entiry lens sems to be a bit loose. Not the fokus ring, but the rest of the lens has just a litte Play. is there a screw to thigten that?
Thank yo for all that Information!
Nils
Hi, great video, thanks for producing it. A quick question I hope you can answer, as I only watched your video AFTER doing my repair :).
I removed the rear lens from the lens group, unfortunately it fell to my mat while disassembling rather than me catching it.. so I can't be 100% sure which way it goes back into the lens group. Do you happen to know if the more convex side faces the rear of the camera or the flatter side?
Very helpful, Thanks! Please could you advise where I can buy the lens spanner you used in the video?
Thank you very much for your videos. It has served me well. My Canonet QL17 in automatic mode does not change the photometer when turning the "ASA" lever. What could it be... Thank you.
This video has been super helpful but how did you make the lens spanner tool? I looked a lot of places but couldn’t find that configuration
I have a fabulous sample of this camera that was given to me -- QC sticker says 1981 -- even though the serial number indicates 1979 or so...
QUESTION: The battery health "light" -- is this an incandescent mini-bulb OR an LED -- seems a tad early for a LED but possible...
Anyway - great video and channel - thank you!
I have one of those on my bench that has non-functioning 1/30th of sec and slower. Is it hard to get to the slow speed governor on that particular shutter?
Thanks for a great video. An incredible resource. My Canonet door hinge wont stay closed. seems like the spring is broken or completely worn out. Is it possible to replace it or fix it?
G’day, I was looking for a light seal kit for QL17 GIII. Is this available on your website or Etsy store?
Great video! :). I am in need of some advice if you don't mind: my Canonet QL17 GIII, the advance leaver gets stuck after the 2nd/3rd picture, showing red on the back (small) window. Could you suggest what the issue could be? I have cleaned my camera following our instructions, and it looks incredible. Thanks for the upload!
It is possible that something has gotten stuck in the winding mechanism, either in the top or the bottom. The bottom is the easiest place to check first. Remove the bottom cover by taking off the Philips screws, and be careful not to lose the battery door and spring. Wind and fire the shutter and make sure than nothing is becoming jammed.
If it looks okay you can remove the top cover as shown in the video. Look at the gears and such under the film winding lever area, and look for something which might be out of place, like a screw or a piece of plastic. You'll need to reattach the winding lever and screw while the top cover is off so you can operate it and look for problems.
Useful, informative and interesting as always 🙂
I own a Yashica Minister II with (I guess) sticky shutter blades, as the shutter won't fire and I'd appreciate it if you could make a video on how to fix it.
Thanks and all the best. Sorry for my google translate english.
You can usually twist out the front lens assembly leftwards, this exposes the shutter blades. A drop or two of lighter fluid will usually get them moving freely again,
Thanks, I'll try to do this as you advised me 👍
Coming to this video very late-but it is very well done! Just purchased an older Canonet GIII in very nice condition. Only issue seems to be the Battery Check Lamp does not light-even though the Auto Exposure Meter seems to work fine (MR-9 Adapter in use). Any idea how to repair/replace the Bulb?
Great video, but one thing you didn't comment on is the self timer. My self timer is sticking and not working smoothly. Any ideas on how to repair ?
in terms of stick shutter (i cant advance switch and timer is stuck)
can you make a video of how to open the rear as you said its easier? Would really appreciate it thank you so much
Hello can you make a video for ricoh 300s repair. Looking forward thank you! love you videos!
hey there, thanks for the video it has helped a lot. Unfortunately did the down part of the rewind knob (the stick part) fall down during repair. Now I can't open the back anymore... do u know how to get around this ?
You can use a small hood or paperclip with the end bent around to pull up on the release lever, it is near the bottom of the hold under where the rewind knob goes.
Thank you very much for your videos. I think it is a great service for all those vintage camera lovers around the world!
I have a QL17 GIII that has its shutter speed ring stuck to 1/500. Do you have any idea on how to fix this? I would really love to shoot the camera, so any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Fortunately, I was able to resolve the issue. For anyone with a similar problem, I suggest following these instructions: www.mikeeckman.com/2020/06/canonet-g-iii-ql17-1977/
Great video, I love this series of fixing cameras. I just have one question, I have the canonet ql19, the biggest one without the circular front cell. And the lens move just a tiny bit, it's something to be concerned? The camera works very well and the lens looks sharp. Can be some screw unscrewed or a bit loose? Thank you and cheers 🙏
It is normal for there to be a very small amount of movement, this is necessary so the lens helicoid and control rings don't stick in hot or cold temperatures. If the lens is too loose, there is a large nut below the rear lens element, on some models you can reach the nut without too much trouble, on others you must remove the front plate and lens assembly. But if the camera takes good photos, I wouldn't worry about it.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 thank you very much for your feedback. The movement is very small, and takes great pictures. I was worried about if the movement starts to grow in the future. But your explanation makes sense. Thanks again and wish you all the best. Cheers 👍
nice work ... but how do you loosen a tight focusing arm...
I just bought one of these and need some advice! I haven’t been able to open the back compartment. The lever that you pull up to open the back of the camera to load film seems tight and won’t pull up at all. I tried rewinding thinking maybe there was film inside, but the indicator doesn’t move so I don’t think it’s rewinding anything. What can I try next to get the camera open?
Resolved! Compressing the back panel let me open it. The foam got sticky with age.
Hi, I have a Canonet QL19 and followed your instructions for cleaning the rangefinder.
Unfortunatly when I opened the camera I realized that the mirror that reflects the aperture numbers and framing frame from the front window (the one with the rectangle hole) is loose.
It has become detached from its support.
Is it glued to the support? Should I use some kind of glue? Loctite?
I suppose a couple of loctite in the support (gel version probably better) would do. But I am afraid of putting glue there, and it won't be easy to not stain the mirror with glue.
Would it affect the telemeter calibration?
I suppose not as the function of the mirror seems to be only superimpose the framing and numbers to the optical view and let pass the split image through the center hole.
Thank you for any advice.
The mirror is held in with ordinary contact cement. The glue used in Japan is Bondo G17, but any brand is fine. When gluing in the mirror, make sure to look through the viewfinder and try to set the mirror so the rangefinder split image is near alignment with the camera focused to infinity. You can shift the mirror with a clean cotton swab to get in in the right spot. It doesn't have to be perfect, once the glue dries you can use the rangefinder adjustment screws to get it perfectly aligned.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Thank you. I could not find it locally, but I have found a similar glue (G17 transparent) in alliexpress. It is on the way. I will try to glue it in the right position. How do I check if it is correcly aligned? Just focus to infinity and point the camera to a distant object to see if the split image aligns?
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Hi I have received the G17 glue and tried to fix the mirror. I tried to align it correctly and then I tried to focus to regulate infinity focusing usin the srew in the back. But it seems that it does not align correctly, when I focus to a distant place, and align the split images, the focur ring is not in infinity.
May be I have put the mirror reversed? I have glued the reflective part of the mirror close to the support and the glash part to the front. May be it should be the other way?
The frame is seen as a double image, too, another frame displaced less brilliant.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Finally I could glue the mirror. It seems I had glued it incorrectly, with the reflective part close to the holding support and it seem to be the other way.
Now I have to test it in the real world. Thank you.
Hi, I wanted to ask about the QL17 cause I'm pretty new to the rangefinder system. How do you know if the focusing patch is correctly aligned? I saw a UA-cam video on how to calibrate it but what are the ways to confirm if the focus is off or if it needs vertical/horizontal adjustments? And for the yellow focusing patch, is there a way to adjust how bright it is if it appears faded?
If the split image are aligned when the focus ring is at infinity, it is okay. If they are off, you can adjust them by removing the flash shoe cover and the chrome cap on the back of the top cover, the adjustment screws are underneath. if the focusing patch is not very bright, the glass elements inside the rangefinder should be cleaned.
I love Jordan Peterson taking apart cameras
Amazing work ! I have the same Canonet and my trigger button is stuck. It is not triggering anymore the shot and you push it to the void ... What can I do, do you think it is fixable ? Thanks a million !
Did you ever figure this out? Having the same issue
I picked one up from a rummage sale for about $20 usd today and the viewfinder definitely needs some work. This video is immensely helpful, however the first ring around the lens is bent, as if it was dropped on the lens. Now the entire lens has a slight give to it, maybe 1 mm in any direction. Is this normal, and if not do you know how to fix it? Will this cause light leaks?
Hello,
I’m your video, it’s mentioned that you prefer to replace the beam splitter from a Yashica RF. Is the replacement close to a one to one swap? I’ve read that there could be issues with focusing if the beam splitter is placed incorrectly. Thanks for the video!
Any beam splitting mirror will work, but it has to be cut to the proper size to fit. This is rather difficult to do without some practice. I use a pair of small cutters, which, with practice, cut the mirrors almost as easily as cutting paper with scissors. Then I clean the edges up with a diamond file so the mirror fits properly. The reflective side of the mirror must face toward your eye when holding the camera. I will soon make a video showing how to replace a mirror, and how to cut one to the right size.
Some awesome insights, thank you.
Have you any tips on how to replace the Beam splitter? Like carefully. Im hesitant to just pry it out
If the old beam splitter is hazed or has the reflective coating rubbed off of it, you don7t have to be careful, you can break it to remove it if you like. If you want to remove the mirror intact, you can add some lacquer thinner to the edges to soften the glue, and then wiggle the mirror little by little until it becomes loose enough to lift out. There may be a metal spring spacer on one side, be careful not to lose it.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 well mine still works, it is just a little hard to focus in some conditions. I am debating if it is worth to swap. Don't know how many things could go wrong/worse
@@booki000 did you ever repair it?
@@atroche1978 Not yet, I have devided to just shoot some more photos and stick with the stock one until I run into a situation which changes my mind.
I would probably also not do it myself. I am from germany and I know an ex-Canon employee from the old days. I would ask for his opinion first.
Hi, I have a QL17 Giii that has an issue with the focus sticking and squeaking as I move the tab. What would be the best way to lubricate the focusing action on it?
so helpful! thanks 🙏
picked one of them. but the parallax seem to be stuck, might be the spring that moves it. do you know if is an easy fix?
It should be an easy fix, the parallax mask slides along a pin, and is retained by a spring, it may have become stuck, a slight push should get it loose.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 thanks for the reply! I tried that but is still a bit stiff.
Hi. Just bought a beautiful seemingly mint Canonet on eBay to find out the self timer is stuck. Any way I can fix this or is it a major repair?
Any tips to free up the aperture ring? Mine is super hard to turn on a super nice Canonet.
Can the eyepiece be replaced on these? The exterior black housing there the battery check light is on?
Hey! So, this problem happened after I accidentally forgot to press the button in the lower part of the camera to rewind my finished roll of film... and now I can't advance my film... the advance knob isn't stuck but the sprockets don't move when turning the advance knob... any tips how ti fix it? Thanks very much for the video!
Hey JVC,
Just wanted to ask about that tool you were using around 28:00 and were to obtain one, I'm struggling to find the right name for it or where to find one. I attempted to use a the regular lens spanner with the adjustable spacers, and the tips were too sharp and damaged some of the notches. The lens assembly was very well stuck - even after I had used lighter fluid. I am not sure if the previous owner had gone in and glued some bits in..as it showed sign of a previous attempt. Any advice would help. Thanks!
I got this tool from Japan Hobby Tool, you can find them on Amazon.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Do you have a link for the specific tool you used? I'm unable to find it and having some trouble removing the ring on the front of my Canonet. My aperture blades aren't sticky but the shutter is very gummed up, so I'm hoping I can remove the rear element and be all set.
@@adamjohnschultz There are tools on eBay made by Japan Hobby Tool, some of these have pointed and bladed tips so you can remove rings or lens elements without needing separate tools.
@@adamjohnschultz did you find anything that worked?
@@aakifaslam6098 bought a normal lens spanner tool and was able to disassemble it but did scratch the outer bits of the lens a little. Damage is purely cosmetic though, if I had to do it again I'd probably pay someone else to do it lol.
I bought my Canonet QL17 GIII last year and it came with one of those weincell batteries and the meter worked until the battery died. I finally got around to getting one of those mr-9 battery voltage adapters to use a 386 battery, but now the meter doesn't work when I put it in. Im afraid I might of put the battery and adapter in wrong and short circuited something. Any advice?
Do you know how to fix a pressure plate? Mine is misaligned and not holding the film in place
Anyone got the link to purchase the lens spanner shown around 28:00 ? Had been hunting high and low but still no leads...
Hi there! It would seem like I've broken my Canonet QL19 this morning when I accidently tried winding past the 37th frame. The film advance lever can be wound multiple times without the shutter ever being cocked. Pushing the shutter button doesn't seem to do anything. The film advance lever also seems fairly stiff.
I've taken the top plate, bottom plate and camera right side cover off so I can look at the mechanism. If I wind on and keep the lever in the most advanced position and push the shutter charge lever manually all the way to camera right, after I release the lever the camera properly fires the shutter.
Also of note is that if I advance the lever once, and then try advancing again occasionally it becomes stuck as if it was at 1 and 1/4 strokes. When I press the shutter I hear a click noise from the charge lever moving but the shutter doesn't fire. Any info or tips would be appreciated.
hello have you solved this as it seems that i did the same ^)
Is there any way to remove the splitter mirror? It was recommended to me that I swap out the entire rangefinder mechanism.
But I cant find the screws to remove it. The exploded view shows two but I can't see them.
There is a screw near the beam splitting mirror which is harder to see. You can change the mirror without removing the rangefinder, but cutting a new mirror to size takes a little care.
Thank you!
Hey man, the round nut that holds the film lever keeps loosening little by little whenever i push the film lever back into the resting position. Do you happen to know why? It's been extremely frustrating and I have to keep tightening it every time I advance so the entire assembly wouldnt suddenly fall apart.
Nevermind, just realised that the little washer inside the advance lever has to be exactly in one position; any others would effectively render it useless!
@@ChairmanZhongXiNa There should be two washers, a flat brass washer, and a compression washer, the brass one fits against the film lever, the compression washer should press against the round nut.
I’m trying to calibrate the rangefinder, but I could get it to line up both near and at infinity simultaneously. And now, it seems like the screw isn’t changing the position of the rangefinder. Advice?
The mechanism might be stuck, there is a pin that the rangefinder mechanism turns upon, it can stick and prevent the mirror from traveling fully. A drop of oil can fix it.
Thanks for responding. Do I drop the oil right where the horizontal rangefinder screw is? Right now, it will move the mirror some to the left, but if I keep turning, it pops back to the extreme right and starts over.
Hi, is the Canonet QL17 (not G III) same repair method?
Yes, it's the same camera,
He mentioned a slight difference in the insulating material on to of the rangefinder. Also, the black coverv was metal on the 17 while plastic on the 17g3 but that really didn't change the process.
Hi can I use WD-40 instead of lighter fluid? thanks
Do not use WD-40, as it will leave oil everywhere, you want something which dries with no residue. You can get a small bottle of Testers model paint lacquer thinner for a couple of dollars, it will do the job perfectly.
@@japanvintagecamera8869 Oh, I see. Thanks 🙏
The rear group is not removable on the QL19. The top must be removed and the leatherette removed so that the entire lens assembly can be pulled out. There is a shroud which acts as a retainer which prevents the rear group from coming out. Do not try to remove the rear group on the QL19. I fyou find yourself prying it out you will never get it back in.
My focus leaver has no effect upon the focus system in the viewfinder .What could be the problem?
The lever moves on a pivot under the rangefinder housing. Sometimes the pivot gets corroded and the rangefinder will stick. A drop of oil and exercising it a little will free it up, but you have to remove the top cover to get to it.
my QL was sitting unused for a few years and the battery leaked and now when i replaced the battery and cleaned the contacts, it’s still not working. anyone experienced this and had success repairing themselves? please let me know!!! thank you
forgot to glue light seal
The Canonet 28 is not a QL camera.
Oh man, now I’ve got to go see about the condition of the one I just received. Crossing fingers everything is ok, but thankful for your helpful video. Keep making repair videos, please!