Just wanted to take the time to say thanks for posting this. Recently purchased a Canonet 19 on Ebay that had this issue and thought I purchased a paperweight. Your instructions were easy to follow and really helpful.
Years ago I repaired two of these shutters by using a tiny artists brush and lightly graphiting the inside of the shutter blades. Not the front of the blades. It worked fine on those two cameras but now I realize if I use YOUR cleaning technique on the third camera, I should get that working fine, too. GREAT little cameras....AMAZING lenses ! Appreciate your video and advice ! I also have one of the original Canonet's had belonged to my father-in-law. The camera with the film advance lever on the bottom of the camera. That shutter is still fine, never a problem. (Hope I've not spoken to soon.....hahahahaha)
Hey Keith! Your third copy that's still working fine is a testment to the craftsmanship of these cameras IMO. I'm always in awe of the mechanics of older cameras that can last multiple decades and keep on ticking haha.
Thats a fabulous little how to...Ive just this morning bought a 25 and lo and behold...stuck shutter blades etc. My question and I know this is going to sound all but obvious but is it as easy as it looks in the video. Of course its speeded up a little, it just seems tooooo easy. Thanx in advance :-)
@@filmismorefun Well, I gave it ago and discovered it was quite easy. I carried out your instructions from the vid and lo-and-behold.....life. Working at all speeds and currently have a roll of Fomapan 100 wizzing through it. Thanx again and brilliant :-)
Very nice demonstration! Do you happen to know what to do if the shutter speed ring is very hard to turn, sometimes even stuck? Aperture works beautifully just the shutter speed ring is not smooth or clicky. Thanks
Hi Alex! One thing I might try to help loosen the ring (which this is probably not the best, or even correct way) would be to take a tiny bit of penetrating oil like WD-40, and apply it to a rag, then gently wipe the ring applying the solvent. Then let it sit for a day before trying to disassemble again. Once it is apart, make sure to clean off all traces of The solvent before reassembling because that's not something you want inside the lens assembly. I hope that helps! 🙂
Hello sir, we did this and it was a success! Thank you! However we need help because forgot how the single lens at the rear should be placed. We got so confused and we'd like to ask how should it look like. Should the more curved part be facing the lenses at the front orshould it be facing the back of the camera? I hope you can help us.
Great! I'm really glad to hear it helped. I couldn't remember either, so I had to check haha. The element in the back side (that one you can see when opening the camera back door) should have the curve facing the aperture blades (or curve away from you if looking in from the back side with the back door open). Hope this helps!
Hi, this helped a lot, but i had this black filter fall off the light meter, and i cant seem to get it to stay in place after re-assembly. Any reccomendations?
Thank you for sharing this video. I got the shutter blades to open but my aperture blades could go from f2 to f16 but not from f16 to f2. Do have any idea how I could fix that? Or is my camera just broken?
@@filmismorefun I got the rear lens off the aperture blades now moving shutter firing but the aperture blades sticking all the time I’ll source some alcohol 🍺 cheers
@@paultaylorphotography9499 Cool! I know you're hesitant to go through the front, but probably to full clean the blades, and have them move freely you may need to access both sides.
@@brianmathison5237 it's been a couple years since I've had this camera, but you should be able to find a diagram online the orientation of lens elements in an exploded view which will show how it's positioned.
If only aperature blades are stuck, could I mabve only do the back oiling from the inside or do i need to open the front of the lens as well? Mine is canonet original so it differs from this one.
Hi there. In this video I used snap-ring pliers, but if carefully done, two flat screen drivers may work as well. However- the spanner wrench is definitely the easiest! :)
I can't remember the last time I was this pissed off taking something apart. My ql19 rear lens element (second part) REFUSES to come out. I took the first ring off, most rear lens, saw the second ring, loosened it. No amount of cajoling, begging, cursing, taking a break and coming back to will help me get that second ring out past the window. what a ----show.
@@filmismorefun Yes, I have a Canonet QL19 and I have taken some films and the viewfinder is very dirty, and also the photographs are not very clear, maybe the focus lever is out of adjustment ..... a video about how to clean it would be very helpful, thank you for answer me.
I want to clean the viewfinder. It's very foggy. What other tool besides a flexiclamp can I use to remove the ring around the shutter-button? I live in the Netherlands so a flexiclamp is difficult to get. What battery can I use with the QL25 and is easy to get? Are there still batteries available for the QL25?
You can try to use channel-lock pliers with a cloth wrapped around the jaws. You want to be very gentle as the teeth can possibly damage the finish. As for the battery, google "L1560F". The voltage is slightly different (1.5v new battery vs 1.3v original mercury) but it should work for you. :)
@@filmismorefun Isn't the L1560f to small? On the Internet I see a bigger LR50 PX1 battery or an MR-50 battery adapter for QL25. I also have the Canonet 28. I use a Rayovac 675 pr44 battery 1.45v with rubberring and foil and it works. Duracell 675 is just 1.4v I read somebody used a computer mousepad to get a firm grip on the ring. I will try that. Update. The mousepad methode works for me. I ordered the alcohol for the drinking...I mean cleaning.
Realizing this is way too late, but in case anyone else has this problem, I went with ultimate low-tech options. The first time I fixed a Canonet, I used one of those grippy pads that you use to help open jars. The second time, I didn't have that so I stuck some duct tape on the ring for some extra grip and it came right off with my fingers.
Hi there, picked up a ql 19 today from flea markets, I can wind on and then after pressing shutter button a few times it will go down a bit further and let me wind on again but the front blades aren't opening, just the back blades. All of these blades look beautifully clean so I'm wondering if it has a different issue, it does have a good sized ding on the top panel near the film winder and another on the lens "hood". I have a spanner but don't want to dive into it if that's not the problem, any help greatly appreciated.
Jason O Hi. It sounds like your shutter blades are stuck. Cleaning may free them up. If not, you always have a potentially great looking paperweight! :)
okay thanks, I'll probably give it a go, nothing to lose ($10) I've found that changing the aperture from auto to anything else makes the shutter button go down all the way every time and with a bit of brute force I've also been able to turn the shutter speed ring it's full amount.
Hi! No I don't know much about that camera, sorry. Maybe the lenses are similar to the QL series, and with this instruction you can get a better idea? Good luck! 🙂
My advance lever is getting stuck S1 told me it could be my battery & that I need some m9 adaptor piece.. The piece that spins in the lens has a hard time moving as well =J idk what think.. I'm stumped but desperately want to learn!!!
Most likely there is still oil or debris on the blades that is dislodging after some use and causing the shutter blades to stick. (If dirt/oil was the initial problem)
Hi! thanks for this video, only I still have a problem with the aperture blades, it closed but not open again, I don't know why it do that. Do you or anyone here an answer for this problem ?
Hi there! Aside from a mechanical malfunction, then most likely the blades are not completely clean. It takes working the blades open and closed repeatedly while cleaning many times to completely remove the residue. You might want to try re-cleaning the blades a few more times. 🙂
I can only remove the very front element on my QL17, then i see no way of removing the second that is in the way of the aperture blades / leaf shutter. Plus the back element group wont budge whatsoever. At first my shutter was just struggling to move, then it started firing and the aperture blades stopped working, now its back to square one.
Hi Cody. If it's the GIII version take a look at the exploded views in this repair manual for the QL17/ GIII. Maybe it will point you in the right direction: www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/canonet_giii.pdf Hope that helps!
@@filmismorefun I checked it out.. I can't even seem to get the first ring out of the lens.. Idk how much force it takes but I'm scared I'll damage something =J
filmismorefun lol Good idea it was working just fine til last week (got it last December) and i found your video. I have hope! The closest repair place is quoting me $180 to service - 🤞
Hi there! You might want to try researching for a lens-safe penetrating oil if it is rust binding the ring. Im not sure of and brands in particular to recommend that would be safe for sure. After getting the ring off making sure there is no oil residue remaining before reassembling. Good luck!
hello I disasembled my canonet and by accident i unscrewed only the back lens not the entire unit. the lens fell out and now i don't know in which direction it has to be screwed on again. It has a flatter side and a more curved side and i don't know which side has to look at the lens and which one looks to the back of the camera. maybe you can help me? :)
Just wanted to take the time to say thanks for posting this. Recently purchased a Canonet 19 on Ebay that had this issue and thought I purchased a paperweight. Your instructions were easy to follow and really helpful.
Hi Oscar! You're welcome- I'm glad the video helped. Happy shooting! 🙂
Years ago I repaired two of these shutters by using a tiny artists brush and lightly graphiting the inside of the shutter blades. Not the front of the blades. It worked fine on those two cameras but now I realize if I use YOUR cleaning technique on the third camera, I should get that working fine, too. GREAT little cameras....AMAZING lenses ! Appreciate your video and advice ! I also have one of the original Canonet's had belonged to my father-in-law. The camera with the film advance lever on the bottom of the camera. That shutter is still fine, never a problem. (Hope I've not spoken to soon.....hahahahaha)
Hey Keith! Your third copy that's still working fine is a testment to the craftsmanship of these cameras IMO. I'm always in awe of the mechanics of older cameras that can last multiple decades and keep on ticking haha.
Thanks for this great demonstration. I have now repaired a QL17 and a QL25 and both working perfectly.
Awesome! I'm glad the vid was helpful 🙂
I want to fix my QL17 will this method work for it as well?
Which one is better, QL17 or QL25. I wanna buy one of those, can u guys help me
Legend. Worked perfectly! Just got to remember how to put it back together now when it drys
Awesome! It's all downhill from there man haha. 🙂
@@filmismorefun so it was working but once I left it for a while to dry it happened again!
Would you recommend adding a lubricant to the blades ?
Just repaired a Canonet 19 basing my manipulations on your video, thank you !
Great! I'm glad to hear the video was helpful 🙂
Thanks for the instructions! Very helpful.
I'm glad it was helpful! 🙂
Thats a fabulous little how to...Ive just this morning bought a 25 and lo and behold...stuck shutter blades etc. My question and I know this is going to sound all but obvious but is it as easy as it looks in the video. Of course its speeded up a little, it just seems tooooo easy. Thanx in advance :-)
You're welcome 👍
@@filmismorefun Well, I gave it ago and discovered it was quite easy. I carried out your instructions from the vid and lo-and-behold.....life. Working at all speeds and currently have a roll of Fomapan 100 wizzing through it. Thanx again and brilliant :-)
@@fictionuk That's awesome. Happy shooting!
Hey... your videos are really good! and funny! Congratulations
Hey thanks Tony. 🙂
thanks for sharing, very nice video!
I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
Very nice demonstration! Do you happen to know what to do if the shutter speed ring is very hard to turn, sometimes even stuck? Aperture works beautifully just the shutter speed ring is not smooth or clicky. Thanks
Hi Alex! One thing I might try to help loosen the ring (which this is probably not the best, or even correct way) would be to take a tiny bit of penetrating oil like WD-40, and apply it to a rag, then gently wipe the ring applying the solvent. Then let it sit for a day before trying to disassemble again. Once it is apart, make sure to clean off all traces of The solvent before reassembling because that's not something you want inside the lens assembly. I hope that helps! 🙂
Hello sir, we did this and it was a success! Thank you! However we need help because forgot how the single lens at the rear should be placed. We got so confused and we'd like to ask how should it look like. Should the more curved part be facing the lenses at the front orshould it be facing the back of the camera? I hope you can help us.
Great! I'm really glad to hear it helped. I couldn't remember either, so I had to check haha. The element in the back side (that one you can see when opening the camera back door) should have the curve facing the aperture blades (or curve away from you if looking in from the back side with the back door open). Hope this helps!
filmismorefun It did! We’re done. Thank you soooo much!
@@janicavanambayec5317 no prob! 😁
Hi, this helped a lot, but i had this black filter fall off the light meter, and i cant seem to get it to stay in place after re-assembly. Any reccomendations?
Hi there. Do you still have the piece that fell off?
Thank you for sharing this video. I got the shutter blades to open but my aperture blades could go from f2 to f16 but not from f16 to f2. Do have any idea how I could fix that? Or is my camera just broken?
You're welcome! It sounds like the blades may need more cleaning of they are still sticking.
@@filmismorefun thanks. I will try to keep cleaning them. Will let you know what happens :)
@@jo-ke9do Cool! Good luck. Yes please let me know 🙂
Mine has the stuck aperture blades I don’t fancy the front disassembly but I’ll try the rear cheers
Good luck! 🙂
@@filmismorefun I got the rear lens off the aperture blades now moving shutter firing but the aperture blades sticking all the time I’ll source some alcohol 🍺 cheers
@@paultaylorphotography9499 Cool! I know you're hesitant to go through the front, but probably to full clean the blades, and have them move freely you may need to access both sides.
@@filmismorefun might just do that mate quiet enjoyed it so far ❤️📷
Did you have a problem getting the rear element removed? I worked on a ql19 and couldn’t get the rear element to budge with all my strength.
Yeah the rear element is usually the toughest to loosen.
@@filmismorefun do you know which way the first lens you take out of the rear should be facing?
@@brianmathison5237 it's been a couple years since I've had this camera, but you should be able to find a diagram online the orientation of lens elements in an exploded view which will show how it's positioned.
If only aperature blades are stuck, could I mabve only do the back oiling from the inside or do i need to open the front of the lens as well? Mine is canonet original so it differs from this one.
Hi there. You could try that and see if it works, but most likely oil will be on both the front and back sides of the aperture blades.
Hi! What tools did you use instead of a lens spanner?
Hi there. In this video I used snap-ring pliers, but if carefully done, two flat screen drivers may work as well. However- the spanner wrench is definitely the easiest! :)
thanks!
I can't remember the last time I was this pissed off taking something apart. My ql19 rear lens element (second part) REFUSES to come out. I took the first ring off, most rear lens, saw the second ring, loosened it. No amount of cajoling, begging, cursing, taking a break and coming back to will help me get that second ring out past the window. what a ----show.
😂😂 Oh man. I feel you. Been there myself on a few projects.
Excellent, you could make a video of how to clean the telemeter in this camera? please and thank you very much
Hi Joshua. I'm glad the video was helpful! Do you mean make a video on how to clean the viewfinder?
@@filmismorefun Yes, I have a Canonet QL19 and I have taken some films and the viewfinder is very dirty, and also the photographs are not very clear, maybe the focus lever is out of adjustment ..... a video about how to clean it would be very helpful, thank you for answer me.
@@joshuajoaquin3792 Sure. I can do that. It may take a few weeks before I can get it completed. 😉
@@filmismorefun Excellent, I liked the content of your channel, thank you very much! Regards!
Hi Joshua, Here you go: ua-cam.com/video/AsugVnkQtkY/v-deo.html
I hope it is helpful for you :)
I want to clean the viewfinder. It's very foggy. What other tool besides a flexiclamp can I use to remove the ring around the shutter-button? I live in the Netherlands so a flexiclamp is difficult to get.
What battery can I use with the QL25 and is easy to get? Are there still batteries available for the QL25?
You can try to use channel-lock pliers with a cloth wrapped around the jaws. You want to be very gentle as the teeth can possibly damage the finish. As for the battery, google "L1560F". The voltage is slightly different (1.5v new battery vs 1.3v original mercury) but it should work for you. :)
@@filmismorefun
Isn't the L1560f to small? On the Internet I see a bigger LR50 PX1 battery or an MR-50 battery adapter for QL25.
I also have the Canonet 28. I use a Rayovac 675 pr44 battery 1.45v with rubberring and foil and it works. Duracell 675 is just 1.4v
I read somebody used a computer mousepad to get a firm grip on the ring. I will try that.
Update. The mousepad methode works for me. I ordered the alcohol for the drinking...I mean cleaning.
Realizing this is way too late, but in case anyone else has this problem, I went with ultimate low-tech options. The first time I fixed a Canonet, I used one of those grippy pads that you use to help open jars. The second time, I didn't have that so I stuck some duct tape on the ring for some extra grip and it came right off with my fingers.
Hi there, picked up a ql 19 today from flea markets, I can wind on and then after pressing shutter button a few times it will go down a bit further and let me wind on again but the front blades aren't opening, just the back blades. All of these blades look beautifully clean so I'm wondering if it has a different issue, it does have a good sized ding on the top panel near the film winder and another on the lens "hood". I have a spanner but don't want to dive into it if that's not the problem, any help greatly appreciated.
Jason O Hi. It sounds like your shutter blades are stuck. Cleaning may free them up. If not, you always have a potentially great looking paperweight! :)
okay thanks, I'll probably give it a go, nothing to lose ($10) I've found that changing the aperture from auto to anything else makes the shutter button go down all the way every time and with a bit of brute force I've also been able to turn the shutter speed ring it's full amount.
Do you have instruction for Canon canodate E. A part is nearly out of the lens and I want to fix it. No one in my place who could repair this case
Hi! No I don't know much about that camera, sorry. Maybe the lenses are similar to the QL series, and with this instruction you can get a better idea? Good luck! 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I have a Canonet with similar issue.
One day when when in Zen-mode, I might have a go at it.
Go for it! It's already broken... the worst you can do is fix it! haha :)
@William Perrigo So it has! Time flies when you're having fun.
will this work for the canonet 28?
Hi there. I'm not sure, sorry. I don't have the 28 to compare.
My advance lever is getting stuck S1 told me it could be my battery & that I need some m9 adaptor piece.. The piece that spins in the lens has a hard time moving as well =J idk what think.. I'm stumped but desperately want to learn!!!
Make sure nothing is jammed with the film advance take up spool. Aside from that, you may need to send it in to a local repair shop. Good luck! 🙂
Mine goes back to being stuck afterward about qn hour or so. Any idea on how to fix that?
Most likely there is still oil or debris on the blades that is dislodging after some use and causing the shutter blades to stick. (If dirt/oil was the initial problem)
Can I get some help tried unscrewing the rear element but it won't budge
Hi! thanks for this video, only I still have a problem with the aperture blades, it closed but not open again, I don't know why it do that. Do you or anyone here an answer for this problem ?
Hi there! Aside from a mechanical malfunction, then most likely the blades are not completely clean. It takes working the blades open and closed repeatedly while cleaning many times to completely remove the residue. You might want to try re-cleaning the blades a few more times. 🙂
I found one for 20 dollars but its stuck do you guys think I should go for it?
If you're up for the repair, sure! $20 might be a little high for a broken copy, but a working one in good condition could sell for 40 or 50 bucks.
I can only remove the very front element on my QL17, then i see no way of removing the second that is in the way of the aperture blades / leaf shutter. Plus the back element group wont budge whatsoever. At first my shutter was just struggling to move, then it started firing and the aperture blades stopped working, now its back to square one.
Hi Cody. If it's the GIII version take a look at the exploded views in this repair manual for the QL17/ GIII. Maybe it will point you in the right direction:
www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/canonet_giii.pdf
Hope that helps!
@@filmismorefun I checked it out.. I can't even seem to get the first ring out of the lens.. Idk how much force it takes but I'm scared I'll damage something =J
I am struggling to get the retainer ring off :(
Hi Katrina! Sorry to hear that it's giving you an issue. Maybe walk away and come back tomorrow if it gets too frustrating! 🙂
filmismorefun lol Good idea it was working just fine til last week (got it last December) and i found your video. I have hope! The closest repair place is quoting me $180 to service - 🤞
@@Kdw4eva23 good luck!
My front retainer ring seems stuck
Hi there! You might want to try researching for a lens-safe penetrating oil if it is rust binding the ring. Im not sure of and brands in particular to recommend that would be safe for sure. After getting the ring off making sure there is no oil residue remaining before reassembling. Good luck!
hello
I disasembled my canonet and by accident i unscrewed only the back lens not the entire unit. the lens fell out and now i don't know in which direction it has to be screwed on again. It has a flatter side and a more curved side and i don't know which side has to look at the lens and which one looks to the back of the camera. maybe you can help me? :)
Hello! The curve of the rear lens should be facing away from you if looking in from the back with the film door open. Hope that helps!
good video but not the proper method. still better than a non working camera.
I agree! Working cameras are always better than broken cameras 🙂