Vintage 1972 Canon Canonet QL17 G-III 35mm rangefinder film camera, sold AS-IS. One of Canon’s best-known compact rangefinders, the QL17 G-III pairs a fast Canon 40mm f/1.7 lens with a coupled rangefinder, full manual exposure control, and a compact metal-bodied design.
The fixed 40mm f/1.7 lens uses a 6-element, 4-group optical design and offers a versatile field of view for street photography, travel, everyday shooting, and environmental portraits. Its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture also makes it particularly useful in lower-light situations.
Focusing is fully manual through the coupled rangefinder. The photographer aligns the superimposed rangefinder images in the viewfinder to establish focus.
The Copal leaf shutter offers speeds from 1/4 to 1/500 second plus Bulb. Importantly, the camera’s manual exposure operation is mechanical and does not require a battery. Shutter speed and aperture can be selected manually, allowing the camera to be used with an external light meter or another method of determining exposure.
The camera was originally equipped with a CdS light meter and shutter-priority automatic exposure system. These functions require a battery and are not currently working on this camera. See condition details below.
The QL designation stands for Quick Load, Canon’s film-loading system designed to simplify loading 35mm film. The film leader is positioned at the loading mark and secured by the Quick Load mechanism when the camera back is closed.
Uses standard 35mm film, which we carry in a variety of color and black & white options. Shop our 35mm film collection here.
Features:
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Canon 40mm f/1.7 fixed lens
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6-element, 4-group lens construction
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Coupled manual rangefinder focusing
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Full manual exposure control
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Copal leaf shutter
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B + 1/4–1/500 sec. shutter speeds
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f/1.7–f/16 aperture range
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Canon QL Quick Load film system
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Manual film advance and rewind
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Built-in self-timer
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Hot shoe and flash sync connection
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ISO/ASA 25–800 settings
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Uses standard 35mm film
Condition:
AS-IS ITEM.
The camera’s manual functions have been tested and are working, including the shutter and manual shutter speeds, aperture control, film advance, rewind, and rangefinder focusing mechanism.
The built-in light meter and shutter-priority automatic exposure system are not working. The battery compartment is clean, and the camera was tested with a WeinCell PX625 replacement battery, but we were unable to get the meter or automatic exposure system to function.
The camera remains mechanically operable in manual exposure mode, but the built-in meter should be considered nonfunctional. An external light meter or another method of determining exposure will be necessary for accurate manual shooting.
The light seals also show age and could benefit from replacement before regular use to help prevent potential light leaks.
No battery included.
Please refer to photos for cosmetic condition and signs of age or use.
AS-IS / Final Sale Disclaimer:
This camera is sold AS-IS with no returns or exchanges. The working functions described above were tested at the time of listing, but the built-in light meter and automatic exposure system are nonfunctional. Vintage cameras may require additional maintenance or service, and future performance cannot be guaranteed.
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