Vintage Canon Canonet QL17 G-III 35mm rangefinder camera, introduced in 1972 and featuring Canon’s fast 40mm f/1.7 lens, coupled rangefinder focusing, full manual exposure control, and shutter-priority automatic exposure.
The 40mm f/1.7 lens offers a versatile focal length for street photography, travel, portraits, and everyday shooting, with a bright maximum aperture for lower-light photography. Its Copal leaf shutter provides speeds from 1/4 to 1/500 second plus Bulb.
The QL17 G-III can also be operated manually without relying on its battery-powered meter. The QL (Quick Load) system makes loading film easier by securing the film leader when the camera back is closed.
Uses standard 35mm film. Shop our 35mm film collection
Features:
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Canon 40mm f/1.7 lens
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Coupled rangefinder focusing
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Full manual exposure control
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Shutter-priority automatic exposure
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Built-in CdS light meter
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Copal leaf shutter
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1/4–1/500 sec. + Bulb
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f/1.7–f/16 aperture range
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Canon QL Quick Load system
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ISO/ASA 25–800
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Self-timer
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Hot shoe and flash sync
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Strap included
Condition:
AS-IS ITEM. Shows cosmetic wear from age and use, including paint loss, scratches, and scuffing around the body and trim as pictured.
Manual functions have been tested and are working, including the shutter and shutter speeds, aperture control, film advance/rewind, and rangefinder focusing.
The battery compartment is clean and the camera was tested with a WeinCell PX625 replacement battery. The battery-check light illuminates, but weakly and inconsistently. The meter also responds when the camera is set to A, but its reading was significantly off during testing. In direct sunlight at 1/500 sec., the Canonet indicated approximately f/5.6 while an external KEKS meter indicated approximately f/16.
We are not confident that the replacement battery is making consistent contact in the original battery compartment. Modern replacement cells can fit differently than the original battery, and some users use a small shim/spacer to improve contact. We experimented briefly with the fit but did not troubleshoot it extensively. Because of this, we cannot determine whether the inaccurate reading is caused by battery contact, the meter itself, calibration, or a combination of factors.
The built-in meter and automatic exposure should therefore be considered unreliable as-is. The camera can still be used manually with an external light meter.
The original light seals are visibly deteriorated and replacement is recommended before shooting film to reduce the risk of light leaks.
Please refer closely to photos for exact cosmetic condition.
AS-IS / Final Sale Disclaimer:
Sold as-is with no returns or exchanges. Manual functions described above were working when tested. Meter/automatic exposure operation is currently unreliable and will require further troubleshooting and/or service. Due to the age of vintage cameras, future performance cannot be guaranteed.
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One other thing from the photos: $119.95 still looks right to me. It's a genuinely desirable QL17 G-III and the exterior is presentable, but the visible wear, seals, and unresolved meter/AE issue keep it firmly below a serviced/fully functional example.