Canonet QL17 G-III: The Classic Compact Rangefinder

Here's one of my favourite cameras. It's a Canonet QL17 G-III. A superb compact rangefinder with a host of features and only one of the vast catalogue of 1970s rangefinders which continue to have their fans long after they were discontinued. Canonets, in general, tend to be rather fickle beasts coming into their 30s, but problems are usually solveable. This one is my third. My first one, a beautiful example, was stolen. I still have the second one, and it is a parts camera. This one, I acquired just before Christmas, and apart from a sticky shutter (very common) it is perfect.

What I like about this particular model is that it has the Quick Load feature, has a useable meter, and is fully manual, able to be operated without batteries. It has a super fast 1.7 40mm lens and is nice and compact; great for low-light situations and packing around just about everywhere. Honestly, I don't really trust the meter all that much, but I usually take a reading to get a ballpark shutter-speed and aperture and then adjust to my tastes.