I really wanted to purchase a rangefinder 35mm camera for a while, theres something artsy about these small cameras. But alas the price was often way over my poor little budget.
I then discovered the Canon Canonet QL17 35mm rangefinder for a great price point of around $100 on eBay. It was a no brainer, I had to have one! And as soon as I got the camera I fell in love with it. It’s the easieat of all my 35mm cameras to use. Although the light meter doesnt work it isnt an issue since I prefer stand alone light meters. This camera was dubbed the “Poor Mans Leica” but I’ve never really undestood that because it really does take excellent photographs. And to be honest it’s not a fair comparison since leicas cost considerably more. The camera looks fantastic with plenty of 70’s styling and retro feel. It’s just feels good in the hands, and is a breeze to shoot. Focusing is a breeze and is preformed by moving the lever on the side of the lens.
The QL actually means “Quick Loading” which is designed to make the camera faster loading than most other 35mm film cameras. The 17 is the f-stop of the six-element 40mm f/1.7 lens, this 40mm lens was dubbed “Leica-like” for it’s sharpness. The lens could also focus as close to 2.6ft. The G referred to the camera having a “grade up” from previous versions of the Canonet QL17. The III in the name was referencing that this was the 3rd generation of Canonets and unfortunately the last in the line. below are some of my favorite shots using my Canon Canonet GIII QL17 rangefinder 35mm camera.
Canon Canonet QL17 35mm Kodak Portra 160
Canon Canonet QL17 35mm FujiColor Pro 160S
Canon Canonet QL17 35mm Kodak Portra 400 film
Canon Canonet QL17 35mm FujiColor Pro 160S