Canonet QL17 original version vs QL17 G-III

_pcv_ · Mar 13, 2015

Hi, I would like to know how the original version of the Canonet QL17 is compared to the more popular and more frequently found QL17 G-III. I know the differences in spesifications and that it is a bit larger, but how they compare in terms of image quality and practical use is lacking (according to my research). Would I be better off staying clear of the original version if I was offered one for a good price, and in stead go for the newer G-III? Thank you in advance for input on this. Per-Chr.

Jeff Bradford · Mar 13, 2015

I have been unable to detect any difference in image quality. If the old one works for a good price, no reason not to buy it. If I was looking for another one, I would stick to the G-III just because it has less years on it. These days, I prefer using them over fixing them.

E. von Hoegh · Mar 13, 2015

_pcv_ said:
Hi, I would like to know how the original version of the Canonet QL17 is compared to the more popular and more frequently found QL17 G-III. I know the differences in spesifications and that it is a bit larger, but how they compare in terms of image quality and practical use is lacking (according to my research). Would I be better off staying clear of the original version if I was offered one for a good price, and in stead go for the newer G-III? Thank you in advance for input on this. Per-Chr.

I had the GIII years ago and was recently given a QL19 (same camera, slower lens) that looks and works like new. Except for the size, they seem to perform identically. As has been pointed out, the GIII will be newer but don't avoid the older one if you get a chance at a good one. I like mine.

snapguy · Mar 13, 2015

love 'em

I adore small rangefinder cameras and the Canonet models are some of the very best. I agree that the condition of the individual camera is the key, not the particular model. Enjoy.

_pcv_ · Mar 13, 2015

Thank you for replying. The camera is on its way .

E. von Hoegh · Mar 14, 2015

_pcv_ said:
Thank you for replying. The camera is on its way .

Which one?

_pcv_ · Mar 14, 2015

The first version, the Canonet QL17 with the 45mm f/1.7 lens. It's in excellent condition and comes with original leather case. As I also have a Canon P, I had second thoughts about the purchase because the G-III QL17 is lighter and smaller than the "G-I" QL17 and maybe the smaller one would complement my P better. I'll see in a few days .

E. von Hoegh · Mar 16, 2015

_pcv_ said:
The first version, the Canonet QL17 with the 45mm f/1.7 lens. It's in excellent condition and comes with original leather case. As I also have a Canon P, I had second thoughts about the purchase because the G-III QL17 is lighter and smaller than the "G-I" QL17 and maybe the smaller one would complement my P better. I'll see in a few days .

Actually, I think the one you're getting is "GII". The original Canonet without the QL (quick load) feature would be GI. Also, I think you'll like it. I use a zinc-air hearing aid cell in an O-ring with all but one of the airholes blocked off in my QL19.

Russ - SVP · Mar 16, 2015

I had mine recalibrated for the much better and more stable, silver oxide batteries.

_pcv_ · Mar 17, 2015

E. von Hoegh: I thought only the first version ("GI") had the 45mm lens. Below you'll find copy-and-paste information from Apug RF forum. As you can see, the 45mm lens came with the original version only.

Original QL17 G (1965)

.7x VF
ASA 25-400
Silver Wind lever
Cold Shoe
45mm F/1.7
B, 1s-1/500s

QL17 G (Version 2) (1969)

.6x VF
ASA 25-800
Black tiped Wind lever
Hot Shoe
40mm F1.7
B, 1/4s-1/500s

QL17 GIII (1972) Most be internal improvements from Version 2. Maybe 2 contact hot shoe was added

.6x VF
ASA 25-800
Black tiped Wind Lever
Hot Shoe (2 contact added ??)
40mm F/1.7
B, 1/4s to 1/500s

_pcv_ · Mar 17, 2015

My wind lever is silver. The second and third version (G-III) wind lever is black tiped. I'm pretty sure I have purchased the old version, that is the first QL17, not the original Canonet from 1961.

E. von Hoegh · Mar 18, 2015

_pcv_ said:
My wind lever is silver. The second and third version (G-III) wind lever is black tiped. I'm pretty sure I have purchased the old version, that is the first QL17, not the original Canonet from 1961.

Mine's the QL19, but it has; no plastic tip, aperture readout on the top of the VF, 45mm Canon SE lens, there's a sticker in the film compartment saying they were sold, serviced, and guaranteed in the US and Canada by Bell & Howell. At least that's what it looks like, it's partially obscured by a repair sticker from Midwest Camera saying the meter was repaired in 1973. The meter still works accurately too.

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Canon_Canonet_QL_17_/_QL_19_/_QL_25

Ray_S · Mar 30, 2017

Probably a little late but may help someone else with this question in the future. In my experience there are at least 3 generations of the Canonet QL17 and I can say this with certainty as I own all 3 versions.

1st Generation
This one uses either a Mallory Mercury RM-1R, or a National/Toshiba TH-MP batteries that are no longer available. These batteries are ~9/16" dia x 5/8" tall. The best solution I've found is to either purchase a $40 adapter from http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_mr50_adapter.htm or use the later 625 battery (see below) and include an aluminum spacer. That's what I'll do once I buy an earlier QL17 that works unlike mine which has a stuck aperture/shutter.

2nd Generation
This one uses a National M-1D, Toshiba TH-MC, Mallory RM-625R, Eveready E625, GE#625, or Burgess Hg 625R batteries. Unlike the earlier models batteries, these are about ~9/16" dia x 1/4" tall. (i.e. a lot shorter than the earlier model).

3rd Generation
This one is what most refer to as the G-III also uses the same battery as the 2nd Generation model

Like I said I own all 3 of these models.

HTH!

Canonet QL17 original version vs QL17 G-III

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