Focusing with Canonet QL17

Hey,

i just got my first rangefinder, the Canon Canonet QL17. I bought it because of the often heard comments praising the focus mechanism in rangefinder cameras - but, for me, it's kind of difficult to focus with the QL17 because of the small 'split' area.

My Question: Is the focusing area of all rangefinders that small (especially with Leicas M/Voigtländer Bessa cameras)?

I have a Canonet G-III QL17 and i find the focusing patch simple to use, not too small indeed. In the Leica M cameras, the rangefinder patch is better, as contrast and precision, but only slightly larger than Canonets. I simply think you need a little bit more practice.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

I have the original Canonet. It had the nicest viewfinder I've ever used on an RF camera. My main RF camera now is the Bessa R. The split area is a nice size, but it can be a little dim. In low light, it gets to be useless and I have to guess the focal distance.

If you're debating getting a Bessa or a Leica, definitely go with the Leica if cost is no concern and you prefer build quality to a large feature set. I'd love to have an M3, though my understanding of Leicas is that it had the best viewfinder they ever built and everything since is a poor copy. I went with the Bessa R because it has a feature set better than the M3 but for a small fraction of the price. It just isn't built as well.

initnull said:

Is the focusing area of all rangefinders that small (especially with Leicas M/Voigtländer Bessa cameras)?

Click to expand...

in comparison to M3, QL17's patch is... ummm... is not

and yet, it's adequate somehow. they both do the job. don't measure, shoot

Thank you! I just was curious about it! Nearly got my first roll of bw film finished with it