Canon Canonet QL17 GIII#
Canon’s most popular compact 35mm film rangefinder, produced 1972–1982. The QL17 GIII (third generation) features a fixed Canon 40mm f/1.7 lens, a coupled rangefinder for focusing, and a leaf shutter that syncs with flash at all speeds. The “QL” Quick Loading system uses a tab to auto-thread the film leader. Aperture-priority auto exposure makes it approachable; full manual is also available.
A classic “carry anywhere” film camera. The f/1.7 lens is fast enough for available-light shooting.
Key Specifications#
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Film type | 35mm (135 format) |
| Lens | Canon 40mm f/1.7 · fixed · 6 elements in 4 groups |
| Filter thread | 48mm |
| Shutter | Copal SV leaf shutter |
| Shutter speeds | 1/500s – 1s + B (Auto: 1/4–1/500s) |
| Flash sync | X-sync at all speeds (leaf shutter advantage) |
| Metering | CdS cell · center-weighted average |
| Metering modes | Aperture-priority auto · manual |
| Viewfinder | Coupled rangefinder · bright-line frames · parallax correction |
| Rangefinder base | 40mm |
| Film loading | Quick Loading (QL) system |
| Film advance | Manual lever wind |
| Battery | 1.35V mercury PX625 (see note below) |
| Weight | 460g (with battery) |
| Serial | [REDACTED] |
| Paid | $400 CAD |
| Current value | $250 CAD |
Battery Note#
The original PX625 mercury cell (1.35V) is no longer manufactured. Modern alternatives:
| Option | Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wein cell MRB625 | 1.35V | Exact voltage match — recommended |
| Zinc-air hearing aid cell | ~1.4V | Close match; short shelf life once activated |
| Alkaline LR44 with adapter | 1.5V | 0.15V high — auto metering slightly underexposes |
Shooting Modes#
| Mode | How |
|---|---|
| Auto (A) | Set aperture; camera selects shutter speed from 1/4–1/500s |
| Manual | Set both aperture and shutter; meter needle in viewfinder confirms exposure |
| Flash | Set aperture based on guide number; any shutter speed syncs (leaf shutter) |