Canon Canonet QL 17 / QL 19 / QL 25
The QL 17 GIII weighs 620 grams. It is dense and built to be carried around.
Overview
The Canon Canonet QL 17, QL 19, and QL 25 are 35mm fixed-lens rangefinder film cameras made by Canon Inc. Japan. The three models differ mainly in lens speed. The QL 17 has an f/1.7 lens, the QL 19 an f/1.9, and the QL 25 an f/2.5. All three share the same basic design and a Copal SV between-the-lens shutter. QL stands for Canon's Quick Load system, a film-loading mechanism that removes the need for manual film advance alignment. That was a real convenience in the mid-1960s.
The Canonet QL series was introduced in March 1965 as an evolution of the earlier Canonet line. It refined usability and left the core architecture alone. Production years are confirmed only for the QL 19 (1965-1971). The QL 17 and QL 25 have no documented release or discontinuation dates. The QL 17 GIII variant, often seen in collector circles, includes minor refinements. It is sometimes cited with a 40mm f/1.7 lens, though other sources give a 45mm focal length. The discrepancy is unresolved, but the 40mm figure is supported by multiple references including Camera-wiki.org and Foto Köberl. Owners report solid build quality, and one says that even after four decades the rangefinder alignment remained "100% precise."
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon Inc. Japan |
| Product type | 35mm fixed lens rangefinder film camera |
| Canon Canonet QL 17 lens | 45mm f1.7 |
| Canon Canonet QL 19 lens | 45mm f1.9 |
| Canon Canonet QL 25 lens | 45mm f2.5 |
| Shutter | Copal SV |
| Battery | PX 625-horizontal |
| Baseplate | 140 mm |
| Canonet QL 17 GIII weight | 620g |
| Canonet QL 17 GIII filter thread | 48mm |
| Canonet QL 17 GIII minimum focusing distance | 0.8m |
| Canonet QL 17 GIII shutter speeds | 1/4 to 1/500 sec. and B |
Key Features
45mm f/1.7 Lens (Canonet QL 17)
The QL 17's main feature is its fast f/1.7 lens. It gives strong low-light performance and shallow depth of field, which was rare in a compact rangefinder of its era. Some variants, particularly the QL 17 GIII, are specified with a 40mm f/1.7 lens in a 6-element, 4-group design using four newly developed coated glasses. The coating is there to reduce internal reflections, which points to an effort to balance sharpness, contrast, and flare control. The filter thread measures 48mm, so filters are easy to find.
45mm f/1.9 Lens (Canonet QL 19)
The QL 19 sits between the other two on speed and cost, with a 45mm f/1.9 lens. It is slightly slower than the QL 17, but it keeps strong optical performance and likely shares design elements with its faster sibling. One eBay listing confirms the "45mm 1:1.9 Lens" designation, which matches the official model name. It is unclear whether the QL 19 uses the same optical formula with minor revisions or a distinct design.
45mm f/2.5 Lens (Canonet QL 25)
The QL 25, with its f/2.5 aperture, appears to be the entry-level model in the QL series. No further optical specifications are available. Its place in the lineup suggests a cost-reduced version, possibly with fewer lens elements or simpler coatings. It keeps the same Copal SV shutter and QL loading system as the others.
Copal SV Shutter with B and 1/4–1/500 sec Speeds
All models use the Copal SV between-the-lens shutter, a sealed unit with speeds from 1/4 to 1/500 second, plus Bulb mode. The QL 17 GIII specification includes X-sync, a hot shoe, and a German socket for flash connection, so flash is fully supported. The GIII also has a built-in self-timer. The between-the-lens design runs quietly and eliminates shutter shock, though it limits maximum speed compared to focal-plane shutters.
Fast Loading with QL System
The QL system makes loading fast. The user inserts the film leader into a slot, closes the back, and advances the first frame. The mechanism tensions the film automatically and prevents double exposure. It was marketed as a significant usability improvement that cut loading time and user error. The QL 17 GIII explicitly includes accidental double exposure prevention.
620g Weight and 140mm Baseplate
The QL 17 GIII weighs 620 grams and feels substantial in hand, which suggests a metal chassis and dense construction. The 140mm baseplate gives a stable footprint for tripod mounting, though full dimensions are undocumented. The weight balances well with the lens, which makes it suitable for handheld shooting over long stretches.
Historical Context
Canon introduced the Canonet QL series in March 1965 as a development of the original Canonet. It was positioned as a high-quality but accessible rangefinder for amateur and advanced photographers who wanted reliability and optical performance. The QL 19 carried an original price of either ¥18,800 or ¥20,800, according to conflicting sources from the Canon Museum cited by Photoethnography.com. The higher figure is likely for a version with additional accessories or minor upgrades, but the discrepancy is unresolved. No production years are confirmed for the QL 17 or QL 25, though their design and release timeline suggest overlap with the QL 19's 1965-1971 run.
Collectibility & Value
The Canonet QL 19 is currently the best documented model in terms of market value. Price guides from Collectiblend estimate it at $30-40 (bargain), $40-50 (good), and $70-80 (excellent), whether sold with or without a lens, though a lens should logically affect value. One eBay listing offered a QL 19 for four interest-free payments of $17.00, a total of around $68. The QL 17, particularly the GIII variant, gets praise in user circles. It is described as "an awesome camera" and "a very remarkable rangefinder" with "confidence inspiring high quality." Total manual control and shutter-priority operation are noted strengths. A printed manual and repair guide are available for purchase through camera-manual.com. No common failures or service issues are documented.
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