Canon Canonet QL 17 (1965)
A compact 35mm rangefinder camera with a fast 45mm f1.7 lens and quick-load film system.
Overview
The Canon Canonet QL 17 is a 35mm rangefinder camera from Canon, first sold in 1965. It was built for enthusiasts on a budget and for more discerning point-and-shoot photographers. You got high-end optics in a compact body. The lens is a fast 45mm f1.7, and focusing is by an integrated rangefinder. It earned praise as one of Canon's best fixed-lens rangefinder models. The quick-load film system makes loading easier, and aperture information shows in the viewfinder. People have called it the "Poor Man's Leica" because it performs well and feels well built at a lower price.
Specifications
| Lens | 45mm f1.7 lens |
| Aperture range | f1.7 to f16 |
| Shutter speeds | from 1 to 1/500 |
| Focusing | rangefinder focusing |
| Viewfinder info | aperture shown in viewfinder |
| Loading system | quick load |
Context
Canon aimed the Canonet QL 17 at enthusiasts on a budget and more discerning point-and-shoot photographers. It belonged to a product family that included the Canonet QL 19 and QL 25, with later variants such as the QL 17-New and QL 19-New. At release, the Canonet series was priced under $100. That gave advanced photographers good optics without the cost of a Leica.
Market
The common problem with the Canonet QL 17 is degraded foam light seals. Cameras of this era all have it. Light seal replacement guides and repair manuals are available. Owners have documented seal replacements and basic CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) procedures, which supports its reputation as a serviceable, collectible camera.
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