Canon G III 17
A compact 35mm rangefinder that owners praise for its fast lens and manual control, often mentioned alongside the Olympus RD.
Overview
The Canon G-III 17 is a 35mm rangefinder camera, recognized by collectors as an advanced and well-made compact 35. It’s frequently cited in enthusiast circles as one of the top choices among fast-lensed compact rangefinders, tied with the Olympus RD for its combination of speed and manual override capability. Forum discussions highlight its relative availability, with one user noting they encounter about 25 Canon G-III 17s for every other model in its class—though the black enamel variant is reported to be notably harder to find.
Owners appreciate its place among sub-$500 rangefinders, where it stands out for build quality and optical performance. While detailed technical specifications are absent from available documentation, its reputation rests on practical use: a fast lens, precise rangefinder focusing, and the ability to operate manually in a compact form factor. Repair resources exist, including a dedicated repair article and service manuals that detail procedures like shutter removal involving desoldering five wires at the shutter port—indicating a design that, while sophisticated, is approachable for skilled technicians.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Exact product name | Canon G-III 17 |
| Product type | 35mm lens-shutter camera |
| Product type | Rangefinder camera |
| Product type | Compact 35 rangefinder |
Collectibility & Value
The Canon G-III 17 holds a solid reputation among rangefinder enthusiasts, often grouped with the Olympus RD, Konica S3, and Yashica Electro 35CC as a favorite fast-lensed compact. While no original pricing or production years are documented in available sources, its market presence is active. A Reddit user from Eastern Europe reports the standard price there fluctuates around 100 (currency unspecified). Sales listings show related materials like instruction manuals and original brochures available on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Pacific Rim Camera, with one brochure priced at $5. The black enamel version is noted as particularly rare. Repair guides and service documentation suggest a dedicated owner base capable of maintaining these cameras, though common failure points and spare parts availability remain undocumented.
eBay Listings
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