5 frames with a Canonet QL17 G-III – by Gandhi Cabañas

Although there are already a few posts about this camera in this website, I would like to write a few words regarding my experience with the Canonet QL17 G-III.

I have two of them. The first one was given to me by an uncle in 2008 or 2009. It was already a little damaged, the lens was scratched and the self-timer didn’t work. Nevertheless, the photos came surprisingly nice and sharp every time. I was very happy with it at that time. It was easy to use, the lens was precise and fast, and once you are used the rangefinder, the focusing process comes naturally. I was in love with this camera. Suddenly, the shutter stopped shutting for no apparent reason. Then a few weeks later, it worked again for about three rolls of film. And then it stopped working again, this time for good. I tried to “fix” it by myself but of course I made things even worse. And now I keep it in my bookshelf as decoration.

One day, last march, I was walking on Donceles street in downtown Mexico City, a street well known for its second-hand photo stores, which by the way, I sincerely recommend if someday you happened to be in the Mexican capital. And then a beauty in a window display caught my attention. It was a mint Canonet QL17 G-III with a Canolite D flash on the top. I knew that camera had to be mine again. I checked it and everything was working perfectly. Then I asked for the price. It was OK, but I knew I could bargain a little and so I did. At the end I leaved the store with the camera, the flash, a lovely handmade camera strap, three PX625 batteries, three expired Fujicolor Superia X-Tra 400 film rolls and a six-months warranty, all for a very reasonable price.

The photos below were made a few days later with the previously mentioned film. I hope you enjoy them.

For more photos:
https://www.instagram.com/gandhicabanas/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/el_gandul

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