My father bought me this camera in about 1976 as a 13 year old. I learned photography with this camera and put hundreds of rolls through it. I remember the image quality being stunning for the time, as my main experience was looking at images made through polaroids and Kodak instamatics. This was a real step up. After I learned all I could learn from this, I saved my money and upgraded myself to an Olympus OM-1. This was the finest Olympus camera in my opinion. Thanks for the well lit, razor sharp close up images of the camera, and your clear, concise description of this fine camera and it’s features.
Thank you for the review I really like it. Two questions please. What battery are you using? And can I shot without battery if I have my own lightmeter? Thank you very much
It's been a while since I sold it, but I do remember it having an adapter. There is a manual mode, so yes, you can use it with a separate light meter. Thanks for watching 😊
I suppose it's down to personal preference. You should try an Olympus Pen F, Nikon F or Pentax K1000, as they have what I consider to be the best shutter feel. I don't know why, but it's important for me.
@@photobite5698 all slrs with a totally different mechanism that tends to be noiser and imparts more vibration. You have conditioned yourself to appreciate that feel.
Been shooting k1000 for 6 months and just got the canonet recently. I wasn’t sure it was even working properly it’s that quiet! But I love this because I took a photo with my k1000 on the train and everyone looked at me because it sounds like a guillotine 😂
Great review. I find it amazing that people get upset when opinions differ. I like that the shutter is so quiet. Doesn’t draw much attention. But to each their own. I can’t believe you sold it after taking it to Mecca and getting some wonderful images! That must have been an amazing trip!
Thank you very much! Ultimately, there were other cameras I wanted to buy so I couldn’t justify owning a camera that I wouldn’t use. After many years, many cameras and looking back, I think the most underrated part of the camera is that stellar lens. The shutter speed shortcomings could be mitigated with an ND filter, so that really isn’t that much of a big deal. Anyway, I’m rambling. Thank you for your kind words :)
Modern batteries made the light meter inaccurate so i use a stepup ring and uv filter to block some light and it corrects it. Use an ND filter if you want to make 800iso a more versatile film. C'mon 1 filter isn't inconvenient to carry
The complaints about limited shutter speed and smallest aperture reflect a lack of basic knowledge about camera design. Nearly all leaf shutters are limited to 1/500 as fastest speed based on the limits of shutter design. To get a faster speed, you'd have to change to a focal plain shutter, loosing flash synch speeds and increasing the camera weight, size and cost. With a maximum aperture of 1.7, f16 is as small as it's going to get - its a matter of the physics of lens design. Canon could easily give the lens a f22 aperture, but the image would look like crap. You will not find a fast lens with an aperture smaller than 16. The long throw, heavy pressure shutter release follows from the fact that the operation of the shutter release is also physically setting the aperture from the meter. All cameras of this general type from the same period have these features, so if they are collectively off-putting, he needs to look at cameras from a different era. Oddly, he didn't mention that the mercury battery this camera needs has not been sold for decades - working around that problem is the only real headache to using this and similar cameras from the 1970s.
Yeah, Randall, thanks for that input. It doesn't matter if most leaf shutters are limited to 1/500th of a second, for me, it's limiting. The fastest leaf shutters go up to 1/2000th of a second, and Minolta had one available with that speed back in 1958, years before he Canon came out. Speaking of which, the Minolta V2 had a lens that went from f2-f22. You may think it has terrible image quality, but nobody asked your opinion. That lens has character. Now let's address what you say about all cameras from that era are all collectively off-putting. The pen-f is much nicer to use than this, and the aforementioned Minolta has better specs. As for the mercury battery issue, this camera came with an adapter and a different cell. It worked fine and exposed perfectly. So yeah, thanks for that, Randall. You absolute donut.
@@photobite5698 Actually the Minolta V2 can operate 1/2000 only from Aperture 8 to 22. And I drk what you mean with "better specs"...Mby you just have to use the right film for the right situation. That goes for the camera as well. And if you had the understanding, you would appreciate the Canonets.
@@captaincrazy5075 I'm aware of the limitation of the Minolta, but it's still useful. For example, you could use iso 3200 film outdoors on a sunny day if you wanted to. With the Canonet, you top out at iso 400. That's a huge difference. If it was just that, it actually isn't that much of a big deal, since you could use ND filters. I just didnt like the way the camera feels. It wasn't pleasurable to use.
@@photobite5698 That is a much bigger heavier camera. Canon may have been able to give this camera 1/1000 shutter and f22 but it would be bigger, heavier and more expense. That wasn't the market segment. You had a choice at the time of compact rangefinders, large range finders or slrs. Your pen you love is and slr and also only shoots half frames. I would say that is a bigger limitation. You really do come off as misinformed with much of your complaints. This was a very popular range finder when new and is till very popular 50 years later. There are good reasons for that and you would be better served making an effort to understand why that is. Then you video could be about why you like slrs better and compare and contrast them instead of this frankly embarrassing review. Maybe you should get in touch with a good photographer/youtuber that loves the camera so you can discuss it with so you understand. May even make good content for both channels. Bottom line, it's fine not to like a type of camera, but to make a video which is about your likes and blame a camera that never targeted those likes is weak. These cameras are very good and need to be saved and used. I am afraid your video may discourage a few people from trying one. Peace
Nice one, spot on on so many points. My two cents... It seems to me this guy's not a RF guy at all :) I always enjoy a good review, but here I felt the guy just came way too short, due to the fact that - maybe - he didn't do any kind of homework beforehand. Which he should have, you know.
Bah-humbug! You can't complain about the haptics! Or the shutter speed! You're complaining about the beauty of this camera; Its incredible leaf shutter. Its the kind of camera you want to use for street photography or open spaces. It's got that beautiful short lens that is more about encompassing more in your shot than getting into the macro. And if you want the SLR haptics you'll want to get an SLR. The rangefinder is weird little jewel that stands on its own. It has its place, and if you understand the camera, you can understand it's place and really love it in that spot.
3) When in doubt put it on manual and use your expert judgement. I shot a job on a sunny day in a well illuminated Barbers shop. Big windows, plenty of light but still had to meter at f2.8 (QL 28) at 30th, on 400 film, handheld, real smooth. The pictures needed development work. They turned out great. Everybody was happy. The lesson was... "Know your shit. Dont blame the kit".
Have you ever shoot a rangefinder before? Sounds like you expect the mirror slap which they don't have. The absence of slap/noise vibrations are are why many choose a range finder./ People who know range finders love this camera.
It's been a few years since I sold the camera, but I do remember it well. On reflection, it is a really good camera with an excellent lens. However, it's still not for me. I use a Rollei 35 pretty regularly these days, and I'm not a huge fan of the "snick" shutter noise, too, but the rest of the experience more than makes up for it. Even though it's not a rangefinder, it fills the same role. Out of the two, for sure, the Canonet produces better images, but the Rollei feels nicer. I have a Fuji GW690 which is also a rangefinder, but that's a different kettle of fish.
@gpeaes They do. Bigger F numbers deepen the depth of focus. This is how the Rollei 35 is used for focusing. It needs those markings, otherwise you're just guessing.
May I ask what battery are you using? I read on the forums that there is some problem with batteries since they are banned and alternatives gives incorrect exposure
You know...my one came with a battery adapter with a battery already installed. Also, it had just been serviced and all of the exposures were spot on. I have since sold the camera, so I can't check. Sorry.
@@marekkovac7058 I don't know if you've figured it out yet but in case you haven't, I use size 675 1.4v zinc air battery without any issue. You can put a small rubber band around the battery itself to keep it stationary in the battery compartment. I've been powering my QL17 this way with great results. It's a great little camera. Hope this helps.
I’m trying to buy one. Seller says the flash port sync cover is missing, and there’s a crack on the rangefinder window which he says does not affect use. Should I get it for my first film camera? Thanks!!
If it's a good price, and all you're after is good image quality, it's worth it. However, I never really warmed to it because of the feel. It all depends on budget and features. You may be better off with a Pentax MX - it's a small slr, but it's a bit bigger than the Canon. You could also go for an Olympus Pen F, but that's half frame and you'll need an external light meter / light meter app. The Rollei 35S is a good one, too, but it is pricey and it's a zone focus camera (where you estimate the focus distance). Alternatively, if you don't mind battery powered cameras, you could go for something like a Fujifilm Klasse or Olympus XA. Out of all those mentioned, the Rollei 35S would be my choice, as I really like the design. The Canon produces better image quality, though.
@@johnnyrinsma It is Shutter Priority. You set the shutter, and the camera picks the right aperture depending on the ISO set. It's the only automatic mode on the camera.
My father bought me this camera in about 1976 as a 13 year old. I learned photography with this camera and put hundreds of rolls through it. I remember the image quality being stunning for the time, as my main experience was looking at images made through polaroids and Kodak instamatics. This was a real step up. After I learned all I could learn from this, I saved my money and upgraded myself to an Olympus OM-1. This was the finest Olympus camera in my opinion.
Thanks for the well lit, razor sharp close up images of the camera, and your clear, concise description of this fine camera and it’s features.
I'm glad you liked the review :)
@@photobite5698 I don't think that is what he said. Read between the lines.
that’s funny, I just traded my OM-1 for this camera!
Those are flash guide numbers and would be referenced to the guide on the back of an old flash.
1) f/500 to f/1000 is 1 stop, so drop your aperture or live with 1 stop over for that frame. Film has a wide tolerance.
Thank you for the review I really like it. Two questions please. What battery are you using? And can I shot without battery if I have my own lightmeter? Thank you very much
It's been a while since I sold it, but I do remember it having an adapter. There is a manual mode, so yes, you can use it with a separate light meter.
Thanks for watching 😊
@@photobite5698 thank you
Thanks for the review and i love your makkah shots! hope can go there again soon
Thank you! Insha Allah we both get to go again.
4) Not sure if you have a faulty shutter, but one of the MAJOR advantages is it doesn't make a lot of noise when you shoot.
I got this camera for my birthday when I was 12. I used the camera for 15 years. The feel of the shutter release and other controls is fine.
I suppose it's down to personal preference. You should try an Olympus Pen F, Nikon F or Pentax K1000, as they have what I consider to be the best shutter feel. I don't know why, but it's important for me.
@@photobite5698 all slrs with a totally different mechanism that tends to be noiser and imparts more vibration. You have conditioned yourself to appreciate that feel.
Been shooting k1000 for 6 months and just got the canonet recently. I wasn’t sure it was even working properly it’s that quiet! But I love this because I took a photo with my k1000 on the train and everyone looked at me because it sounds like a guillotine 😂
2) 800 ISO speed should be used for dark conditions, like twilight or indoors. Choice film for the light conditions.
Great review. I find it amazing that people get upset when opinions differ. I like that the shutter is so quiet. Doesn’t draw much attention. But to each their own. I can’t believe you sold it after taking it to Mecca and getting some wonderful images! That must have been an amazing trip!
Thank you very much! Ultimately, there were other cameras I wanted to buy so I couldn’t justify owning a camera that I wouldn’t use. After many years, many cameras and looking back, I think the most underrated part of the camera is that stellar lens. The shutter speed shortcomings could be mitigated with an ND filter, so that really isn’t that much of a big deal.
Anyway, I’m rambling. Thank you for your kind words :)
Modern batteries made the light meter inaccurate so i use a stepup ring and uv filter to block some light and it corrects it. Use an ND filter if you want to make 800iso a more versatile film. C'mon 1 filter isn't inconvenient to carry
Yeah, in hindsight, that was a pretty big oversight.
The complaints about limited shutter speed and smallest aperture reflect a lack of basic knowledge about camera design. Nearly all leaf shutters are limited to 1/500 as fastest speed based on the limits of shutter design. To get a faster speed, you'd have to change to a focal plain shutter, loosing flash synch speeds and increasing the camera weight, size and cost. With a maximum aperture of 1.7, f16 is as small as it's going to get - its a matter of the physics of lens design. Canon could easily give the lens a f22 aperture, but the image would look like crap. You will not find a fast lens with an aperture smaller than 16. The long throw, heavy pressure shutter release follows from the fact that the operation of the shutter release is also physically setting the aperture from the meter. All cameras of this general type from the same period have these features, so if they are collectively off-putting, he needs to look at cameras from a different era. Oddly, he didn't mention that the mercury battery this camera needs has not been sold for decades - working around that problem is the only real headache to using this and similar cameras from the 1970s.
Yeah, Randall, thanks for that input. It doesn't matter if most leaf shutters are limited to 1/500th of a second, for me, it's limiting. The fastest leaf shutters go up to 1/2000th of a second, and Minolta had one available with that speed back in 1958, years before he Canon came out. Speaking of which, the Minolta V2 had a lens that went from f2-f22. You may think it has terrible image quality, but nobody asked your opinion. That lens has character.
Now let's address what you say about all cameras from that era are all collectively off-putting. The pen-f is much nicer to use than this, and the aforementioned Minolta has better specs.
As for the mercury battery issue, this camera came with an adapter and a different cell. It worked fine and exposed perfectly.
So yeah, thanks for that, Randall. You absolute donut.
@@photobite5698 Actually the Minolta V2 can operate 1/2000 only from Aperture 8 to 22. And I drk what you mean with "better specs"...Mby you just have to use the right film for the right situation. That goes for the camera as well. And if you had the understanding, you would appreciate the Canonets.
@@captaincrazy5075 I'm aware of the limitation of the Minolta, but it's still useful. For example, you could use iso 3200 film outdoors on a sunny day if you wanted to. With the Canonet, you top out at iso 400. That's a huge difference.
If it was just that, it actually isn't that much of a big deal, since you could use ND filters. I just didnt like the way the camera feels. It wasn't pleasurable to use.
@@photobite5698 That is a much bigger heavier camera. Canon may have been able to give this camera 1/1000 shutter and f22 but it would be bigger, heavier and more expense. That wasn't the market segment. You had a choice at the time of compact rangefinders, large range finders or slrs. Your pen you love is and slr and also only shoots half frames. I would say that is a bigger limitation.
You really do come off as misinformed with much of your complaints. This was a very popular range finder when new and is till very popular 50 years later. There are good reasons for that and you would be better served making an effort to understand why that is. Then you video could be about why you like slrs better and compare and contrast them instead of this frankly embarrassing review.
Maybe you should get in touch with a good photographer/youtuber that loves the camera so you can discuss it with so you understand.
May even make good content for both channels.
Bottom line, it's fine not to like a type of camera, but to make a video which is about your likes and blame a camera that never targeted those likes is weak.
These cameras are very good and need to be saved and used. I am afraid your video may discourage a few people from trying one.
Peace
Nice one, spot on on so many points.
My two cents... It seems to me this guy's not a RF guy at all :)
I always enjoy a good review, but here I felt the guy just came way too short, due to the fact that - maybe - he didn't do any kind of homework beforehand. Which he should have, you know.
Bah-humbug! You can't complain about the haptics! Or the shutter speed! You're complaining about the beauty of this camera; Its incredible leaf shutter. Its the kind of camera you want to use for street photography or open spaces. It's got that beautiful short lens that is more about encompassing more in your shot than getting into the macro. And if you want the SLR haptics you'll want to get an SLR. The rangefinder is weird little jewel that stands on its own. It has its place, and if you understand the camera, you can understand it's place and really love it in that spot.
You make some good points. Objectively, as an image taking machine, it is amazing. It's just not for me.
3) When in doubt put it on manual and use your expert judgement. I shot a job on a sunny day in a well illuminated Barbers shop. Big windows, plenty of light but still had to meter at f2.8 (QL 28) at 30th, on 400 film, handheld, real smooth. The pictures needed development work. They turned out great. Everybody was happy. The lesson was... "Know your shit. Dont blame the kit".
Bruuuh, you have to push the iso setting lever before moving it. So you wont hurt your finger
Never knew that!
Have you ever shoot a rangefinder before? Sounds like you expect the mirror slap which they don't have. The absence of slap/noise vibrations are are why many choose a range finder./ People who know range finders love this camera.
It's been a few years since I sold the camera, but I do remember it well. On reflection, it is a really good camera with an excellent lens. However, it's still not for me.
I use a Rollei 35 pretty regularly these days, and I'm not a huge fan of the "snick" shutter noise, too, but the rest of the experience more than makes up for it. Even though it's not a rangefinder, it fills the same role.
Out of the two, for sure, the Canonet produces better images, but the Rollei feels nicer.
I have a Fuji GW690 which is also a rangefinder, but that's a different kettle of fish.
Why can't you do zone focusing? The distances are right on the barrel of the lens.
@@gpeaes It doesn't have the markings extending from the f-numbers to the distance scale.
@@photobite5698 You just line up the distances with the line on the camera body. f-numbers have nothing to do with it.
@gpeaes They do. Bigger F numbers deepen the depth of focus. This is how the Rollei 35 is used for focusing. It needs those markings, otherwise you're just guessing.
Great review and exactly how I’ve felt since I got mine. It’s great but a bit soulless. Can’t wait to pick up my F3 again
The F3 is one of the greats. My favourite for feel in the F2, but the fm2n makes more sense for an everyday camera.
Very good review! Thanks!
Thank you :)
May I ask what battery are you using? I read on the forums that there is some problem with batteries since they are banned and alternatives gives incorrect exposure
You know...my one came with a battery adapter with a battery already installed. Also, it had just been serviced and all of the exposures were spot on. I have since sold the camera, so I can't check. Sorry.
@@photobite5698 I understand, thanks anyway!
@@marekkovac7058 I don't know if you've figured it out yet but in case you haven't, I use size 675 1.4v zinc air battery without any issue. You can put a small rubber band around the battery itself to keep it stationary in the battery compartment. I've been powering my QL17 this way with great results. It's a great little camera. Hope this helps.
@@atroche1978 I found original mercury batteries, thanks for reply! :)
I’m trying to buy one. Seller says the flash port sync cover is missing, and there’s a crack on the rangefinder window which he says does not affect use. Should I get it for my first film camera?
Thanks!!
If it's a good price, and all you're after is good image quality, it's worth it. However, I never really warmed to it because of the feel. It all depends on budget and features. You may be better off with a Pentax MX - it's a small slr, but it's a bit bigger than the Canon. You could also go for an Olympus Pen F, but that's half frame and you'll need an external light meter / light meter app. The Rollei 35S is a good one, too, but it is pricey and it's a zone focus camera (where you estimate the focus distance). Alternatively, if you don't mind battery powered cameras, you could go for something like a Fujifilm Klasse or Olympus XA.
Out of all those mentioned, the Rollei 35S would be my choice, as I really like the design. The Canon produces better image quality, though.
do you need a battery for this camera to operate or is the the battery only for the light metering?
It's for the light meter and the shutter priority mode, which is the default mode. You can operate it in manual mode without a battery.
Photobite thank you for your response
@@adampawg64 you're welcome :)
5) You have to love your camera. It's an extension of you. If it's for sale, let me know. I can give it a good home.
My EXA 1B goes to 160th of a second, don't complain xD
Does the aperture priority mode only work with a battery?
Yes. However, the battery lasts a very long time. I had the camera for a year and I never needed to change the battery.
Unfortunately there's no aperture priority with this camera.
@@bayozan1 what is A mode?
@@johnnyrinsma It is Shutter Priority. You set the shutter, and the camera picks the right aperture depending on the ISO set. It's the only automatic mode on the camera.
@@photobite5698 but you didn't shoot it often so that is not a good test
But... it a good-enough camera to take on a Hajj? ;)
Bradley Greenwood Absolutely:)