G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

Gotcha. Thank you.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Buy a few rolls of film, fresh batteries for the camera and flash units, and start using all that neat equipment. Perhaps you will even discover why your Mom got so much enjoyment out of it, and also gain a deeper connection to her past. That's where the real value is.

Haenzel Loc: South Holland, The Netherlands

The light seals will need to be replaced. This is something I did the other week on a Canonet QL-17 GIII. Very easy to do. Still need to shoot some film with it though.
it is a good performing rangefinder. I also have the original hood and the original flash. The case has deteriorated beyond repair unfortunately...

BebuLamar

Actually the Canonet fetches a higher price on Ebay than other similar cameras of its time. It's kind of a cult. However still not much money no more than $100. I would use the camera as is. Be aware also that the correct battery for it is no longer available. Substitutes are available but expensive and troublesome. You can use an alkaline battery of the same size and it would work but the meter may not be correct. However, even with the correct battery the meter may not be accurate either.
I use my Canonet QL17 III without battery. It only works in manual and no meter but that's not a problem for me.

Haenzel Loc: South Holland, The Netherlands

You can use 675 zinc air hearing aid batteries. (with or without O-ring, google for pics) I compared the reading of the meter with a handheld and it seemed spot on.
Perhaps just lucky....

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

Go on eBay, select the filters “closed listing” and “sold items” that will give you your value. If ya really wanna know.

G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

Great idea! Thanks.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Welcome to the forum. I have two QL-17 GIII's. They have great a lens, as the other post noted, closest great film camera to the Leica.
I got a light seal kit online for a couple of bucks. The original battery is no longer made but as also posted, the 675 zinc air should work. I too will try this battery.
They take very good pictures and worth having looked at.
There are some nice replies also to your question.
b

DaveD65 Loc: Queen City, Ohio

I had one of those, it was a great little camera; 35mm 1.8 lens shutter speed up to .500. It came with a good case (I only used the bottom part for camera protection) I carried it in a small padded dry bag for white water trips. Many, many great shots with it. It got dunked twice and after a warm stay in an oven continued to work wonderfully.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

QLA’d means cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted to manufacturer specifications.

Photocraig

I had one and sold it and regret it. The QL refers to the Quick Load feature that solved a problem of loading 35mm film and NOT having it connect properly with the film advance sprockets. It included a hinged plate attached to the camera back hinge. As you closed the back, it flattened the film against the sprocket yo assure the film is taken up and advance. Since mine had, if I remember correctly, a 40mm f1.8 lens, I suspect the nomenclature of "17" is more of a sequence model number. A later model was '19."

It is excellent camera, and the lens was a wonderful design. The meter and rangefinder worked very well. The form factor is small. It seems to have achieved some popularity with film purist Street Photographers because of the quality, reliability and small size, "amateurish look" and low weight.

If I had or found one, as with all old cameras I'd check the seals. The shutter is in the lens, I believe it is a Copal. But these mechanical leaf shutters (think mechanical wind up clock or watch) do require periodic cleaning and lubrication and adjustment. For the most part they usually don't quit working, but they are unable to accurately actuate the shutter at the indicated time, say 1/100 sec. Such a problem would translate to incorrect exposure and motion freezing at the higher speeds. Also, since a film camera must be opened and closed to change the film, the door must have seals, like your car door, to keep out the light. Rubber seals on any product from the 1970-s to 80's have very likely deteriorated to some degree. They should be inspected and replaced in any event. However, running a roll of high ASA (ISO) film, like 800 or 1600 if available reasonably priced will show if there is a light leak right now.

The final problem is that the battery is a button type battery held in a screw in compartment in the base plate. It was used to power the meter. When I sold mine 20 years ago, batteries were discontinued because of their Mercury content. Today, there are button batteries available without the Mercury that can substitute for the originals. Some have slightly differing voltages and may affect the meter's readings. While there is sufficient latitude in Color Print (C-41) film and B&W film, Slide films may be more affected. I think I remember that the camera had an exposure compensation feature that should approximately correct the light measure. Also, by changing the ASA (ISO today) you can approximate the same thing.

Now, after writing this, I really miss my little Canonet even more. Thinking of Mom when you use it will be icing on the cake.
C

G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

Photocraig,

I REALLY appreciate your response and great information I am going to the Canon website and try to determine the date of manufacture by serial number I do know it was made in Japan. As I recall, I bought it for mom while I was stationed in Japan in the early '70's or, perhaps, the mid '60's (I've slept since then). I may take it to Rollies Camera in Sedona to have it checked out. Again, thanks.
Crook

G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

Interesting responses, however, my camera is not a QL. It is not marked with anything other than a totally numeric serial number (1590568) and made in Japan on the outside. The lense is identified as “Canon Lens SE 45mm 1:19 Canon Camera Co. Inc”. there is a green tag inside of the door with the # 36556.
By the way, I have yet to find where the battery compartment is nor does the manual address the battery. There are diagrams showing all parts of the camera controls, etc. The manual is actually very well written. The Canon Museum site suggests that this model was only produced for one year, 1971. I am stumped.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Post some pictures of it. This may help us id it.