Canonet GIII QL17 help

[jcolyn]

I am in need of a front element and ID plastic ring for the Canonet GIII QL17 camera.
I have a working camera that the previous owner damaged these items.

[jcolyn]

brianvsweeney said:

Front elements are often a problem to get hold of.

Is it totally blown, or just scuffed up?

The ID ring also has the CDS cell aperture mechanism.

I suspect I'll have to find a parts camera to get the parts from.
It looks like the previous owner tried to pry the element out. It has a chunk broken out so it's toast.

[jcolyn]

brianvsweeney said:

I found out the hard way to use a rubber stopper to put the retaining ring in for the front element. It is very thin, as is the retaining ring. All the pressure can bear down on one spot and crack that element in half.

I am trying to restore a front element that has coating damage and maybe etched glass glass. I'm using an eyeglass coating repair kit. So far it did a good looking job on the outside of the element, now for the etched part. This is my first attempt at using it, so far pretty easy. If it works, I can bring up a Canonet. if not, I'm down a front element as well.

This one was missing the retaining ring and had a chunk broken out of the glass and looked like the previous owner tried to glue the element back in. A rather bad hack job.
I located a parts camera with good len and should get it by the end of the week.
This camera is in too good condition otherwise to junk out for parts so I was willing to fork over $10 for the parts camera.