Canonet QL19

[GeneW]

I'm not a Canon historian, but I've seen three different Canonets labelled QL19. I had one that was large, like a Minolta or Yashica, and I've seen them small, QL19 GIII. The one I just acquired is called simply QL19 but it's small with the GIII form factor.

This one is a family heirloom. It belonged to my wife's parents when they were alive and I helped them purchase it in 1974. My sister-in-law found it while cleaning and gave it to me on Christmas day. At first the shutter wouldn't fire, but after exercising it for a long time it now fires most of the time. The seals are gummy and need replacing. I ran a short test roll through it, using the built-in meter, and the metering looks spot on. The lens is sharp. Just need to get it CLA'd so I can use it in memory of those fine two people, my wife's mom and dad.

Camera ID frame


Herd of Grazing Geese


Sun and Waves, Lake Ontario


APX400, HC-110

Gene

[greyhoundman]

There was the first one, trigger wind, selenium meter cell around lens.
Second was, large frame, QL19, CDS cell in lens ring.
Third was, small frame like a GIIIQL17, CDS cell in lens ring
Fourth was, small frame, updated to GIIIQL19.

[GeneW]

Thanks G'man!

So, mine is 3rd gen QL19 -- form factor of the GIII, CDS cell definitely in lens ring. Nice info to know!

Gene