【Classic Rangefinder】【Tested with Film】 Canon Canonet QL17 Film Camera

The 1965 Canonet QL17 (second generation) was Canon's engineering breakthrough in the era of mechanical rangefinders. Equipped with a Canon SE 45mm f/1.7 (6 elements, 4 groups) lens, the optical department's core design philosophy was "high sharpness, low dispersion." Paired with a Copal shutter (B–1/500s) and front CdS metering, it supports full manual and shutter-priority auto exposure. Most representative is Canon's proprietary QL (Quick Loading) system: Utilizing spring-loaded guides and a flexible pressure plate, film loading is completed in seconds— in its time, it was rated by the Japanese magazine "Camera Review" as "the most intuitive film loading system." This camera marks a pivotal point between the purely mechanical and electronic exposure eras. In an age where light metering still relied on needles, it already allowed light to automatically determine shutter speed, yet retained a completely mechanical soul. Its overall design is more streamlined than the first generation, with stable metering and a crisp shutter action, making it "the most complete Canonet before the G-III." 🧭 Released in 1965 | Canon's first model with the QL quick-loading system 🔭 45mm f/1.7 lens | Softness and sharpness coexist, a classic Showa-era lens character ⚙️ Shutter-priority + full manual switching | Pure mechanical feel ▶︎▶︎ Matsuya Inspection Report ✅ Actual shooting test: Excellent image quality ✅ Shooting function test: Aperture and shutter operate smoothly, lens is clear ✅ Circuit test: Sensitive light metering ✅ Camera exterior cleaned ✅ Light-sealing foam replaced