Canonet 28 - My first rangefinder!

<p>Hello all,<br /> So I'm sitting at home, watching bad TV and killing time my favorite way in the world - checking out camera porn on pnet, when I get an e-mail from my doorman downstairs - I have a package. Now who the heck would deliver something this late at night? Anyways, grumbling I head down to see what the fuss is about when...<br /> ...I remember that I've been expecting the Canonet 28 I bought from Goodwill for $8. <br /> I was so excited I had to post pics here. Of course the battery is dead inside, so I don't know if the meter works but the shutter fires when I take it off "A", the viewfinder is clear and it focuses smoothly. What a lovely camera, I'm super excited, can't wait to get a new battery and take her for a spin tomorrow.<br /> First impressions - this is a beautiful camera, and the shutter is silky smooth. No mirror slap! Focussing is an absolute breeze. Cannot wait to see what that cracker of a lens can do. She needs a bit of a clean up (foam seals are degrading of course and there seems to be some dust on the lens) but otherwise in good physical condition.<br /> Here you go folks:<br /><br /><img src="http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/4301/canonet282.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2568/canonet281.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Kayam, what a beautiful camera! I'm a huge fan of the Canonets and I've heard very good things about this one in particular, although I've never used this model. I have the QL17-GIII which seems to polarize the discussion whenever it comes up. I love mine and consider it to have one of the best lenses of all of my classic cameras. Others have had the opposite experience. At any rate, Canonets have a devoted following and I hope your Canonet stirs the same passion in you. I can't wait to see your pictures!</p>

<p>Oh, I forgot to mention...once you start down the rangefinder road there's no stopping. They're even more addicting than SLRs, so prepare yourself. We will all support you by suggesting more excellent choices to pursue.</p>

<p>Uh Oh, now you've done it, Kyam. While I'm a devoted SLR user, there's just something terribly <em>collectible</em> about rangefinders. As you'll probably find out....That's one very attractive camera.<br>

<br /> I'm not acquainted with this model but I had the earlier Canonet 28 which has a selenium photocell and a four-element lens. It performed very well until the photocell gave up the ghost. I think your model has an improved 5-element lens, so I'm looking forward to seeing what it can do! As Andy observed, the 28's seem to be eclipsed by their bigger-lensed siblings, but I'm sure you'll get great results.</p>

<p>Andy - thanks very much! I'm quite excited to take some pictures and might even decide not to wait until I get the sealing kit (hoping some black electricians tape will do the trick)! Any suggestions about batteries that you think work well? As for a rangefinder addiction - truth be told I'm already thinking about adding a QL17-GIII to my collection, if I can find one at a decent price.</p>

<p>Rick - actually I blame you for dipping my toes into the rangefinder pool! After seeing some of the gems you've recently acquired I had to have a classic rangefinder, and when I saw this beauty on goodwill for 8 bucks, there was no way I could stop myself! I'd also bid on a Canonet 28 (original version) but got sniped at the last minute. </p>

<p>And so it begins. These things are like potato chips, you can't have just one. Looks in great shape. There is a directness in shooting with rangefinder's that I like. The QL17 G3 is a real pip, but the prices for them have gone up. The Konica Auto S2, though not as compact, is a great one, with a killer lens, that still affordable. Have fun!</p>

IMHO the best of the Canonets, look no further. Load it up with film and enjoy.

<p>Well no looking back now.. my opinion.. if you have this one there isn't any real (a stop) difference to the QIII 1.7! There's so many other interesting RFs out there. Yours looks really clean and what a bargain.... especially when you see what some folks are paying for the 1,7 version. I may yet be corrected but I assume this is sa,e lens just one stop less! My seals are shot but I was able to get results... only the last few frames had some technicolor streaks. The great thing about a RF besides no mirror slap, is quick focus!</p>

<p>Louis - LoL. Rangefinders maybe like potato chips but they're a darn sight healthier.<br>

Charles - thanks! Just checked the meter and it looks like its working, so this weekend should be a fun day of shooting.<br>

Chuck - there's a few key differences between the QL17 and the 28. Most importantly the 28 is really an automatic only camera. You can shoot in manual mode but then you are restricted to a 1/30 flash sync speed, while the QL17 is fully manual. Also, I believe the lens is quite different - 4 elements in 3 groups for the 28 v/s 6 elements in 4 groups for the 17.<br>

Still, your point is quite well taken that the 28 is a fun little camera and I should enjoy it for a while!</p>

<p>I own a Canonet 28 which I purchased brand new back in 1985 as NOS ( New Old Stock). The 28 probably has one of the sharpest lens for a rangefinder that has ever been produced. ( Ok..here come the death threats!!)<br>

I find it as sharp if not sharper than the GIII 17, which admittedly I have never owned..Along with the Canonet 28, I also own a Canon A35F which also uses the 40mm f2.8, 4 element, 3 group lens. One of Canons' greats!!.. among the finest lenses they ever produced even including their SLR lenses..</p>

 

<p>A Canonet 28 was my first RF camera. Bought it from Canada (maritime provinces) and it took two months to reach me. The little electronic flash unit that goes with it is also widely available at bargain prices, and they make a nice ensemble.</p>

<p>It's a nice camera. When you get it going (Wein Zinc-Air batteries work fine), show us your pictures.</p>

<p>I love these Canonets. I have most of the QL models. They are a blast to use - have really quiet shutters - and are addictive. I use the Zinc-Air Wein cell battery - great results. I carry a QL 17 with me all the time. You're going to love it.</p>

<p>I'll chime in here and say "Great bargain!" I have one of these and Mark is right; that lens is super sharp all the way out to the corners. I use mine for infrared during the summer because you can mount a deep red filter and yet focus fine. THis is the beauty of a rangefinder! Plus the Canonet 28 is so light you barely know you're carrying a camera.<br>

I use silver oxide hearing aid batteries in my 28. This little camera seems to have a bridge circuit which allows you to use them just fine. Been using the same one for over a year now.<br>

Have fun using your "new classic".</p>

<p>Well, Kayam, I have been trying to decide what camera to use on a fishing trip this weekend<br>

and your post has inspired me to take my Canonet 28. Its small size and ease of use make<br>

it the perfect camera to use in a boat.</p>

<p>I bought mine at a yard sale a couple of years ago and have only used it once so it is time<br>

to run some more film through it.</p>

<p>Rod</p>

<p>Luis, JDM, Mark, Russ & Rod - thanks for your comments! Rod - please post up your pics when you're done! It'll be fun to see how another Canonet 28 performs.<br>

As predicted by Andy, Rick and Louis, I've already got the itch to get another classic rangefinder, maybe a larger bodied one such as the Minolta Hi-Matic or the Konica Auto S2. I've got my eye on a couple of examples which are going for peanuts. It astounds me how little these beauties cost these days (and I'm a user of Canon FD gear, so I should be used to great deals). Especially compared to my DSLR purchases. One EF lens could get me 10 of these cameras.</p>

<p>Here's one of my little QL 17's.</p><div></div>

<p>Yes, they multiply like tribbles. The nice thing about the Koni is the meter is active in both auto <em>and</em> manual mode. Many, like the Canon 17 GIII QL, turn off in manual mode. Another nice feature is the meter can be read from the top deck which is useful when shooting from the hip. See my post here for a hands on user report and a few pics here:<br /> <a href="../classic-cameras-forum/00QTnF">http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00QTnF</a></p>

<p>You may already know, you should always ask questions as to the working condition. Many old rangefinders have stuck or slow running shutters, dead meters, rangerfinders that don't align, corroded battery chambers and hazy/dirty viewfinders. Nothing a good CLA won't fix, always recommended, but it's good to know going in what to expect and bid on.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>a Canon A35F which also uses the 40mm f2.8, 4 element, 3 group lens. One of Canons' greats!</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I agree, Luis, that it has an excellent lens but the BIG shortcoming of the A35F is it will be working fine...until the light level drops below a certain level and suddenly it stops firing, dead -in-the-water, unless you raise the flash. This is fine to prevent mom and pop from wasting film but it is a source of major aggravation for me since that cut off is set pretty high and a lot of neat stuff happens near sunrise/sunset or near window light when light levels are lower. Nice for casual snapshots but less useful for serious work, imho.</p>

<p>Louis:<br>

I am in agreement with you as far as A35F limitations..With a shutter speed range of only 1/60 @ f2.8 to 1/320 @f20,the A35F is limited to being a snaphot camera. I use it mostly for daylight shooting with Fuji Superia 400 in bright sunlight. Fortunately, I stockpiled several mercury PX-625 cells some years ago. I keep them in my refrigerator and periodically use them in my Canonet 28, A35F and Canonet QL19 (1965 version..the beast!) The voltage is still a nominal 1.35 volts therefore I have no need at present for exposure compensation as far as the QL19 is concerned..</p>

<p>Here we go, the one that started it all. One of my prized possessions, an original Canonet from the very early 1960's with the selenium meter and the very fine Canon SE 45mm f/1.9 lens. This is a rare copy that still works perfectly; I have a couple of slightly later models with the dreaded Canonet Sticky Shutter disease. Apparently the Canonet went on sale in Japan in January 1961, and what was anticipated to be a weeks-worth of stock sold out in 24 hours. And things never looked back; it was an enormously successful camera. I must do a proper post on it, one day...</p><div></div>

<p>Agreed. One of the nicest shooters ever <strong>if</strong> you can find one with a working meter. You can see a few pics here:<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00S4XM">http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00S4XM</a></p>

<div></div>

Kayam- thanks for posting. Brings back memories from when we used to sell Canonets.

<p>Rick, Louis - those a lovely cameras. Love how those big selenium cells look!<br>

Mike - you're most welcome! I get as much pleasure out of listening to people reminisce about classic cameras as people do out of reminiscing.</p>

<p>Congrats, that's a great little rangefinder! I've got one and it's a keeper for sure. <br>

I try to stay away from 400 asa/iso, though, unless i've got an nd filter. It won't let you shoot if it's too bright.</p>