Canonet QL17 GIII test roll

I've always wanted to have a rangefinder.  I learned how to use an SLR with my Lolo's Canon FTQL; I felt learning how to use an RF would round me up pretty nicely as a film photography enthusiast.  I did a lot of research about the different kinds of rangefinders, the photos taken with them, and whether they'll only run on phased-out batteries or if they could be used on full manual mode.  I was glad to see for sale what I think the best RF was for me: the Canonet QL 17 GIII.  I met up with Candace, from whom I also purchased my Snap Sights underwater camera, and gladly bought the RF.  She also gave me five rolls of film, which was really sweet.  :)  I couldn't wait to test the camera--Candace wasn't able to test it herself since buying it--to see if I need to have it CLA'd (cleaned, lubricated, adjusted) at Hidalgo.

The first thing I did was to take out the deteriorating black foam by the back cover--they'll surely let in light leaks, which I don't want to have with this particular camera.  I asked ige for some black Blu-Tack to use as sealant.  I then did a bit of lens cleaning just to be sure.  Finally I loaded it up with the Fuji 160 NPS film Candace gave.  I hoped I still knew how to tweak manual exposure settings, because I was going sans metering.

After finishing the roll I went to Photoline at SM San Lazaro to have the roll processed and printed because I really, really wanted to see my shots right away.  I did contemplate on having the negatives scanned to CD, but I didn't want to shell out cash (imagine that!) on something uncertain.  [I did the same with my Olympus Pen EE.  When I saw the shots I decided to just let it retire.]

Enough blah, so how did I do?  See here! :)  [The texture on the photos is from the photo paper.]

Miel taking a bath

Carla

Bianca & Katya

cranes!

the morning papers

too many

Miel & dada

I think the camera and I did pretty well!  Here's a long, beautiful friendship! :)