canonet ql17 quandary

[brianentz]

I just picked up a canonet ql17 G-III from ebay. My first rangefinder. I put a brand new battery in it that is supposed to be for this camera, but when I push the battery light button nothing lights up. And the metering needle inside doesn't move out of its position just below 5.6. (Not to mention it needs new seals ... BAD). I know the shutters are mechanical and seem OK. How can I verify if this camera has electrical problems (maybe the bulb is out and maybe I just don't understand how the meter needle is supposed to work, or maybe the battery is the problem) and if so what can be done?

[BrianShaw]

What exact battery did you put in it?

[MattCarey]

Make sure that the aperture dial is set to "A". If you set the aperture to some value (say, f2.8), you are in manual mode and the meter shuts off. The light should still light, though.

This is handy for preserving battery power when you aren't using the camera, by the way.

Obvious suggestion--be sure the battery isn't upside down.

[maarten m]

try cleaning the contacts with a q-tip and a touch of vinegar.
what battery did you put in? sure it's a fresh one?

mm

[brianentz]

the battery is a "Wein cell 1.35 mercury replacement battery" it says it replaces pX625 and PX13. I just bought it and it's just out the package.

[brianentz]

I'll try cleaning it. It's really not possible to put this battery in the wrong way. It's a pretty odd shape.

[brianentz]

Got it in A and situation is the same. My digital battery checker isn't able to get a reading off it, but that may be because it's an odd battery. I just noticed on the battery packaging it says to remove the plastic tab off the battery at least 30 minutes prior to use, which, of course, I didn't do.

[brianentz]

I mean, I removed the tab of course, but who thinks to wait 30 minutes.

[zenrhino]

One thing that might make things a bit easier:

I've been shooting a Canonet q17 now for about 10 yrs using 625A batteries. If the meter is off, it's not enough to make any difference I can see on color print or b/w film. Plus, 625A's are a lot cheaper and less fussy than Wein cells.