What exactly is a 35mm camera, and why should you consider using one?
A 35mm camera is a type of film camera that uses 35mm film, which is 35mm wide. 35mm film was originally developed for motion pictures and became popular in still photography because it offered a good balance between image quality and portability.
One of the main reasons to consider using a 35mm camera is the rich, film-like quality of the images it produces. Film has a unique look and feel that is difficult to replicate digitally, and many photographers appreciate the aesthetics of film for this reason. 35mm cameras also offer a wide range of creative options, including different film stocks, lens options, and manual controls for exposure and focus.
In addition to the aesthetic and creative benefits of using a 35mm camera, these cameras can also be a more economical choice for some photographers. While digital cameras often require ongoing investments in new equipment and software, 35mm cameras are a one-time purchase that can be used indefinitely as long as you have film and batteries.
Overall, a 35mm camera can be a great choice for photographers who appreciate the look and feel of film, enjoy the creative possibilities of manual controls, or want a more economical alternative to digital photography.
How to use the Canon QL17 GIII
The Canon QL17 G-III is a classic rangefinder camera that was first released in 1972 and remained in production for about a decade. It's known for being a highly compact 35-millimeter camera, making it perfect for street photography and other types of candid shooting.
One of the standout features of the Canon QL17 G-III is its Quick Load (QL) system, which allows you to easily load film into the camera without having to worry about getting it perfectly aligned on the spool. Simply slide the film into the left side of the bay, draw it across, and lay it flat inside. The film tongue will be trapped at the end, and you can then close the back of the camera and start shooting.
Another notable feature of the Canon QL17 G-III is its lens, which has a focusing lever on the left side of the camera and aperture dials on the front. The shutter can be controlled by rotating the black line on the top of the camera, and the shutter release is located at the top as well. The camera also has a hot shoe for attaching a flash and a tripod mount for stability.
When compared to a traditional 35-millimeter SLR camera like the Nikon FA, the Canon QL17 G-III is significantly smaller and more compact. This makes it ideal for discreet shooting and easy carrying, but it does come with some limitations. For example, it doesn't have a battery compartment for checking exposure, and it doesn't offer the same level of customization as an SLR camera.
Overall, the Canon QL17 G-III is a reliable and highly compact rangefinder camera that is well-suited for street photography and other types of candid shooting. Its Quick Load system and compact size make it a great choice for photographers who are looking for a camera that is easy to carry and quick to use.
Why shoot with the Canon QL17 GIII?
The Canon QL17 GIII is a highly compact camera, making it ideal for street photography and other types of candid shooting. Its small size also makes it easy to carry around and discreet to use.
The Quick Load (QL) system on the Canon QL17 GIII makes it easy to load film into the camera without having to worry about getting it perfectly aligned on the spool. This can save time and make the process of shooting with film more convenient.
Depending on which film stocks you use, the Canon QL17 GIII produces images with a rich, film-like quality that is difficult to replicate digitally. Many photographers appreciate the aesthetics of film for this reason.
The Canon QL17 GIII offers a range of manual controls, including the ability to adjust the aperture and shutter speed, which can be appealing to photographers who enjoy the creative possibilities of manual controls.
The Canon QL17 GIII is a one-time purchase that can be used indefinitely as long as you have film and look after the camera. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is looking in to shooting 35mm for the first time. It is a more economical and reliable choice for photographers looking to bridge back to film photography.
Reasons not to shoot with the Canon QL17 GIII?
Depending on the age of the camera and how it has been kept will determine the output from this camera. One of the most important things to consider is the lens. How well has this been kept, is it foggy? Are there any scratches on it? This can be particularly difficult to determine when purchasing online. Therefore take the time to visit a camera shop and see if you can get one which has been serviced before you buy this camera.
Ofcourse it goes without saying that while 35mm film can be an economical choice compared to digital photography or medium format for that matter. It can still be expensive, especially if you are shooting frequently. The costs can go up even further if shooting slide film stocks such as Ektachrome or Velvia. The cost of film, developing, and printing will add up quickly.
What is the Canon QL17 GIII best for?
The Canon QL17 GIII is a compact rangefinder camera that is perfectly-suited for street photography and other types of candid shooting. Its small size and discreet design make it easy to carry around and use for capturing candid moments or street scenes.
The Canon QL17 GIII is also a good choice for photographers who appreciate the aesthetic qualities of film and the creative possibilities of manual controls. Its Quick Load (QL) system makes it easy to load film into the camera, and its rangefinder focusing system allows for precise focusing.
My experience with the Canon QL17 GIII is that it is a reliable and compact camera that is well-suited for photographers who want to capture candid moments and street scenes with a film camera. Its compact size and manual controls make it a great choice for photographers who want a camera that is easy to carry and use in a variety of shooting situations.
One critical challenge when using this camera
Rapid focusing especially in fast moving street photography situations is the biggest challenge with this camera. The camera is very small and the lever to adjust the focus on the lens is even smaller. Unless you have very small hands this will get irritating very quickly and potentially could be very off putting for someone who is used to one click autofocus digital photography.
Why are photographers choosing a Canon QL17 GIII over other 35mm cameras?
The Canon QL17 GIII is significantly smaller and lighter than the other 35mm cameras, making it a more portable and discreet camera for street photography and other types of candid shooting.
The Canon QL17 GIII has a Quick Load (QL) system that makes it easy to load film into the camera, while the Nikon FA does not have this feature. This can be a deciding factor for photographers who want to save time and make the process of shooting with film more convenient.
Some photographers may prefer the aesthetic qualities of the Canon QL17 GIII over other 35mm cameras. Film has a unique look and feel that is difficult to replicate digitally, and the Canon QL17 GIII produces images with a rich, film-like quality that some photographers may find appealing.
The Canon QL17 GIII may be a more economical choice for some photographers compared to other well known 35mm cameras such as the Olympus OM range or Nikon FM range cameras.
Ultimately, the decision between the Canon QL17 GIII and other 35mm cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer. Both cameras have their own unique features and capabilities, and it is important to consider which one is the best fit for your shooting style and needs.
The Canon QL17 GIII is a classic rangefinder camera that is known for its compact size, Quick Load system, and manual controls. It is well-suited for street photography and other types of candid shooting due to its small size and discreet design.
The Quick Load system allows you to easily load film into the camera, while the manual controls give you the ability to adjust the aperture and shutter speed for creative control. The Canon QL17 GIII produces images with a rich, film-like quality and is a one-time purchase that can be used indefinitely as long as you have film and batteries.
While it may have some limitations compared to other film cameras, the Canon QL17 GIII is a reliable and highly compact choice for photographers who want to capture candid moments and street scenes with a film camera.