Canon Canonet QL25 Analogue camera

Canon Canonet QL25 — 35mm Rangefinder Camera (1965)

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IMPORTANT — Please read carefully:
This camera is sold as a Fair-grade item. The mechanical and metering systems are fully working, but there are several optical/cosmetic imperfections to be aware of. Please review the Known Issues section below carefully before bidding.
- Fungus on the rear lens element, which may produce a soft-focus, dreamy rendering.
- Internal haze in the viewfinder.
- Slight signs of past battery leakage in the battery compartment (electrical contact is still working).

About the camera:

The Canon Canonet QL25 was introduced by Canon in March 1965 as the most affordable member of the Canonet QL series. It is a 35mm rangefinder camera featuring a fixed Canon Lens SE 45mm f/2.5 (5 elements in 4 groups), a Copal SV leaf shutter with speeds from 1/15 to 1/500 sec plus B, and a CdS-meter-coupled shutter-priority auto exposure system with full manual override.

The QL25 is equipped with Canon's signature QL (Quick Loading) system, a clever film-loading mechanism that lets the photographer drop the film leader into place and close the back without threading. The bright rangefinder/viewfinder shows projected frame lines with parallax correction and an aperture readout along the top.

While the f/2.5 lens is one stop slower than the celebrated QL17, the QL25 shares the same body, viewfinder, and overall feel as its faster siblings, making it an inexpensive way to enjoy a classic mid-1960s Japanese rangefinder.

Note on battery: the original meter was designed for a 1.35V PX625 mercury battery, which is no longer manufactured. A modern alkaline or silver-oxide cell of the same shape will fit but may give a slightly different meter reading. Adapters or zinc-air replacements are commonly available from camera specialists.

Condition: USED — Fair

Serial Number
Please check the photo.

Appearance
Scuffs and small scratches from normal use are visible on the body. Overall the external condition is good for the age. Please check the photos for details.

Optical Condition (Lens)
Haze: No
Fungus: Yes — fungus is present on the rear element
Scratch: No
Balsam separation: No
Dust: Some
Shooting impact: The rear-element fungus tends to soften the image and lower contrast — producing a gentle, dreamy rendering that some film photographers actively seek out, similar to a built-in soft-focus filter. The effect is most noticeable wide open and in strong backlit conditions.

Viewfinder
There is internal haze in the viewfinder. The rangefinder patch is still visible and the double-image coupling can be confirmed for focusing.

Functional
- Exposure meter: working (a fresh battery is required for metering; see battery note above)
- Rangefinder/double-image coupling: working
- Shutter: all speeds (1/15 to 1/500 sec + B) confirmed firing
- Aperture blades: clean and responsive
- Film advance, shutter release, and rewind: working

Battery Compartment
Slight signs of past battery leakage were observed inside the battery chamber, but the electrical contact is still working and the meter functions correctly. The battery cover itself is in good condition.

Known Issues
1) Fungus on the rear lens element. In use, it softens the image and lowers contrast, giving a vintage soft-focus character that can be enjoyed creatively. Please understand this before bidding.
2) Internal haze in the viewfinder, which slightly reduces brightness when composing.
3) Slight signs of past battery leakage inside the battery compartment. The contact is currently functioning, but the cosmetic trace is permanent.

These imperfections are openly disclosed as part of the Fair grade. The camera is fully functional as a rangefinder and is well suited to collectors, soft-focus enthusiasts, or users who appreciate a working classic with character.

Bundled Items
Camera body only.
Any other items visible in the photos are included.
No strap, no case, no battery, and no lens cap are included unless visible in the photos.

Important Notes for Used Items
As this is a used item, subtle imperfections may exist that are not individually described.

Shipping
We ship via Japan Post (ePacket Light). Your package will be handed over to the local postal carrier in your country for final delivery. For high-value items, we may use FedEx or DHL.
We only ship to registered addresses.
We ship within 3 business days after payment.

Customs and Taxes
Import duties, taxes, and other fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office before bidding.
We do not under-declare item values or mark items as "gifts."

Returns and Buyer Protection
Handled in accordance with Catawiki's Seller Terms.
If you have any questions, please contact us before bidding.

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