[Leica] RE: Pecker camera

[CAMRALUGGR@aol.com]

I own three Canonet QL-17s, none of which I paid more than five dollars for 
with case and Canonlite D flash, and am really pleased with their 
performance.  I am always amazed at the sharpness and color rendition of the 
40mm f/1.7 lens.  More importantly, they flash sync at every speed on the 
dial, making outdoor fill flash during brightly sunlit days very simple:  
"Sunny 16" rules (or whatever shutter speed vs. f/stop equivalent creates the 
same ambient exposure), small, shoe-mouted flash set on manual and shoot.  
Within the flash's range, very satisfactory results can be expected.  

For a dependable, knock-around, take anywhere, poor-mans Leica CL, this 
camera is hard to beat.  Fitted with a Domke Gripper strap, and a rectangular 
Vivitar 48mm lens hood  (B&H used department sells them, item # 243548) made 
for the Canon AF 35mm Sure Shot (hard-core, anti-filter types can remove the 
built-in 1A filter), you will not find a better value, pound for pound, in a 
true rangefinder camera.  It goes with me everywhere, along with my M6/35 
Summicron/90 Tele-Elmarit.  If it goes over a cliff, I won't be diving after 
it as I might with the Leica, but I sure would miss it!

FYI, B&H used to have 46mm versions of the above-mentioned hood which would 
probably be interesting to those Luggers who have inquired about such a hood 
recently.  It is worth a phone call to them to see if they have any left.

Best regards -- Mike