Shooting My First Roll with the Canon Canonet QL17 GIII (1979) + Kodak Portra 160

There’s something special about putting an old camera through its paces for the first time—especially one as beloved as the Canon Canonet QL17 GIII. After years of digital shooting and some dabbling with other film compacts, I finally, again added this classic rangefinder to my kit. According to the serial number, my Canonet was produced in 1979, just a few years before the model was discontinued. It’s in great shape, and after some fresh light seals and a good cleaning, I loaded it up with a roll of Kodak Portra 160 and hit the streets.

Why the Canonet?

I’ve been shooting film since the 1970s, and I’ve come to appreciate compact rangefinders for their simplicity and quality. The Canonet QL17 GIII is famous for its sharp 40mm f/1.7 lens, quiet leaf shutter, and reliable metering system. The “QL” stands for “Quick Load,” and it truly lives up to the name. Loading film is intuitive, smooth, and secure—a welcome break from fiddly film threading.

Film Choice: Kodak Portra 160

I wanted my first outing with the Canonet to be special, so I went with Kodak Portra 160. It’s known for its smooth tones, soft contrast, and excellent skin rendering—perfect for sunny outdoor scenes and natural light photography. The ISO 160 rating also gave me flexibility to shoot at wider apertures for that signature rangefinder depth of field.

Developing at Home with Cinestill CS41

Once the roll was shot, I developed it at home using the Cinestill CS41 color chemistry kit. This kit makes C-41 developing accessible, especially for photographers like me who enjoy the hands-on process and control. The chemistry is straightforward and produces consistent results if temps are managed right. I’ve developed black and white film for years, but color is a newer adventure for me—and I’m loving it.

Scanning with the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i

After drying the negatives, I scanned them using my Plustek OpticFilm 8200i and SilverFast software. This combo allows me to get the most out of my negatives with sharp, high-resolution scans and fine color correction control. Portra really shines here—the tones were gorgeous, and I did only minimal adjustments in post.

First Impressions

This Canonet is a joy to use. The viewfinder is bright and clear, focusing is quick with the rangefinder patch, and the shutter is whisper-quiet. The lens? Tack sharp, even wide open. For a camera that’s over four decades old, it holds its own against many modern compacts. I can see why so many street and travel photographers love this model.

From zone focusing to metered shutter priority, it offers enough flexibility without overwhelming you with options. It’s just you, the light, and the moment.

Final Thoughts

There’s a deep satisfaction in using a fully mechanical rangefinder like the Canonet QL17 GIII—especially when paired with premium film like Portra 160 and developed by hand. This little camera has officially earned a spot in my regular rotation.

Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing a gallery from this roll below, featuring scenes from around Acworth, Georgia, where I gave this classic camera its first proper test. If you’re thinking about picking up a Canonet, I highly recommend it.