5 frames with the Canonet QL17 GIII in Glacier National Park – By Brady LaVigne

I started to aimlessly window shop for cameras I definitely never need while I was waiting for a roll to be developed. In the back of my head I knew I wanted another, better, 35mm for street and travel photography. My Canon FTB doesn’t quiet have the sharp details and colors that I am interested in. Then I saw the Canon QL17.

I had known about the Canonet QL17 for some time. Reviews I’d read of it said it was a “Poor Mans Leica” and through the 8+ rolls I’ve shot through it since owning it, I can see what why they claim that. The lens is super sharp and the whole camera is incredibly light, making it perfect for street photography. In addition, the shutter is so quiet, that when I first bought the camera, I pulled the film out about twelve shots into the roll (exposing the rest of the roll) because I thought the shutter was broken.

For this post, I decided to showcase Glacier National Park in western Montana with Tri-X 400 black and white film; a landscape traditionally photographed in color. This place has a sentimental value to me; my father has taken me here nearly every summer since 2009. The view of Lake McDonald from the Apgar Village shore is a site that will be ingrained into my memories for the rest of my life.

Unfortunately, parts of Lake McDonald were ravaged by The Howe Ridge Fire a few weeks after I departed. Although no injuries have been reported, as of writing this, the fire is only 17% contained and has burned 13,671 acres.

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