Source: Petapixel: A Brief History of the Canon Canonet Rangefinder

In January of 1961, Canon introduced the Canonet, a consumer-friendly 35mm film rangefinder camera aimed at the average person. Over fifty years and fourteen variations later, film photographers still look back on the Canonet as an excellent choice for beginning and experienced photographers alike. Let’s travel back in time to see how it all began and why the Canonet remains popular even today.

Source: A Brief History of the Canon Canonet Rangefinder.

The Canonet QL-17 GIII is one of the best regarded of the fixed lens, compact rangefinder cameras. I have one, but have yet to try it out. However, in browsing around I’ve also noticed that there are many more Canonet models (e.g. original canonet; canonet 28, canonet 25; canonet 17 (no ql); canonet 17 – no GIII. Wikipedia lists no less than 17 different models including four 17’s and four 19’s – only one of which is covered in detail: the QL-17 GIII) I can guess that the number indicates the largest aperture and that the QL indicates that the camera has a “quick load” system. But I’ve no idea what the GIII means (third generation maybe?). I’ve also seen references to something called a “new” canonet. It’s all very confusing. I have a excellent book (Canon Rangefinder Cameras 1933-68 by Peter Dechert) on Canon rangefinder cameras, but it only deals with the older, Leica Thread Mount cameras. There are also multiple models of these – many of which look practically the same (what exactly is the difference between a Canon IV, IVSB, and IVSBII for example?). So the book didn’t help.

So I was excited when I came across this article on Petapixel. After I read it I was still somewhat bewildered, but it certainly helped. Maybe if I read it a few more times it will become clearer.