Help with Canonet QL17

[Swift1]

Hi all, I am new here and totally new to rangefinders. I purchased a Canonet QL17 on craigslist today for $25. It looks to be in great condition appearance wise but I am not sure if it works. I haven't loaded any film in it yet but the front ring on the end of the lens seems to be loose as does the shutter speed ring. I can't seem to turn the shutter speed ring either.
I can wind the film winder but when I press the shutter release, nothing happens. My initial thought are that something is broken and the leaf shutter is stuck but since I have zero experience with these cameras I am hoping I am not doing something right.
Any help is much appreciated.
If it is broken, is it worth fixing and has anyone experienced any problems?

Thanks

Swift1

 

[Chaser]

Try moving the aperture ring and make sure it is off of the A setting the A setting locks the shutter when the meter reading is too high or low...and if you don't have a good battery in it will not fire on A.

 

[januaryman]

Those are a lot of problems. If you're committed, you might want to sent it to Mark Hama for a CLA. The loose ring and stuck shutter speed dial both sound ominous. You might be better off trying for one with a warranty or at least a clear return policy. That said, a CLA will run a bit under $100, probably, so for about $125, after the CLA, you will have a nearly perfect camera once called a "poor man's Leica." I had two, now I have just one, but I would never sell it.

 

[Swift1]

thanks for the answers. would you be able to give me Mark Hama's info?

Swift1

 

[januaryman]

http://markhama.home.comcast.net/~markhama/index.html