Need advice: XA with better shutter release?

[tonyonions]

A question from a semi-lurker. After many years of using some nice cameras (M6, M4-P, Yashica, R4, XA4, Canon SLR and assorted others), the camera which I feel suits me best is the Lomo LC-A+. It’s the right size for carrying everywhere, I like the no-fuss zone focus, and the instant response. But, much as I love the look the lens gives, I would also really like to have a similar camera that has better image quality.

The obvious answer is the Olympus XA series. I completely agree (and I love my XA4), EXCEPT I find the shutter release to be too unreliable. So my question is: can anyone recommend a film camera which is compact, has a fast focusing system, but a mechanical shutter button?

Thanks for your help.

 

[btgc]

Yashica Electro 35MC is the camera. Easy to use Av mode (aperture ring is big enough to use comfortably), easy to set scale focus (zone symbols in VF). Small body (although heavier than plasticky XA's). Runs on current 4SR44 battery; no need for expensive converters, cheap foil or hearing aid cells. Yes, lens is "slow" f/2.8, but XA isn't any faster. And, finally, release...it has shorter throw than large body Electro's so it feels better. Decent range of speeds. Sure, there are fancier cameras around but 35MC does the job.

 

[tonyonions]

Thanks for the reply. I actually have a 35GS which is relatively bulky. Looks like the MC is smaller. I will try to track one down, thanks.

 

[btgc]

Large Electro's are for fun not for dragging around daily. Small Electro's are heavier than XA's but oddly enough - most of time size is limiting factor, not weight.

Years ago provins.co.uk had .jpg's with manual for 35MC but now seems it's gone.

 

[shadowfox]

If an XA (or any other in the series) is in good working condition, there is no reason for the shutter button to be unreliable.

Have you consider sending your XA4 for a service?

 

[jsrockit]

Why not a Rollei 35?

 

[The Standard Deviant]

Hello Tony, it may just be a case of tightening the screw underneath the release. I think you'd have to take off the button cover, bottom case, sliding part and top. And not lose the little metal cylinder!

 

[NLewis]

The XA release shouldn't be "unreliable." In fact it is quite splendid if you can get used to its soft-touch feel. it was designed to allow handheld shots at low speeds. The XA series is 25-30 years old now so they are due for a CLA. It might seem strange to spend maybe $75 to CLA a camera that you can buy for $50. The problem is, you can't buy one with a CLA! You might need new foam seals anyway. I'd send it off to Gus Lazzari. Personally, I like the original XA with rangefinder focus. Even if the rangefinder patch is barely there these days, you can still zone focus it pretty well.

 

[Greyscale]

If you do decide on disassembly to try to troubleshoot your shutter release issue, the repair manual for the XA can be downloaded from here:

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/repairmanuals.html

 

[Jack Conrad]

Another splendid alternative is the Olympus Trip 35.
About as simple as it gets without batteries or electronics and what a great lens.

 

[tonyonions]

Thanks everyone. I guess I should have thought about having the XA4 serviced (or trying it myself). As NLewis says, it mkaes sense even if the cost is greater than the cost of the camera.

So does anyone know a good UK-based person who services these cameras?