Newly acquired XA - Rangefinder problem?

[angstmann]

Hi everyone, just received an XA in fairly good visual condition from eBay. However, when I turn the focusing lever the double image in the rangefinder patch doesn't move or change at all.

I've searched this forum fairly extensively and only come across one mention of this issue, with no real solutions given. Is it safe to assume that the rangefinder mechanism is damaged in some way and that I'm likely to be unable to fix it myself...? Or, is there some procedure to engage the rangefinder that I am foolishly not doing? Assuming the rangefinder isn't working, how usable does the camera remain (I've read about scale focusing etc)?

I bought the camera to take away on a stag weekend, as I didn't want to take an expensive digital camera with me that I might lose - plus I was intrigued to try out a rangefinder camera for the first time - ironic that it seems to be the rangefinder bit thats not working right...

Any advice/tips for a rangefinder and XA newbie would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[John Hermanson]

I have seen a few XAs where the moving mirror element of the rf is jammed, possibly from years of non-use. This could be your problem. John

 

[angstmann]

Thanks John.. yes, that sounds quite likely I think. I have contacted the eBay seller and just heard back from them - they have agreed to a full refund, so I'm pleased about that. The hit and miss of eBay strikes again 🙂