XA sticky focus lever

[erikhaugsby]

Do you have any idea what could cause an XA's focus lever to be sticky? (well, I'm sure there are lots of reasons 🙄 but maybe there's one specific to my camera)

I used it yesterday and all was fine, the focus like melted butter and whatnot. Today I picked it up and the focus lever was gritty, and as I moved it back and forth it would move the film speed lever with it. This was more pronounced moving counter-clockwise (focussing infinity - close moved the film speed from ISO 25 - 800).

It didn't suffer any falls, I haven't spilt any beer on it. As I move the lever back and forth it loosens up, but as soon as I set it down for a few minutes it tightens right back up.

Maybe this is a sign. I really want to like this camera, but it's a pain in the ass to use what with the dim vf/rf and tiny little focus lever buried within the clamshell.

Any ideas, suggestions?

 

[lonemantis]

The XA is one of my favourites, but mine has also been quirky as hell. Awhile ago its aperture mechanism disconnected, so the lens was stuck wide open. I fixed it with a controlled drop from about 4 feet onto carpet, and suddenly it worked like new again.

If you look at the top of the focus lever, you'll see it's connected to a ring that runs under the ISO dial. Make sure that it's unobstructed - maybe try running a needle or toothpick with a tiny bit of vaseline in the crack.

That said, maybe the XA isn't for you. There's lots of great compact RFs for the same price with proper focus rings. Try the classifieds?

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

You can get them checked and repaired - if need be - and that could include the RF mirror, f'instance.

And, if you do, the technician could tell you what was wrong with it.

Regards, David