Olympus XA shutter hangs

[thomas_dannhauser]

The shutter on my Olympus XA tends to hang open (overexposure) when

the camera is first used after sitting inactive for a period of

time. Repeat shots immediately after the first exposure appear to be

satisfactory. The problem will frequently reappear after a short

(few minutes) interval, and almost always after a long one (hours,

days). Battery check is OK. I've had it serviced twice locally

(different shops); no success. Any insights to the problem and

suggestions as to a fix/repair? Thanks for your help.

[jose f.]

Mine does something similar, though it's more of a reluctance of the shutter switch to function.

My suspicion is that a capacitor somewhere inside is aging. The solution seems to be a fresh battery every six months instead of every 12, unless you can find someone to analyze and repair the circuit. They're nice cameras to use. Bought mine new in about 1979-80.