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Now, if you have model XA, XA1 or XA2 and you want to go one step further and remove the
film door entirely, here’s how I do that: First, look at the bottom plate of your camera…
(you may also remove the door of the XA3 and XA4, but unless you need to repaint the door, I
seldom find this necessary)
Okay, now let’s clean your camera. Take your small screwdriver or an old dropper bottle and use
it to carefully drop naphtha (lighter fluid) or denatured alcohol on the areas that have seal
material attached. Please remember your camera’s body is plastic…some solvents will
damage
plastic, so never
use solvents like acetone, MEK, toluol, fingernail polish, etc. I normally drop
enough solvent on the old seal to saturate it. Let this sit about 2 minutes and then begin
scraping it off. You may use a toothpick with the end broken off, your bamboo tool, or a wooden
cuticle stick. Work carefully and try not to scratch the painted surface. In some cases you may
find the adhesive doesn’t turn loose easily. It may take the paint off with it (see picture below).
If this occurs, you may touch it up with semi-gloss black paint and a small paint brush, or you
may re-paint the inner door with the paint I mention in “notes.” The main thing is to be patient
and give the solvent time to dissolve and loosen the old adhesive. IMPORTANT NOTE:
Observe the precautions on the solvent. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid too
Remove the carrying strap, revealing the stainless
steel rod (arrow number 1). Using the edge of a
small knife, catch the rod and slide it downward.
You should see the metal rod start to slide out of
the bottom hinge (arrow number 2). When you can
catch this rod with a small pair of pliers, slide it out.
Your door will now come off easily, and to replace,
you will simply reverse this process.
(1) remove battery cover and batteries and set aside (2)
move lever to “self timer” and remove all 5 phillips head
screws. 3 are long and 2 are short. You can see where they
go. (3) carefully lift up on the bottom plate using your
fingernail to pull it up near the lever. It may be resistant,
but if you’re patient, it will come off.
To the left, a visual example of how I remove the pressure
plate in the first series XA models. Gentle pressure until
you feel a “click.” It will replace in the opposite fashion.