Transitions between SSa (left) and SSe (right) states. High-resolution X-ray spectra, in arbitrary flux units, for four novae with variable light curves. The left column contains SSa spectra extracted from bright time intervals while the right column contains SSe spectra resulting from fainter time intervals. The light blue lines are absorbed blackbody curves that guide the eye to the rough location of the continuum. Only RS Oph (bottom) does not transition from SSa to SSe during the faint phase. Panel 3R shows in grey shades the second XMM-Newton RGS observation of V2491 Cyg taken 10 days later, in comparison with the low-state spectrum. The low-state spectrum is more of SSe type while the later spectrum is more of SSa type. We believe that during times of fainter emission, less continuum is seen, leaving more emission originating further outside.