Oly XA

[olroy2044]

O Man the bug is biting again! Has any one here had any experiance with the Olympus XA? Been looking at these little cameras and getting that itch that only another camera can scratch! LOLOLOLOLOL Roy





I'm not a collector, not a collector, not a collector, not, not,

[bobm]

I don't have the XA but I do have the XA-3 which is a great little camera. The XA being an RF unlike the zone-focusing XA-3 means that your focusing won't be dependant on DOF for sharpness.

Only thing I would say, based on what I've read, is to check that the electro-magnetic shutter release functions reliably as it can fail - this seems to apply to all the XA series, not just the XA itself.

That said, my one hasn't let me down in twenty years of ownership....

[Dave]

I have all of them -- XA, XA1, XA2, XA3 and XA4 and the A11 and A16 flashes. Other than the XA1, fixed focus, selenium cell meter, I think they are all great. I tend to use the XA and the XA2 equally. The metering on both is more than adequate for color print film. The zone focusing on the XA2 is fine (remember you are dealing with a 35mm lens which gives you lots of depth of field anyway). I don't have any problems with the rangefinder on the XA. Some have had problems with the contrast. The lenses are sharp. The clamshell configuration allows you to safely shove them in a pocket. One of mine is always with me.

I highly recommend them.

Dave

[olroy2044]

Ah-h You guys are making it worse! Everything I've read about them sounds good. I really enjoy small cameras like these, witness my Pentax 110 and Rollei 35. I currently carry a small Oly digitoy in my pocket all the time. I often need to take photos on the spur of a moment at work for documentation purposes. I used to use the little Pentax, prior to the difficulty with processing. If I can find an XA in good shape, I will use it. My company will supply the film, and we have a minilab on premises! I only see one possible drawback to the XA, and it may not exist, I don't have the info. How close will it focus? Roy

[bobm]

The XA will focus down to 2.8 ft.

Check this link - it has a further link to the manual:

www.diaxa.com/xa/xa.htm

[Dan Vincent]

I have an XA and an XA-2. Haven't used them for years but I do put batteries in them every six months or so to keep the shutter limber.

They take great pictures and that clamshell case really keeps the lens safe.

Someday I may use them again but I still have several Minolta SLR's that I need to excercise first.

[pancake]

Roy let me help you further...



... courtesy of an XA4, the only wide-angle XA. ;D

[olroy2044]

Very neat pic of a-------strange-- looking machine :-) My hunt for another camera is on hold for a while due to some expensive medical attention needed by my aging partner



Roxanne-100 lbs of unswerving loyalty to my wife and I, and the reason I can work midnites without worrying. Her looks are deceiving, if she knows you, she is gentle as a lamb.
Spot F 200mm prime Viv/Komine.

[kiev4a]

The XA has a 2.8 lend and the later models a 3.5, I believe. I had an XA 2. The lens was super sharp and I think the XA is supposed to be better. Probably one of the nicest point and shoots ever made--which is why, the last time I checked, the XA commanded pretty decent prices. Great backup camera.

[andrew962]

I'm a diehard XA fan (although I like my Oly 35RC even better). It really is a marvel of engineering, and the pictures that come from that lens are simply superb. It's very sharp and delivers excellent color. It's definitely one of my all-time favorites.

Andy

[GeneW]

I'm another XA believer. When my last one quit working, I quickly found another to take its place. Aside from known vignetting issues at open apertures, the lens is sharp and the camera is a great take-anywhere compact. One thing I've noticed is that advancing the film gets a little sluggish on long rolls. My personal solution is to use it with 24-exp rolls only.

Gene

[olroy2044]

Made the mistake of perusing this old thread! Now I am impatiently awaiting the arrival of the UPS guy with my newly purchased XA2 with A11 flash, and it's all ya'lls fault!! ;D Really would druther had the XA but they are still a little too steep fer me (cheapskate that I am!) Less than 15.00 to my door for the XA2. ;D


(like the way I laid the blame off on alla you? ;D) Roy

[olroy2044]

It seems that on this side of the pond, there is an attitude that "bigger is better," and not just for cameras. I've looked for over a year at yard sales, thrift shops and other places and haven't seen even one. Lots of clapped out and abused SLR's, boxes, and folders, but only one Rollei 35, (which my better half bought me for my b/day over 20 years ago) and no XA's. Only recently has there been widespread interest in the smaller things. At least that seems to be the case in my neck of the woods. Can't speak for the rest of the country, but take a look at the cars that have been built by US auto makers in the not so distant past! Roy

[Deleted]

XA is arguably the best P&S 35mm ever made IMO. I had and XA2 and later an XA that I broke. Liked the XA a little better. The lens is better than the lenses of some SLRs. Thinking about it almost makes me want to shoot some film.

[GeneW]

I went walking with an old friend this morning -- my Olympus XA -- and finished a roll of Tri-X. I'll develop it later this week.



Gene