Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Film Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Film Cameras
I wanted a film camera to keep in my pocket, something other than an auto-everything point-and-shoot. The Olympus XA doesn't have many rivals in this category when it comes to size and feature. I love the fact that it's a true rangefinder, and gives me at least aperture control. The 35mm f2.8 lens is versatile and bright enough for most hand-held situations. The A11 flash is also dead on. The only minus is the partially what makes this camera so great - its size. all the controls are tiny and the focus tab is hard to find by feel. The whole experience is a bit fiddly, and getting the first shot off can take a little longer than I like when I'm in a hurry. The quality of the lens and exposure control are first-rate. Sharp pictures that's a match for this photographer's abilities.
Photos turn out great with just a touch of vignetting. Shot two rolls of Agfa Vista 200 through it so far and I'm very happy with the sharpness and saturation. It's easy to use and get's the attention of photo geeks which is kinda fun. This unit will need new light seals soon, but that is to be expected of cameras of this vintage.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you would like to have a very small 35mm film camera that you can just point and shoot with a detachable flash making it even smaller you would love this little gem. If your at a party or any outing where light is very low making it very hard to focus a manual 35mm camera this is the camera you need for the job. It will take vivid picture's with flash or sunlight; the only draw back is you can not get closer than 4ft. to subject for best result's and clarity. I own many OLYMPUS camera's including a 12 megpix. digital and still have this little gem in my pocket; color & clarity is very close to digital with this amazing little camera. For best result's use 200 ISO or higher. This camera is comprabel to the Yashica T-series which still go for $300.00 you can have the XA2 for a fraction of this cost and still have the quality.Read full review
I bought this camera with only one purpose: street photography. This ultra-compact 35 mm camera features a terrific, crisp 35mm/f:2.8 lens that performs well under all circumstances. The XA was introduced in 1979. It is an aperture priority automatic exposure rangefinder camera. Manual override is not an option, except by changing the ASA range of the film. The rangefinder is bright and easy to use, although smaller than I am used to. The XA is almost as compact as modern digital point-and-shoots. Its small size and very quiet operation make it a favorite for street photography of any kind. The XA has been in my pocket since I bought it, and I have ran several rolls of film through it. This little camera performs flawlessly.
I purchased my first Olympus XA in 1980 as an accompaniment to my Nikon F2A system. Its size and portability filled a niche in my photographing technique that superceded the Nikon in many instances where precise focusing and exposure were not possible. Its inconspicuous presence could easily be utilized in crowded situations without calling attention to itself or me. As small as a deck of cards(without the attached A11 flash), it can easily be held, and all features operated, with one hand. I took many of my finest silver gelatin images with this camera as the Zuiko optics encompassed in the 35/2.8 lens are well-suited for "decisive moment" street photography. The camera travels well, also, and accompanied me on numerous worldwide adventures. The camera provided me with 10 years of reliable service under very difficult working conditions. I have worked without the XA for the past 15 years and have greatly missed it. With the onslaught of the Digital Revolution, these types of cameras are more and more difficult to find, so for old school photographers like myself that prefer doing work primarily in a darkroom rather than a PC, I am glad that this camera was available by eBay auction. There seem to be many of these Olympus XA cameras available through auction, but if you intend to have one as a "working" camera, may I suggest you find one in mint condition or better. And don't just buy the first one to come along as surely many will follow. Also, beware the later model XA2 which does not have the aperture-priority option, but rather "scene" settings.Read full review