MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
I may buy one of these great cameras from KEH.com, and I was wondering what condition should I get it in? The BGN is $65, while the EX is $115
I currently have enough for the BGN camera. I'm a bit wary of buying BGN because my Nikon F5 is BGN and it looks well used, and I'm not sure if I will get a lot of use out of a non pro camera such as the XA if it comes in that condition already.
What do you guys think?
I currently have enough for the BGN camera. I'm a bit wary of buying BGN because my Nikon F5 is BGN and it looks well used, and I'm not sure if I will get a lot of use out of a non pro camera such as the XA if it comes in that condition already.
What do you guys think?
BillBingham2
Registered User
I have heard great things about BGN stuff from KEH. I've got an A11 flash I will send you for the price of shipping (almost nothing) if you get her.
I would call KEH and ask a person to pull the EX unit and their best BGN unit out and describe each one's condition for you. It is by far the best approach to see what you are getting. They might have a great BGN unit that is almost EX. Only way to tell is to have someone there look with you on the other end of the phone.
PM me your address when you get her.
B2 (;->
I would call KEH and ask a person to pull the EX unit and their best BGN unit out and describe each one's condition for you. It is by far the best approach to see what you are getting. They might have a great BGN unit that is almost EX. Only way to tell is to have someone there look with you on the other end of the phone.
PM me your address when you get her.
B2 (;->
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
I heard great things about BGN, but sometimes you get a user, and sometimes you get a almost EX camera. I got a user, as mentioned in the OP, and it was quite heavily used. I might call them up and ask!
Thanks for offering the flash! I don't know how I would pay for shipping as I would probably have to mail cash or something to you [I'm a high school student and therefore don't have a credit card.]
The main reason I would like the XA is the noise reduction over my Stylus Epic [even the F5 sounds quieter on single mode] and the manual settings.
Thanks for offering the flash! I don't know how I would pay for shipping as I would probably have to mail cash or something to you [I'm a high school student and therefore don't have a credit card.]
The main reason I would like the XA is the noise reduction over my Stylus Epic [even the F5 sounds quieter on single mode] and the manual settings.
newspaperguy
Well-known
I grabbed my XA last weekend for the first time in months (maybe longer) for a trip with my daughter to the Newseum in Washington DC. I had forgotten how near silent this camera is as I snapped some crowd shots and not even those close to me noticed.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
If I get this camera, what will I do with my Stylus Epic then?!
Bingley
Veteran
In my limited experience, the difference between BGN and EXC graded camera bodies at KEH is cosmetic. There should be no difference in function. In any event, given KEH's very liberal return policy, it's a pretty low-risk purchase: I'd say get the BGN graded XA, run a roll of film through it to test it, and if there's a problem return it.
The XA is a terrific little camera, both as a back-up and as a stealth shooter. Nice sharp lens, too.
The XA is a terrific little camera, both as a back-up and as a stealth shooter. Nice sharp lens, too.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
I'm torn between the XA and a 55mm f3.5 macro for my Nikon, but I think I'll get the XA because I like wide angles.
Poptart
Screw Loose & Fancy-Free
The main thing that goes wrong with the XAs is the meter on switch, which is on the front of the body under the clamshell, and is supposed to turn on when you open the case; they tend to get dirty and stick so that the meter won't function - so neither will the shutter.
S
Stanton
Guest
I've bought various BGN items from KEH and have always been happy with them. In many cases, I couldn't figure out why they were "BGN." I wouldn't worry. Dave
Bill58
Native Texan
Second that--make sure they tell you the shutter fires! That's the Achille's heel of the XA. It's hard to fix yourself and it tends to be costly.
W
wlewisiii
Guest
I've got one that fires, appears to have an accurate shutter & meter but the meter arm stopped swinging. You can have it for postage if you want to try and fix it - there's a service manual on line for free at: http://www.eserviceinfo.com/downloadsm/11251/OLYMPUS_olympus xa.html
Frankly, I like the older all manual pocket cameras better and don't consider the XA to be worth my time or money to get fixed. Sure, it's nice, but there are many nicer ones.
William
Frankly, I like the older all manual pocket cameras better and don't consider the XA to be worth my time or money to get fixed. Sure, it's nice, but there are many nicer ones.
William
mh2000
Well-known
use it for when the dim little RF will become useless... 
I own both cameras, I enjoy shooting the XA more for outdoor thoughtful shooting, the Stylus Epic for everything else PS.
What are XA's going for on ebay? $100+ for EX seems damn high for this day and age. Superb Minox 35's can be had for $50 (and the Minox are *better* in many ways).
I own both cameras, I enjoy shooting the XA more for outdoor thoughtful shooting, the Stylus Epic for everything else PS.
What are XA's going for on ebay? $100+ for EX seems damn high for this day and age. Superb Minox 35's can be had for $50 (and the Minox are *better* in many ways).
mh2000
Well-known
PS if you go with the fixer-upper, the trick to getting the top off is to pry off the orange plastic shutter thing to get to the last screw (have to super glue it back when you are done). My indicator needle froze and it was just a stray piece of tobacco stuck in the coil (I used to smoke like a fiend).