Darshan
Well-known
Hi, I recently acquired an XA4 and have shot 2 rolls through it so far. For some reason, my distance guess on my Rollei 35 is better than on the XA. This may be due to 2 reasons:
1. It's easier to set the most accurate distance scale on the Rollei than on the XA as the XA has set distances and I cannot choose anything in between.
2. I am more critical of setting the scale on the Rollei if I have a larger aperture selected compared with a smaller aperture. This cannot be an option on the XA as the exposure is automatic and the focus error is magnified in poor light because of the narrow DOF.
Does this mean that the Oly is mostly a daylight camera? I don't think so as I have seen some exceptional poor light images from it.
Please help me understand how this little camera sets its exposure. And what is the best way to focus in not so great light.
It also has automatic DX contacts. Is there a way to fool the DX system? If yes, can I select a different ASA speed from shot to shot to compensate?
I apologize for the long post, but I know this camera is capable of a lot more than what I am able to get out of it.
Thanks.
1. It's easier to set the most accurate distance scale on the Rollei than on the XA as the XA has set distances and I cannot choose anything in between.
2. I am more critical of setting the scale on the Rollei if I have a larger aperture selected compared with a smaller aperture. This cannot be an option on the XA as the exposure is automatic and the focus error is magnified in poor light because of the narrow DOF.
Does this mean that the Oly is mostly a daylight camera? I don't think so as I have seen some exceptional poor light images from it.
Please help me understand how this little camera sets its exposure. And what is the best way to focus in not so great light.
It also has automatic DX contacts. Is there a way to fool the DX system? If yes, can I select a different ASA speed from shot to shot to compensate?
I apologize for the long post, but I know this camera is capable of a lot more than what I am able to get out of it.
Thanks.
Darshan
Well-known
come on, 96 views and no reply 
I am sure there are folks here who know how to use their XAs very well.
I am sure there are folks here who know how to use their XAs very well.
itf
itchy trigger finger
I have an XA4, it's not a common camera so maybe that's why you haven't got many responses. To set your own ISO, use a film cassette with no DX code or put some tape over the dx code then set your ISO on the front of the camera.
As far as focusing goes, the aperture stops down a bit for the closer distances (0.3m and 0.5m I think), and the cord that comes with the camera acts as a measuring tool for the closer distances too. Beyond that, I suppose zone focus by steps rather than a continuous scale makes a difference. 28/3.5 should give fair DOF, most of depth behind the marked distance.
As far as focusing goes, the aperture stops down a bit for the closer distances (0.3m and 0.5m I think), and the cord that comes with the camera acts as a measuring tool for the closer distances too. Beyond that, I suppose zone focus by steps rather than a continuous scale makes a difference. 28/3.5 should give fair DOF, most of depth behind the marked distance.
itf
itchy trigger finger
Oh yeah, and if your pictures are soft in low light it might be from movement during longer exposure with the slowish lens rather than from focus?? Seems to have 2 second maximum exposure. I haven't figured out what speed the slow shutter speed warning light comes on at.
Darshan
Well-known
Thanks Richard, you are 1 brave soul.
Most of the oof shots were in broad daylight, I guess I just need to be better at guessing distance (surprisingly, I am spot on on my Rollei). If you are saying most of the in focus area is behind the distance scale, I should go for a nearer scale while focusing.
You are right, the XA4 stops down to 5.6 for the 2 closest distances.
Most of the oof shots were in broad daylight, I guess I just need to be better at guessing distance (surprisingly, I am spot on on my Rollei). If you are saying most of the in focus area is behind the distance scale, I should go for a nearer scale while focusing.
You are right, the XA4 stops down to 5.6 for the 2 closest distances.