erikhaugsby said:
Granted, they are under $100, but I've had rotten luck with most things off of ebay. As such and for the time being I have decided just to put a blanket decision up and not buy anything off of ebay. Maybe this is my fault and maybe it is drastic, but I just wish that National Camera has as many XAs as they do other specific film cameras.
Erik:
You're right, in my opinion, to be generally hesitant about buying this camera from the 'bay. It's a complicated expression of the photographic-machine art, as robust as it might be, and it's getting on in years. And I've noticed that the XA recently experienced a "renaissance" of sorts on the 'bay and elsewhere, from which it is coming down now...given this, you might want to watch price trends. If you have difficulty finding one to purchase, you should try a WTB thread here on RFF.
In the interest of full disclosure, schow bought my former XA, which itself was purchased from the 'bay for a shade over $100 about a year or so ago. These days, it looks like $75 is at least a common price in that market, and in some cases will fetch the more powerul A16 flash (which, in my experience, is a useless upgrade) and a presentation case. This should give you some idea of what prices are doing.
That said, and if it helps, I happened upon some wisdom during my search for the XA:
1. clamshell doors are prone to mis-alignment after damage. Watch that the door closes truly flush and travels straight.
2. the RF patch is possibly dim or flare-y in indoor light, but I've never been able to determine to my satisfaction whether this was "by design", due to age, or just my misguided opinion. Outdoors, they're fine.
3. the focus action is a little fiddly, but in the hands of the adept, this is a true "one-hand" camera. Besides, there's always hyperfocus. This was my preferred chosen path.
4. as for any camera of this vintage, light seals are always a concern. But if it holds light, it's good to go.
The camera is incredibly small, dense, and capable. I found myself marveling often at what Olympus was capable of putting inside its small shell.
schow: excellent (and quick) work with the XA. I especially liked the first image; a true showpiece for the Zuiko optics. If you don't mind me asking, what film did you shoot?
Cheers,
--joe.
