MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
This isn't paid work, just for fun or personal/friend photos. I'll be going to a few parties, and thats where I take a large portion of my photos.
I need some help with camera choices. I'm choosing between:
Leica iiia/Jupiter 8/Metz flash - Wicked setup, flash dwarfs the camera though and 50 may be tight for some shots. I would like to use this camera more, its not that I don't use it a lot, but its not my daily camera like the XA is, and I'd like it to be.
XA with A11 flash - Nice small camera, flash exposure is always spot on. RF isn't as good in low light [hard to see vs leica] so I sometimes have to scale focus, which I guess isn't a problem. I also have a urge to go and use my leica to get it all brassy.
What does RFF think? Which one and why?
Marko
I need some help with camera choices. I'm choosing between:
Leica iiia/Jupiter 8/Metz flash - Wicked setup, flash dwarfs the camera though and 50 may be tight for some shots. I would like to use this camera more, its not that I don't use it a lot, but its not my daily camera like the XA is, and I'd like it to be.
XA with A11 flash - Nice small camera, flash exposure is always spot on. RF isn't as good in low light [hard to see vs leica] so I sometimes have to scale focus, which I guess isn't a problem. I also have a urge to go and use my leica to get it all brassy.
What does RFF think? Which one and why?
Marko
david.elliott
Well-known
Both. The XA will fit in your pocket anyway.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
memphis: It's also my vacation kit! Nice and light with high image quality.
Hmm, just did a comparison. Why does the XA RF[with red dot on finder to increase RF contrast] and is 30 years old, suck compared to a 70 year old Leica? I'm not talking about focusing accuracy or anything, just being able to see the patch and being able to see the 2 images easily.
Hmm, just did a comparison. Why does the XA RF[with red dot on finder to increase RF contrast] and is 30 years old, suck compared to a 70 year old Leica? I'm not talking about focusing accuracy or anything, just being able to see the patch and being able to see the 2 images easily.
Chris101
summicronia
Radically different cameras Marko. The XA is a 35mm f/2.8 with less capable focussing and a weaker flash. Your Leica/Jupiter/Metz setup is like, da bomb for dark location shooting when you don't care how much flash you throw at your subject. Plus the lens is f/2 so you could do available light if you had [strike]someone[/strike] something to lean on.
Plus the Leica is a chick magnet (which is so important at those kind of functions) while the Oly is ... not.
Plus the Leica is a chick magnet (which is so important at those kind of functions) while the Oly is ... not.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
Chris, I actually can't do available light yet, as I need to get the lens CLA'd, which includes shimming for correct focusing. I have to stick with f4+ to get a sharp photo. The Oly is small and cute though!
And here's the set in question:
And here's the set in question:
Chris101
summicronia
Back to the chick magnet thing, does "small and cute" do it for you?
Bingley
Veteran
I agree: both. But I would forget the XA flash: it's pretty lame. Better to find some high speed film, like Superia 800, and shoot available light (the shutter is close to zero vibration and is next to silent). W/ fast, bright contrasty film, the little fellow shines! I like to shoot mine w/ 400UC. And it fits in your pocket, too!
Morca007
Matt
I beg to differ, Chris, any film camera gets attention these days, especially one as cute as the XA(2).
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
if you need a fancy camera (or other male jewellery) to attract a female.............I beg to differ, Chris, any film camera gets attention these days, especially one as cute as the XA(2).
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
Is the XA actually fancy?
Darkhorse
pointed and shot
Speaking of the XA, what do they usually run for these days? The basic flashless rangefinder one I mean. I see them a lot selling at $100+ is this for real?
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
I bought my XA with A11 flash for $60? I think, and it ended up needing new seals [Which I got from Jon Goodman/Interslice for around $12 precut] and then it was perfect. It took me around a half hour with toothpicks and lighter fluid to get all the material out, and 10 min to put the new material in. I would say for XA+A11, around $50-60 for one that show wear/needs new seals, $80 for a resealed one. There's a nice one on APUG: http://www.apug.org/forums/classifieds.php?do=showad&adid=732&title=olympus-xa-price-reduction
ADDED: They're kinda a 'cult' camera for their small size, features and unique lens look. So they're kinda rising in price. My XA is well used.
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gerbilthemistake
Well-known
For partys i usually carry my XA2 A11 flash with me its small and i'm way less worried about it. A lot of times friends will want to handle whatever camera i bring, im more comfortable with them handling the XA2 especially if they've had a few drinks.
feenej
Well-known
I dropped my XA at a Chester French concert last week, from the bleachers, onto pavement. Smashed the feck out of it. I was pricing a replacement at Keh: $80 to $150.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
Yeah, KEH is surprisingly expensive for XAs, which usually sell above private sale asking prices, but they are cheap for SLRs, eg Nikon F3, which sell below private sale prices. Get a private sale XA.