Retina IIa vs Olympus XA?

[elaydad]

Retina IIa vs. Vitomatic IIa

Retina IIa vs. Vitomatic IIa

Has anyone here used both and how would you compare them?

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Comparing the XA and the Retina IIa is like comparing a Leica M7 and a Hasselblad... No relation in portability, metering&AE, and final image quality...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[lxmike]

Both excellent cameras, I have used the Xa for many years and I love it, my carry anywhere camera, I have used a Kodak Retinette IIb, a slower in use camera, but the lens was a stunner. I have just aquired a Kodak Retina IIa, I'll shoot a few rolls and then let you know what I think, but as a lot have pointed out its a bit like comparing apples and oranges.

 

[l.mar]

Has anyone here used both and how would you compare them?

They're both great --- use whichever one you've got with you!

(Retina IIa)

(Oly XA)

 

[oscroft]

Ah, a resurrected thread about two of my favourite cameras 🙂

I love the XA - I have one in my coat pocket almost all the time.

The IIa is a different thing altogether, with an excellent lens, whichever version you have (I have one of each, and I can't see any difference in quality).

 

[panchro-press]

I use both cameras.
The XA is the one I most often use.
If wearing a jacket, both cameras can be paced in the pocket. If in just shirt sleeves, the XA is the way to go.
The XA is much faster to set-up. A quick slide of the clamshell, focus, and make the photograph. It's much more quiet as well.
I also think the Zuiko is the better lens.