Some pix from the Oly XA2

[chubasco]

For a $20 camera, this is fun to use, especially in places where cameras are
frowned upon:

1-3, TriX 400>800 exp 03/1996, HC-110E, 10 mins, 23C; 4-6, Arista Premium
400>800, Diafine 4.5+4.5, 24C

 

[Photosynthetech]

Great photos! I've been using my XA quite a bit, mostly at concerts where either I don't want to carry a weightier camera or "professional" cameras are not allowed. Neat little beasts

 

[chubasco]

Thanks, Benjamin, I owned an XA and foolishly gave it away, but did find the
focus lever a little fiddly. I like the fact that your hand effectively masks what
it is, like it could be a cell phone or blackberry.

 

[pvdhaar]

Wonderful, isn't it, what the XA2 can do. It's my favorite camera for low profile shooting as well. Quiet, unobtrusive, and fast. Image quality is also great.. that is, if I don't forget to set the focus slider first. That it resets to middle distance when closing the clamshell instead of keeping it set where it was, is its only shortcoming in my mind. I think I'm going to tape a small reminder under the finder..

 

[mfunnell]

It's my favorite camera for low profile shooting as well. Quiet, unobtrusive, and fast.

Well, mine is a red one - which possibly makes it go faster (if that works for cameras the way it does for cars) but certainly makes it stand out more. It was my mother's camera which does make it special in another way.

...Mike

 

[pvdhaar]

Well, mine is a red one - which possibly makes it go faster..

Only if you glue spoilers on it and change the low light led into a blue one that's always on..

 

[David Hughes]

And, the XA2 is not as fragile as the XA and a fraction of the price. But, imo, the XA3 is even better as it has that nice little +1½EV facility for contre jour, snow etc from the XA. And the XA1 really fools 'em.

Regards, David

 

[ChrisPlatt]

That it resets to middle distance when closing the clamshell instead of keeping it set where it was, is its only shortcoming in my mind.

I disagree strongly. IMO this ingenious feature is a major *advantage*.
The hyperfocal setting is ideal for most grab shots, and the XA2/XA3
resets it automatically for you each time you close the camera cover.

Chris

 

[pvdhaar]

I disagree strongly. IMO this ingenious feature is a major *advantage*.
The hyperfocal setting is ideal for most grab shots, and the XA2/XA3
resets it automatically for you each time you close the camera cover.

Chris

You're right that when you draw it out of a pocket just like that to take a grab shot, it's perfect. But that's not how I use it.. When I walk around, I've got the distance (often infinity) set on the camera and also set in my mind. I've got a tendency to close the cover after a shot and then walk around for a bit, open the cover and shoot assuming the same distance I've got in my mind. Of course, you can argue about whether infinity is the right default distance anyway.. I guess it's a personal preference.

 

[Harlee]

XA2 Pics

XA2 Pics

Just returned from Ukraine and here are a few shots from my XA2. One is an available light shot from my hotel window. The XA2 was set on a small tripod and the exposure came out quite nicely. I've been shooting the XA series for around 30 years and carry one of them with me wherever I travel, especially in E. Europe.

 

[chubasco]

Folks, thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Harlee, great set, this little camera never ceases to amaze. If any one else wants to post
their XA2 pics, feel free. Thanks.

 

[btgc]

Pros:
Body, lens, takes current batteries, clamsheel cover is good to replace lens cap.

Cons:
Shutter release may be hit or miss, clamshell needs to be opened (and metering constantly) to have instant response, hand strap is metal-to-metal connection.

This is amazing camera, but then...I own only amazing cameras

 

[chubasco]

Nice ones, Andrejs! Love both of these. A few more from another TriX roll that expired 3/96:

tinting to #2 added in VP Studio, Diafine 4.5+4.5 @ 24C, pushed to 800. A
little gwainy, but hey, expired 15 years ago.