The Olympus XA

R

rovnguy

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I've been shooting rangefinder cameras since the 50's in the last century. My Dad started me on his brand new Argus C3. The old "brick" was quite a handful for me and it started me deep appreciation of cameras with a rangefinder. About four years ago I was out looking for a Minox 35, when at one photo shop a gent behind the counter handed me a little black clamshell camera. On the sliding part of the clamshell were the bright white letters spelling OLYMPUS. I knew I had a real quality instrument in my hands because of all my years using their products. The fellow gave me two rolls of film and told me to read the instruction book, learn how to use the camera, shoot all the film and check back in a week. What a deal! So I did, and when I returned a week later he developed the film and printed the negatives while I waited. I was so amazed at the results. The fellow told me the XA was the most under-rated and misunderstood cameras to hit the market in years. I paid for the film processing and gave him $75.00 for the camera. I now have three XA's and one XA-4. To get the most out of this camera you have to know how to use the tiny RF patch. It isn't very bright, but you need to practice with it so using it becomes second nature. I always have one on my person along with a spare roll of film. The shots I've been able to get would only be fading memories without this compact little expression of Maitani's genius. Once you really know your camera and its capabilities with a given film, you can shoot damn near anything and get great results. I have a large collection of rangefinder cameras, and I receive great pleasure from using them. But the little XA is the King of the Hill.
 
I know just what you mean. I always carry a Stylus Epic/Mju II. Though not a rangefinder, it clearly follows Maitani's ideas on small and clever cameras. Love the spotmeter, too. And to stay on topic, I'd like an XA someday, too :D
 
Jeroen - There are quite a few XA's out there in the used market. I personally stay away from ebay (caveat emptor) because I can't put my hands on the merchandise and check it out for myself. A good place to go is Adorama. Yes, they are a big NYC outfit, but if you call them up and ask for Meyer, you won't be dissatisfied. They'll also do COD, if that fits your style. You will pay a bit more, but they put a 30 day warranty on used equipment and they thoroughly check each piece for operability before it is listed.
 
Franks - I did eventually get a Minox GT. It also has a great little lens. I guess I'm just a bit of a control freak... I like to focus on my subject thru the rangefinder when the situation allows it. I guess because it is a scale focus type of canera, the Minox does have a DOF scale that is missing on the XA.
 
I purchased a Commander Bag from Adorama last month. Ordered it on the web, opted for the slowest and cheapest delivery. It came in a very nice re-usable box in about 8 days by UPS.

-Paul
 
I find that restaurants, and even more so cafes are a good place to set the XA aperture and focus, set the self timer, put a piece of black tape over the blinking LED & speaker area and use the other diners as wonderful subjects.
 
Those little XA's are durable. I bought mine new when they first hit the market (1978 or so?) and I'm still using it. I use it far more than the poor lovely ol' OM-1's that just sit in the closet. And they used to be my 'serious' cameras :)

Come to think of it, one of them has a partially exposed roll of Tri-X in it. Guess I should get it out and at least finish off the roll.

Gene
 
Go for it Gene!! On a "normal" week I usually go thru a roll of film a week. I've just started back shooting B&W, but now use the Minolta HiMatic 7S that Joe sold me.
 
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