Great look at the XA. I use my XA2 more than my XA because I like the zone focus, but you can’t go wrong with either. I actually dig that hair trigger shutter, too.
theoldcameraguy I think the zone focusing makes more sense with how small and how bad the focus patch is on the xa, but I do like having control over aperture.... even though for what it’s used for it really doesn’t make a huge difference.
Thanks to the good videos on RUclips that explain how to take it apart, I decided to clean the viewfinder of my XA. It was so dirty! Now it's like new, and no more need for a pink filter to see the rangefinder better! 😎
Olympus XA2 is my favorite street camera I've used. Great focal length, great lens, 3 focus zones, and exp comp with ISO selector that is easily manipulated while sighting the viewfinder/composing.
I just got a mint XA with original box, plastic case, flash, and manuals. I paid a pretty ton of pennies for it but it was worth it. I did compare the focus patch to that of both my QL17 and 7s and did find it lacking. But other than that, it's a sweet little camera. I don't regret my purchase.
Great review! I love my XA. Mine also suffered from a difficult to see rangefinder patch. I actually took a piece electrical tape and cut a small square out the size of the patch. I then placed it over the rangefinder patch's location in the viewfinder, sticking it on the front of the camera. It adds an incredible amount of contrast to the rangefinder, even in low light!
Great video, I'm looking for my first film camera as I shoot digital right now. The XA looks like a solid choice for street photography. Thanks Graham.
@@graham_white subscribed, can't wait to see more of your content. Keep up the good work, you make a great video, you just need a little bit more of exposures.
Not really. It varies depending on the camera and how it’s setup. Usually a tiny square piece of black tape does the trick or some people do sharpie. Sometimes it can be cleaned internally but other times the coating is worn off and it can’t be cleaned.
@@graham_white I have never had problems with my Minox 35 ML and it is very fast to use and you can use it with only one hand which I often did. If you hold the Minox 35 ML upside down you have a sunshade !
I love the XA too. If the rangefinder patch is dim, a pink filter on the complete viewfinder will do a better job than a piece of black electrical tape in the middle of it... Don't hide an image, make the patch stand out
That has been my hesitation with using the tape, doesn't make sense to me to hinder your vision on a already small viewfinder. I haven't heard or even thought of something like a pink filter. Thanks for the tip
Thanks Miguel! Yeah I do all my own animations etc, time consuming but I think its worth it. it is a great little camera. can't see myself ever getting rid of it.
I'm actually not a fan of the XA. The rangefinder is for my taste a bit too small. (okay it does also has a bit of fungus which I wasn't aware of...). But man that animation at the beginning is just stunning!!
Nidave I agree I wish it was a bit bigger but for such a small camera it’s hard to ask that of it. And there are certainly better options once you go up size wise. But for someone just starting out I think it’s a very un-intimidating option. Haha thanks! Just trying to keep it interesting
Graham White that’d be great! i've been struggling finding a flash for my XA2 would to get the A11, if you’ve an extra one any model and would like to sell let me know! cheers
The XA is hard to focus, specially if you want to be fast. It is a 40 years old full electronic camera, lots of them have today a serious shutter-issue. I can't understand the hype!
Jan Peters what’s the shutter issue? Haven’t come across that in my research. Yeah as I said the one downsize is the focus/patch that can quickly ruin a shot (as seen in MANY of my photos) if it’s faded on top of not being used to it. I do think it’s a little overpriced. But it does have some great features and is a fun camera, I think people just got carried away with it. Still enjoy it in certain settings though
Olympus XA is one of the most beautiful compact camera design even today standard.
Kuro Wanna well said!
Great look at the XA. I use my XA2 more than my XA because I like the zone focus, but you can’t go wrong with either. I actually dig that hair trigger shutter, too.
theoldcameraguy I think the zone focusing makes more sense with how small and how bad the focus patch is on the xa, but I do like having control over aperture.... even though for what it’s used for it really doesn’t make a huge difference.
Thanks to the good videos on RUclips that explain how to take it apart, I decided to clean the viewfinder of my XA. It was so dirty! Now it's like new, and no more need for a pink filter to see the rangefinder better! 😎
🙌🔥
You can "fix" the faded rangefinder patch with black sharpie. Draw small box in the middle of the viewfinder and it will help with the patch
I’ve heard that or using highlighter or something to redo the box. I believe I have a small piece of electric tape on it nor
Olympus XA2 is my favorite street camera I've used. Great focal length, great lens, 3 focus zones, and exp comp with ISO selector that is easily manipulated while sighting the viewfinder/composing.
I just got a mint XA with original box, plastic case, flash, and manuals. I paid a pretty ton of pennies for it but it was worth it. I did compare the focus patch to that of both my QL17 and 7s and did find it lacking. But other than that, it's a sweet little camera. I don't regret my purchase.
Bert T. It really is. I know everyone says it’s overhyped. But for that size it really is a rad camera.
Great review! I love my XA. Mine also suffered from a difficult to see rangefinder patch. I actually took a piece electrical tape and cut a small square out the size of the patch. I then placed it over the rangefinder patch's location in the viewfinder, sticking it on the front of the camera. It adds an incredible amount of contrast to the rangefinder, even in low light!
Yeah, I discovered that option as well and did it to mine also. I don't like how it looks but mine's already beat up so what the heck I guess.
Loved the video! I live in Tokyo and just bought one of these. Can't wait to use it.
Nice! I am assuming since you live there you got one in much better condition than mine ha.
@@graham_white yeah the rangefinder patch is also still pretty visible on it.
just got an XA and have already shot two rolls. wonderful production quality in this video!
much appreciated. If nothing else, it is a fun camera.
I've seen the Olympus XA being beautifully for portrait fashion, really interested in testing it!
its a solid and fun little camera. Im sure it would give you some good results in that realm if your looking for that style in your photos.
I used 3 XA, as my key chain, and took great pictures... great mini camera even by today standard! And it is full frame.
SC Y agreed. Hard to beat for its size and easy to always have on you
Is the exploded view of the camera for me. Awesome edit!
On your last video I just wanted to ask you to make a review on Olympus XA and there you go. I’m gonna buy this camera and can’t wait to play with it!
Awesome! It’s a great little camera. You will get some great shots
Graham White bought it!😃😃😃😃😃
Great video, I'm looking for my first film camera as I shoot digital right now.
The XA looks like a solid choice for street photography. Thanks Graham.
Jay C thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. It’s a great camera for sure.
Just bought yashica fx-7,found your video. It will be nice if you make more video with your yashica since I'm a newcomer in film world
Dicky Finus I’ll see what I can do! Let me know if you have questions.
@@graham_white subscribed, can't wait to see more of your content. Keep up the good work, you make a great video, you just need a little bit more of exposures.
Great video man! I have an XA2 that I picked up recently and I love it! It’s so convenient to have a film camera that is actually pocketable.
Alex Baker thanks Alex! Completely agree. A very capable pocket cam
Excellent video. Thanks so much
Is there any guide how to fix faded focus on rangefinder?
Not really. It varies depending on the camera and how it’s setup. Usually a tiny square piece of black tape does the trick or some people do sharpie. Sometimes it can be cleaned internally but other times the coating is worn off and it can’t be cleaned.
Minox 35 ML or MB are GREAT for fast candid street Photography ! The Minox are also more compact the the XA, so the Minox can fit tight pockets.
I have one I recently got that I needa test out
@@graham_white I used mine for fast candid street photography, you can easy grab it and use it with just one hand, very nic Camera.
I'm not sure, but you may have missed the Minox 35.
Mik Milman very true I forgot to mention that one. Although I’m not a big fan of the door that obtrudes from it
@@graham_white I have never had problems with my Minox 35 ML and it is very fast to use and you can use it with only one hand which I often did. If you hold the Minox 35 ML upside down you have a sunshade !
I love the XA too. If the rangefinder patch is dim, a pink filter on the complete viewfinder will do a better job than a piece of black electrical tape in the middle of it... Don't hide an image, make the patch stand out
That has been my hesitation with using the tape, doesn't make sense to me to hinder your vision on a already small viewfinder. I haven't heard or even thought of something like a pink filter. Thanks for the tip
@@graham_white I cut it in an old multigrade filter. 2 of my 3 XA needed it... 35mm-compact.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42643&f=55
I managed to get one that was being sold as an XA2 .... hehe
Bahaha that’s awesome. I’m sure you got a steal there
Well put together video, thank you.
Gavin Lyons award appreciate feedback. Thanks Gavin!
Dude, awesome video.
Super cool video!
Thanks!
Dude! Did you do your own animations for the video? Awesome! Subscribed
I own an Olympus XA and I love it.
Thanks Miguel! Yeah I do all my own animations etc, time consuming but I think its worth it. it is a great little camera. can't see myself ever getting rid of it.
I'm actually not a fan of the XA. The rangefinder is for my taste a bit too small. (okay it does also has a bit of fungus which I wasn't aware of...). But man that animation at the beginning is just stunning!!
Nidave I agree I wish it was a bit bigger but for such a small camera it’s hard to ask that of it. And there are certainly better options once you go up size wise. But for someone just starting out I think it’s a very un-intimidating option. Haha thanks! Just trying to keep it interesting
agree with the animation + quality of the video....as for the photos..eh....cute little camera...
dope video and the edits were fuego, i was wondering if an XA's flash would fit and work on an XA2? (which uses an A11) cheers
Troy Bronson much appreciated! I believe so but I’ll have to check when I get home. I have a xa2 parts body with flash so I’ll verify
Graham White that’d be great! i've been struggling finding a flash for my XA2 would to get the A11, if you’ve an extra one any model and would like to sell let me know! cheers
Troy Bronson hmm. Not sure I have a working one. But I probs y know where to get one
Used to have a Mju 2, lasted nearly 20 years but “died” on my 50th birthday over in Thailand.
Jeeze, what a life! Longer than I would expect for sure with all those little plastic parts
Wow so cool
Thanks Edmond!
what film are you shooting on ?
Expired Fujichrome provia 400
Thanks ,,, my XA not longer standing behind glass in the livingroom :-)
Frank E haha good. There was a pile of like 6 at the antique show the other day... tempting stuff
So coool: the xa shoots slomo-video ;-)
Lol
nerdy intro but gang stuff
天才 米谷さんがキャップレス時代のカメラとしてデザインしました、これの28ミリがあるらしいけど見た事がない？。
The XA is hard to focus, specially if you want to be fast. It is a 40 years old full electronic camera, lots of them have today a serious shutter-issue. I can't understand the hype!
Jan Peters what’s the shutter issue? Haven’t come across that in my research. Yeah as I said the one downsize is the focus/patch that can quickly ruin a shot (as seen in MANY of my photos) if it’s faded on top of not being used to it. I do think it’s a little overpriced. But it does have some great features and is a fun camera, I think people just got carried away with it. Still enjoy it in certain settings though
The hype is because is cheap and pretty small. Is like a notebook.