How to Use a Olympus XA 35mm Pocket Film Camera

Everything you need to know about the Olympus XA 35mm Film camera! It makes for a great street photography camera that fits right in your pocket.
Olympus XA: amzn.to/2QxoDnz
LR44 / V76PX Batteries: amzn.to/3FT6Ssj
35mm Film: amzn.to/2MgiQo3
Intro: 0:07
Install Batteries: 0:42
Loading Film: 1:27
Taking a Photo: 3:45
Other Features: 6:06
Flash: 7:10
Rewinding Film: 10:13
Outro: 11:06
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[@wilsonfergus]

Most comprehensive and professional review for this camera, nice work! Wish this was here when I first started shooting with the xa

[@kencarnley7101]

I recently purchased one of these. Watched many videos. You are the only one to explain reason f5.6 and 8 feet are covered.

[@bonbonbon0205]

I just bought this camera and cant wait to try it out! Thanks for the very comprehensive instruction!

[@lankyfuego]

incredibly helpful! just got mine, watched this 3 times out of excitement and a fourth time now bc it finally arrived, first photo of my cat of course

[@chrisnovakowski9827]

Thank you for this comprehensive video! I just bought an Olympus XA with the A11 flash yesterday & I am anxious to try out this camera (after I replace the light seals). Thank you for pointing out that the aperture adjustment lever does not need to remain at the flash setting to use the flash. I would not have realized this without your video. I will definitely Like & Subscribe. Thank you, Chris

[@earlmccowen5197]

Really thorough and detailed explanation of the features of the XA camera. I have one of these cameras and have recently replaced the battery (I use the single battery instead of the two batteries) and have a roll of film ready to load into the camera. I am looking forward to using it again. Thanks for the good content. I gave it a thumbs-up and subscribed.

[@jasonjanarious8153]

Thank you so much for this very detailed rundown on the XA3! I look forward to testing these tips out when my camera arrives. Cheers!

[@Nightwatch1986]

Great review, thank you. The formula for using the flash blew my mind. Never knew that!

[@MagdaReyman]

The most useful no BS video! Thank you so much!

[@heyzuesvasquez4296]

Thank you so much for making this video I found one of these cameras back in 2013 and couldn't find a video to reference on how to use this camera so I just left it in my closet till today when I found it! I looked up Olympus XA videos and yours came up and I'm extremely grateful

[@PrimeStudios]

Glad I could help!

[@jameswburke]

Great little camera. Carried mine everywhere in the '90s and got pics I would have missed otherwise. Great lens too ;-)

[@chrisnovakowski9827]

I just subscribed to your channel after watching your Olympus XA video. Again, thank you for that video! Anyway, I then realized that I had previously watched this video about the Nishika N8000. Like many other viewers, I bought mine for an absolute steal of a deal...$50CAD for a collection of cameras, including a near mint Nishika N8000, a like-new Lomo LC-A, a working/nice condition Argus C2 (aka brick), a beautiful Agfa folding bellows camera, a Tower box camera, & a Brownie Twin 20. Not a bad haul. Even my wife, who does not understand why I want/need so many cameras, was impressed. Especially when I sold the Lomo LC-A for $100 after thoroughly cleaning & testing the camera. (side note: I already had a Lomo LC-A in my collection. I bought the camera brand new in 2002. I love that little camera & it is staying in my working collection of cameras.) Thank you for the insightful videos, your efforts are much appreciated. Chris

[@tjeerdintveen1852]

What a well produced video. Thank you so much.

[@AdamRedmond88]

I had no idea about the "secret" bulb mode. Great video!

[@AARYAN-kg9mp]

Super useful and helped me a lot in learning how to properly use my camera! Thanks heaps :)

[@Nutdanai135]

Very detailed and informative, thank you very much

[@nicklopro]

Yo I watched this vid when I finally scooped mine up a few years ago. Now I've finally started to make photos I like with it. And finally I'm chasing my film youtuber dream and just came out with a vid showcasing photos with this camera. Anyway, now I'm back paying my dues and just gotta say thanks for helping put me in motion years ago!

[@Durtydave686]

Excellent informative video. I am curious about this camera. Now I intend to buy one.

[@johnearthheart4614]

Very informative and comprehensive guide. I have one of these. Of course being an oldie, using a film camera is second nature to me and much simpler and straightforward compared to my digital cameras. Not that I find digital cameras difficult, far from it but with film photography I'm totally focussed (excuse the pun) on the image primarily and just have the aperture and shutter speed to consider, or just one of the latter or none (depending on the level of automation of the camera) and not delving into menus and options because there aren't any. It's interesting to see people who have never used film cameras' reaction and learning experience and sometimes apprehension in using film cameras. It shows that we all have to learn about things we've never used before.

[@f1remandg]

Very good an excellent cadence that was easy to follow!

[@darjadevedzic7954]

Great video, thanks a lot!! You really helped me out!

[@DavidStaInes-dl8np]

After watching this, I felt the need to have an XA, it's on my list for camera goals now!

[@billebdon4338]

Excellent review, just one point though. My XA has an "m" engraved on the focus scale just beyond the infinity symbol. So I believe the distances are marked in metres not feet. The range finder seems to confirm this.

[@edmundology6304]

Never knew about that bulb mode, great tip!

[@PrimeStudios]

Glad you liked it!

[@Ricardo-SW]

Superb content- thank you!

[@chestnutleaf]

Great tutorial!

[@Jourden82]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@phamngoctrung678]

The video sound is pretty good, beyond my imagination

[@mathewrupp8568]

Some tips do not advance to the next shot until you are ready to shoot. The shutter button has a hair trigger and you will waste a lot of film from accidentally firing the shutter. The hair trigger comes in handy for night shooting. While the ASA only goes to 800 you can still get night shots with limited light. This is possible due to the hair trigger the lightest touch will fire it so little camera shake. I have gotten decent shots at 1/15 sec.. Try to brace your self against a building, pole ect. however, I've gotten good night shots handheld. Also the back can pop open on mine so I place a small piece of tape to secure it. I was shocked at the quality of the shots I took with this camera. The camera can be a pain to use at times due to it's being so tiny but the results are worth it.

[@ella-du1ub]

This was so helpful! I’m buying this as my first film camera, but where should I get the film developed?

[@BabusMcGowan1]

Thank you!

[@mr-vet]

Just picked up one with a case and A16 flash fro $15..plan to sell it on ebay for $150-180.

[@philphilphil]

Thank you kind sir

[@SarahhAshwall]

This video saves me every time I have to reload my camera

[@samtanner236]

Just picked this camera up for a whopping $10 at a thrift shop, gotta replace the light proof foam on the back plate and go to town!

[@NoObik74]

Thank you

[@gabrieldeurioste358]

Thanks!

[@PrimeStudios]

Thank you so much for the tip!

[@chucklebutt4470]

Great video dude! I just found one of these in my grandpa's stuff with an A11 flash. Such a slick camera, what a design. I worked in a photoshop right after digitals went huge so I tried to pick up knowledge from the older employees and customers. Couple of questions if you don't mind: 1. It's quite dusty, especially in the f-stop slider but hasn't given me problems (just mental ones lol). Not sure I want to go at it with an air bulb since it might just push the dirt into the works. Qtips are the next logical step but I want to be careful with the cleaner I use. Found a copy of the manual online to read, maybe that will help. The saving grace was the lens cover was kept closed! :) 2. It's got a terrible wrist strap so that's gonna be going. But one the question I had is that inside the blackbox, the bronze/copper whatever metal there has taken on a significant patina but no damage. Was thinking a teeeeeny tiny dab of Brasso but I'd hate to ruin it before really getting my teeth in it. Greetings from Alaska! ⛄❄❄❄

[@telccgg2244]

im not sure if my wheel works correctly? i just received it in the mail and was going to put a roll in, even though i haven't gotten batteries yet but the wheel isn't turning it is staying stuck? do you think it's because i don't have batteries yet?

[@ZisisKardianos]

Best tutorial for this camera I have ever seen. And thank you for the "bulb" tip. I was given one of these a while ago and the only problem with it is that the charging light of the A16 flash is stuck to the "up" position all the time. In other words it doesn't close. Does this mean that when the flash is attached, it will be in charging mode all the time resulting in flash batteries' drain?

[@PrimeStudios]

Maybe, I have not had that specific problem. Usually, in my experience, you have to use the flash switch on the camera to turn on the flash. You'll just have to experiment with your equipment.

[@LA-yy2vj]

anyone know what kind of battery cover that is? i have lost mine and i dont want to buy a broken xa for 50€ or more

[@sapienstudio]

Love this little camera! Any idea how to adjust the light meter? Needle is overexposing by 3 stops 😱 Thank you in advance!

[@PrimeStudios]

You have to find a camera repair shop.

[@slc474]

Do you have the olympus xa2? I was wondering the differnce between them. And it would be great if you can make olympus xa series. Love your video so much!

[@PrimeStudios]

I do have an Olympus XA2 and I can put it on the list of videos to make. The main differences are the XA2 has zone focusing and no control over the aperture. It also doesn't show you the shutter speed in the viewfinder. The XA gives you a lot more control over the photo.

[@maikkaune]

I am looking for the old TV ad/commercial. At least shown in Germany. I was a child in the early 80s and I remember a TV ad with a short electronic music theme. As far as I know, it was the XA or XA1... Funnily I can't find anything related on the net?!? Anyone out there? Thanks in advance.

[@xremming]

Perfect. You saved me so much trouble, searching and reading. This included all that I wanted and needed to know about this camera without anything extra. One thing I have just been wondering, how might one shoot e.g. ISO3200 film with this camera, doesn't seem like there are any obvious ways to fake the light meter.

[@PrimeStudios]

I just shoot at 800 ISO and usually pull the film in developing, or not if I'm being lazy. Film is much better at handling over exposure than underexposure.

[@xremming]

@@PrimeStudios I just scanned my first ISO3200 roll that I shot at ISO800 and it looks pretty great! I just wish I could somehow be able to use its full sensitivity.

[@stratocactus]

@@xremming mind you TMAX3200 (alike to Delta 3200) is not a 3200 ISO film but more a 800-1000 ISO. It's designed to be push processed 2 stops though. That's why you get really nice results at 800, because it's its actual ISO. If you look closely on a Ilford Delta 3200 box, it's never written 3200 ISO but EI 3200 :)

[@xremming]

@@stratocactus Ahaaa!! Well that explains a lot.

[@AKgoon82]

Very helpful video. Just a quick question, where you mentioned the shutter button being sensitive, how sensitive are we talking? Do you still need to half-press to determine the camera is in focus like most cameras? Even with my Mju ii, there have been the odd occasions where I’ve accidentally taken a photo while only trying to half-press. Thanks

[@PrimeStudios]

No need for a half press for focusing. The shutter button is extremely sensitive, it's very easy to accidentally take a photo.

[@noahsemeria4361]

Can I put a 36 exposure film roll in this camera or does it only fit 24? Super helpful video, thanks!

[@PrimeStudios]

You can use either a 24 or 36 count roll in the Olympus XA.

[@tiffanywong3246]

Hi, I’m learning how to use the XA but i noticed the exposure count is stuck at “S”. When I load the film i’m unable to wind it. I checked the batteries and the camera is definitely on, but how can I reset it so I can wind all the exposures?

[@PrimeStudios]

It sounds like and internal mechanism may be jammed. Besides taking it to a camera repair shop I would probably mess with it a lot. Like taking the batteries in and out, closing and opening it, constantly pressing the shutter button and trying to wind the knob, etc.

[@konstantinatemiridou8720]

Can you explain the difference between A11 and A16 flash? Which one is better?

[@PrimeStudios]

The a16 is about 60% more powerful and takes two AA batteries instead of one. Other than that they work the same.

[@rustamfaradschev4675]

With what settings does the camera take photos in flash mode without flash?

[@PrimeStudios]

The flash mode cannot be activated without the flash attached. If the flash is attached, then it can be turned off and the camera will operate normally.

[@user1kris]

Stupid question here but I’m a newbie My one has a measuring wheel that goes up to 3 not 8, do I have a different model?

[@PrimeStudios]

Beats me, maybe it's in meters and not feet?

[@jean-paulbeaumet6946]

how do you do to setup iso for a TMAX 3200 as the XA only manage up to 800 iso ?

[@PrimeStudios]

I usually just shoot at 800 and pull the film in developing, or not if I want to experiment.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

can you verify if these original xa cameras need the battery to advance the film winder/fire the shutter? bought one in "as is" condition today, can't seem to understand why the camera is stuck in the cocked position... the rewind button is also stuck in the depressed position. other than those major problems, i guess everything works. the rangefinder is dim, but i is probably better on a sunny day. the battery compartment was empty, the aperture blades are nice and clean. after a fair amount of googling, i don't want to waste more money on batteries if it is something major like the rusty magnet issue, perhaps? perhaps it's just a parts camera.

[@PrimeStudios]

You can wind the film without the batteries, but you cannot activate the shutter. Usually in the world of used cameras "As-Is" means the camera is not operational.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

​@Prime Studios Update: It was working 100% - replaced the foam and it is my favorite camera now.

[@campis003]

Hey! I am using the XA but noticed that the shutter speed lever isn’t moving in the viewfinder. It is stuck below 1 no matter how much I adjust the aperture. Is this a bad sign?

[@PrimeStudios]

Your light meter may not be working. You can try a fresh battery, make sure to do the battery check. Try cleaning the contacts. If that doesn't work you can try to look for a camera repair place.

[@campis003]

thanks! Does this mean all the photos I took will me underexposed?

[@jennygrant6224]

On the flash, what is that black dot underneath the ASA numbers? I thought it was a button and pressed it in with a pen. 😬 I’m pretty sure I just broke the flash now. 😂

[@PrimeStudios]

The instruction manual calls it an "Auto Flash Sensor". So...yep. That's what it is.

[@markemersonromero8129]

Can this camera do long exposure? Thank you!

[@PrimeStudios]

This should answer your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXnJp4SFl7Okr5o

[@hamato990]

What is Guide number in iso 200 ?

[@PrimeStudios]

If you mean for the flash i would use the ISO 100 setting.

[@patriceamos6615]

Hi Love the tutorial! I'm curious how long it should take for flash to charge. Mine does not turn orange

[@PrimeStudios]

With fresh batteries it should take less that 5 seconds.

[@prissystacks]

Can you use any type of film for this camera? The only options of film I see is kodak.

[@danieldijo]

Fujifilm, kodak, and 35mm film

[@PrimeStudios]

This camera will take any kind of 35mm film.

[@ragecat1447]

I picked one of these up at a garage sale. The winder won't turn. There are no batteries in it. Does it need batteries to turn the winder or should it be turning regardless?

[@PrimeStudios]

I believe the battery is just for the light meter. Everything else should be mechanical.

[@ragecat1447]

@@PrimeStudios thanks for the reply!

[@melm4499]

Is the Olympus XA the same as XA1?

[@PrimeStudios]

Nope, the XA1 is a much simpler, fully automatic camera.

[@eleneobolashvili2768]

Hi I’m a complete beginner and I’ve got olympus XA2. Can you explain to me easily how do i adjust ISO, in which conditions and how do we choose the film? What does film 800 is best for, 200 etc. Thank you in advance it would really help me to understand the idea❤️

[@PrimeStudios]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5mnqqltps12lZY

[@faymita29]

Hi, I’m new to film photography and this Olympus XA is my first film camera. To focus on a subject, I have to use the yellow square and adjust the focus until the subject lines up with the square. What if I want the focus subject to be on the side of the picture, how can I make sure of that because the yellow square is in the centre? Do I focus on the subject that I want in the centre first then move the camera so that my subject is on the side and not in the middle? I hope this is an okay question to ask....

[@PrimeStudios]

Yes! That's exactly what you do. It's a very common technique called 'focus and reframe' and is how most photographers nail focus while not having their subjects in the center of the frame.

[@franta5832]

Just a note: the manual explicitly says to not use alkaline batteries (like LR44). SR44 or EPC-76 are recommended. From what I heard, alkaline give inconsistent voltage and with that inconsistent metering.

[@windream27]

if this costs around 130$, should i purchase it ? is it by any chance that can be considered as overpaying ?

[@PrimeStudios]

Assuming it's fully functional that seems like a good deal to me...just my opinion!

[@windream27]

@@PrimeStudios i got oly infinity jr for 90$ and yashica t2 for the same price so i was just afraid if i overpaid for these things before TT__TT let me see if its gonna be in a good condition... i still wait for their demo video before deciding to purchase it or not...

[@michaelstringer4548]

The max film speed is 800, yet you are using 3200 iso. How do you expose properly for that film?

[@PrimeStudios]

Ilford 3200 delta, in reality has an ISO of more like 1600, which is only one stop over exposed. If I've been shooting in lower light I still just develop the film as if it were 3200, in brighter light I pull process the film to 800 ISO.

[@gennaroapuzzo1785]

Proper

[@be8059]

How do you shoot with P3200Tmax?

[@PrimeStudios]

I just set it to 1600, since I can’t go higher, and i can then just always over expose by one stop. You can also just “pull” the film and develop for 1600 iso.

[@be8059]

Thanks for the answer. So you set the iso 800 and overexpose 1 stop (it makes 1600) so pull the film in development 1 stop?

[@samber8706]

is the xa2 worth getting as a beginner point and shoot ?

[@PrimeStudios]

Sure! Although I prefer the XA, because I always have trouble with the zone focusing on the XA2.

[@samber8706]

@@PrimeStudios ended up getting an XA. replaced the light seals myself, and got my first roll of ektar 100. was looking to get into film as a new hobby and this was the first video that made me feel like there was a camera that i could pick up with no experience, but still get a chance to learn about things like aperture (i feel like most beginner cameras either have too many manual features or not any). thanks man

[@PrimeStudios]

@@samber8706 That's kick-ass! You're welcome!

[@meira8466]

How can you measure exposure when you can't see the light meter inside because dark/dim?

[@PrimeStudios]

The camera makes sure the exposure will be correct, what you see in the light meter is the shutter speed it's chosen. If it's too dark to see the indicators in the viewfinder then you'll basically have to do things like shoot with the aperture at f/2.8 to maximize the shutter speed, use a tripod, and use the timer to prevent blur from hitting the shutter button. I hope this helps!

[@meira8466]

@@PrimeStudios thank you!

[@meira8466]

I noticed that my camera's focus is in meters instead of ft. Do you think you can explain about zone focusing? The patch is difficult to see and I heard zone focusing is the way to go on these camera

[@PrimeStudios]

Zone focusing, on the XA anyway, just refers to the area that's in focus depending on what your focusing distance is and the f/stop (depth of field). I talk about the orange numbers at 5:47 in the video, a focus distance of 8 feet and an f/stop of f/5.6 means you are likely to get most things in focus in most shots without having to adjust anything.

[@Bigapple01]

You shouldnt touch the batteries with ur bare hands. I think it affects the battery, thats what i heard anyways

[@PrimeStudios]

Oil from your hands can effect the performance of the battery. In my experience I have not run into this problem, but it is something to keep in mind if your batteries are giving you issues.

[@HeuristicsEnjoyer]

Tmax P3200 jumpscare

[@StanleyKubick1]

how large are your hands? lol

[@PrimeStudios]

Average, the camera is tiny, which is why I love it.