Olympus XA-2 - the perfect travel companion

[@adamhickford5502]

I've got to be nerdy, Matt. My original XA isn't a fixed focus lens - it has proper rangefinder focusing with a double image in a little yellow spot to focus with. Full aperture control, too, so it's a fabulous spec. Another thing I love is that it looks like flimsy plastic but is actually metal bodied. A brilliant piece of design.

[@mattrichardsonsclickbait]

Ive not had an original XA,always 2 and 3s, had to trust the internet! But they are beautiful and so well built

[@adamhickford5502]

@@mattrichardsonsclickbait you inspired me to dig mine out after many years. Quick flick of the test lever and it whined away cheerfully.

[@StanleyKubick1]

@@adamhickford5502 I kinda like the lever, when I thought I wouldn't. The +1.5 backlit feature is also surprisingly useful

[@adambirch3400]

When I was a lot younger I was given a load of old cameras as I was clearly interested in gadgets. Turns out one of those was an XA2! Saw this video and thought, I'm sure I have something like that, and indeed it is - with an XA11 flash unit bolted to the side. There's one or two cameras that I can't find unfortunately though.

[@briang9373]

I loved my little Olympus XA with its F2.8 lens and screw on larger flash option. Slower to use than 1 or 2 version but gave lovely results for a rounded tiny package; an unusual camera. Traded in for a Canon AF compact that worked alot quicker but needed a more expensive battery.

[@ianhand5006]

It has a sharp 4 element lens and it’s well built too. The XA has a coupled rangefinder, but it isn’t as sharp and it vignettes too.

[@MikeyMobes]

i just bought a lot of untested camera for $30 on ebay and this camera was in there WITH the A11 flash AND it all works perfectly

[@mattrichardsonsclickbait]

Brilliant! Thats awesome!

[@fhwolthuis]

I would love if you could make an episode with tips for people about compositions and how they can make nice pictures of their own car for example 😀

[@Garnizzle]

Original XA was 2.8, subsequent versions had f3.5 lens.

[@richardhowlett9424]

Remember the David Bailey adverts .

[@mattrichardsonsclickbait]

Who do you think you are...? lol

[@arnodeecastenada]

Only the original XA is a rangefinder, the other versions are zone focusing.

[@ianhand5006]

I’m going to try some ADOX HR-50 in mine. It’s my go to film for my Minox subminiature cameras. I also want to try some in my Nikon F4 with my Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AI-S and my 60mm f2.8 Micro Nikkor. Both are razor sharp!

[@mattrichardsonsclickbait]

Ive not tried that, wonder if Analogue Wonderland have it in stock?

[@ianhand5006]

@@mattrichardsonsclickbaitThey usually have some, yes.

[@fhwolthuis]

Nice video, Matt. Although to be honest, personally I'm more interested in the theory behind the compositions than in the camera itself ☺️

[@hellgamerclan]

Do i need to set my ISO to what the film is? or can i just ran it where i feel it needs to be? ive never shot film before but shoot a lot with my DSLR/

[@mattrichardsonsclickbait]

You need to set the ISO to match the film speed, otherwise when you process it you need to develop it for more or less time (called pushing or pulling) to compensate

[@lm971120]

Ah I know you from Furious Driving!

[@stippolyte]

😢 I'm gutted, searched everywhere and still can't find my XA and realised my muj zoom awol too. Was going to ask at the Motorist if you've used any of the cine film stock that seems to have popped up?

[@mattrichardsonsclickbait]

Ive got a roll in the fridge but not used it yet. I even took it to Sweden to use in Gothenburg but the speed of that trip didnt get time to shoot it

[@moojii4woo]

Xa2 is a f3.5

[@andrewpreston4127]

That shape of face, that voice .... this looks like that bloke from the furiousdriving channel, or else his log lost twin brother.. ?

[@StanleyKubick1]

it's fine for what it is, but the original XA is a great backup camera for photojournalists and street photographers, as it actually has useful features. The later models are just good point & shoot's

[@heinundpiet]

The body isn‘t metal! It is Makrolon plastic, like the Minox 35