The Olympus XA2 is an excellent choice

Thinking of buying an Olympus XA2? In this video, I take a deep dive into this small but powerful 35mm camera and shoot a roll of Kodak Gold 200 on a sunny evening around town.
Overall this camera is exceptionally sharp, easy to use, and beautifully designed. Even better, it's reasonably priced compared to some other compact 35mm cameras such as the Contax T2 and Yashica T4 (to name a few). I also talk about the main differences between the XA and XA2, but ultimately it depends on your own photography preferences/experience.
What do you think? Do you own an Olympus XA or XA2? Let's keep the conversation going in the comments!
Thank you for the continued support.
- Maxim B. Vidricaire
Follow me on Instagram (📷) / maxvidricaire
Hire me for your wedding (💍) vidricaire.myportfolio.com/

[@alhOOO2O]

Thanks man, that was a really nice video 👍

[@TheMaggietron]

thanks for this, max!

[@TheAlvarado73]

just picked one up at a yard sale for $2 didn't know anything about this camera, but I liked the flash and thought it was worth buying and testing out.

[@MattTipold]

Solid review. Even better shots!

[@maximvidricaire]

From the legend himself, thanks man!

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

Love your channel! Very chilled and informative :)

[@maximvidricaire]

Thank you so much! I think I’ll do some more general videos where it’s just me shooting for a day or something. That way people that don’t want a camera review can still tune in. 😄

[@jairandom]

Thank you bro! I really like the video and hope eventually can get an Olympus XA✌🏼

[@maximvidricaire]

My pleasure man, thanks for the kind words! XA is totally worth saving up for! 🎞

[@alexk6134]

Love the video! Very helpful

[@maximvidricaire]

Means a lot to hear that, thanks man!

[@marktullio3701]

Great video. Very insightful!

[@maximvidricaire]

Thanks man! I really appreciate the support! 💯

[@laravekil8694]

Wow wow so beautiful

[@joshtonkin7684]

just found ur channel through this video and ur content is amazing! u deserve way more subscribers! can i ask what ur experiences have been in terms of the XA2s ability to work properly in colder temperature/snowy weather?

[@brandontenney4659]

Dude! Great video. Can’t wait to see more! Keep it up💪

[@brandontenney4659]

I have the XA2 and it’s def my favorite camera for its sharp lens and portability!

[@maximvidricaire]

@@brandontenney4659 Thanks a lot Brandon! 💯 And absolutely, this thing is the perfect "no excuse to leave it at home" camera!

[@basiliobagnato4017]

Thanks for the video, I learned a lot!

[@maximvidricaire]

Thanks man, means a lot!

[@AndrewOrr]

Really interesting video Maxim!

[@maximvidricaire]

Thanks Andrew, means a lot to me! 😄

[@acecreates]

You captured some bangers with the XA2! Great review mate.. hoping to pick up one myself!

[@maximvidricaire]

Thank you so much for the kind words, it means a lot! I really need to get back on these videos - I love making them!

[@acecreates]

@@maximvidricaire do it! Youve made some great videos here!

[@kbmc9462]

Got some very nice pics!!

[@maximvidricaire]

Thanks a lot! Really happy with that roll given how fast I shot it. 😄

[@TheCABB383]

I just picked up a XA2 for a great price and it arrives in a couple days. I'm very eager to get out and shoot with it. Thank you for a great video, it's super informative. And thank you for being kind and answering people's questions in the comments! I have found that occasionally the film community can be a bit gatekeepy and snobbish lol so appreciate the transparency!

[@maximvidricaire]

Hey Caity! 🙂 That's amazing, I'm sure you'll love the XA2. Such a powerful camera for its size. And thank you so much for the kind words - I really appreciate it! I think approaching videos with a sense of vulnerability is key for me, I'm not an expert but certainly have some experience to share, and also learn from others in the comments. Looking to get back into some more videos soon, so your comment hit close to home. Let me know if you have any other questions! - Max

[@petresku]

Hey how much did you pay ? Got 1 offer for 40 USD~ish is that a good price

[@koolaidcrusade7776]

Thanks for the video man, this made me go order an XA2 to have in my cargo pocket while out n about

[@maximvidricaire]

Amazing, so glad to hear that! Excited for you!

[@koolaidcrusade7776]

@@maximvidricaire it’s been great so far!

[@bartoszpajak2285]

Well, I’m thinking about an xa as a light travel companion. I’m just not sure if I’ll be able to focus it properly with my old eyes, so the xa2/3 might be an alternative. I’ve got a Nikon Z6ii, Canon Eos 33, Olympus 35 SP, Olympus OM2n and tons of lenses for each system, so plenty to choose from for the more ambitious projects, however, none of them is really pocketable.

[@ieatnutella]

Great video I just got this camera for my grandson

[@maximvidricaire]

What an exciting time! I'm sure he'll be super happy with the XA2 🙌

[@shareefhassan2935]

fire content🔥

[@maximvidricaire]

Thanks Shareef!

[@juliacavss9969]

:) good job. Super engaging

[@maximvidricaire]

Thank you so much Julia! We'll go shoot some video together once I get the hang of things :)

[@albertobeltramello610]

More channels like this one!

[@maximvidricaire]

Thank you so much Alberto! Makes me want to produce more videos 😊

[@pdtech4524]

Interesting video, the XA2 seems like a very capable camera, it did a great job capturing the low winter sun light hitting that town. I've never had the XA2 but have had a few mju models, I've always been impressed with Olympus point and shoot cameras in general. I've added your channel, hopefully you'll connect with another retro 35mm film photographer 📸?

[@maximvidricaire]

Thanks for checking out my video! Olympus for me has the most consistent 35mm range of cameras. No major problems with my XAs, OM-1n, or Stylus cameras! Subscribed in return :)

[@laravekil8694]

And the soundtrack is also 🤌🏼

[@maximvidricaire]

Big supporter right there! KZbin's royalty-free music is really good now! 😊

[@user-zq8ux4vp3r]

Wow beautiful places A u from Canada?

[@petresku]

what do you use to develop your pictures at home? thnx

[@JP1050x]

XA2’s are fun cameras. I sold mine to fund a XA3, but picked up a XA4. XA4 has a sharp 28mm lens, and is the best version out of the series.

[@maximvidricaire]

That's awesome! I've never actually gotten my hands on an XA3 or XA4 before. I didn't realize they were super sharp! On another note, I had the chance to shoot with the XA1 and it was a real dissapointment. They stripped too many features off of the XA/XA2.

[@jordysanchez2815]

@@maximvidricaire we don't talk about the xa1 here, this is a safe space

[@maximvidricaire]

@@jordysanchez2815 Haha understood! I have removed the "1" out of my XA vocabulary.

[@randallstewart175]

Nice and fair review of the XA2. Compared to the XA, it drops the rangefinder (the one in the XA barely works) and the very funky design, fairly poor quality lens of the XA (Olympus dumped it, so why not you too). Neither camera allows user control over the exposure. The the XA does allow user to select the aperture manually, but the superior lens of the XA2 should outweigh that feature. It also costs about 65% of the XA these days.

[@andrewpreston4127]

Like the music at 4.27. Who is it ? Thank you for putting up this video.

[@maximvidricaire]

Thank you very much! The track is Sunshine on Sand by Unicorn Heads 🙂

[@afksorryQAQ]

Nice video, and I wander when I load 200 iso film into XA2, which one should I adjust to A-11 flash，100 or 400? Thanks bro.

[@maximvidricaire]

Great question! I would set the A11 to 100 since (in my experience) it is better to over exposure film. It also depends how far you are from the subject. Try taking a few shots of the same scene with the A11 at 100 and then 400 and let me know what you think! Thanks for the kind words too 🙂🎞️

[@afksorryQAQ]

@@maximvidricaire Thanks for your advice. I prefer a little bit over exposure, so set to 100 may be the best choice. (And I find a spelling mistake: wander->wonder, sorry for my poor English😵‍💫)

[@hellgamerclan]

Do I need to set the ISO to what the film is? or can i switch it around as needed like a normal camera? first time shooting film

[@maximvidricaire]

Hey Adam, great question! You'll want to set the ISO to match the film speed (Kodak Gold 200 = 200 ISO). When you match the camera's settings to the film, this is called shooting at "box speed". The ISO setting on the camera instructs the lightmeter to shoot for a "correct" exposure. If you prefer a brighter image, like I do, you can overexpose with a camera like the XA2 by setting the ISO down a stop (from 200 to 100). To recap - yes, set the ISO of the camera to the ISO of the film. Shoot at box speed, and feel free to over and underexpose a few shots by adjusting the ISO dial and see what kind of look you prefer. Hope this is clear as mud!

[@markhou]

Great video dude! What do you use to scan?

[@maximvidricaire]

Thank you so much! Sorry for the late reply, I use the classic Epson V600 and Negative Lab Pro 😊

[@Justin_Yung]

where did you get your sweatshirt?? love your vid, I’ve been want to get an xa2

[@maximvidricaire]

It's my favorite sweatshirt! It's from a small brand in Denver called Jiberish. And thanks so much for the kind words! Hope you get your hands on one soon!

[@castlemanias]

What ISO do you set your camera at when shooting Kodak 200? Sorry for the beginner question - just starting out with photography

[@maximvidricaire]

Hey Edward, great question! Typically you'll hear about shooting at "Box Speed", meaning that you set the ISO to match what the film is rated for. For example, Kodak Gold 200 = ISO 200 To get bright images, you can trick the light meter to think the camera is using a lower ISO film (less sensitive, requires more light to expose). It's all personal preference, I tend to over expose for a brighter looking image by setting the ISO to 100 for a Kodak Gold 200 roll. Best way it to take some notes while you shoot a roll and try out different settings. It's a matter of preference, but can also be useful to adust for difference lighting scenarios. 😊

[@castlemanias]

@@maximvidricaire Thanks for the comprehensive answer, Max! Keep doing what you’re doing. Love the cool aesthetic mixed with informative content.

[@maximvidricaire]

@@castlemanias My pleasure! Thank you so much for the kind words, I'll work on another one ASAP!

[@GGG11890]

Hi Max! I also aim for that party shot vibe photos just like the portraits on the first part of your video. Just wanna ask what kind of film did you use and your settings or any tips in general. I am just new to this and tbh films and the developing is kinda pricey in my country so I am trying to maximize my films. Thanks a lot!

[@maximvidricaire]

Hi G! The direct flash candids are some of the most rewarding shots for me. Try a roll of Kodak Gold 200 and Portra 400. They're both great for skin tones and are at two different price points. I personally use Gold 200 for the vast majority of my 35mm film work. When it comes to the settings, shoot at box speed or maybe overexpose by 1 stop (i.e. set the camera to 100 ASA with a 200 ASA film stock). I find overexposing to be best for the look I go for. Also, keep in mind there will be a natural "sweet spot" distance from your camera to the subject. for me it's usually about 7 feet, any closer and the flash might be too bright and any further and the flash won't light up the entire scene for me. Play around with that on your first roll. Let me know how it goes G!

[@GGG11890]

@@maximvidricaire thank you so much Max! This is very helpful! Have a great day!

[@maximvidricaire]

@@GGG11890 Thanks G, you too!

[@AbDaniel21]

wich scanner do you use?

[@maximvidricaire]

Epson V600 + converted in NLP 😄

[@wangosteen]

Would you recommend the XA2 over the XA?

[@maximvidricaire]

I personally prefer the XA, but it’s a slower shooting process since you have to manually focus with a somewhat tricky rangefinder. This can be harder in low light. The XA does give you a bit more light, coming in at f/2.8 (compared to f3.5 of the XA2). Whatever you can get your hands on that’s film tested and working would be best! What are you leaning towards?

[@wangosteen]

@maximvidricaire Thanks a ton for the advice. I would say looking at the pricing of the 2, the XA2 seems to be cheaper. I feel I should start with the XA2 and then get the XA.🙂

[@maximvidricaire]

@@wangosteen my pleasure, sounds like a great idea 🙂

[@cameraprepper7938]

Yes, but the Minox 35 ML are a better choice 😉