Pro tip: put a tiny piece of electrical tape, maybe 1x2mm, in the center of the VF on the front. It will make aligning the center patch much easier. There are YT videos on it if you want to see how to do it.

Love the XA. The feather touch shutter reduces the risk of camera shake a lot - you just have to remember to advance your film only when you're about to take a photo rather than immediately after shooting like many people tend to do with mechanical cameras. It's a camera, that takes a bit of getting used to, but with aperture priority, shutter speeds up to 1/500, manual ISO control and a very nice Zuiko lens, it's worth the effort in my book.

The XA is a fantastic rangefinder. It followed their Trip line of travel cameras. These came out at a time when people did not have cell phone cameras to grab a quick shot. The XA came out at the time when amateur photographers were looking at a whole range for SLR's. We wanted a body, several lenses, a flash, filters. Most traveled with a stuffed gadget bag. The XA was for the travel minimalist. 35mm focal length, very fast 2.8 35mm lens. A full stop faster than the Yashica T4. Cheaper than the Rollei 35. A great pocket camera.

Hi! Whenever you can manually set the ISO, you automatically have (at least limited) exposure compensation😉

One thing that may help you with the grip issue is to add the A11 flash unit to the side, makes it a little bulkier but more surface area to hold

It’s been my EDC for about 6 months. Changed my photography game forever. A true EDC 35mm, with the ability to nail focus. Love it.

Ribsy waving this miniscule camera around reminds me of those pictures of Andre the Giant holding a beer can 😂

I love it! From 1 to 10, it’s probably an 11 or 12. It’s really tiny and pocketable, the lens is super sharp, and the aperture priority and rangefinder focus features are perfect for street photography or candid shots, plus is subtle, barely noticeable and extremely silent. I have small hands and thin fingers so I haven’t experienced any of the issues you’ve had, not even whit the focus lever. And, as you mentioned, the only downside for me is the shutter button. It’s extremely sensitive and can cause many undesirable exposures. It’s very similar to the Agfa Optima 1535 Sensor camera, which is also its downside.

I would give it between 8 and 9. I was gifted one about a year ago and initially didn't like it very much. I ended up having some health issues and was restricted to lifting no more than 10 pounds for several months so I started shooting the XA almost exclusively for a while and now it goes with me every where. My biggest problem has been tripping the shutter prematurely but I am getting better about that.

I love all-mechanical cameras, but the XA is still my favorite pocketable 35mm for all the reasons you mentioned. I never had an issue with close focus though, and I got used to the small size. I don't even dislike the flash unit

10 out of 10 thinking of getting another one as a backup cause it is been with me everywhere. Recently i was traveling and brought it with me along with Leica M6 and ended up using it more than the M6 cause with that size it is always in my pocket. Reasonably priced, discreet and takes awesome photos.

I absolutely love my XA. When I travel, its the only camera I take with me. I put a small square of black semi-transparent tape on the viewfinder and that really helps with the contrast of the rangefinder patch - its actually a well-known XA hack. Also I find if I'm shooting in daylight, I can just set the aperture to f11/f16 and infinity focus and not even worry about focus at all. I don't really have an issue with the camera's size, but I have smaller hands though.

It’s an awesome camera. My hands are about the same size and I don’t have a problem with the size. The electronic shutter button and leaf shutter are so gently that slow shutter speeds are more realistic since there is such little vibration. Set the aperture and focus to the numbers in red for focus free street photography, they select the appropriate zone focus. Exposure compensation can be done with the ISO slider on the front, just don’t forget what speed you have loaded. There’s also a hack where you can take a long bulb photo by selecting battery test first, only issue is the constant bleep during this.

I find the XA very interesting. But what made me opt for a Rollei 35 instead is that the Rolleis are mechanical, while the XA is electronic. But it's a rangefinder, while the Rollei is guess focus. After some use you get good at it but you'll only be sure if you nailed it when you see the results. You can zone focus also, which is how I use it. But a rangefinder is always better. I too have somewhat fat fingers, maybe I'd feel the same about focusing. Controls on the Rollei are more "explicit". The fact the XA is aperture priority makes it faster, I guess. If you use it with zone focusing on streets you'll do it faster and with better metering precision, I believe, which is nice. The Rollei is still the smallest mechanical full frame camera ever made. The XA is not smaller only than the Minox, if I'm not wrong. Life's made of choices. Should one XA ever appear at a nice price here in Brazil, I'll get it - specially after you pointing some characteristics that require a learning curve. Meanwhile I'm happy with my Rollei 35. Maybe you should try some someday. I'd like to know your opinion on it. My best!

This camera has quietly become my most used camera because I take it everywhere but I definitely understand the focus issue. I can attest to the small piece of gaffer tape in he middle of the viewfinder to make the focus patch pop a bit more; def makes it easier for me to focus. Also you may like the XA2 which is zone focus. But man I love this thing; thanks for the vid

Awesome video, awesome shots! I had Olympus XA in I believe fall 2021. I got it, I almost dropped it several times, I really dropped it once, I understood that my fingers are not meant to use such a tiny tool and I sold it for 20EUR less than what I paid for it. Young lady who bought it was really happy and still shooting with it. Thanks Ribs, now I have feeling that I should kept it and keep fighting ;)

I have a Rollei XF 35, which has very similar features (rangefinder, electronic shutter) as this one, as my "pocket point-and-shoot" film camera. I got it because my grandfather had one when I was a kid in the late 70:s and early 80:s and it was the first "real" 35mm camera I ever used, though I had used some cheap 110-pocket cameras earlier. I still remember when he taught me how to load it and how to use the focusing when I was 10 or so so when I happened to see a picture of a camera just like his and found out the model I had to get one on Ebay even though automatic point-and-shoots are not really my "thing" as I prefer fully manual and mechanical cameras. The XF35 is fairly compact though the protruding lens makes it slightly less "pocketable" than the later point-and-shoots but it still fits most larger pockets. And it has that quality and weight of an older metal frame camera and the shutter release has the proper "mechanical" feel. Also, the focusing is achieved the traditional way, by rotating a focus ring around the lens, so the ergonomics are what I'm used to and the controls are large enough to be convenient and easy to use. And obviously it carries a lot of nostalgic value to me for the aforementioned reason.

Straight up, it’s a 10! That leaf shutter can do crazy low speeds without shutter shake. That lets you go a little higher with the aperture in lower light to get the focus easier. Honestly, I don’t think that technique is going to work too well with XA. The patch just isn’t bright enough. I’ve found that throwing focus on this camera can be quick, but I do believe it leans towards slower practice than it’s size implies. It goes hand in hand with pocket folding 120mm cameras for me.

My parents saved and saved to be able to give the XA to me my freshman year in high school. It is a treasure of mine, and I still use it to this day. Had to replace the light seals, but IT keeps on shooting.

Gotta love the XA! I have two of them, one has the distance in feet and the other in meters, though that was pretty cool! Also have an XA2, another dope camera.

Nice video. I put a roll in mine last week to take on an overnight work trip precisely because it's pocketable and I didn't want to take anything bigger. I didn't have a lot of time to actually use it, but I did get a couple snaps off. I agree with most of your points. Hard to hold, weird feeling shutter button, focus is fiddly, I also find that it's hard to rewind it as well since the angle of the rewind knob's handle sticks up so much. It's kinda easy to zone focus with it though since the focus throw is so short so that can make using it for street photography quicker. I'd say my rating is the same as yours as well, 6 or 7 out of 10. It's great aside from those nitpicks. Every time I scan a a roll from it, i'm almost shocked at how good the photos look.

I have the whole family love each one for the different things they bring. They're lovely and small for me😂 The Leicas and Canon rangefinders are more at the Pro level , so everything is better and bigger but for something so small, I think we have to except the limitations and just enjoy.

I wanted to love this camera so much, I looked for and found a pristine unit with original accessories, box, manual, etc. practically unused and scratch free. Unfortunately I ended up selling it because I couldn’t get used to the viewfinder and poor eye relief, which forced me to move my eye around trying to get a good read of the shutter speed indicator (I can’t imagine doing this while using glasses). Framing is everything for me, so no matter how much I loved the size, design, amazing lens Aperture-priority and how practical it was, it just never felt right when framing, focusing or determining ideal Aperture/SS combination, through that tiny viewfinder window.

My first 35mm was an XA2. I loved it. Attaching the A11 flash helps in holding the camera. Be aware though that the XA range doesn't like rolls of 36; stick to 24, that way you won't snap the winder: it happened to me twice, luckily each time the camera was still in warranty. Enjoy!

You can glue a shirt button or something similar to the shutter button to raise it and make it easier to feel.

I own both the xa2 , xa3 and olympus 35sp.but I prefer using my olympus 35 rc. Perfect weight and size, with amazing lens that has a short throw. Fantastic rangefinder patch,, aperture and shutter settings inside the viewfinder and fully mechanical. Highly recommend it. Happy Shooting!

I find it easiest to use with some hyper focal / scale focus techniques - on the street, the F5.6 and 2m markings are highlighted in orange and I just leave it there most of the time, only using the RF for critical / close focus stuff. I think that’s why later models (XA2/3/4) went to scale focus like a Minox.

One of the problems with the fiddly rangefinder system is that you're constantly rearranging it in your hands to find that focus nob and then 'click', that hypersensitive shutter has lost you your frame. I love my Olympus XA but the viewfinder meter in mind doesn't work properly. Fortunately it's independent of the camera's actual meter so the photos still expose correctly. Also, put a black dot in your viewfinder with a pen or a piece of tape to help give you a bit more contrast when focusing. That works for me!

I had the same size problem with both the XA and the Yashica GX. Ultimately I sold them both in favor of a Canonet 28, which handles far better for big hands and still fits in a pocket.

I have the XA and XA2 - love them both. 8/10 for me. Fortunately I don’t have large hands or fingers and, generally, don’t have an issue with the camera’s size. I agree about the shutter button but it doesn’t really impact how I shoot with it as I’ve learned to position my finger in such a way that it doesn’t trigger a shot unless I want to. Sticking a bit of tape in front of the rangefinder window was a game changer that made the camera usable. You are 100% right that the camera is too good not to persevere with. 👍

You can compensate your exposure easily with the ISO/ASA settings. It's fiddly but really easy to do.

As you use it more the controls will become more intuitive to use, including the focus, which works more precise if to use the tip of your finger on the end, not the side. The shutter button was designed to be light so as to try not to introduce camera shake at the lower speeds, as a heavier push would.

I’ve had the XA and have taken it to so many places. Every time I think it’s time to let it go I can’t seem to do it. Hahaha I shoot with a Leica MP (everyday documentation of life trips), Nikonos V for surf photos and camp trips and a rich oh griiix (digital camera for my point n shoot). XA likes: Looks handsome Pocket size I love rangefinders Sharp lens Great in low light (if you can focus there is no camera shake) Fully manual XA dislikes I can’t just give the camera to someone and have THEM take a photo. I feel like there is so much to explain hahah I wish the flash was built into into small size without having to attach and detach (minor complaint). Not a point n shoot. Sometimes I just need something that does it’s job without the fiddling around. Love your stuff Ribsy!!! Big fan from California! Nurse, mom and surfer. Cheers!!

I used to have a Canon P, bought it in Chicago when I was in the navy. Mine came with a detachable meter that fit on top of camera, they might be hard to find now. I found the range finder very hard to focus in the XA2 but is useable if your eyesight is still good. I thought the camera was great for street photography when I walked around NYC

I have been using it for the past 5 years. All of your positives outweigh the negatives. One solution to the handling problems is to attach the flash to the side to give a better grip.

I have a few XAs. But none have inchangeable lens like my Leica Ms. And all of my Ms work without a battery. Best feature ever.

When I think of a small rangefinder for street and travel photography, I prefer the poor man's or woman's Leica, the Canon Cannonet GIII with a 40mm f.17 lens. Rangefinder focus is large and easy to see, the lens is very sharp and a fast f1.7. There is are silver and black paint versions. Its bigger and heavier than the XA but still a fairly compact camera. It has a built in light meter and you can mount 48mm filters on the lens. Prices are all over the map for these. Often there are untested ones for sale cheaply. Ribsy, have you had a chance to try this camera?

Putting my first roll through now so I can’t speak to the lens but everything you said is true. My big hands struggle to find the controls, it’s hard to see the focus patch, and I’ve already took a few pictures of my feet by mistake because the shutter is so sensitive. Lastly, the wind mob and pill cover feel cheap. That said, there’s a lot to love so we’ll see. I also have an optima 1035 sensor so will need to compare the images from that, because it’s in a similar realm but not a true rangefinder.

I have the XA2. Love it. Zone focusing. Slower lens. The shutter is super touchy. Found it in a thrift store for $6.99.

Used an XA2 for many years. Loved it. It did have another flaw though: don't use 36 exposure film, stick to 24 otherwise you'll end up with a broken winder and stretched film. Broke the winder twice using 36 film. Luckily, both times under warranty.

Thinking about the small camera that simply lives in my purse I'm getting the impulse to just hand you my Revue 400SE. It's a little bigger then the AX but ticks all the drawbacks you mentioned about the AX.

Use the wrist strap (or get a longer one with your large hands) to help brace the camera. The shutter button is sometimes hard to trigger and it’s gotten more so through the years (I bought mine the first year they came out). The rangefinder window is a bit small and harder to use with aging eyes. I’ve recently had the camera back pop open twice now. I suppose there is a weak spring, some electrical tape probably mitigates that problem. Love the camera; the zone focus version is also nice, but a different experience.

Theres a knack to using the shutter release. I find it best to slide my finger from rather than press. I never know exactly when im going to take a photograph with this camera however i try which adds to ots charm

I bought an XA 3 back around 1986. Zone focus. I really like this camera. Thank you for the video

I have one and I agree with you but would add that no camera I have ever owned was perfect ! It's not my main camera which considering film is the Canon AE1 50 and 28 lenses - enough for me ! Love Film as you can guess BUT - Favourite most productive image maker is my iPhone !

ThankYou for making one of the Very Best and most Coveted Cameras, not so desirable :)

Yes, I probably love it a seven too. My brother loves it and has possession of it. He has Leicas etc. I just have an OM-1 (a more recent present from him). I bought my XA back in the late '90s as a replacement for my SLRs, alongside my more modern Ixus.

I don't have one, but certainly appreciated your review and I appreciated a lot to read the comments, showing how useful is the exchange of experiences. I love small cameras, my criteria to know if it is any good to me is if they don't need a tripod or accessories that make them bigger, because in that case I just will use a SLR. I was thinking this Olympus would need some magnifier for the viewfinder but reading the comments is nice that there is a method to improve contrast without adding bulk, is amazing!

I bought one of these about a year and a half ago because it seemed to be the best cross between a randgefinder and a point and shoot. I carry it with me all the time and the handling isn't too bad with the flash attatched. the only thing I don't like is the rangefinder patch is very faint, so its difficult to use during the day and impossible in the dark

Another great video with some fabulous photos. All the things you say made me initially want to be rid of my XA (the hair trigger shutter release is both a blessing and a curse) However, that was until I saw the shots! Contrasty and very, very sharp. It's still an outstanding film camera despite the handling quirks. In the end, it's all about the results right? and, this camera, together with my half frame Pen-F, justify why Olympus remains my go-to small format film camera. Imperfectly perfect!

You could adjust the film speed as an alternative to exposure compensation, assuming that doesn't hit the end of the ISO range.

In response to owning the camera, I really liked it. And it's the size that I like. I can use the camera entirely one handed and that makes it great for any street I do. Would love another one for my holiday in a month but I don't know if I can get one by then.

I exposure compensate by switching the iso a stop over or under for this camera. Tends to work pretty good ! Also for long exposures it does really well in my experience.

Incredible video! You've totally convinced me on the XA (I have the hands of a small woman), and I love your video editing style.

Have the Olympus Accurate zoom 105. It is point and shoot Autofocus 38-105mm lens. Really this little lens is very sharp. Makes a great street and travel camera. The AF and metering is really very dead on. I love this little thing.

I’m at this video now because i feel pretty much the same. I’ve got an XA2 which I use a lot more because I’ve found the scale focusing is alot quicker. However, I’m considering taking the XA to Ibiza with me next week. Cant decide.😂

Solid 9 camera. Only flaws for me is the flash, for some reason the shutter speed isn't fixed when activating the flash, the camera ends up using the shutter speed the meter reads(not sure if its my camera personally). Also the iso only goes up to 800, I love to push my 400TX 2 stops always. This camera produced some of my best images, so those aren't deal breakers I cant realllly complain.

My experience with owning an XA was the same as you. It seems a great concept, and has great features, but the ergonomics are a drawback. The larger Olympus rangefinders or Rollei 35 are a better option IMO

2:46 I contradict you. That is exactly the feature that became the standard with the cameras that came out at the time the XA did. All the subcompact (and also not so subcompact) rangefinders you will find have the AE. It was the new thing. Most of these cameras feature the atomic logo for the electronic eye. Let mention some: The entire range of Minolta Hi-Matics, the Canonets (QL models), Konica C35, Olympus 35 RC, etc. Or the one bit bigger ones like the Petri 7s, Yashica Electro 35, etc. Also the older ones like the Yashica Ministers (back to the ones with selenium cell). I dont know for sure, maybe the Lynx series also? In fact it was cheaper to bring these cameras out with (only) AE exposure. For the more advanced user there were the more expensive models with manual settings as a bonus (like the Olympus 35SP and some other models from Oly or the top of the Hi-Matic line).

The Olympus XA was a fine camera with a good lens, a good meter, and was wonderfully pocketable, easy to travel with or carry all the time. Yes, the shutter release was very light ... that was done on purpose because it allowed one to release the shutter with minimal effort, reducing camera motion for sharper, steadier photos in modest light. I'd never say it was even close to the quality of any Leica camera, certainly not any M ... More features? Well, the only feature it has over, say, an M6 is autoexposure. The XA has two failings in my view. One is that it requires a custom, dedicated flash unit that screws into the side of the body. That never bothered me much since I don't use flash all that often. The other is that its polycarbonate construction, including the film transport, was a touch fragile. I owned three of them over the course of about 25 years: all three ultimately failed permanently due to the film transport breaking and being too costly to repair. I still have the 1971 Rollei 35S I bought in 1979: another lovely compact 35 in the same size class as the XA, only the Rollei 35S has never broken, has only ever required a CLA or two, and looks like it will last as long as I want to pick it up to make photographs. But so what? These are despite the problems lovely cameras and do a very nice job of being handy any time. G

Excited to see more of your shots from this little gem! I guess shooting at smaller (f5.6+) apertures might be a simpler way to compensate for small rangefinder patch. I reckon over time, you will only get better using it.

I’d give it a ten. Glad to have small hands for this one ☝🏻! On the other hand, I’ve problem holding a Nikon F4S steady due to the size and weight. Not a good idea for me to shoot wedding photos. 😂

Honestly, I'd recommend the rollei 35s. Also quite small, but I find it's not as awkward seeming as this, and range focusing is quite easy.

I've bought the XA with the flash unit in mint condition for around USD50 around 2005. If I had to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10 for EDC appeal, I would probably give it a 6. I take it out, but it's not my preferred EDC - in spite of how perfect it ought to be for just that. My main issue with it is the lack of controls. Even though it's a fully fledged aperture priority rangefinder, it wants to be used like a point and shoot.

Actually the XA does have 1.5 exposure compensation. The little lever on the bottom of the camera serves 3 purposes. Exposure comp, timer, and battery check. The best way to hold the XA is by putting your hand through the wrist strap. It'll be much more secure in your hands. You, my friend know a thing or two about zone focusing. I've watched many of your videos. Forget about the tiny patch. This camera has a 35mm lens. If you're shooting street with 400 or 800 film, set it to f11 or f16 and set the focus to the red 8. You'll get a ton of focus. Set it and forget it!

I've only watched a minute and a half of thus but I'm already looking at ebay.... I had one of these and it was awesome till it stopped working. Really want one again

Love it. Wish I had two. One for color film and own for B&W.

Focus with the index of your left hand, a lot easier than the rigth hand

I think you should really look for Olympus 35 rc. It is not as tiny (that may be a benefit), still small enough. Sadly it is a shutter priority camera, but it also has a full manual control.

I was gifted my XA in 2021 and I carry it with me everywhere. My biggest learning curve was the shutter release because it’s electronic - I found myself misfiring a lot. I’m now trying to figure fill flash. Any thoughts are welcome.

I bought a new XA in the early 80's, then later sold all my film cameras. I missed it so much a couple of years ago I went looking for one. Found a mint example hiding in a corner of an antiques emporium for £10. How lucky was I?

All valid comments. It almost is too well designed so small.

Had one for years - it was a great camera!

In fact you have compensation. Change the ISO. I bet they put the ISO selector in such an accesible place exactly for the reason of not needing another compesation button.

I compensate with my xa2 no problem i just use the iso setting knowing what film speed i have loaded For example 400 iso loaded will allow 1 stop under and 4 stops over exposure. ..

I have the XA and also find it too tiny and fiddly. Another issue is that the rangefinder patch is not too contrasty. I added a piece of blue film on the window, which helped immensely. Selling mine now, with the A11 flash.

3m (9ft) @ f:16 and you're good from 4ft on. XA1 for a "real" shutter button ;) XA4 for macro and a wider angle.

My experience with technical equipment is that its usability is not given by the best or the amount of his top qualities but by its worse fault. On paper the XA is magnificient. What I hate most about it is the much to sensible shutter button. It may be you can get accostumed to it, but as we all know we suffer from GAS, and so comes that up tot the point of getting acostumed with the shutter of this camera I already shot half the film with frames I never intended.

Loved the brazilian T-shirt! Subscribed! Great Content!

i always pre focus i know the aperture n hyperfocal black cats in coal cellars are fave subject

I'm gonna go with a 7 myself. I hate the hairpin trigger shutter release, the rangefinder patch and the shutter speed is a bit hard to see, and I have the same ergonomics problems as you BUT this thing is so pocketable and has full aperture control.

I still have mine.

I have the exact same problems with this camera. My hands are too big for it, it's also impossible to adjust the focus and self timer mode if you're using it on a tripod. Most of the time I use my Rollei B35 which is not a rangefinder but it's more satisfying to use.

Here is a link to my Hasselblad video- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bN5xiNV3rdDSmHU.html. The video and sound quality improved from the XA video. Enjoy!

If you want to have a better range finder focusing you have to put a peace of film in the range finder front square.

I love this camera, but definitely miss focus a lot with it ... and the tape-on-patch trick hasn't worked for me, but I might have to try it again. I'm around 7-8, but it would be 8-9 easily if I could get focusing down.

I love it, but (IMHO) any other zone focusing camera is as good as the XA. 2 reasons : - Rangefinder length is so close that it become not so precise. - It's an old camera and the rangefinder could be even less precise because of calibration issue. When getting mine, I was also looking for Rollei 35, lomo LCA or Minox which are equivalent in terms of size. Finally, the rangefinder of the XA was the most important part for me to be able to focus properly. Recently I did get a Rollei 35TE and at the end of the day it does almost the same job. I mean, the rangefinder is not as critical because I close the aperture most of the time and the DoF do the job for my focus. But it is not the same experience. Rollei 35 is mostly a little brick with a collapsible lens, which are closer to the feeling of a Leica I (without rangefinder). The XA is easier to use and even if the shutter button feels weird it is actually quite effective and the flash integration is just perfect. I really like it as backup/everyday little camera. It fit in your pocket easily and do a nice job for day to day photography. I'm not 100% satisfied of the color rendering of my version, but your mileage may vary. I usually throw a Foma inside and shoot. My pro-tips are using it with faster film and close down the aperture to maximize the result quality.

When is the Contax T going to get its flowers? It has all the same features as this, with almost the exact same size. And a way better rangefinder patch. And the Carl Zeiss 38mm f/2.8 Sonnar lens that everyone seems to love on the T2. Yet that camera still seems to get ignored.

Little Brother shout out! (also, great video, great camera)

I’ve small hands 🙌, so not a problem. meow!

Lost my first one in a house fire my only real beef with the camera is the shutter is so light that I accidentally fire it I have a Contax TVS to go with itI add a Sony A6400 to finish my travel bag gives me a black and white, a color film and a digital image

So use the zone focus models - less agro !

I recently acquired an XA (the original one) and despite shooting at a 1/30-1/60 shutter speed and being experienced with range finders, most of my pictures came out blurry. It seems to be a product of the motion resulting from my fingers looking for the shutter release and pressing it unexpectedly. I'm wondering if anyone else had this issue and found ways to work around it !

It is definitely one of those cameras that had to grow on me. Now I see it as one of my top cameras though and even brought it with me to Ukraine to do my work there. I’d probably go 8/10 though I might even go 9/10. Honestly I’m a little burnt out on it after shooting with it a lot over the past few months 😂 so that may affect it.

Hi Ribsy, hello from Brasil (nice shirt =) Firstly, thank to share this review. Do you already used some rollei camera? if yes, what is your impressions. I have doubts about buy one for a pocket camera.

the olympus 35 RC is similar but a bit larger and easier to handle

Little Brother! All Day!!

I loved my little XA. But it was hard to focus manually

Look for a deal on a contax t1. Just as small, better viewfinder and patch, better lens. Probably twice the price though - but still not T2 or T3 bad.

used own this little gem more than decade ago, and one drawback you forgot to mention is view finder/rangefinder. because you saying LEICA on title, comapred with Leica M just like any other small size compact lens fixed 35mm rangefinder designed/produced by japanese company back in 60s to 70s their rangefinder patch is too inferior (view finder itself is kind of small and rangefinder patch also very tiny and most importantly unclear)than any Leica M model (Include Minolta CL/CLE). Reason most of rangefinder shooter prefer the Leica M is it have clear huge viewfinder with also very clear consrasty rangefinder patch and this is one of the most important virtue good rangefinder camera should own.