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.
@MakersTeleMark Жыл бұрын
I did this to my Oly RC and it makes a huge difference.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Yea I heard about this before
@bhop.builds Жыл бұрын
Another option of the same concept is a tiny dot from a sharpie. That's what I did on mine. Both options work great.
@1blackbridge Жыл бұрын
This
@jdsd771007 Жыл бұрын
Wow, what a great idea! Always struggle with this with the rangefinder patch. However as far as camera purchases go, this is one of the best bang for buck buys I’ve ever got! It comes everywhere with me👍
@NPJensen Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea its def worth the effort
@richardt1792 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea minimalist is a great approach
@stephanpaier9887 Жыл бұрын
Hi! Whenever you can manually set the ISO, you automatically have (at least limited) exposure compensation😉
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea makes sense!
@AdventurousInsight Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
true. i still miss not having a grip, but i get why thats not part of it
@michaelthibault793010 ай бұрын
The grip gripe should be addressable with an enterprising use of 3D printing -- throw together an add-on base-plate that incorporates a grip bump and maybe throw in a means to change focus. There's nothing wrong with technology that a little innovation can't fix.
@Daniel.Walker Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
yea its def good for an everyday carry
@seanimal_rex6 күн бұрын
Ribsy waving this miniscule camera around reminds me of those pictures of Andre the Giant holding a beer can 😂
@ribsy6 күн бұрын
No lie it kinda felt like that! Haha this thing is tiny
@sarbelaezbenitez17 сағат бұрын
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.
@philipdahl9001 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea its a good camera for weight!
@MattHooker Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea i can see why you like it
@AkaTamimi Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
It’s def a great backup
@MsLoribee Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea i really want to shoot wide open at f2.8, so its a bit tough
@peterangusphotography3423 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
thanks for the info
@joseerazevedo Жыл бұрын
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!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea ive heard good things about the rollei
@soulgrease Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
totally!
@IvarsDayLab Жыл бұрын
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 ;)
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
haha sorry man!
@Murgoh Жыл бұрын
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.
@caw25sha Жыл бұрын
I've always wanted to try a Rollei 35 (not to be confused with your XF35).
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Xf35 is dope
@Daniel.Walker Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea the technique def doesn't work that well
@bigrecord Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
thats awesome. must have been a great feeling to get it as a gift!
@bigrecord Жыл бұрын
@Ribsy it is and was wonderful and I took excellent care of it. It looks brand new
@VivaEZLN1 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea all the XA cameras are great. so well thought out
@bhop.builds Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea the lens really does super well. thats its strength
@Resgerr Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
I much prefer shooting with a larger one
@ANDYSOUND1 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea def understand
@paulh604310 ай бұрын
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!
@ribsy8 ай бұрын
wow that sounds bad
@pinkfatcap2 ай бұрын
You can glue a shirt button or something similar to the shutter button to raise it and make it easier to feel.
@b_wtangible_moments Жыл бұрын
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!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Yea I was looking at that. Does it have aperture priority shooting?
@b_wtangible_moments Жыл бұрын
@@ribsy No, it has shutter priority when on automatic exposure mode. Which I just manually shot it with no battery/meter.
@taomeister Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea hyperfocal its def well done. but i want to shoot wide open
@kriXoff7510 ай бұрын
3m is orange highlighted. Not 2m. At 5.6 and 3m, hyperfocal is 2m to 5.5m, data from XA manual. Perfect for street photo. Love so much this XA that I own 2 copies.
@patternsinsand Жыл бұрын
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!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea the black dot seems to be the trick i need!
@jw48335 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Yea ergonomics are tough with these
@eddie275a Жыл бұрын
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. 👍
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Fo sho!
@analog_cafe Жыл бұрын
You can compensate your exposure easily with the ISO/ASA settings. It's fiddly but really easy to do.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea its fiddly
@Mucklegipe10 ай бұрын
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.
@ribsy8 ай бұрын
I hardly use it ever nowadays
@shereemaebalangue1296 Жыл бұрын
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!!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
totally agree! doesn't make send to get rid of it. such a great tool
@caw25sha Жыл бұрын
It's good to hear of someone still using a Nikonos. Hope yours hasn't lost any waterproofness.
@shereemaebalangue1296 Жыл бұрын
@@caw25sha oh yes. Ever since I got it 3 years ago I’ve had it regularly checked. What a camera! My husband and I surf a lot so it’s an important tool to document our time with our kids and ourselves in the water.
@shereemaebalangue1296 Жыл бұрын
@@ribsy my dream camera was my Leica mp. I sold all my other cameras for it but kept the XA and my Nikonos. I’ve thought a lot of letting the XA go but I just can’t seem to do it haha and when I look back at the black n white photos I’ve take with it, it reminds me of the ease and fun I’ve had with it.
@georgeplungis528313 күн бұрын
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
@ribsy10 күн бұрын
Canon p is great
@mikegindling4236 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea lots of positives for this camera
@Nerdzombiedisco Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
very true!
@richardt1792 Жыл бұрын
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?
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea ive eyed canonet's for a long time. they are so attractive
@youtoldharpotobeatme5023 Жыл бұрын
I've got both the GIII and XA but I'll take the GIII with me all day. The XA is an awesome camera but it's a bit too finicky. I prefer the 40mm f1.7 anyways. It's also heftier, has an actual cocking lever, doesn't need batteries, and takes filters.
@homerhorowitz76495 ай бұрын
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.
@brentbrown51 Жыл бұрын
I have the XA2. Love it. Zone focusing. Slower lens. The shutter is super touchy. Found it in a thrift store for $6.99.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Nice!
@paulh6043 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
ouch! that sounds rough
@vien4875 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
interesting! i will look it up
@Dr.GeoDave10 ай бұрын
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.
@ribsy8 ай бұрын
👍
@awatt Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
👍🏽
@robertspeicher5047 Жыл бұрын
I bought an XA 3 back around 1986. Zone focus. I really like this camera. Thank you for the video
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
thanks for watching
@randallstewart1224 Жыл бұрын
Understandable, as it is a far better camera (picture taker) than the XA. The biggest difference is the lens, which is fairly simple in the XA3, but terribly complex in the XA, solely for the purpose of making the body so thin. It may have 6 elements, but none of them have much to do with taking a sharp photo. The XA has a history unique to photography. It has been sucker bait two times. First, in the several years right after Oly stopped making it. The used camera dealers bought them for double the previous prices because there was an expectation that their small size and fad status (then) would drive prices up. Instead, the XA prices tanked a year or so later, leaving thousands of the little bits of junk in the hands of dealers who were about to loose two-thirds of their investment. You could typically get a good looking XA for $40-50. I did.. Now media hype, and extolling bullshit like this video, have driven the price back into orbit. Read its history. Unload while you can, since its not much of a paperweight either.
@fergusfitzgerald977Ай бұрын
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 !
@johnyoung1606 Жыл бұрын
ThankYou for making one of the Very Best and most Coveted Cameras, not so desirable :)
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
haha you are welcome
@johnyoung1606 Жыл бұрын
@@ribsy Keep Up The Great Work :) :) :)
@johnleake5657 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Very cool
@ReinoldFZ Жыл бұрын
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!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea small cameras are great!
@incredibleish7384 Жыл бұрын
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
@MsLoribee Жыл бұрын
try the hack I mentioned above - a small square of semi-transparent black tape will sort that issue out in no time at all
@incredibleish7384 Жыл бұрын
@@MsLoribeedefinelty gonna give this a go, thanks for the tip!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea everyone keep suggesting a hack. curious if it actually works
@youtoldharpotobeatme5023 Жыл бұрын
@@ribsy i watched another video where they suggested fitting a piece of blue cellophane into the viewing window.
@ReFreshed66 Жыл бұрын
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!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
exactly! well said
@caw25sha Жыл бұрын
You could adjust the film speed as an alternative to exposure compensation, assuming that doesn't hit the end of the ISO range.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
good point! fair work-around
@michaelhulland2915 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea its a cool camera, but i don't see myself using it tons
@Arrc_Larrc Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yup, a few have mentioned this
@toasteroven8619 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
thanks for watching
@terrywbreedlove Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Nice
@markbeadle64344 ай бұрын
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.😂
@angel-dc6pe6 ай бұрын
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.
@lrochfort Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yup! a tough conundrum
@AdamGeorge-pb3fm Жыл бұрын
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).
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
.
@ramarren Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea they are super handy! hopefully mine doesn't break
@dayzpast Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
its taken a back seat to my canon 7 recently!
@silvestersze9968 Жыл бұрын
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. 😂
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Haha yup!
@jestintzi Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Yea I was looking at those too! But no aperture priority as far as I know
@jestintzi Жыл бұрын
@@ribsy no, but they've got the meter, so wouldn't be much longer. And without having to fret about a crummy rangefinder it probably wouldn't slow you down much more if at all, and would get the pleasant mechanical experience.
@weisserth Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
thats the beauty of it. but def not for everyone
@youtoldharpotobeatme5023 Жыл бұрын
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!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
i mentioned the 1.5 exposure comp explicitly in the video. also, i want to shoot at 2.8, can't zone focus with that
@youtoldharpotobeatme5023 Жыл бұрын
I'm at a pub watching with captions. I missed the part you mention the exposure comp lever. You can zone focus at f2.8, and any f stop. Is it ideal? Absolutely not. Anyways, you shoot mostly street in the daytime, so you're shooting either 400 or 800. The limited 1/500 shutter won't let you get to f2.8 in the daytime anyways so there's that. Nobody with a manual focus film camera shoots street at f2.8.
@michaelhulland2915 Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
ahh yes!
@besperus447511 ай бұрын
Love it. Wish I had two. One for color film and own for B&W.
@ribsy8 ай бұрын
haha yup
@denisd27055 ай бұрын
Focus with the index of your left hand, a lot easier than the rigth hand
@Snegojui Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
thanks for the rec!
@davebenson84363 ай бұрын
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.
@ray_wilton Жыл бұрын
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?
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
very lucky!
@youtoldharpotobeatme5023 Жыл бұрын
Shit you are lucky! I paid $250 USD for mine with the A16 flash.
@mattmaber Жыл бұрын
All valid comments. It almost is too well designed so small.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea exactly! mission achieved of making a tiny camera
@pdcorlis Жыл бұрын
Had one for years - it was a great camera!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Yea looks like it!
@AdamGeorge-pb3fm Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
.
@jezjoseph Жыл бұрын
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. ..
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
👍
@andrewrothman7805 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
hearing this tape trick often!
@Martin_Siegel Жыл бұрын
3m (9ft) @ f:16 and you're good from 4ft on. XA1 for a "real" shutter button ;) XA4 for macro and a wider angle.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
i don't want to shoot at f16 tho, otherwise i would have bought an xa2 or the others
@AdamGeorge-pb3fm Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
.
@TheRafael123456 Жыл бұрын
Loved the brazilian T-shirt! Subscribed! Great Content!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
🤓
@wullieg7269 Жыл бұрын
i always pre focus i know the aperture n hyperfocal black cats in coal cellars are fave subject
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Can’t do that when I want to shoot wide open
@joemiller7296 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea its a love hate!
@CallMeChato Жыл бұрын
I still have mine.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
nice
@NickShvelidze Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea its a shame! cuz the camera is dope
@earlmccowen5197 Жыл бұрын
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!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
thanks for sharing! i actually watched it once before when i was doing research
@inij6920 Жыл бұрын
If you want to have a better range finder focusing you have to put a peace of film in the range finder front square.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea i keep hearing that
@JamieMPhoto Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea! i really want to like it but it repeatedly annoys me 😅
@housemusic325 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
I want to shoot wide open tho
@hellatightdude Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
never used it but it seems like a great camera. but i stay away from anything contax - too much hype driving all prices wild
@WesleyVerhoevePhotography Жыл бұрын
Little Brother shout out! (also, great video, great camera)
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yessir! got the shirt at the concert 😀
@silvestersze9968 Жыл бұрын
I’ve small hands 🙌, so not a problem. meow!
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Hahaha
@stevenmccaughan2752 Жыл бұрын
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
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea the shutter is so light! kind of annoying haha
@christopherwilliams1604 Жыл бұрын
So use the zone focus models - less agro !
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
i bought this so i can shoot at f2.8
@jean-marcperin1025Ай бұрын
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 !
@ribsyАй бұрын
Yea it’s a tiny camera to hold
@DevinSanLuis Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
haha totally understood
@capoluiz Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
Na never used the rollei 35mm ones
@garvinkelly Жыл бұрын
the olympus 35 RC is similar but a bit larger and easier to handle
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yup!
@migsveephoto4 ай бұрын
Little Brother! All Day!!
@ribsy4 ай бұрын
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
@dedclownsRfunny Жыл бұрын
I loved my little XA. But it was hard to focus manually
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
yea def not easy
@awatt Жыл бұрын
Put a 2 to 3 mm square of black tape in the middle on the front of the viewfinder. This gives the rangfinder something to project onto thus increasing the contrast making it easier to focus
@1blackbridge Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
interesting - never considered it
@eek0212 Жыл бұрын
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.
@ribsy Жыл бұрын
I mention that explicitly in video - the rangefinder patch is tiny