Overview
The OlympusOlympus introduced its first camera in 1936, the Semi-Olympus I, fitted with the first Zuiko-branded lens. The first innovative camera series from Olympus was the Pen, launched in 1959. The half-frame format, allowing 72 pictures of 18 × 24 mm format on a standard 36-exposure roll of film, made Pen cameras compact and portable for their time. Pixel More XA is one of the two smallest 35mm film rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. More camera ever built (the other being the Contax T). Unlike other ultra-compacts, the lens unit does not fold or extend. Focusing is done by moving one of the 5 groups inside the lens via a lever, coupled to a real rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. More. You just slide the dust cover open and it's ready.
Features and Operation
Its main features are:
35mm F2.8 lens, 6 elements in 5 groups, coupled rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. More, min. focus 0,85m
Aperture priorityIn this mode, the user can adjust the aperture and the camera automatically selects the best shutter speed to match it. In most cameras, the Aperture Priority mode is usually denoted by the letter 'A'. Most film SLRs were made as Aperture Priority - e.g. Nikon and Olympus. More (2.8-22), electronic shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. More, 10sec.-1/500, speed indication 1-1/500 in the viewer/rangefinder window
Size 102×64,5×40, Weight 225 gr.
25-800 ISOInternational Organization for Standardization represents the film’s (or sensors) sensitivity to the light. The higher the number, the more information will be captured. 400 ISO film is more sensitive to light than 200 ISO film by 1 stop., backlight compensation, self-timer
With flash attached. 3 flash modes: ISOInternational Organization for Standardization represents the film’s (or sensors) sensitivity to the light. The higher the number, the more information will be captured. 400 ISO film is more sensitive to light than 200 ISO film by 1 stop. 100 auto, 400 auto, full. Unlike other compacts, you can still fit the camera into your pocket with the flash attached. There are 2 flash models available, the A11 shown above, guide number 10 (m/100 ISOInternational Organization for Standardization represents the film’s (or sensors) sensitivity to the light. The higher the number, the more information will be captured. 400 ISO film is more sensitive to light than 200 ISO film by 1 stop.), with one AA battery and the A16 (guide number 16), bigger, with 2 AA batteries. The auto setting is F4 and 1/30, just slide the F-slide to the top, past F2.8 and the flash will charge. Set to the full mode you can slide the F-slide back to the F-stop you desire, but you will have to figure out the correct settings yourself.
The XA is the top model of the series. All other XA models have no rangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. More and a cheaper lens. So they are less desirable.
Where to Find an Olympus XA
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Link to Olympus XA on Etsy
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Wiki
Olympus XA
The OlympusOlympus introduced its first camera in 1936, the Semi-Olympus I, fitted with the first Zuiko-branded lens. The first innovative camera series from Olympus was the Pen, launched in 1959. The half-frame format, allowing 72 pictures of 18 × 24 mm format on a standard 36-exposure roll of film, made Pen cameras compact and portable for their time. Pixel More XA series of cameras were an innovative range of very compact cameras in clam-shell cases. They were designed for Olympus by Maitani Yoshihisa[1]. The XA series was largely replaced by the Stylus/mju series in 1991, but continue to have a cult following today.
Contents
Models
XA
The XA, introduced in 1979 was the benchmark of the series containing a true rangefinder focusing mechanism and an aperture priority exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More system within its tiny case. It has a six-element Zuiko 35mm f:2.8 lens, a CdS exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More meter and a shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. More to 1/500. The apertureThe aperture is basically a hole in the camera’s lens that lets light pass through it to the shutter and ultimately the film or censor. The aperture not only influences picture brightness but also regulates depth of focus. Most cameras are equipped with an iris aperture that can be freely adjusted or set according to pre-selected values. More is changed with a small lever. It is also possible to compensate the exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More by two ways: a lever at the bottom plate of the camera ensures a + 1.5 EV back light ; the ISOInternational Organization for Standardization represents the film’s (or sensors) sensitivity to the light. The higher the number, the more information will be captured. 400 ISO film is more sensitive to light than 200 ISO film by 1 stop. sensitivity lever, at the bottom of the lens, allows to change the value easily to under or to overexpose the frame. A self-timer is also available. Accurate focusing in a pocketable design, combined with convenient autoexposure, made this a very successful model.
XA 2
The XA2, introduced in 1980, was a simplified version of the XA with zone focusing and a programmed exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More system. Its Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 lens had four elements in four groups. The exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More meter was a CdS exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More sensor above the lens. Shutter speedThe time a camera sensor or film is exposed to light when taking a photo. More range was 2 secs. to 1/750. The minimum focusing distance was 3 feet or .9 meters. Its film speed range was ASA 25 -800. Limited supplies in white, red and blue were also produced.
XA1
The XA1, introduced in 1982, was the cheapest and simplest of the series. It has a fixed-focus, four-element 35mm f:4 lens, a shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. More from 1/30 to 1/250 and a programmed exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More driven by a selenium meter. The only film speed settings were 100 and 400 ISO.
XA 3
The XA3, from 1985, was basically an XA2 with DX film coding and manual ASA settings up to 1600 ASA. It also had the "backlight compensation" feature from the original XA, a feature lacking in the XA2. Like the XA4, it had easy film loading, requiring no threading on the take-up spool. A limited edition in red was also produced.
XA 4
The XA4, from 1985, was much like the XA3, but with a wide-angle, 5-element Zuiko 28mm f/:3.5 lens. This could focus all the way down to a very close 0.3m, with the help of a plastic distance-measuring index attached to the wrist strap.
Accessories
Four different types of flash units were offered to use with the various XA models. All must be screwed to the left hand side of the body, and are very compact units. All auto flash models have settings for 100 or 400 ISOInternational Organization for Standardization represents the film’s (or sensors) sensitivity to the light. The higher the number, the more information will be captured. 400 ISO film is more sensitive to light than 200 ISO film by 1 stop. films.
- A9M, a purely manual flash. Uses one AA battery.
- A11, an auto flash with settings for ASA 100 and ASA 400. Uses one AA battery. A11 User's Manual Courtesy: acolla
- A16, a more powerful auto flash than the A11. Has settings for ASA 100 and ASA 400. Uses two AA batteries.
- A1L, lithium batteries not replaceable by the user without dismantling the flash.
A macro attachment was available for the A-11 and A-1L to use with the XA-4 at close focusing range.
Cases were sold for both the body only, and for the body with a flash attached.
Photos
Compare
XA | XA1 | XA2 | XA3 | XA4 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | 1979 | 1982 | 1980 | 1985 | |
Lens | 35mm f/2.8 | 35mm f/4 | 35mm f/3.5 | 28mm f/3.5 | |
Focus | RangefinderA rangefinder is a focus mechanism that allows the user to calculate the distance of a subject through the convergence of two images. Cameras that use this mechanism are usually referred to as ‘rangefinders’. Rangefinder cameras were very popular in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Single Lens Reflex (SLRs) and compact cameras largely replaced them in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What is not always appreciated is that rangefinders offer several tangible benefits over SLRs, not least in image quality. Indeed, many photographers would rate the Leica M Digital Rangefinder as one of the best cameras available today. More | Fixed | Zone | ||
range | 0.85m-inf | 1.5m-inf | 1.2m-inf | 0.3m-inf | |
Meter | CdS | Selenium | CdS | ||
ShutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. More | 10 - 1/500 | 1/30 - 1/250 | 2 - 1/750 | ||
Release | electronic | mechnical | electronic | ||
ISOInternational Organization for Standardization represents the film’s (or sensors) sensitivity to the light. The higher the number, the more information will be captured. 400 ISO film is more sensitive to light than 200 ISO film by 1 stop. | 25-800 | 100 / 400 | 25-800 | 25-1600 | |
DX | NO | YES | |||
Power | 2x SR44 | None | 2x SR44 |
Notes
- ↑ The name is given in the Japanese order, with family name followed by the given name.
Links
- The definitive XA site (includes manuals)
- Matt Denton's XA and XA2 pages
- Karen Nakamura's overview
- The Other Martin Taylor's overview
- Dante Stella's overview
- Chris Lee's history of the XA detailed in the XA Way (archived)
- XA, XA2, XA1, XA3 in the OlympusOlympus introduced its first camera in 1936, the Semi-Olympus I, fitted with the first Zuiko-branded lens. The first innovative camera series from Olympus was the Pen, launched in 1959. The half-frame format, allowing 72 pictures of 18 × 24 mm format on a standard 36-exposure roll of film, made Pen cameras compact and portable for their time. Pixel More Global History (archived).
- Maitani Yoshihisa and the cult of Olympus at Classic Cameras by RaúlM.
- Photos taken with the XA by the other Martin Taylor
- Random XA photos at pbase.com
- User manuals at Butkus.org :
In French:
- XA, XA2 on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
- Lionel's OlympusOlympus introduced its first camera in 1936, the Semi-Olympus I, fitted with the first Zuiko-branded lens. The first innovative camera series from Olympus was the Pen, launched in 1959. The half-frame format, allowing 72 pictures of 18 × 24 mm format on a standard 36-exposure roll of film, made Pen cameras compact and portable for their time. Pixel More XA, XA-1, XA-2, XA-3, XA-4 pages at 35mm-compact.com
- XA and XA2 in G. Even's collection.
In Japanese:
- Olympus XA page at K.Fukushi's Rangefinder website
- Olympus XA2 at Puppy's Island (archived)
Classic Compact Cameras |
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Canon IXUS | Minox 35 | Olympus XA | Penti |
Olympus Classic Cameras |
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Semi | Semi II | Six | Chrome Six | Flex | Standard | 35 | Ace | Pen | Pen F | FTL | OM-1/2/3/4 | OM-10/20/30/40 | Trip | µ (mju:) | XA |
Post References and Attribution
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