Olympus XA: the prince of rangefinders, tiny, reliable, the mju 2 of manual focus pocketable cameras скачать в хорошем качестве

Olympus XA: the prince of rangefinders, tiny, reliable, the mju 2 of manual focus pocketable cameras

The XA is the first in a series of compact 35mm cameras, part of a popular line that includes models XA1 to XA4. The XA stands out as the only true rangefinder, while others feature either fixed focus or focus distance indicators. Equipped with a 35mm f/2.8 lens, this camera was produced between 1979 and 1985 and was designed by the legendary Yoshihisa Maitani, who also created the Pen, OM, ISM, and Mju cameras. The XA has a great, user-friendly interface. It’s an aperture-priority camera with a focus ring located below, and an aperture lever. The flash is optional and can be attached via a flash module. The sliding door is a handy feature that turns the camera on and off. The winding lever and shutter button are well-positioned, although the shutter can be a bit sensitive. On the underside, there’s a switch for battery checks and a self-timer. There's also a backlight compensation option of +1.5 EV, and the battery and film release compartments are easily accessible. In terms of performance, I tested the XA using several films. With Kodak Vision3, a film primarily designed for movies, the images came out with great bokeh and impressive color rendering. The exposure was well-balanced, even in high-contrast settings. The lens maintained the integrity of both horizontal and vertical lines, further showcasing its precision. Despite the XA’s small rangefinder, focusing is relatively easy, even for someone with mild vision impairments like mine. The superimposed focus zones work well, and the camera provides accurate exposures even in diffuse lighting conditions. Using CineStill 800T film, the XA demonstrated excellent exposure metering, despite the film’s higher sensitivity. The camera's maximum ISO setting is 800, which allows for the use of modern, more sensitive films. The rangefinder, while small, still enables precise framing. I took just one shot in some cases, and the framing was spot-on. More tests with Kodak Gold 200 showed good flare control and well-managed exposures. The camera's compactness doesn’t compromise its ability to handle low-light situations. In high-contrast scenarios, it still performed well, and the lens geometry remained impressive. I also experimented with CineStill 400, another new film, and found it to be excellent for street photography. The camera delivered soft, precise bokeh and sharp focus, even when isolating smaller details like reflections. The rangefinder, though small, provided a comfortable and accurate focusing experience. Black-and-white photography was another area where the XA excelled. Using Silbera U200 and CineStill XX film, the camera maintained perfect exposure while respecting the unique characteristics of each film. The camera’s ability to balance highlights and shadows without distorting the film’s natural qualities makes it a reliable tool for various photography styles. A final test with Kono Monolith 400 film reinforced my admiration for the XA’s versatility. It handled slow shutter speeds well, though keeping it steady at these speeds can be challenging due to its small size. Still, it proved effective at managing exposures in low-light settings. One notable feature of the XA is its flash system. The flash modules attach easily to the camera. There are four models available, including the A16, which has a guide number of 16, and the more compact A11. Both are practical, powered by AAA batteries, and simple to use. ISO settings for the flash are located beneath the lens and can also be adjusted on the flash module itself. Overall, the Olympus XA is a compact, solid, and precise rangefinder camera. It’s ideal for those who appreciate portability without compromising on quality. Its reliable exposure metering, comfortable rangefinder, and compatibility with a variety of films make it a classic choice for film photography enthusiasts. want to support the channel ---- 1 - subscribe to the channel, like and activate alert 2 - get the iOS apps https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/app... 3 - grab my books Serial Matnum 2023 07 https://www.blurb.com/b/11665639 Serial Matnum 2023 06 https://www.blurb.com/b/11641364 3 - comment, respond, propose subjects for future episodes yay! :) direct links to playlists ---- http://aishit.net http://voncam.net fast links http://zand.li http://zdrilx.com for the music