Fast and silent. What you expect from a Zuiko Lens? Find out more about the Olympus XA and take a look at some photos in this review.
People think I’m crazy as I keep funding and searching for new camera to play with. Trust me, it takes a Lomographer to know another Lomographer, in this case, an addict lomographer!
I finally got my hands on this wonderful sexy beast, the Olympus XA. I’ve been wanting to take the plunge and feel the adrenaline of what a rangefinder camera can give. Sadly, due to insufficient funds, I can’t afford a high-end rangefinder. So, are you wondering how I got my hands on this beast?
It’s fast-paced everyday of the year in Singapore.
Here’s how I got my first rangefinder (Olympus XA): I did a TRADE! Yes, trade, as in no cash or credit involved!
I have two La Sardinas: the Mobius and Sapphire Serpent Edition. I traded my Sapphire Serpent for the Olympus XA. Is it worth, you ask? TOTALLY. (Don’t get me wrong, I too, love the Sardinas, but I don’t need 2 of the same camera, at the moment. :D)
I loaded in some fresh Lucky SHD 100 B&W film and throw this camera in my bag and carried it everywhere I go. Surprisingly, this camera works great even indoors without flash, ahh of course…due to the f2.8 Zuiko lens that is! Picture samples below:
After I was done with the roll, I sent it to the lab to get it process. Besides the light leaks it gives, I am so falling in love with this camera. You can see in the pictures of how contrasty the images are; imagine that with slide films or color negatives (I’m yet to try)!
All in all, If you want a cheap rangefinder and small enough to be carried everyday with you, this is the best (IMO) or I should say BESTEST camera of all. With its fast f2.8 lens, you can take pictures indoors with no problem! Also, it makes for a best street shooter due to its silent shutter. No one will know you had taken a picture of them!
10 comments
breakingmyself
I love how it slides apart, I must look out for one!
jawatembak
zuiko love!
ekeupratama
nice pict..
I want rf camera too but I'm confused
any suggestion?except leica :D
jaszee
@ekeupratama theres quite few cheap ones tho. Maybe you can look at more vintage rangefinders like the Konica C35 series, Ricoh, or even Yashica GSN etcc. :D
highdesertdan
I got one for really cheap, and after a CLA it works as good as new. One of the top cameras in my arsenal. Tiny, takes sharp pictures and the auto exposure is always right on!
jaszee
I got my light leak fixed. :))
ekeupratama
@jaszee ricoh gx1?
how about canonet series?
jaszee
Ahhh. Ricoh is nice too. Ricoh 500G if im not mistaken are rangefinders too. Canonet series are awesome but price wise i think my wallet cant handle it. :)
chetsellars
I'm about to get my first XA. I wish I could combine the 28mm macro lens from the X4 with the DX film reading from the X3 with the rangefinder focusing and 6 element lens in the original XA, though. This is a line of amazing cameras.
jaszee
@chetsellars Come to think of it. I like how u put it. Maybe instead of their new OM-D, they should come out with XA-Pro. :D