When it was first released the Olympus XA2 redefined the compact camera market. The 4 element f3.5 lens produces incredibly sharp images with vivid colors.
The Olympus XA2 delivers very similar results to the famous Lomo LCA cameras that have developed a cult following in recent years. Secondhand XA2s can still be snapped up for under $50, often less from thrift stores – much cheaper than the now over priced LCA’s.
Olympus XA2 Features
The Olympus XA2 is similar to the LCA in its design. It is slightly smaller than the original XA. When first launched it caused quite a stir to it’s clam shell design that means a protective cover covers the lens when not in use meaning you don’t need to worry about lens caps.
The clam shell lens cover and the sturdy metal casing mean that this camera is built to last – proved by the fact that despite being built in the 1980’s there are still so many fine examples around!
Other handy features of the XA2 include it’s built in self timer (about 12 seconds) – great for self portraits or group shots and battery test functionality. To activate it simply pull out the switch on the bottom of the camera (handily it also acts as a little stand to prop the camera up when using the self timer). The red light on the front of the body will flash and the camera will emit a beeping sound before it fires the shutter.
Shot With The XA2
Another important feature of the XA range of cameras is the very sensitive shutter release buttons. The buttons were designed to be very sensitive so that any camera shake would be kept to a minimum. When taking a shot you will hear a click (the shutter opening), it is important to keep the shutter button depressed until you hear a second click (the shutter closing) before moving the camera.
All of the XA range of cameras have the ability to attach a flash onto the side. The A11 flash units are powered by a single AA battery and come in quite handy for indoor night shots.
Focusing an Olympus XA2
The XA2 is a zone focusing camera meaning that you must set the focusing zone according to the subject you are taking. On the front of the camera there are three settings to choose from.
Olympus XA Focus settings:
Icon Focus Range
Orange Bodies 1.2m on
White Bodies 1.2m to 1.8m
Mountain 6.3m to infinity
It is well worth remembering these distances as especially with close range shots it is very important to set the right zone and have your subject the right distance away in order to get a sharp photograph.
One trick often used by XA2 users is to carry round a piece of string that is 1.8m long and pre mark it at 1.2m. If in doubt you can simply measure how far your subject is away before shooting!
Cross Processing XA2 Film
The is an ever increasing trend amongst XA2 users to cross process the films they have put through their XA2s. Typically they will shoot using E6 color slide film and get it processed as normal C41 negative film (the processing lab uses the chemicals used for C41 films, not E6 films. The results often produce over saturated, vivid colors that give a retro, stylized look favored by many of today’s fashion magazines. Of course the results vary depending on the brand/type of film used so there is plenty of scope to experiment to get the effect that you prefer.
Olympus XA 2 Manual
Here is a link to a downloadable pdf manual for the Olympus XA2 Manual.
Olympus XA2 Specifications
Lens: 35mm f3.5
Shutter: 2-1/750
atteries: 2 x SR44
Weight: 200g
Format: 35mm film
Focusing: Zone
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great article. i’ve recently purchased an XA2 and am blown away by the pin sharp pictures it consistently produces.
I got one on ebay recently for under $20, shipping included. I replaced the light seals and it was good to go. What a sweet camera, and the clamshell design rules.
empyspaces
Enjoy it! Yup, the clamshell design is timeless. After 30 years it still looks and feels so right. I’d be interested to hear how you get on with it once you’ve got used to it.
I have an XA2 which runs sil ox batteries down in about A month with clamshell
closed and sitting on the shelf, does anyone have A clue as to what the problem
is ? I have overcome the trouble by just unscrewing the battery cover A couple
of turns till the check battery light goes out but I am always afraid of loosing the
cover with it loose like that, otherwise it works super. Joe
Hi Joe – Usually XA2 batteries last years so your problem seems a little strange. The power to the cameras meter should be switched off when the cover is closed. It looks like this is not happening on your camera.
First I would suggest checking the battery compartment with a torch. Remove the batteries then remove any dust with a gentle blow and check for any corrosion.
If the above fails you could remove the cover (carefully on a flat well light surface) and check for dust/gunk around the switch which recognizes the cover as being closed.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
XA2 is the best traditional 35mm compact camera ever ! The lens is excellent (sharpness rivals with Minox’s Minotar and Rollei’s Tessar, but it’s a 2,8 which proves often usefull) and the rangefinder is very helpfull, as the hyperfocal setting when you close and open the slinding cap.
I got mine used in 1988. Took thousands of decent shots and it still works. This tiny beauty is a real wonder.
James,
I must admit that my relationship with the XA2 has blossomed into a real love affair. It’s my favorite cheap film camera. I bring it everywhere (unless it rains, when I grab my Stylus Epic). I’d guess I’ve shot 20-30 rolls of film with it so far.
I shoot it from the hip a lot without looking through the viewfinder, using it to take pictures of my daughter from her eye level. I think it helps to not have every shot looking down at her from an angle! It’s simplicity is its best asset – I never really worry about focus like I do with the Stylus Epic No shutter lag. And it’s even full frame.
got mine in 1981 and have taken some great shots over the years including and b&w shot that got published in photographer’s forum mag’s best of college photography in 1989. everyone else had 35mm cameras and i used my humble xa2. i love this camera.
problem: i got it wet. not soaking wet but wet enough so that now the image quality is muddy. where should i take this camera to have it cleaned or repaired? i’m in the twin cities.
thank you!
Xa2 lover,
Your XA2 is also a 35mm camera!
If you can’t find anywhere to get it cleaned, look out for a replacement. They can be found cheaply at thrift/charity shops but even that expensive on eBay.
Great cameras, I love mine.