{"id":41184,"title":"Olympus XA, 22 rolls later…","author":"saaulgoodmaan","permalink":"https://www.reddit.com/r/analog/comments/1t5klx0/olympus_xa_22_rolls_later/","description":"Slightly before getting the XA2 back in November, I got the XA. \n\nAfter 22 rolls, here are some of my favorite shots with some thoughts about it. \n\nThe XA is simply quite a ridiculously fun camera. For its size and rangefinder capabilities, there is nothing quite like it at It’s price. I always have it with me due to the size and practicality of the clam design. \n\nWhile I love the simplicity of the XA2, the ability to actually focus is great and the focus throw is so ridiculously short that while it is not as fast the XA2, it is shorter than you might think and worth it in the long run. Also controlling the aperture is very nice too. \n\nOnly did I recently started using the XA for social outings with the A11 flash and while it is hard to see the viewfinder in low light, it was actually quite doable to focus and will be replacing my XA2 for social outings. \n\nMy copy ain’t perfect, the CdS cell for the viewfinder doesn’t always show the actual value the camera will choose (somewhat common issue), not that big of an issue unless you’re using low ISO films. 50 ISO films on the XA have given me very mixed results. \n\nI tend to shoot 100, 125, 160, or 400 ISO films to keep the flash still usable. Also, I recommend you only use SR44 batteries, LR44s gave me inconsistent results quite frequently (a shot would sound off with a way lower shutter speed). \n\nThe lens is super great and the f2.8 has definitely come in handy a couple of times (if you don’t mind some vignette), when stopped down the lens really shines between f5.6-f11. Only did I recently start shooting color with the XA and now I’m thinking of getting the Rollei 35 for B&W to complement it (my XA2 has developed some light meter issues). \n\nFilms used: HP5, XP2, Pro Image, FP4 Plus, Aerocolor, Foma 400, Ektar, Leica Monopan, Rollei 640 & Kodak Vision 3 50D. \n\nI hope you enjoy and happy to answer any questions!","caption":"A black and white photograph shows the exterior of a modern building with an arched glass entrance and exposed structural elements.","score":171,"nsfw":false,"grayscale":true,"timestamp":1778090342,"created":"2026-10-15T14:57:36.13525Z","updated":"2026-10-15T20:54:50.269958Z","sprocket":false,"film_make":"ilford","film_type":"hp5 plus","film_speed":400,"aperture":"f/2.8","images":[{"resolution":"low","url":"https://i.analogdb.com/513ae96f845cbce5efd0944b-low.jpeg","width":477,"height":720},{"resolution":"medium","url":"https://i.analogdb.com/513ae96f845cbce5efd0944b-medium.jpeg","width":716,"height":1080},{"resolution":"high","url":"https://i.analogdb.com/513ae96f845cbce5efd0944b-high.jpeg","width":955,"height":1440},{"resolution":"raw","url":"https://i.analogdb.com/513ae96f845cbce5efd0944b-raw.jpeg","width":2036,"height":3070}],"colors":[{"hex":"#cfcfcf","css":"lightgray","html":"gray","percent":0.31911542},{"hex":"#878787","css":"gray","html":"gray","percent":0.15499068},{"hex":"#a5a5a5","css":"darkgray","html":"gray","percent":0.12670918},{"hex":"#272727","css":"darkslategray","html":"black","percent":0.09966806},{"hex":"#696969","css":"dimgray","html":"gray","percent":0.0977638}],"keywords":[{"word":"building","weight":1},{"word":"architecture","weight":0.9375},{"word":"entrance","weight":0.875},{"word":"glass","weight":0.8125},{"word":"structure","weight":0.75},{"word":"modern","weight":0.6875},{"word":"urban","weight":0.625},{"word":"monochrome","weight":0.5625},{"word":"paris","weight":0.5}]}