Looking for an Olympus XA2 alternative

Joseph Bell

Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Messages
275
Location
Toronto
Format
35mm
Hello, fine people!

I have been using the Olympus XA2 as a "second camera" for night photography, and while I enjoy many things about it, I have been frustrated by its maximum shutter speed of 2 seconds. I wonder if anyone can suggest an alternative. I understand the XA has a maximum shutter speed of 10 seconds, but I owned one for a little while, and found the rangefinder too difficult to focus. I wonder if anyone can recommend a camera that has these features:

- very small/lightweight

- prime lens

- self-timer

- maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds or more


I understand I can accomplish all these things and more with my Nikon FE, but I am seeking something smaller and lighter for this particular project.

Sincere thanks for your help, I certainly appreciate it.

Warm regards,
Joseph
 

Donald Qualls

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
12,301
Location
North Carolina
Format
Multi Format
Super Jubilette, Super Baldinette, Weltini, etc. and a stopwatch?
 

Craig75

Member
Joined
May 9, 2016
Messages
1,234
Location
Uk
Format
35mm
Nikon 28ti can do very long expsoures i think?
 
OP
OP

Joseph Bell

Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Messages
275
Location
Toronto
Format
35mm
Craig75 said:
Nikon 28ti can do very long expsoures i think?
Click to expand...

yes! The 35ti also. I've wanted one for years but always made excuses: it's too expensive, I do not trust these ebay sellers, the likelihood of sudden failure and irreparability. I should stop making excuses and live a little maybe! Thank you for the suggestion. The 35ti seems to be considerably less expensive than the 28ti.
 

Craig75

Member
Joined
May 9, 2016
Messages
1,234
Location
Uk
Format
35mm
nikon must do a small plastic camera you could put a 45mm pancake on
 

mawz

Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2005
Messages
331
Location
Toronto, ON
Format
35mm
Craig75 said:
nikon must do a small plastic camera you could put a 45mm pancake on
Click to expand...

They did a bunch.

EM, FG, FG20, FE10 & FM10
The challenge is the long shutter speeds, which the small bodies tend not to feature. If you're good doing your own timing for long exposures, an EM in bulb mode will work all day long.
 

darinwc

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 14, 2003
Messages
3,146
Location
Sacramento,
Format
Multi Format
Rollei 35
Olympus rc
Or try the xa again.. just use zone focus and set the distance to 8 feet
 

neilt3

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2014
Messages
1,007
Location
United Kingd
Format
Multi Format
Joseph Bell said:
Indeed it is! I have one but its shutter sticks and needs a CLA. Good idea!
Click to expand...

It seems to me the simple answer is to send it off for a service and have a camera that will be reliable for years to come .
What you get back will be good as new .

Rather than buy another thirty or forty year old camera that likely as not might be getting ready for a CLA as well .


As a "pocket " camera that does more than my Olympus Trip I sometimes carry a Pentax ME Super with a 45mm pancake on it .
Very compact that fits in a pocket ( I assume this is something you want ?) Easy to focus with a bright viewfinder , and full manual control including bulb .

All the firm's did a compact SLR , I'm not sure if Nikon did such a compact lens as Pentax's , but it would be worth you checking as you already have Nikon gear .
 
Last edited:
OP
OP

Joseph Bell

Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Messages
275
Location
Toronto
Format
35mm

many thanks, I appreciate it!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…