Should I pick up another XA?

[Markok765]

Hey all. My Olympus XA died while on vacation, and I'm considering picking up another one. My main concerns are:

The RF patch will be crappy.
I already have a Stylus Epic, which is pretty much the AF version of it. The only thing I don't like is the noise and possibly the build quality, though I have dropped it quite a few times. I have no need for the A-Priority, most of the time I just set it to the amount of light there is, 2.8 indoor, 8/11 out. The MF can be replaced by the spot focusing feature.

I however, really enjoyed that I didn't have to replace batteries every 2-30 rolls, especially at $10 a battery, like the Epic is.

What's your take on this?

 

[Mike Wilde]

I too have an XA that has stopped doing it's thing. It still meters, battery self tests ok, etc. just won't release the shutter. It was thinking about taking it into International Camera Repiar on the Queensway in Etobicoke to se if there is hope, but just have not found the time. They are operating on limited hours as impending retirement looms, but with Gord of Commercial Camera gone, I am not up on other GTA repair shops.

 

[Rick A]

Marko --you should, but only with the knowledge that they are somewhat delicate. I'm not trying to be mean or condescending here, but given your history(documented on APUG) of being rough on your gear, I would give it much thought. I offered to sell you my XA a while back when you thought you damaged yours in a bicycle mishap(if memory serves). Then theres the drowned Nikon, and there are other posts you have made about other cams you have had "issues" with. I have to ask-- do you buy your own gear or do you have a saint(mom and dad) supplying you? This post may anger you, but it isnt meant to be. I only hope to help you reexamine your handling of equiptment. We were all young once, and took huge risks with our bodies and toys, some observed and took note, some continued on unabated. You are welcome to rebut me in public, or PM me --I'll even speak to you in person-- my intent is only to be a "Dutch Uncle" to you.
Rick

 

[Markok765]

Rick - I totally understand what you're saying. I do feel I need to handle my cameras more gentle. I'm in the process of picking up a Pelican case for my Leica and lenses so in case of a bicycle crash, its totally fine.

I do buy all my own gear, with the exception of my 15mm lens, which was a birthday present. I will re-evaluate my handling of cameras (haven't dropped the Leica yet!) but my point and shoot has had quite a few tumbles.

Thanks for the advice! And may I ask, is the RF patch on that XA good?

 

[Rick A]

Hi Marko- the only thing my XA needs is seals. I have both my XA and XA-2 with flashes listed with the rest of my Oly gear in the classifieds here. I'm not sure I will split them out,but I might in a few days. I'm selling the whole lot to fund a new project. I'm happy to hear you are taking precautions to keep your gear protected, also that you are responsible for buying your own gear. I have been following your posts and am more than pleased with how well you are progressing. You show much promise, and should have a long career. I trust your parents are just as pleased, if not, more.
Rick

 

[BetterSense]

Consider getting an XA2 instead. It's probably more rugged being that it doesn't have a RF or exposure controls, and it's faster to use anyway. I rarely even put mine up to my eye; I just pull it out of my pocket, open with one hand, and shoot.

 

[timk]

i have both an XA and XA2, and I like my XA2 better, if I had to choose i'd keep the XA2. I find the XA2 lens less prone to vignetting, I find the rangefinder next to useless on the XA particularly in low light (though maybe i need glasses). I use my XA/2 primarily for street photography and I don't want to stop and think about what aperture to use or focus using the rangefinder, it's basically just aim and shoot. Only criticism for these cameras is 800iso max, also the lenses are good but not great. It's a fun camera, great for candid photos. I used it heavily in st east asia walking around the markets. Much less imposing than pointing an SLR in peoples faces.

My advise is, doesn't really matter if you get an XA or XA2, just keep the XA spirit going!!

 

[bobwysiwyg]

i have both an XA and XA2, and I like my XA2 better, if I had to choose i'd keep the XA2. I find the XA2 lens less prone to vignetting, I find the rangefinder next to useless on the XA particularly in low light (though maybe i need glasses). I use my XA/2 primarily for street photography and I don't want to stop and think about what aperture to use or focus using the rangefinder, it's basically just aim and shoot. Only criticism for these cameras is 800iso max, also the lenses are good but not great. It's a fun camera, great for candid photos. I used it heavily in st east asia walking around the markets. Much less imposing than pointing an SLR in peoples faces.

My advise is, doesn't really matter if you get an XA or XA2, just keep the XA spirit going!!

I second this. I actually prefer my XA2, it's always ready for the quick grab shot with little fumbling. Having said that, if one wanted to exercise more control over things, the XA would be the choice. I have big hands and find fumbling for the focus on the XA to be a bit of a pain though.