First rolls with the Olympus XA // THE pocket film camera

Out for a day of shooting by the seafront with the Olympus XA. I’ve owned this camera for a few months now but never had much of a chance to use it. A few images, and a few thoughts, as well as a long-term review coming in the future.

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Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.

[zachswy]

I bought my XA at a pawn shop in Bozeman, Montana for $5. I fell in love with it, and used it almost daily for a number of years, until about 2017, when I accidentally left it on the commuter train in Salt Lake City. Wish I hadn't done that, but hopefully the person who found it is still using it and making amazing images with it.

[steve]

I got my XA sometime during the 80’s. At the time I was working for National Park Service as a Park Ranger. I trained as a woodland firefighter and got called out to Forest Fires every summer for 4 years before going back to graduate school. The XA was my call out camera. It went with me on all the fires I called out to. It stayed in my front shirt pocket and never failed me. I always shot color negative film. My. Prints made it into my local a couple of times. I still have it. I need to replace the foam light shields. It is a great little camera.

[psychoanima]

I am using it daily for street photography. You are almost invisible with this camera in terms of sound and shutter noise. Focus lever is also great for zone focusing: Mid lever is exactly 1.5 meters, one third on left is 1 meter, one thrid right is 3 meters, very easy to memorize and you can set it without looking.

[simonducos]

I was stupid enough to sell my XA to buy an RB67, within the year I found myself getting a new one. It’s just a brilliant little guy

[jonmnelson]

I had one in the ‘80s. My grandfather gave it to me before I left for two months in England. It was (and is) the perfect film travel camera. I don’t know what became of that XA, but I bought another one and still use it. Brilliant camera.

[richardturner]

Nice to see someone else exploring those hidden gems in hastings

[melvad]

I've been away from capturing my environment.... for too long.... you're bringing me back... appreciate the commentary.... especially since it's film.

[epstar]

The XA was my first camera ever in the late 90’s. My original one stopped working but years later I bought another one. It’s such a remarkable little camera to carry around!

[amandacreamer]

Really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this camera and seeing your images! Thank you for sharing with us!

[frankfotofilm]

I love my XA! It's been definitely my most used camera since I got it a little over a year ago.

[PhilKnall]

Glad to see you enjoyed it! Definitely one of my favorites, mostly for the compactness as you mentioned. It's easy to just have in your pocket at all times, should something interesting arise.

[allthingsanalogue]

My favourite camera of all time. The original Olympus XA. Great video as always 👍🏼

[Bonsees]

Such a cute camera. Love the video too! I liked seeing the PoV + commentary on the photos to hear your thoughts

[jeetgan]

Thanks for the video. Absolutely love my XA. In this digital day and age, film photography is a relatively niche hobby; for me at least it is as much about the history and evolution of the medium as it is about the creative aesthetic. In that context, the XA is very special in being the legendary Maitani's last design; it represented such a stunning example of thinking out of the box to produce a true masterpiece of industrial design and miniaturisation. It holds a special place in my film camera collection ( along with the OM) and I very much enjoy taking it out from time to time.

[AlisterMalcolm]

Loving the new POV stuff, must make it so much easier to grab what you're seeing!

[amirmism]

such beautiful images with a pocket machine, keep up the amazing work

[meikmeurer]

My favorite 2nd camera from the 80’s next to my SLR, still using it today. Thanks for your video!

[adamrobb]

I have the XA 3 and it’s one of my favorite cameras, I bring it with me everywhere!

[steviemartin]

nice to see my home town in one of your videos ive shot this place so much its hurts now

[ricomichel]

What I love the most about the XA, besides its true pocket size (much smaller than a Leica), is how well its ergonomics are designed. It is simple and a joy to use. If I had to name a fault, it'd be the feather light shutter button — it's kind of difficult to find the button when you are framing, and that can lead to a few wasted exposures ;-) But it can be remedied to by sticking some textured tape over the shutter button.