I have heard praises for the Olympus XA2. I spotted one on sale when I chilling out in Cat Socrates. The camera is still in good condition. I succumbed to temptation.

Source: KenRockwell.com

I was attracted by the compactness of the camera. I was presented with two choices when I was at Cat Socrates: the Olympus EES-2 and the Olympus XA2. Both are compact cameras, with the latter having a smaller and sleeker form.

I didn’t pick the EES-2 simply because it was a half frame camera and the XA2 came with a flash unit.

The XA2 is a joy to use. I love the electromagnetic shutter. It is barely audible. It makes my Nikon D700 sound like a shotgun. Coupled with the diminutive build, it is perfect for street photography.

As I familiarize myself with the camera, I realize that there are certain things I need to take note of. As the viewfinder does not show what I see through the lens, I would be unaware should my finger unknowingly wander in front of the lens. I need to tuck my fingers around the curvature of the cover.

Source: Olympus XA club

Another learning point is the zone focusing system. I need to learn how to gauge the distance. The minimum focusing distance of 1.2m is not something I’m used to. The camera also resets to the middle distance when the cover closes. So I need keep that in mind before I flip the cover open and take my next shot.

I hope this roll of film would turn out fine. I’ll be satisfied as long as there aren’t too many with my finger in the frame or out of focus subjects.

The camera comes with a flash unit that can be detached to make it even more compact. The flash unit has three power settings: ISO 100, ISO 400 and full power. There is a lever below the lens that you flip to power up the flash. It will then takes about seven seconds to charge before it is ready to fire. It makes a very handy fill flash in unfavourable lighting conditions.

Source: KenRockwell.com

Specifications

Lens: 35mm f/3.5 D-Zuiko lens with four element in 4 groups

Shutter: 1/750 to 2 seconds. Aperture integrated with the two shutter blades.

Focus: Three zone manual selection (1.2m to 1.8m, 1.2m to infinity, and 6.3m to infinity); auto-reset to mid-distance when clamshell is closed

Metering: Centre-weighted, program auto

ISO: 25 to 800

Power: 2 SR44 or S76 silver oxide cells

Size: 10.2cm x 6.45cm x 4cm

Weight: 200g without batteries

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