The Olympus XA 35mm Film Rangefinder Camera, A Classic Collectible

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The Olympus XA

The Olympus XA series, designed by Yoshihisa Maitani, first appeared in 1979 with the XA model after it was launched at the 1978 Foto-Kina.

In spite of being an ultra small camera, it had a 6 element 5 group high grade lens (F-Zuiko 35mm F2.8), semi automatic aperture preferred shutter system (featuring aperture priority automation), and 85cm to infinity range finder.

With it's 35mm lens which is probably the most useful focal length for general use, the Olympus XA has proved itself capable of taking extremely high quality photographs, ahving being compared to the majority of modern SLRs and many Leica and Contax models.

Olympus XA Series
Olympus XA
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In The Spotlight

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The Olympus History

The XA was designed to match the preferences of male and female users.: Today anyone can take a photograph simply by pushing a button, but back then such a comment would have been greeted with anger. The ease with which we can take photographs is the result of relentless efforts by engineers throughout the world to apply complex technology to the task of automating camera functions. In the early days, you had to study photography so that you could set the shutter aperture and choose the right type of film. Before you could take a picture, you had to consult tables of standard exposure settings for the different seasons and day and night conditions. Photography required considerable study, and for this reason camera users were mostly males...[Read on]

Current Olympus Digital Compacts Models

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Olympus XA Series

Won over by its sharp lens, compact dimensions, sturdy casing and exposure controls, the XA camera quickly found favor among fellow enthusiast with many ending up as the camera 'professionals carry on the vacation.'

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, looking for a 'collectible' Olympus XA might be quiet the fun you are looking for. Besides your local 'flea market' you might want to try the auctions at eBay for size... happy bidding!

Olympus XA

The XA capsule camera was launched in 1979. It was fitted with a barrier-type lens cover that eliminated the need for a case. Extremely portable and ready to shoot at a moment's notice, this superb compact camera also incorporated a range of sophisticated features, including a built-in rangefinder and aperture-preferred AE. There was also an externally mounted strobe flash unit designed to harmonize with the XA body. The XA was the first full-featured camera in which plastic materials were used for the body and other key parts. Olympus upgraded its plastic molding system and established new technologies to produce this camera.