Olympus XA2 35mm Film Camera

Choose the Olympus XA2 if you want a genuinely compact 35mm film camera that is easy to carry, simple to operate and capable of producing excellent everyday photographs. Unlike a traditional SLR, the XA2 has no interchangeable lenses or complicated manual exposure controls. The camera automatically chooses the shutter speed and aperture, leaving you to concentrate on focusing, composition and timing. The fixed 35mm f/3.5 D.Zuiko lens is one of the camera's main strengths. The 35mm focal length is wide enough for travel, landscapes and groups while still being natural enough for street photography and environmental portraits. The three-zone focusing system is also quick to use once familiar, making the XA2 particularly suitable for spontaneous photography. Its sliding clamshell design is another major advantage. Close the cover and the lens is protected, making the camera ideal for carrying in a pocket or small bag.

The Olympus XA2 takes standard 35mm / 135 film. It can be used with both colour negative film and black & white film, giving you plenty of choice depending on the photographic style you prefer. For everyday photography, ISO 400 film is an excellent all-round option because it performs well in sunshine, cloudy weather, shade and changing conditions. For bright outdoor photography, ISO 100 or ISO 200 film works particularly well and can provide finer grain. The XA2's film-speed setting supports ISO 25 to ISO 800. Popular choices include: Colour Film: Kodak Gold 200, Kodak ColorPlus 200, Kodak UltraMax 400, Kodak Portra 400 and Fujifilm 400. Black & White Film: Ilford HP5 Plus 400, Kentmere Pan 400, Kodak TRI-X 400 and Ilford FP4 Plus 125. The film speed must be set manually on the camera after loading the film.

The Olympus D.Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 lens provides good sharpness, contrast and a natural wide-angle perspective while keeping the camera exceptionally compact. In daylight, the XA2 performs particularly well for street photography, travel and everyday snapshots. Its automatic exposure system selects an appropriate combination of aperture and shutter speed according to the available light, allowing photographers to work quickly without manually adjusting exposure settings. The three-zone focusing system prioritises speed and simplicity. Rather than using autofocus or a rangefinder, the photographer chooses one of three distance settings according to the approximate subject distance. In lower light, the automatic shutter may select slower speeds, so keeping the camera steady becomes increasingly important. A compatible detachable flash can also be used when photographing nearby subjects indoors or at night.

Start with ISO 400 film. It provides a very useful balance between image quality and flexibility in changing lighting conditions. Set the film speed manually. Make sure the ISO setting on the camera matches the film you have loaded. Learn the three focus zones. Becoming familiar with the near, middle and distant settings makes the XA2 considerably faster to use. Use the middle focus setting for general snapshots. It is a practical starting point for many street and travel photographs. Use the near setting for closer subjects. Select it for portraits and subjects relatively close to the camera. Use the distant setting for landscapes and buildings. Choose it when your subject is far away. Watch for slower shutter speeds in poor light. The shutter can slow considerably as light levels fall, so hold the camera firmly. Use faster film in dull conditions. ISO 400 or ISO 800 film can provide greater flexibility when the weather is overcast or the available light is limited. Consider a compatible flash for indoor photography. A detachable Olympus XA-series flash can be useful for parties, restaurants and evening portraits. Move closer for stronger compositions. The XA2 has a fixed 35mm lens rather than a zoom lens, so change your position to adjust framing. Keep the clamshell closed when carrying the camera. This protects the lens from dust, fingerprints and accidental damage. Carry spare batteries. The XA2 relies on battery power for its electronic shutter and automatic exposure system. Keep the lens clean. Fingerprints and dust can reduce image contrast and clarity. Practise zone focusing before an important trip or event. Once you become familiar with the three focusing positions, the XA2 can be extremely quick and enjoyable to use.