Olympus XA A11 35mm Rangefinder Camera

I purchased my first Olympus XA in 1980 as an accompaniment to my Nikon F2A system. Its size and portability filled a niche in my photographing technique that superceded the Nikon in many instances where precise focusing and exposure were not possible. Its inconspicuous presence could easily be utilized in crowded situations without calling attention to itself or me. As small as a deck of cards(without the attached A11 flash), it can easily be held, and all features operated, with one hand. I took many of my finest silver gelatin images with this camera as the Zuiko optics encompassed in the 35/2.8 lens are well-suited for "decisive moment" street photography. The camera travels well, also, and accompanied me on numerous worldwide adventures. The camera provided me with 10 years of reliable service under very difficult working conditions. I have worked without the XA for the past 15 years and have greatly missed it. With the onslaught of the Digital Revolution, these types of cameras are more and more difficult to find, so for old school photographers like myself that prefer doing work primarily in a darkroom rather than a PC, I am glad that this camera was available by eBay auction. There seem to be many of these Olympus XA cameras available through auction, but if you intend to have one as a "working" camera, may I suggest you find one in mint condition or better. And don't just buy the first one to come along as surely many will follow. Also, beware the later model XA2 which does not have the aperture-priority option, but rather "scene" settings.

The camera came exactly in the condition I ordered it and it works perfectly. I was shipped very promptly with no problem. This is my 3rd XA and love them. I have a digital camera as well, but for travel and other things, I still love this camera. It takes beautiful pictures that have a unique quality for a compact 35 mil. It was a triumph of design and will remain a classic. There is no better camera, if you want 35ml quality, with old fashioned film, that can be quiet and fit in your pocket. My XA's have been to Europe, Russia, China, South and Central America and they will continue to do so as long as I can have a working one. Oh, it's my third becuase I abuse them. they are incredibly durable, as they have a strong metal housing. First one-I dropped ten feet from stairs in French Chateau and second one was stolen our of luggage (stupid me to put it there!).

The Olympus XA is a small rangefinder camera. It's clam-shell design affords great protection and makes it a truly pocketable camera. Unlike other cameras of similar design, the XA has a coupled rangefinder for critical focus. The f2.8 Zuiko lens is tack-sharp and the cameras operation extremely quiet. A great camera for an urban photographer.
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I bought this camera with only one purpose: street photography. This ultra-compact 35 mm camera features a terrific, crisp 35mm/f:2.8 lens that performs well under all circumstances.
The XA was introduced in 1979. It is an aperture priority automatic exposure rangefinder camera. Manual override is not an option, except by changing the ASA range of the film. The rangefinder is bright and easy to use, although smaller than I am used to. The XA is almost as compact as modern digital point-and-shoots. Its small size and very quiet operation make it a favorite for street photography of any kind. The XA has been in my pocket since I bought it, and I have ran several rolls of film through it. This little camera performs flawlessly.

I bought this camera to use as a companion to one I all ready own to use as a Stereo set up. The camera is small, light weight and very portable. It also has an excellant lens with a reliable exposure system. I would recommmend it to any one who still uses a flim camera. Thanks William

This is a pure piece of history.
The last pure creation of Yoshihisa Maitani.
The first Clamshell design camera ever.
The first internal focusing lens ever.
The smallest rangefinder ever made.
The same intelligent auto exposure system as in the acclaimed OM-2.

I've been lucky enough to find one with original papers, original case, in original box. Mint condition. Just shot four films. Exposure is Great. Rangefinder focus must be learned (of course) the first film was so-so, but the rest was good.

Dont be fooled... XA2, XA4 XA1 are not THE XA. The XA is a pro camera. Others are aimed to DaddyKodak

I have heard a great deal about this camera circa 1970. It is unique because it is an SLR camera even though it is not a digital. So you can adjust the F-Stop and Aperture right there on the camera. The A11 or A16 flash is great takes a AA battery and the battery for the main part of the camera is still sold in many convenient stores and at a very fair price and the best part is that it takes regular film. This camera is rather hard to find and at a good price by the pictures are worth it. It is a great compact size and the flash comes on or off to make it even smaller. I definitely recommend buying this camera.

This is a small robust easily pockatable camera. The rnagefinder is sometimes difficult to adjust in low light. On some of my pictures light exposure seems to fall off towards the edges, it is subtle and i am not sure why. But pictures in general are sharp the operation is easy, i have not tried the flash. Some people have trouble with film advancing, but if you tighten the film with the rewind lever before advancing it after loading you should not have any problems. I take it with me everywhere.

bought olympus xa with the flash because I like the camera,,,also because I am learning how to do minor repairs on the cameras and plan on reselling the ones that I am able to clean up.

olympus xa is very compact 35mm camera which its lens has 'great' sharpness and it has rangefinder that you cannot find any other compact 35mm.

Fast rangefinder focusing with super sharp lens. The lens even has a fluorite element to make it compact enough for a inner-focus design. Simple is beautiful. I've used Contax T3, T2, Minilux, Hexar AF and mju-II, and this XA is my favorite. Highly recommended!

Was very pleased with the condition of the item, and the speed of delivery. It was exactly as described electronically, mechanically and cosmetically. I would not hesitate to purchase from this seller again.

I like film camera. And I want take it more smaller than SLR camera.
So, I want to buy this camera.
It shows good quallity.
and It is very small.