Author: -N-

Pink & Green

Pink & Green

I used the cord on the XA4 to get the correct distance for a “macro” shot – about .3 m or 12 inches.  I’ve loaded up the camera to slip into my bag I take to work – it’s a small camera, easy to carry, protected by the clam shell case.  I have a feeling it’s going to be carry-around-in-the-pocket type camera as it has no lens covers needing replacing should they fall off, etc.  Ya know, I do have a little case lying around for my other little cameras which would prevent that problem.  Now, if I could only find my missing Werra . . .

Raindrops & Thorns

Raindrops & Thorns

Another shot taken with Kodak UltraMax 400 and the Olympus XA4.  I don’t know if it is me, or the camera, or the film, or a combination, but I don’t think the sharpness is quite where I would like it to be.  Despite that, I think this is a helluva a great little camera – so quick and easy to use.  Maybe I’ll pick up the XA later on as it is a true rangefinder, not a zone-focusing one as is the XA4.  What I do like about the XA4 is the wider angle, and the ability to do some macro work with a point-and-shoot sized film camera.

That Strange Light Before It Rains

That Strange Light Before It Rains

If you have ever experienced the scudding light – bright, shadow, dark, bright – as clouds race before the wind, you know what I mean.  Suddenly one patch is brilliant against the ominous dark, then vanishes before your eyes.

This was taken with an Olympus XA4, a very small rangefinder from the 80s.  The XA4, from 1985, sports a five element Zuiko 28mm f3.5 lens focusing to 0.3m (12 inches), with the help of corded measuring devices for macro work.  The cords attach to the camera and extend for measurement.  I acquired on which was new old stock, and it’s quite a fun little 35mm camera.  It is also – I swear – the last film camera I plan to buy (for awhile)!

I had the film developed at a local lab, and scanned it myself with my Pakon 135.