P3D Twinned XA-2 Results

[fotoschack@xxxxxxxxx (Gary Schacker)]

I just got back the first test rolls from my Joel Alpers paired and
adjusted Olympus XA-2 rig and I must report that I am delighted with the
results!

I am normally not a fan of auto exposure, especially for stereo but
these cameras chose exposures that were right on the money each and
every time.  I will admit that conditions didn't vary much on these
rolls.  Pretty much sunny 16 all the way through.  On a few shots I
bracketed exposure by adjusting the click stopped ASA lever 2/3 of a
stop either way.  Results were noticeable and predictable.

What has really impressed me though is the sharpness and color
saturation of the lenses.  I do most of my stereo shooting with Pentax
prime optics on Ricoh SLR's.
I can't say that they are any sharper than these little Olympuses, even
though they're limited by the 3 zone focus adjustment of the XA-2.
Which by the way, is very quick and easy to use.  Most of the time it's
OK simply to use the middle default position.  

Color saturation is also outstanding.  The cobalt blue of the San Diego
sky was reproduced very richly.  The slides almost have a polarized
look.  

To test synchronization, I photographed severa fountains in San Diego's
Balboa Park.  All the flowing water and droplets matched precisely on
the film chips.

These cameras are light and fast to use.
Their small size allows the 35mm lenses to be substantially closer
together than with a pair of SLR's  Foregrounds within 3 or 4 feet are
no problem.

Lastly, I shot a few indoor flash shots which looked just fine.  Joel
fixes it so that single tiny XA flash on one of the cameras is all you
need.

I really can't conceive of a better point and shoot, auto exposure(with
bracketing ability) full frame stereo camera  All for less than $200
including twinning and flash!  

Gary Schacker   

PS: These cameras are fairly ubiquitous.  Usually you can choose from
several at any substantial photo swap meet.


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