[photo-3d] Re: XA or XA2

["Ray Moxom" <raymoxom@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark Shields wrote:
> I can't speak to twinning them, but the XA and XA2 differ thus:
> (And I have one of each--how about twinning _them_?  :-)   )
>
> XA focuses to 1.8 ft., XA2 (according to my tests) 4 ft.
> XA aperture priority   XA2 programmed auto
> XA f/2.8               XA2 f/3.5
> XA down to 4 seconds   XA2 down to 1 second
> XA shows shutter speed in viewfinder   XA2 doesn't
> XA has rangefinder     XA2 continuous focus with zone click stops
> XA about $90           XA2 about $60
> XA less plentiful      XA2 more plentiful
> Both on eBay--used--not been made for years.
> Beware bad CPU chip--disables camera--no replacements available.
> Beware fungus on back of XA lens--close to film, which if left
> in camera causes the fungus.
>
> Be aware also of the XA1--selenium meter, fixed focus, programmed
> (trapped needle) 1/30 at f/3.5 to 1/250 at f/16 (I have a non-
> working example just to collect it), the XA3, which is an XA2
> with DX film speed sensing, and the XA4, which has a 25mm lens
> focusing to 1 foot--also programmed auto. (Other XA's--35mm lens.)
>
> I think that about covers it. Any corrections/additions?

Well done Mark! The only thing that I can add is that while most cameras are
black either the XA2, XA3 or XA4 (I forget which) also came in several
colours -including red white and blue.

The XA lenses are of a "Reverse Retrofocus Type". That is, the distance
between the lens and the film plane is less than the focal length of the
lens. This was a world first when the camera was released.

The XA camera designer was Yoshihisa Maitani and there is a 'Maitani Fan
Club' website at http://members.xoom.com/maitani_fan/home.html   I kid you
not!!

Ray Moxom