Olympus XA2
I took the Olympus XA2 paired with Kodak Tri-X out for a day of shooting in Lisbon, Portugal. Through the winding streets and sweeping viewpoints, the experience reminded me why this camera has such a dedicated following.
The XA2 is genuinely one of the easiest film cameras to use. Its simple three zone focusing system makes shooting quick and effortless. Merely glance at your shot, decide on one of the three focus zones best suited to what you want to capture and shoot… no fuss! The iconic clamshell lens cover design not only protects the lens but also makes the camera incredibly compact and pocketable, perfect for a full day of exploring without feeling weighed down by photographic gear.
It was a mostly cloudy day in Lisbon, but that turned out to be a perfect match for Kodak Tri-X. This classic black and white film stock didn’t disappoint. It held the cloud detail beautifully. As someone who doesn’t usually shoot black and white, I found myself genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed the contrast and texture Tri-X delivered. It’s easy to understand why this film is so popular.
Lisbon’s architecture added to the magic of this combination and translated wonderfully onto Tri-X, giving the images a classic feel. The XA2 handled it all effortlessly. Despite having a flash attached, I never needed to test its capability as the available light, paired with the latitude of Tri-X, carried me through every scene. Still, it was comforting knowing the flash was fully functional if ever the situation called for it.
It’s clear why the Olympus XA2 remains so popular: it’s compact and reliable, and produces images far better than its simplicity suggests. Likewise, Kodak Tri-X continues to shine as a beloved film stock for its unmistakable look and forgiving exposure characteristics.
The Olympus XA2 and Kodak Tri-X proved to be an excellent pairing for a day shooting in Lisbon. The XA2’s ease of use and pocketable design made it ideal for spontaneous street photography, while Tri-X rendered the city’s clouds, textures, and architecture with timeless character. For anyone wanting a lightweight setup that still delivers classic, high quality results, this combination is incredibly satisfying!
