Hello everyone! My name is Tiffany Perez and this is my first post to this site! I am so excited. I am from Southern California, born and raised. This past year has been an adventure for me. I took a hiatus from photography and I have recently gotten back into it.
The Gear
For my return to film, I wanted to use the camera that I lucked out to find in the thrift store: the Olympus XA. This $5 thrift store find has changed my life. A full frame camera all in a little package. The lens is so sharp and the camera itself is so easy to use.
The Method
I use this camera for what I call “drive-by film shooting.” Since the camera is aperture priority, I set it to the smallest aperture I can, infinity focus, and just go taking pictures all from the comfort of my car.
Working in California, most of my time is spent in my car. Driving to and from work is a big chunk of my day other than my 9-5. So the only way I could get time to shoot was to do it while in my car. (This is done safely. Only at a stop. Not while the car is in motion. Safety first.) If I see something interesting on the street or if I drive by an interesting structure, I try to pull over and take a picture. This has taught me to not be in such a bubble on my commute.
I find a rangefinder like the XA to be best for this approach. Since the rangefinder patch is small, I zone focus the camera ahead of time to have it ready for when I need to take a quick shot. The XA is so small, too, that I can operate it with one hand. These are pictures from my most recent roll of Fuji Superia.
Shots Fired
Let me know what you think about my first submission to the site! To see my individual posts and commentary for these photos, visit my Instagram.
My Instagram: www.instagram.com/tjpiks
Tiffany Perez
The Drive-By Film Shooter
Want to learn more about this camera? Take a look at this review by jacint. This is post really gives you an idea of what it is like to shoot this camera.
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Wim HH van Heugten on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Michael Kay on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Graham Coad on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
AVSD on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
I love my XA, this is such a great Pocket-size camera to take away with you everytime you go out.
The light leaks (I presume) on your model, give a nice rendition, specially on the second picture (one with the trees) and I admit that sometimes it gives you nice "flares" or "color bursting modifications". But after all, in my opinion and in the end, you can't control them on every frame and, more important, at some point it will completly veil your negatives. I recommend you to change by your own the seals (it's pretty easy and gives you the impression of doing something pretty cool for your everyday camera) and the coming pictures surely will be delights due to this magnificent lens.
Cheers from France
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
John Smith on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Eric on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Yes, it is an amazing little machine. Excellent image quality, and a package small enough to carry with you everywhere!
I like your approach to commuting; must make it so much more bearable. And great IG posts!
Eric
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Lori on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
Comment posted: 16/04/2019
William Parker on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 17/04/2019
Pete Berry on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 17/04/2019
Thanks for the inspiration. I, too am returning to film after being away for a while.
I keep two point and shoot 35mm cameras in my van with me. On.e colour film, one back and white film. I hope to utilize your method of capturing images because I am in my vehicle for several hours a day.
Thanks, once again. Awesome photos.
- Pete in Canada
Comment posted: 17/04/2019
Chris Pattison on 5 Frames with My Thrift Store Olympus XA – by Tiffany Perez
Comment posted: 20/04/2019
Comment posted: 20/04/2019