SUMMARY
Photographer Steve O'Nions demonstrates the capabilities of the 1980s Olympus XA2 35mm clamshell camera, loaded with Rollei Infrared 400 film, for shooting atmospheric black-and-white landscapes in the Welsh countryside. Despite its minimal controls, including three focus positions and no manual exposure, O'Nions argues these limitations enhance its usability by making the camera disappear into the experience. The Rollei Infrared film, even without a filter, produces dramatic skies and bold clouds. The camera's ease of use encourages shooting in adverse weather, leading to compelling images, though it struggles with slow shutter speeds in dim light and its self-timer can be cumbersome.
TAKEAWAYS
The Olympus XA2 is a simple 35mm clamshell camera from the mid-1980s with limited manual controls.
Photographer Steve O'Nions uses the XA2 with Rollei Infrared 400 film for black-and-white landscape photography.
The camera's simplicity and fixed focus contribute to atmospheric landscape images.
Limitations like slow shutter speeds in low light and a 10-second self-timer are noted drawbacks.