Conventional wisdom says you need a full-frame Canon DSLR with L glass to create impressive images.

In fact, I know someone who started lifting weights simply to not crumble under photographic gear.

Fortunately, there’s an alternative that’ll have you canceling your next chiropractic appointment.

It’s called the Olympus XA, and it fits in the palm of your hand. Made in 1979, it’s small rangefinder camera, meaning you manually align two images in the viewfinder to set focus.

With a light-swallowing aperture of F2.8, the ability to shoot 800 speed film and a lens that produces contrasty images, this small package creates results that look anything but antiquated.

It easily goes anywhere. I took my XA to Montreal last May and was able to (mostly) stay under the radar taking candids of French Canadians in their natural habitat.

Since starting to shoot film in 2021, I’ve enjoyed more thoughtful compositions and more satisfaction in the shooting process. There’s something about forgoing instant gratification of digital through film that makes the process special.

On most days, I have an XA in the sunglasses compartment of my backpack, or in my pocket.

They say the best camera is the one that’s on you. What’s in your pocket?