Difference between revisions of "Alpa"
Hanskerensky (talk | contribs) m (→Links) |
m (→Links: Note about link) |
||
| (19 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown) | |||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
|image_rights= nc | |image_rights= nc | ||
}} | }} | ||
| + | '''Alpa''' is the brand name of successive generations of high-quality [[35mm]] [[SLR]] cameras made by the Swiss manufacturer [[Pignons]] S.A. The brand has continued under new ownership since 1996 and makes special medium-format cameras. | ||
| − | + | The traditional 35mm Alpas are of an unusually solid construction, and have a cast metal body with figured surfaces. The controls are very simple, consisting of only a film-advance lever, and a shutter-speed indicator. The standard lenses for the cameras and the viewfinder prism of the advanced camera models were made by [[Kern]]. Lenses are labeled [[Switar|"Kern-Switar"]] or Kern-Macro-Switar. Alpa also used lenses made by [[Angénieux]]. The standard lens for the Alpa 10d is a macro 50mm lens, unusual for its time. | |
| − | The original design was | + | The original design was the Bolca Reflex and had been made by [[Jacques Bolsey|Jacques Bogopolsky]], who had already designed the [[Bolex]] movie camera (see [[Bolsey]]). The rights were bought by [[Pignons]] in 1942, who named the camera the Alpa Reflex. |
| − | Alpas were very expensive hand-made cameras, made of carefully selected materials, with many variants that could be produced on special order | + | Alpas were very expensive hand-made cameras, made of carefully selected materials, with many variants that could be produced on special order. |
| + | For a few years from about 1980 the company made a rotating panoramic camera for medium-format film. | ||
| − | + | The company ceased camera production in 1990 and liquidation was initiated, but the company was bought by Ursula Capaul and Thomas Weber; see below. They have continued to make special-purpose medium-format cameras. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | ==Pignons Era== | |
| + | ===35mm cameras=== | ||
| − | + | There were five distinct generations of Alpa 35mm cameras produced by Pignons, the last of which was manufactured in Japan under license. | |
| − | Unlike later generations, all of these models offered a coupled rangefinder; the Alpa Standard, however, did not offer reflex viewing<ref>[http://www.alpareflex.com/Cameras/AlpaStandard.htm Alpa Standard] at [http://www.alpareflex.com/ alpareflex.com]</ref>. | + | ====First Generation==== |
| + | |||
| + | Unlike later generations, all of these models offered a coupled rangefinder; the Alpa Standard, however, did not offer reflex viewing<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161208032930/http://www.alpareflex.com/Cameras/AlpaStandard.htm Alpa Standard] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20161207200202/http://www.alpareflex.com/index.html alpareflex.com] (archived at archive.org in 2016)</ref>. | ||
* Alpa Standard | * Alpa Standard | ||
| Line 37: | Line 41: | ||
* Alpa Prisma Reflex | * Alpa Prisma Reflex | ||
| − | + | ====Second Generation (Alnea models)==== | |
Initially the second generation cameras were branded "Alnea," later replaced simply by "Reflex." | Initially the second generation cameras were branded "Alnea," later replaced simply by "Reflex." | ||
| Line 54: | Line 58: | ||
* Alpa Alnea/Reflex model 8 | * Alpa Alnea/Reflex model 8 | ||
| − | + | ====Third Generation==== | |
The third generation of Alpa SLRs introduced built-in meters, both conventional (Model 6c) and TTL (Model 9d). | The third generation of Alpa SLRs introduced built-in meters, both conventional (Model 6c) and TTL (Model 9d). | ||
| − | * Alpa 6c<ref>[ | + | * [[Alpa 6c]]<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Alpa-Mod.6c-black-paint/AI-20-13191 Alpa Reflex 6c] with Makro-Switar 50 mm f/1.8, sold at the [https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Cameras/Past-Auctions/Auction-20/ 20th Westlicht Photographica Auction], on 12 November 2011.</ref> |
* [[Alpa Reflex 9d|Alpa 9 (9d/9f)]] | * [[Alpa Reflex 9d|Alpa 9 (9d/9f)]] | ||
| − | + | ====Fourth Generation==== | |
* [[Alpa Reflex 10d|Alpa 10d]] | * [[Alpa Reflex 10d|Alpa 10d]] | ||
| − | * Alpa 11 (11e, 11el, 11si, 11z) | + | * [[Alpa 11 series]] (11e, 11el, 11si, 11z) |
| − | + | ====Fifth Generation==== | |
| − | Based on Chinon models, these bear little relation to other cameras bearing the Alpa name, and cannot mount previous lenses.<ref>[http://www.alpareflex.com/Cameras/Si2000.htm Alpa Si 2000] at | + | Based on Chinon models, these bear little relation to other cameras bearing the Alpa name, and cannot mount previous lenses.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160316140823/http://www.alpareflex.com/Cameras/Si2000.htm Alpa Si 2000] at <nowiki>alpareflex.com</nowiki> (archived).</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160316142821/http://www.alpareflex.com/Cameras/Si3000.htm Alpa Si 3000] at <nowiki>alpareflex.com</nowiki> (archived).</ref> |
| − | * Alpa Si 2000 | + | * [[Alpa Si 2000]] |
| − | * Alpa Si 3000 | + | * [[Alpa Si 3000]] |
| − | === | + | ===Panoramic medium-format cameras=== |
| + | *[[Alpa Rotocamera]] c.1980 | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Capaul & Weber era== | ||
The Alpa trademark was purchased by new owners Capaul & Weber in 1996. Later that year, the Alpa name was revived for a prototype of a new, premium-level medium format camera, the Alpa 12. Production models of the [[Alpa 12 WA|12WA]], and 12/SWA (with built-in perspective control) followed in 1998. All of these cameras had a modular design that accepts a variety of superb wide-angle lenses from [[Rodenstock]], [[Carl Zeiss]], and [[Schneider]]. In 2007 the new enterprise became the '''ALPA Capaul & Weber AG'''. | The Alpa trademark was purchased by new owners Capaul & Weber in 1996. Later that year, the Alpa name was revived for a prototype of a new, premium-level medium format camera, the Alpa 12. Production models of the [[Alpa 12 WA|12WA]], and 12/SWA (with built-in perspective control) followed in 1998. All of these cameras had a modular design that accepts a variety of superb wide-angle lenses from [[Rodenstock]], [[Carl Zeiss]], and [[Schneider]]. In 2007 the new enterprise became the '''ALPA Capaul & Weber AG'''. | ||
{{Flickr image | {{Flickr image | ||
| Line 100: | Line 107: | ||
|image_rights= wp | |image_rights= wp | ||
}} | }} | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 105: | Line 115: | ||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
| − | *[ | + | *[https://www.alpa.swiss/ New Alpa homepage] (alpa.swiss gradually replacing alpa.ch) |
| − | |||
*[http://www.butkus.org/chinon/alpa.htm Alpa English instruction manuals] at Orphancameras.com | *[http://www.butkus.org/chinon/alpa.htm Alpa English instruction manuals] at Orphancameras.com | ||
*[http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Pignons/ Alpa Cameras Price Guide, Photos, Descriptions] at collectiblend.com | *[http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Pignons/ Alpa Cameras Price Guide, Photos, Descriptions] at collectiblend.com | ||
*[http://www.collectiongeven.com/piwigo/picture.php?/15/category/132 Alpa Reflex Series D] at [http://www.collectiongeven.com/piwigo/ Collection Even] (in French) | *[http://www.collectiongeven.com/piwigo/picture.php?/15/category/132 Alpa Reflex Series D] at [http://www.collectiongeven.com/piwigo/ Collection Even] (in French) | ||
| − | + | *[https://www.cameraboussat.fr/dossier_collection/cible.php?%20id=12 Alpa 6B] at [https://www.cameraboussat.fr/index.php Au fil des Images] (in French) | |
| − | |||
[[Category: 35mm SLR]] | [[Category: 35mm SLR]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:31, 4 March 2024
|
| 1960s Alpa 9d body image by eBayer kucuklu (Image rights) |
|
| Alpa Reflex II, 1945-52 image by Missy Bergen (Image rights) |
Alpa is the brand name of successive generations of high-quality 35mm SLR cameras made by the Swiss manufacturer Pignons S.A. The brand has continued under new ownership since 1996 and makes special medium-format cameras.
The traditional 35mm Alpas are of an unusually solid construction, and have a cast metal body with figured surfaces. The controls are very simple, consisting of only a film-advance lever, and a shutter-speed indicator. The standard lenses for the cameras and the viewfinder prism of the advanced camera models were made by Kern. Lenses are labeled "Kern-Switar" or Kern-Macro-Switar. Alpa also used lenses made by Angénieux. The standard lens for the Alpa 10d is a macro 50mm lens, unusual for its time.
The original design was the Bolca Reflex and had been made by Jacques Bogopolsky, who had already designed the Bolex movie camera (see Bolsey). The rights were bought by Pignons in 1942, who named the camera the Alpa Reflex.
Alpas were very expensive hand-made cameras, made of carefully selected materials, with many variants that could be produced on special order.
For a few years from about 1980 the company made a rotating panoramic camera for medium-format film.
The company ceased camera production in 1990 and liquidation was initiated, but the company was bought by Ursula Capaul and Thomas Weber; see below. They have continued to make special-purpose medium-format cameras.
Contents
Pignons Era
35mm cameras
There were five distinct generations of Alpa 35mm cameras produced by Pignons, the last of which was manufactured in Japan under license.
First Generation
Unlike later generations, all of these models offered a coupled rangefinder; the Alpa Standard, however, did not offer reflex viewing[1].
- Alpa Standard
- Alpa Reflex
- Alpa Prisma Reflex
Second Generation (Alnea models)
Initially the second generation cameras were branded "Alnea," later replaced simply by "Reflex."
|
| black-finish Alpa 9d image by tgrill1 (Image rights) |
- Alpa Alnea/Reflex model 4
- Alpa Alnea/Reflex model 5
- Alpa Alnea/Reflex model 6
- Alpa Alnea/Reflex model 7
- Alpa Alnea/Reflex model 8
Third Generation
The third generation of Alpa SLRs introduced built-in meters, both conventional (Model 6c) and TTL (Model 9d).
Fourth Generation
- Alpa 10d
- Alpa 11 series (11e, 11el, 11si, 11z)
Fifth Generation
Based on Chinon models, these bear little relation to other cameras bearing the Alpa name, and cannot mount previous lenses.[3][4]
Panoramic medium-format cameras
- Alpa Rotocamera c.1980
Capaul & Weber era
The Alpa trademark was purchased by new owners Capaul & Weber in 1996. Later that year, the Alpa name was revived for a prototype of a new, premium-level medium format camera, the Alpa 12. Production models of the 12WA, and 12/SWA (with built-in perspective control) followed in 1998. All of these cameras had a modular design that accepts a variety of superb wide-angle lenses from Rodenstock, Carl Zeiss, and Schneider. In 2007 the new enterprise became the ALPA Capaul & Weber AG.
|
| Alpa 12 TC image by Carlos Echenique (Image rights) |
- Alpa 12 TC
- Alpa 12 WA
- Alpa 12 SWA
- Alpa 12 MAX
- Alpa 12 Metric
- Alpa 12 XY
|
| Angénieux Alitar 180mm f/4.5 lens for Alpa cameras image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights) |
Notes
- ↑ Alpa Standard at alpareflex.com (archived at archive.org in 2016)
- ↑ Alpa Reflex 6c with Makro-Switar 50 mm f/1.8, sold at the 20th Westlicht Photographica Auction, on 12 November 2011.
- ↑ Alpa Si 2000 at alpareflex.com (archived).
- ↑ Alpa Si 3000 at alpareflex.com (archived).
Links
- New Alpa homepage (alpa.swiss gradually replacing alpa.ch)
- Alpa English instruction manuals at Orphancameras.com
- Alpa Cameras Price Guide, Photos, Descriptions at collectiblend.com
- Alpa Reflex Series D at Collection Even (in French)
- Alpa 6B at Au fil des Images (in French)
