ALPA REFLEX 9d
Posted 7-18-'03

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At last--an exposure meter that thinks for you!

Why begin by discussing the exposure meter, since the inimitable Swiss precision and optical excellence of the custom-built ALPA have made it the world's finest 35mm single-lens reflex

The answer is simple. In photography, far too frequently, over or under exposure have ruined otherwise excellent pictures. Many photographers use separate or built-in exposure meters which give them fairly accurate readings. But it is even more important that the reading angle of the meter is always exactly the same as the angle of the lens, whatever its focal length. And in order to achieve this there is only ONE correct place to put the meter! Just as the brain is behind the eyes, the exposure meter does not belong in front, nor to either side, BUT BEHIND THE LENS.

The optically coupled, exceptionally sensitive, yet very rugged behind-the-lens exposure meter system of the ALPA 9d measures the light through the lens, precisely and automatically . . .

with any film (ASA 12~400) any lens (9,8-5000mm focal length) any exposure speed (1/1000-4 seconds) any aperture any filter or close-up lens any bellows, extension tube, etc. any microscope at any distance


Optical coupling with electronic compensation for precise exposures
Two sensitive CdS cells, positioned behind the prism, in the axis of the reflex system but outside the viewing path, eliminate Light-reading parallax completely.

What of the extraneous light that enters the eye-piece of every single-lens reflex?

ALPA's ingenious electronic feed-back compensation (patented) neatly solves this problem. A third CdS cell facing the eyepiece measures any light which enters, and subtracts it, for absolutely precise exposures.

Thus, the ALPA 9d eliminates expensive film waste, which is especially important for all your color pictures as well as critical scientific and industrial work. You always read the light BEHIND the lens, over the entire range from wide-angle to telephoto as well as for close-ups and photomicrography.

Totally free from the need to calculate exposure factors, to consult charts or to interpret theoretical values, you can now concentrate your entire attention on all the other unique features of the versatile ALPA 9d.


How to use the ALPA meter:
Whenever the needle seen on the ground-glass is centered in) the circle the meter indicates correct exposure automatically:

1. Preset the most suitable shutter speed on both speed and meter dials. Then turn the lens diaphragm ring until the needle is centered, which gives you the correct f/stop.

Or

2. Preset the most suitable f/stop, then turn the meter dial until the needle is centered. Read the correct shutter speed and set it on the speed dial.

Contact with the standard 1.35 volt (or rechargeable) battery is only established, when the release is pressed. The practical lock on the release button facilitates both exposure readings and depth-of-field control, preventing accidental exposures.

Important:
ALPA's automatic readings do not necessarily mean automatic operation. Experienced amateurs as well as industrial and scientific photographers will appreciate the versatility of the ALPA 9d which permits them to change the f/stop manually to match the desired shutter speed or change the shutter speed manually to match the desired f/stop, with a choice of 6a positive intermediate speed settings!

Focusing on the ground glass AND with the split-image Rangefinder

The ALPA is equipped with the most advanced reflex viewing system, for absolutely accurate framing and focusing of the 1:1 LIFESIZE image on your ultra-luminous ground glass. While viewing the picture, you see if it is critically sharp. By aligning both halves of the diagonal (45°) split-image you double check and pinpoint your focus instantly, automatically--with any lens, at any distance, for any magnification I Thus, the boat will not be sharp until, by turning the focusing ring, you "stick" its mast together again. Please note that the 45° diagonal split permits you to check sharpness both on vertical (mast) or horizontal lines (balcony, motor car, etc.). Other exclusive features are the clear circle around the split-image, indispensable for close-ups at higher magnification, the millimeter scale (10mm cross) for exact measurements and the superfine grain of the ground glass for accurate depth-of-field control.

ALPA 9dfront view: streamlined, ultra-modern design

Typical of ALPA's modern concept are its smooth lines and attractive, well balanced design. Made of a very strong, light-metal injection molding, the ALPA 9d has the sturdiest body of any camera, to withstand the most rugged use. Yet, it is exceptionally compact--only 5/ x 3/ x 2"--and unbelievably kg-weight--a mere 21 ounces.  It usually comes equipped with the MacroSwitar, but can be fitted with any of the interchangeable ALPA lenses from 9.8mm up to 5000mm !

On the left is the self-timer, which ranges from 1-20 seconds, and the lock for the shutter release button.  On the right are the contacts for M and X flash synchronization.

ALPA 9d top view: utmost ease and simplicity of operation

On the right is the rapid-wind lever and the dial of the electronically calibrated, Swiss precision shutter, with speeds from 1/1000 to 1 sec. plus 60 positive intermediate settings The automatic exposure counter (behind the speed dial) returns to zero instantaneously when the camera back is removed. On the left is the speed dial for the behind-the-lens meter, with a center dial for ASA settings from ASA 12-6400

On the far left is the high speed rewind knob, featuring an ingenious parallelogram support that makes film changing a matter of seconds.

The 2 eyelets for attaching the braided leather neck strap are recessed.

Images of 24mm to 50 mm lenses

Images of 75mm to 150mm lenses

180mm to 600 mm lenses

The wonderful photographs achieved with the ALPA and its amazing facility for resolving all photographic problems are due in large measure to its complete range of 30 ALPA lenses--10 with Auto-diaphragm, 4 APOCHROMATS--from 9,8mm up to 5000mml The new reflex (behind-the-lens) meter makes their interchangeability an even more valuable asset, spectacularly demonstrated by the 17 photographs in the backfold of this brochure.
Each ALPA lens is individually film-tested and hand-picked for you. And each lens carries an unconditional guarantee of optical excellence.

ALPA slip-in filters are made of the finest optical glass dyed in the mass, plane parallel and coated. They match the outstanding optical qualities of the ALPA lenses and are subject to the same guarantee.

A separate lens brochure describes all ALPA lenses in detail.


The ALPA-Kinoptik Aprochomats
The Switar and Macro-Switar are perfectly color-matched by the KINOPTIK 100 mm f/2 and 150 mm f/2.8 Auto-Apochromats, unique high speed lenses of long focal length. Both produce the same incomparable brilliance, high contrast, sharpness and true color fidelity (see pictures on page 8).

The ALPA-Switar Aprochomat

Precision ground by Kern, world famous Swiss lens makers, the Switar 50mm f/1.8 with automatic diaphragm is a magnificent Apochromat which gives an image of unique brilliance, with razor-sharp definition and high contrast, even at full aperture. Its exclusive apochromatic correction of all 3 primary colors provides precise color fidelity.

The Switar is calibrated for all distances from infinity to 3 1/4 ft. Red fractions indicate the reproduction ratios of the image for all shorter distances, up to 1:9 (17").

The ALPA Macro-Switar Aprochomat
The Switar is surpassed only by its all-in one macro-version, the famous MacroSwitar 50mm f/1.8 Auto-Apochromat, which effortlessly breaks through the near-distance barrier by focusing all the way down to 7 inches. In addition, the Macro-Switar features the KERN Visifocus depth-of-field scale. At its maximum extension, the reproduction ratio is 1:3, i.e. a 3 times enlargement will give you a lifesize photograph of your subject. The Macro Switar's exclusive facility for "point-blank" pictures enables the ALPA photographer to take close-ups without accessories. . . anytime, anywhere.

ALPA 9f The model Of is the economy version of the ALPA 9d. It offers all of its exclusive features, except the exposure meter and the release lock. ALPA 6c Equipped with a built-in (not coupled) exposure meter of the classic type, the 6 c is designed for photographers who prefer to regulate shutter speeds and f/stops independently. ALPA models are available in attractive chrome, deep satiny black or dark green finish. ALPA single-frame cameras The special 18 x 24mm (17 x 22.5mm) models offer twice the number of exposures on a standard 35mm roll. Spacing accuracy is within 0.05mm (I), an indispensable requirement for film strip producers.

ALPA cases
Streamlined ever-ready cases protect your ALPA with 35, 40, 50 or 75mm lens, plus reversible lens hood and slip-in filters. ALPA gadget bags hold one or two ALPA's and two to six ALPA lenses plus accessories.

ALPA bellows - Placed between camera and lens this invaluable accessory increases magnification, opening up the fantastic world of macro-photography to the ALPA photographer. The ALPA may be used either horizontally or vertically without changing the position of the bellows. Coarse and fine adjustment are done by friction or rack and pinion focusing. The bellows are available in two models: single track and double track, the latter permitting focusing to a pre-determined scale. The range of the ALPA bellows provides a reproduction ratio of almost 3:1 with the Macro-Switar.

ALPA electric Motor 12 Volt DC - Already in extensive use for scientific and industrial photography as well as action and sports pictures, the ALPA now becomes even more efficient for such specialized applications. The electric motor can be operated with a compact, lightweight 12 volt DC battery rod, which stores sufficient power for up to 500 exposures and can be easily recharged from any 220 or 110 volt AC outlet. Also available is a transformer rectifier for direct use from 220 or 110 volt AC outlets. The ALPA electric motor attaches to the ALPA quickly and easily. When ordering the motor, please give exact ALPA model and serial number. It provides automatic film transport for either single exposures or an uninterrupted sequence of one exposure per second. The motor can be operated by remote control, up to distances of 300 feet.

ALPA 100 foot magazine - 100 feet of film represent 800 standard 24x36mm or 1600 single frame 18x24mm exposures! The ALPA 100 foot magazine easily interchanges with the removable back. It accepts standard 100 feet rolls for daylight loading. A built-in knife lets you cut off the exposed portion of film for immediate processing. The magazine features an exposure counter which adds and subtracts, so that you can rewind an exact number of exposures.

ALPA macrostat - The Macrostat is an ingeniously designed light-weight, collapsible stand which allows the photographer to exploit the full potential of the ALPA in copywork (book-pages, drawings, documents, etc.) as well as in indoor and outdoor macro-photography (close-ups). It is an actual miniature photo studio, offering possibilities limited only by the photographer's imagination. Special accessories such as the adjustable (for focus) object stages (without or with transparent glass plate and iris-condenser), circular light, reflectors, two-faced mirror, ground spikes, etc. adapt the Macrostat to any specific requirements, including ultra close-ups and photomicrography.

ALPA Micro-Adapter
A single adapter ring attaches the ALPA to any microscope for photomicrography.

Numerous applications are described in detail in the 48-page brochure "Macro-and Microphotography with the ALPA".

THE ALPA LENSES