The Alpa Returns

[@fistfulloflenses]

Beautiful camera, always wanted one, thanks for the video

[@slow.poetry]

That's one of the most beautiful lens I've seen. For a massive investment I think it's very smart to go for a mechanical camera. In the long term we're all dead, but for me an F2 makes a lot more sense than an F3/FM2/FM3a.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

The Alpa kit is very nice with the lens and camera matching like few others. The FM series is fully mechanical. There is the light meter but those are pretty reliable on FM2ns.

[@sgroadie6367]

Looks superb condition. Schneider is top level lens maker. Together with Rodenstock and Zeiss.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

It is in very good condition, it was a rare find. I was told by someone (on a forum) that the Schneiders are woethless, later while talking to a group of collectors I showed them the camera as they thought the lens was adapted or misidentified I pulled it out and a major North American camera dealer said he had never seen such a setup. So I am guessing it is very rare. Never listen to people on the internet... except me.

[@ricardoyan7657]

Found a Model 6 in a thriftsore for 700 PHP or 12 USD witha Kern Swittar. the icing on the cake was its working!!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Finds like that are amazing but rare. I go looking frequently but rarely find more than a bad with a vivatar zoom and a flash unit melted by forgotten batteries.

[@pyoo05]

never owned an alpa, but i can really understand the appeal of its quirkiness. always been drawn to the 9d Reflex with that weird looking prism housing and advance lever. I use nikon rangefinders too and as much as I love them and the lenses, they can feel coldly workman-like (..which is a good problem to have) but sometimes you just want something a bit different.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I always appreciate things that are out of the ordinary or under appreciated, the Apla checks both boxes. The Nikon RFs do to some extent, but mainly I just like them.

[@Pattteo]

1000.- bucks for this legendary classic is well worth it. I know, I worked for Alpa in the 70s.

[@samzatoichi8330]

I have a model 5 reflex and a model 4 alnea. I sold a model 7. All of my Alpas have been serviced by Radu. When I shoot 35mm it’s in an Alpa or a Rollei 35. I like the size and weight. With the 45 degree view finder it’s easy to hold the camera upside down and hold overhead to focus in a crowd. You can use just about any camera lens on this camera. I have used a Leica collapsible 50mm and am able to focus at infinity pushing the collapsible lens barrel a small amount

[@andrewsmithphoto]

They are interesting cameras with a mix of cool features and oddities. I would love to have another lens to try on mine but they are not east to find and never cheap.

[@samzatoichi8330]

@@andrewsmithphoto , there are a few lens adapters available, Nikon, Nikon auto diaphragm, Pentax screw mount with auto diaphragm and exacta bayonet adapter mounts are easily available, japanese T mounts are cheap to. Then there are Contax lens adapters which are out there but scarce. Leica screw mount adapters are out there too, as well as Leica single lens reflex adapters. Leica screw mount lenses lose infinity focus. The Kern Aarau Switar 50mm 1:1.8 is an amazing very compact lens. The Alneas have a hinged mirror that folds into the body. There are Alpa mount collapsible lenses that give you a package about 3 " thick.

[@RolleiPollei]

The Alpa 9-11 were all made in Switzerland as far as I can tell. I have a 9d, and it's marked as "Made in Switzerland" at the very least. The Japanese outsourced Alpa was called the SI-2000, I think. It had a standard M42 mount instead of the Alpa bayonet. My Alpa 9d is one of my only working SLRs at the moment, along with an even weirder Kodak Retina Reflex IV, so I use mine a lot. Radu also worked on my camera and fixed the meter, which I'm very happy with. The Kern Switar lens I have on mine is pretty spectacular. I think that's the main reason people love them so much. That being said, the Xenon is also one of my favorite lenses. That Kodak I mentioned earlier has the 50mm f1.9 Xenon as well. For its time, it was a killer lens.

[@Pattteo]

When Apla started to meddle witn Chinon to make the SI-2000, it was the gegining of their end.

[@ChrisEbbrsen]

I think that's a doctors camera. For microscope work or lunar telescopic or dental. Otherwise why two viewfinder? THE top view finder is an optional not normal. You need the pentagram for that camera, I think? Check out old us camera mag. Alpa is in one edition. ITS beautiful!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Most models 4-8 have the RF style finder, but they vary some, such as metered models don dot have the finder. On later models they are also variable covering about 3 frame lines. I think it was just and after thought to fill space on models that did not have a meter.

[@evertking1]

Shots look good but the exposure is kinda hot, Right?

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Yes, I think it was mostly me trying to shoot with out many meter readings.

[@benfidar]

Isn't the rewind clutch a ratchet? If so, it is really nice.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Not sure. It does seem the film advance knob works better now.

[@ryanoconnor6638]

Hayata Camera in Asakusa, Japan can overhaul Alpa cameras as well.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Never heard of them. I think there are a lot of place in I japan that can do a lot but the language burrier keeps them out of average western knowledge. There are places in China that can repair the electronics of any camera and they do it very cheap. They just don't have an advertising wing.

[@ChrisEbbrsen]

Sweet!

[@ChrisEbbrsen]

Swiss precision!

[@rchelihaven5027]

Not when you see inside one .. 🙄

[@Pattteo]

If I'm not mistaken, you compare a Nikon with this Alpa but they are not form the same decade. If you get the Apla, it is for the legend. Stop comparing.

[@photobobo]

You are mispronouncing AL-NEE-A.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I have never heard anyone say the word before.