Film cameras
Alpa 9d User manual
User manual for Alpa 9d. 15 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Alpa
- Model / document
- Alpa 9d
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 15
- File size
- 2.0 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
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.View original page 2Page 3 · Read text
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!View original page 3
Page 4 · Read text
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.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
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.View original page 5Page 8 · Read text
180mm to 600 mm lenses Complete ALPA lens system offers instant interchangeability 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.View original page 8
Page 9 · Read text
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.View original page 9Page 11 · Read text
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 extension tubes
A normal set of tubes consists of two intermediate rings with a combined length of 6mm (screw/bayonet and
bayonet/screw) and four straight screw-in tubes of 6,12, 24 and 48mm length, for a total of 96mm. In
combination with the Macro-Switar, the complete set permits reproduction ratios up to 2~:1.
With the aid of the twin cable release (see picture) you retain the convenience of automatic diaphragm operation
when using either bellows or extension tubes.
Ultra close-ups
For even greater magnifications you can also combine ALPA bellows and extension tubes and/or add more
tubes.
A special close-up lens used in conjunction with bellows and/or tubes permits magnifications up to 10:1 or
more, completely bridging the gap between Macro-photography and Photomicrography.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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.View original page 12
Page 13 · Read text
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.
The dual addition of electric motor and 100 foot magazine brings the ALPA very close to a movie camera, but
under entirely different conditions of animation. The frequency of one exposure per second allows photographic
recording in numerous applications: scientific, industrial, police, identification, surveillance, armed forces,
aerial photography, etc. Sports and action photography take on a new dimension. The scope of both macro-
photography and photomicrography is widened. Copy work and microflming are automated and speedier. And,
with the special 18 x 24mm (17 x 22.5mm) models, the ALPA is also ideally suited for the production of
filmstrips for advertising, sales promotion and educational purposes.View original page 13From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.