Film cameras
Alpa B User manual
User manual for Alpa B. 54 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 B
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 54
- File size
- 8.9 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 5 · Read text
Digitally signed by mike butkus mike DN: cn=mike butkus,
o=orphancameras, ou=29,
email=mike@butkus.org, c=US
Date: 2017.01.28 14:00:31 -05'00' butkus
Fig. 1. Rapid wind lever in tensioned Fig. 3. Shutter tensioned.
position. Fig. 4. Shutter run off.
Fig. 2. Not tensioned, shutter run off. W: Setting wheel for frame counter.,
The bodies of all ALPA-Reflex Instructions" should be stu'died
cameras are made of light-a1loy
injection die-castings, which en- ""rsfu,lly,*) Important: The earlier 50 mm
sures the highest possible rigid- standard lenses in collaPsible
ity. The covering consists of a mountq such as Alorar f/3.5
special plastic material rvhich is and Alf inon f 12.8, cannot be
impervious to sweat, cold and used with the ALPA-REFLEX
heat and all clim'atic vici,ssitudes. b models. The reason is that
All opera,tional knobs are easily that they cannot be pushed
accessible and can be operated back into the camera body,
even wi:th thick gloves. sinee the new lightning mirror
Everything has been done to pre- will not spring back automa-
vent damage by handling the tically and would therefore be
camera incorrectly. These in- damaged by retracting the
structions or at least the "Brief lens.
ilView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com3
B. THE EXTERNAL CONTROLS
AND HOW TO HANDL'E THEM
The film wind knob (K) tensions
the shutter, a'dvances the f i,lm
and operates the frame counter.
By depressing the outer mi'lled
_- ring of thiF knob the shutter can
be set to the shutter speed re-
quired. Shutter speeds between
li 1000 sec. and 1 second can be
selected and there is also a "8"
setting f or time exposures.
Winding the knob only needs Shutter speeds:L (314)Llz (ll3) l/4 (f/6)
a rotati,on through less than 160" rl8 LlLs - B - r/30 (r/38) (r/48) 1/6C\
in a clockwise direction (arrow); (Lt?o) (r/eo) t,J"r:"ry.rt, r/500 ur0c0
since this knob performs ( The speeds shown in brackets ) are several functions, a certain re- indicated by strokes on the scale, only
sistance has to be overcome when in the sequence in which they occur.
rotating it. If, by mistake, the
film wind knob has not been
vvound to its f u'lles't extent, that
is to say, unti,l it stops auto- (see fig. 1-4) also indicates whet-
matically, the shutter cannot be her the shutter is tensioned or
released but remains locked. not.
With ALPA - Reflex cameras It is also possible to set the
which are fitted with a rapid shutter speed between the mark-
wind lever the rotation of the ed values, e. g. between 1/30 and
knob is replaced by that of the 1/60 sec. This is not possi'ble,
lever, the sweep of which is less however, between LllS and 1/30
than 160". It returns automa'ti- sec., since between these values
cal,ly to its res,t position. All the lies the "B" setting. All in all
other instructions remain unal- you have the choice between
tered. approx. 60 shutter speed settings.
For setting the shutter speed the
mi'lled outer ring of the film
wind knob shoul,d be pressed
downwards an'd turned in either
direction untirl the index mark
is oppo,site the s'hutter speed re-
quired. The milled ri'ng will snap
in automatica,lly when it is
released. Setting the shutter
speed can be done whenever it is
shutter is cocked or not. The
setting remains visible all the
time. The posi'tion of the knob
Shutter speed setting.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
4
Intermedia,te settings are not pos- The delayed action release (self-
sible where there is a continuous timer) (fie. 7)
stroke at the edge of the ring. The ALPA-Reflex models 6b and action built-in delaYed ? b have a' the meaning 5 demonstrates Fig.
called usuallY r elease, " s elf - wirth- intermediate strokes of the
out a figu,re. The flash mark \ timer". The tensioning lever (L)
(bes,ide 1/60) indicates the utmost of the selftimer can be set to a
limit of the X-setting for flash higher or lresserdegree of tension
synchronisation. With electronic and this witrI control the length
fiashguns shorter shurtter speeds of delay. When the lever is t'urned
cannot be us,ed. right through to the final stoP,
The selection of the shutter sPeed, the delay will be approx. 15 to
by the wBY, dePends on the 20 seconds; if it is turned through
ripidity of the movement of the 90" it wilt be apProx. 6 seco'nds.
subj ect to be PhotograPhed' i'tt The selftimer shou'ld be used as
dist-ance f rom the camera, the follows: First cock the shutter
directi'on of its motion and the (K) then turn the lever (L) as far
focal length of the taking lens. as required. The delaYed acti'on
Shutter speeds s'lower than 1/30 rnechanism wi'Il start when the
sec. can h-ardly ever be used with shutter release knob (P) i:s fi'rmlY
the hanC-held camera. Since the
fi,lm wind knob (K) rotates when
the shu,tter is relgased, its move-
ment should not be obstructed.
The shutter release knob (P) is on
the camera front. The best way
to de- is shutter the release to circum- all under be disengaged o-f finger index the press it wirth will exposu're the since stances, thumb the whirlst hand right ihe full the at be made otherwise counter slight exerts a Pressure camera ap ertur e. of the back the against
in order to Prevent camera shake.
The release knob has a conical
thread into which a cable release
can be screwed (see Page 20).
Lenses wi'th au'tomatic P're-set
diaphragms are f itted with a
release knob of their own. This
knob is exactlY oPPosi'te the
camera release knob, which is
automatically rel'eased when the
lens release knob is dePressed.
If by mistake the release button
(P) is depressed during coocking
of the shutter (either bY the
knob (K) or the raPid wind lever)
the mirror will not f liP-uP on
the next release and this Pictttre
will fail.
ilView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com 5
If the shutter is set to 6(8" in- The eyepiece for reflex focusing
stead to a definite shutter speed permits viewing the entire image
the selftimer will produce an field (23 X 35 mm) on the groun,d-
exposure time of approximately glass screen. This image field is
2-3 seconds. The very gentle smaller (by 1 mm) than the fi,lm
vibrationless release of the shut- gate in the ca,mera, since the
ter by means of the selftimer usual slide-masks are cut to this
can be used to advantage for size. This slight reduction makes
exposures at slow shutter speeds sure that everything visible on
(e.g tlt sec.) from a tripod, when the focusing screen can be shown
a cable release is not available. later in proj ection. The picture
on the focusing screen is very
Setting the aperture. The aper- bright and magnified ( X 4.8) so
ture should be set according to that it appears to be "in natural
the indication given by the expo- size " even if a standard lens of
sure meter. Aperture setting is only 50 mm is used.
different with the various types The image is amazingly bright
of lens, either by setting ring or right up to the corners, even
lcnob (see'page 13-14).The choice when relatively small apertures
of the f/number depends on the are used, making it easy to judge
shutter speed chosen, the speed the depth of fi'eld.
of the f ilm in the camera and The eyepiece is arranged so that
the illumination of the subj ect. it permits viewing the image at
It also determines the depth of an angle of 45", as if it were
f ield. placed on an oblique desk. (With
model 4 b the image is viewed
Distance setting. The distance is at an angle of 90".)
set by turning the helical mount
of the lens. There are thnee ways
to obtain correct distance setting:
a) Determining the definition by
refler f ocusing on the ground-
gloss screen. With the ALPA
models 7b, 6b and 5b the
picture visible on the ground-
glass screen is upright and
laterally correct, thanks to
the built-in penta-prism. With
the model 4 b, however, the
picture is upright but late-
ral'ly reversed in horizontal
pictures and upside down in
upright pictures.
direction
Fig. zView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
6
This kind of viewing is a sPecial b)'tietdALPA-Retter 6 b utith sPlit-.
advantage of the ALPA-Reflex, or split-image oieutl
since it permits judgirng the l'4age rangetinder
framing and the defini'tion of the The model 6 b of the ALPA has
picture with the greategt of ease, an addirtiona,l split-i'mage view-
since the other eye (if it has no't finder in its foeusing screen. -onlY a fore- There is a clear circu,la'r field i'nbeen closed)-'sees
ground of no imPortance at qll' the centre of the grou'nd-glass
wittr the resu,lt that any confu- screen, in the mi'ddle of which
sion wi.th the sighted subiect is lie two crossed crescent-shaPed
impossible (see fig. 8). prisms. When sighting a sharP
With pictures at ground level or vertical or horizontal line or appe-ar i't will subject, edge of the down- camera thewith Pointing the until disPlaced and divided direction a vertical inwards optimum definirtion is obtained
(see fig. 10).
(see page 21).
When taki,ng upright Pictures'
the 45o vie*ing, angle can be
regarded almos't as using - an
"angle findert', a'lthough it h?t
to 5e admitted that this needs
some experience; but when You
got used to it You'll like i't too. Fig. 9
Q of prism wedges.
As shown by the spltt-lmage rangeflnder.
Fig. 10 Flg. ll
Unsharp SharpView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
7
The transparent circular zone would be hardly more than 1 mm.
around the rangefinrder makes it
easier to firld a suitable spot in c) The uieu/rangefinder of the
the subject on which to focus for ALPA-REFLEX, rnodel T b
best definition. When taking The view/rangefinder, som.etimes
photomicrographs this ring zonE called the measuring viewfinder,
permits focu,sing on the aerial is fully independent of the reflex
image when the two smal,l hori- focusing devi,ce. It is coupled,
zontal strokes permit,the accurate however, to the stroke of the
lo.cating of the focusing pl,ane. focusing mounts of the 50 mm
The diameters of the ring zone lenses. The vertically arranged
and the prisms provide a,n accu- base of the rangefinder permits
rate standard of compari,son for focu,sing on the superimposed
the actual image-siZe on the images of horizo,ntally placed film. detail,s until they are brought to
The ALPA models ? b, b b and 4 b coincidence. The reflected second
have a cross division in the picture is of gold-yellow colour
centre of the focusing screen, the and is visible in the centre of
significance of which is shown the picture. By turning the
in fig. 12. In model 4 b this figure focusing ring of the lens the two
is laterally reversed. separate images are brought to
It shou,ld be mentioned here that coincidence, thus indica,ting the
the magnifying system of the highest po,ssible definition. This
ALPA produces a highly mag- type of measuring is possible for
nified screen image. This mag- all distances from infinity to
nification may induce photoE- 3 t/t feet. If the distance is less
raphers to take pictures ot than 3 tlq feet focu,sing can be
subjects, the image-size of which performed only with the reflex
on the film will be much too focusing device.
smal'I. The standards of compar-- The actual viewfinder within the
ison (cro,ss divi:sion of the view/rangefinder can be adjusted
focusing screen or the diameter to indicate the image framings
of the transparent circular field) of 50, 90 and 135 mm focal lengfh
are provided to save the photo- lenses. This can be used for a
grapher from taking, for instance, quick j udgment of the eff ect of
a picture of a distant ship, the the various lenses (without ae-
image-size of which on the fi,lm tually changing the lens). It is
Fig. 12
Meaning of the cross divisions on the groundglass screen of models 4b, Sb and ?b.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
and 14
Sharp
As shown in the measuring viewfinder of model 7 b.
also possible to assess the image a) the shutter speed shou'ld be set
framing when the lens is already according to the indication of
f o,cused on a def inite distance the exposure 'meter,
(such as the f inishing line in b) the correct stoP should be
races, the goal in football games' chosen according to the indi-
etc.) cation of the exposure meter,
Exchanging the lenses c) the lens should be focused
Depress the knob (H) fig. 16 and accuratelY on the subj ect.
turn the lens to the treft (fie. 15);
lift out the lens. Fig. 15
When inserting another lens the Changing the lens.
red dot on the lens mo,unt should
exactly coincide wi'th the red dot
on the camera f ront. BY less
than a quarter turn to the right,
exerting a slight Pressure, the
le,ns wil,l be brought to its correct
position. This will be reached
when it snaps in au'diblY.
Summarizing, i't should be noted
that irreproachable Pictures can
be obtained only after the fol-
lowing adjustments have been
made:
ilView original page 11Page 13 · Read text
1 0
C) LOADING AND UNLOADING
THE ALPA-REFLEX
The body of the ALPA-RtrFLEX the last but one frame (19 - 20 or
is closed by a cross-bar which is 35 - 36 according to cartridge) has
folded around the triPod bush at been reached, the f ollowing
the bottom of the camera. To operation of the film wind knob
open the camera unfold the key oi, particularly, the raPid wind
tfig. 1?) and turn i't to the right. lever, needs the utmost caution,
Lift the back (including the since one must avoid under all
botto,m) upwards, holding it bY circumstances Pulling the end of
the key, and ren'love it. (Do not the f ilm f rom its cartridge or
move it sidewaYs, Pull it uPwards damaging the perforations.
immediately the cross-bar is If an unsual resistance is felt,
opened). Holding the f ilm cart- the f ilm has arrived at the end
ridge in the right hand, Bush the and should no longer be forced
tapered beginning of the f ilm to advance; on the contrarY, it
beneath the clamP of the take- must be rewound into its car-
up spool in the camera (fig. 18). tridge.
Pull out a short length of f ilm
from the cartridge, but no more
than necessary for inserting the
cartri,dge into the emPtY sPool
chamber. The Prong of the re- Fig. 17
wind knob (R) should engage Opening the bodY.
correctly with the recess at the
top of the film cartridge (fig. 19).
wtake the f ilm taut bY turning
the rewind knob (R). Make sure
that the perforations engage the
teeth of the sProcket ProPerlY.
The take-up sPool should be
turned by hand so that one laYer
of the f ilm is wound around it.
Now close the camera and turn
the film wind knob (K)' thus
advancing the f ilm and cocking
the shutter. Release the shutter
by operating the shutter release
(P) and repeat this oPeration two
or three times. When advancing
the f ilm make sure that the
rewind knob turns in the direc-
tion opposite to the arrow. S et
the frame counter bY means of
the small wheel (W) to "O". The
camera is now readY for action.
When the frame counter indicates
H that the last frame of the film orView original page 13Page 15 · Read text
1 2 Reu; in d it t g t h e e r p o s e c l J i l m : th e No te th e film tr-P e You have coup lin g k n o b ( D ) s h o t r l d b e d e - lo a d e d ! On th e re fle x hood a pless ed f irml y . i m a l l w h i t e p l a t e p e r m i t s n o t i n g W h e n i t s n a p s i n , t h e s P t ' o c k e t i s t h e f i l m t ) ' p e u ' i t h w h i c h t h e disengaged f o r t h e n , h o l e P e rio d c a l r e r a i s l o a d e d . A p e n c i l s h o u l d of le u' indin g . T h t r s t h e c o r . tp lin g b e u s e d , n o t o n l y t o i n d i c a t e t h e k n o b n e e d n o t b e d e P l e s s e d a l l t y p e o f f i l m b r r t a l s o t h e t Y P e o f t he t ime . P t r l l o u t t t h e t 'e rvin d c a l t r i d g e ( 2 0 o t ' 3 6 ) . T h e n o t e l< no b (R (f ig . 2 1 ) a n d t u t 'n it to ca n b e t' e tn o ve d e a silY r vith a and f ro a s if l e w i n d i n g a r t ' a tch . d a m p f i n g e r . Do t his r. rn t i l t h e r v h o l e f i l m is r eu'o u n d ; a s l i g h t l - e s i s t a n c e \ /ill -> i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e f i l m h a s P a r t e d f l o r n t h e c l a m P o f t h e t a k e - l t P s p o o l a n d t h e r e u ' i n d k n o b u ' i l l t u r u f l e e l y r v i t h o r - r t a n v r e s i s t - a n c e a t a l l . T h e f i l m c a n a l s o b e Fig . 2 l r eu'o rrn c l rt ' i t h o t t t p r r l l i n g o u t th e Rcwinding thc cxposccl I ilm Otrl.r il l e r v i n d k n o b ; t h i s r v i l l t a k e a s i n g l e p t e s s u l e o l l t h c c o t l p l i l l g k l l o t ) D l o n s e r t i m e . b r - r t i s c ' o r n p l e t e l y ls llccessal ]' n o i s e l e s s . W h e n t h e c a m e r a l s l o a d e d 0 n c e a g a l n t he c ' o u p lin g k n o b ( D ) r v i l l b e d i s - www.orphancameras.com cngaged ar, r t o r n a ti - cally . A ny f r - r t 't h e r o p e l a t i o n i s u n n e - ( 'essary . Ho w e v e r , ( 'al'e s h o u ld b e t a k e n n o t t o d e - pr ess t h e c o u r P l i n g k n o b ( D ) w h e n t he c ame t 'a i s f l e s h l y l o a d e d . I f t h i s h a s b e e n d o n e by mis t a k € , h o \ t r '- ever, t h e f i l m s h o u l d a d v a n c e d b y o n e f r a m e ( u'it h t h e l e n s c o v e r e d ) , s i n c e t h e t h e l a s t f l a m e e x p o s e d w i l l b e sr - r p e rimpos e d b . v t he nex t p i c t l t t 'e t a k e n i f t h i s i s n o t d o n e .View original page 15
Page 18 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com t5 b) Sh,ort f acal lengths: the Depth-of-field indicator. Most various wide-angle lenses for the ALPA lenses havd the usual ALPA- Reflex have helical depth-of-field scale engraved on mounts, the stroke of which dif- their mounts. It is easy to as- fers in accordance with the de- certain the depth-of-field by sign of the manufacturers. reading off from the scales the cl Long local lengths; All lenses distance range between any two identical f/numbers. The depthsupplied with the ALPA Exten- of field is usually based on thesan mount are so engraved that largest permissible circle of con-distances below 1/10 of the image fusion of li30 mm; it should bescale are marked with image scales. It should be noted that mentioned, however, that the the exposure time for image highest possible definition will scales below lll0 (and larger) always be obtained in the Plane needs a correction in comparison on which the lens is focused. The with that for distant objects. At "depht of field" is rel,ative and if the final stop of the Extensan the highest definition is required mount the factor for this extreme vou shoul'd not. The Kern Macro- adjustment is engraved in green. Switar f/l.8,50 mm is fitted with Since the factor for 1/10 is equal an automatic "Visifocus" depth- to 1.2 it is easy to compensate for of-field indicator. Bright orange- the intermediate values. coloured dots wil'l indicate the With lenses which are not sup- boundaries of the dePth-of-field'Ihe plied with the Extensan mount range for a set aperture. (i. e., most of the lenses with depth-of-field indicator of the fully automatic pre-set dia- Schneider Curtagon 35 and the phragms) the distances are Te,le-Xenar 135 prcvides a similar marked in f eet in the ttsual effect with a scale of red strokes. manner. Infra-red exposures. There is a Extreme close-ups : If you wish small red index mark on all the to take extrerne close-ups for lenses, which indicates the which the stroke of the helical necessary extension of the focus- mount is no longer sufficient yotr ing mount for infra-red expo- can use various ALPA accessories sures (with the corresponding such as the "Tuban" extension filter and film, of course). It is tubes and the bellorvs focus- a slight lengthening of the ex- ing attachment or even a conl- tension and for infra-red expo- bination of both. For particulars sures the red index mark should see pages 18 and 21. be used as the infinity mark.View original page 18
Page 21 · Read text
1 8
F. ALP A A CC E S S O R I E S
a) ALPA precision filters: these
filter s a re o f t h e h i g h e s t o P t ica l
quality and a r e c o a t e d o n bo th
sur f a c es . Th e y a r e m a d e a n d
inspe c t e d v v i t h t h e s a m e P a in s-
taking c are a s a r e t h e I e n s e s a n d
ther e f ore e n s u r e i r r e P r o c h a b le
im age s h a rpn e s s . T h e t r a d e ma rk
ALPA a n d t h e n u m b e r o f th e
f ilt el a re ma r k e d o n t h e gla ss
i t s e l f . A L P A f i l t e r s a r e s i m P l Y
s lippe d on t o A L P A l e n s e s a n d
t ighte ned by a s l i g h t P r e s s ure ;
t heS' c a n b e r e m o v e d b Y P u l lin g
and lot at in g t h e m s l i g h t l Y .
Color, rls w h ich a r e n o t a v a i l a b le
in st ain ed o p t i c a l g l a s s c a n b e Lens hood on Switau ill both positions
sr - r bs t it r-rt edb y v a r n i s h e d g e l a tin e
foils in A LP A m o u n t s . E mP tY
ALPA rn o u n t s f o r m o u n t i n g sP e -
c i a l f i l t e r s a r e a l s o a v a i l a b l e .
When u s ing s u p P l e m e n t a r Y l e nse s For particulars and the neces- b e s h o u l d l e n s t h e f i l t e r s , a n d table on see of filters, sizes sary t h e t h e n a n d o n f i r s t s l i p p e d page booklet' of this the last
f i l t e r .
c) "Tuban" extension tubes.
b) A L P A le n s h o o d s The complete set consists of the
Thes e le n s h o o d s a r e s i mP IY f ollowing components: Tuban
slipped o n t h e o u t e l ' m o u n t s o f ring A (outside baYonet, inside
the le n s e s a n d c a n b e a t t a ch e d thread); the Tuban extension
and remo v e d b y a P r e s s u r e o n t u b e s I ( 6 m m ) , 2 ( 1 2 m m ) , 3 ( 2 4
t he loop o f t h e f l a t s P r i n g . W h e n mm) and 4 (48 mm), and the
not in u s e m o s t o f t h e m c a n b e Tuban ring B (thread and master
levers e d a n d s o s l i P P e d o n th e bayonet).
lens rv here t h e Y c a n r e m a in . The individual components
This pra c t ic a l a n d s P a c e - s a vin g should be used according to the
meth o d o f st o r i n g h a s t h e a d d i- illustration 34. The extension re-
t iona l a d v a n t a g e t h a t t h e le n s quired can be obtained easilY bY
hood is a l w a y s P r e s e n t a n d appropriate combinations' A 1 B
hand y . S ince t h e l e n s h o o d s a re on their own give an extension
slipp ed o n t h e o u t e r m o u n t o f o f 6 m m . T h e r i n g s A * B a r e
t he le n s e s , w h i l s t t h e f i l t e r s a re not necessary when an ALPA
f i t t e d i n t h e i n n e r r i m o f t h e Iens in a divisible mount is used.
f r on t le n s , t h e P o s i t i o n o f th e In this case t[e tube comPonents
lens h o o d i s a l w a y s t h e sa me are directly interpolated bet"veen
r ega rdle s s o f t h e P o s i t i o n o f th e the Extensan moltnt and the lens
f i l t e r ' . F i g . 3 3 . b a r r e l .View original page 21Page 24 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
l,Iont u r Oktrlur Octrvis
4 ) Op tica l a cce sso rie s. Basically
t h e A L P A - R E F L E X i s d e s i g n e d
.so th a t sp e cta cle \ve a rel's have
n o d i f f i c r - r l t v i n r . r s i n g a l l t h e
f o c r r s i n g f a c i l i t i e s o f t h e c a m e r a .
On ly p e o p le ' u l' h o sh o uld weal' KAV bcllow's unit and sliclc attachmcnt .sp e cta cle s b lrt d o n ' t, that is to
e ) T h e K A V O F o c u s i n g B e l l o u ' s sa 1 ' , fa r' -sig h te d p e o p le , mav have
pr ov ides a c o n t i n L r o r - r s e x t e nsio n clifficr-rlt.y so me time s in ac( .oln-
, . 'ar ia b le rv it h i n a r a n g c . o f 8 8 n rrn . r n o c l a t i n g t h e i r e y e s . T o h e l p 'l'he mo s t in t e l e s t i n g r - r s e of th e t h e r n A L P A o f f e t s t h e f o l l o u ' i n A
I ( AVO c a n b e l n a d e n r i t h A L PA itcce sso lle s:
l e n s e s i n d i v i s i b l e m o u n t s , s i n c e - - f o r t h e v i e u ' r ' a r l g e fi n d e l o f t h e
t h e s e c a n b e f o c u s e d t o i n f i n i t y A L P A r n o d e l 7 b , t h e r e i s t h e
f u ' i t h o u t e m p l o y i n g f u l t h e l a c - ' ' o ( ' u l L r r ' " r n o L r n t i n t o r v h i c h a
ti t ' e s s o r i e s a n d p e l r n i t c o n t i n u o u s g la ss a cco rd in g to .yout' doc.-
f ocr -rs ing lig h t L l p t o e x t l e me t o r " s p r e s c r i p t i o n c a n b e i n - , .
c l o s e - u p s . W i t h l e n s e s i n o t h e l s e r t e d . ( T e l l t h e d o c ' t o r u ' h i c h
r nou nt s , t h e e f f e c t i v e u s e o f th e e y e v o L l n o l m a l l v L t s e f o r '
KAV O s t a l' t s w h e n t h e n o rma l s i g h t i n g ) .
n e a r ' - f o c u s i n g l i m i t o f t h e I e n s -- fo l re fle x fo cr-rsin g u'ith all
m o u n t i s r e a c h e d . T u b a n l i n g s A L P A m o d e l s , t h e l e i s t h e
( ' a n b e u s e d i n a d d i t i o n t o t h e ' ' m o n t L l r " r n o L r n t . w h i c h a l s o
f o c u s i n g b e l l o w s ; t h e y a r e c o n - a c c e p t s a g l a s s m a d e a c c . o r . d i n g
nec t ed b. y m e a n s o f T r - r b a n r i ng A. t o p r e s t ' r ' i p t i o n ) .
f ) . , U s a n " c a m e r a c r a d l e ( c o d e (Sin ce d ifficr-rltie s in a (.coltlr r r o-
" usa n g " r' r' i t h ' r i n t l i p o d b u sh ) d a t i o n a l e r r s u a l l y m e t u ' i t h i n
This c ' ra d I e h a s t h r e e t l ip o d f a r - s i g h t e d p e o p l e , t h e m o s t
b t r s h e s s o t h a t t h e A L P A c a n b e (' o rn m o n co rr e ct io n g lasses o f
sc'r' eu' e d t o a t l i p o d i n a n y p o si- ' 2 , 3 a n d 4 d i o p t e r s a r . e
t i o n c o n v e n i e n t l y a n d q u i c k l y . I t a v a i l a b l e f r o r n A L P A . I n o t h e r
c ' e r t a i n l y w i d e n s t h e s c o p e o f t h e c a s e s a n o p t i c i a n s h o l r l d b e c o n -
came ra and c a n b e u s e d f o r u p - slrlte d ).
ligh t pic t u les w i t h o u t u s i n g a b a ll- Th e re a re p e o p le rt' h o c an sight
and- s oc k et h e a d o r f o r p i ctu le o n ly u ' ith th e le f t e ve. T he
ser ie s wh e n t h e c a m e l a m u s t re st a d d i t i o n a l ' ( o c u v i s " o c u l a r d i s -
on a f irm s u p p o r t . A f e w " s p ecia l- p la ce s th e e xit p u Dil b a ckwar ds
ists" ev en s a y t h a t p i c t r , r r e t akin g rvith o u t a n y o p tica l co rrection so
i s m a d e e a s i e r w i t h t h e h a n d - th a t su ch p e o p le ca n e asilv r ,r se
held c a mera w h e n t h e A l p a is t h e v i e w ' r ' a n g e f i n d e l o f t h e
s n u g l y e m b e d d e d i n t h e c r a d l e . A L P A , m o d e l 7 bView original page 24Page 26 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com 23
j) Leather cases for the inter- strap. It is made of natural
changeable lenscs: coloured leather of the finest
There is a set of practical leather quality and has two spring-
cases for the various interchan- safety hooks. This type of straP
geable ALPA lenses. They pro- will not strain or chafe the collar
tect the lenses from dust and of your suit.
damage. The various sizes are
listed on the last page. l) The MAKROSTAT copyins
and macro-unit
k) "Suspentt camera neckstraP This lightweight close-uP siand
If the ALPA-REFLEX is used for both indoor anC outdo'or
without an ever-ready case (e. g. photography can be easily trans-
with a flash gun) it is a good ported in a briefcase. For more
idea to wear it suspended from information see the special book-
the neck by means of the hard- let on Micro- and MacroPhoto-
plaiteC Suspen leather round- graphy with the ALPA.
G. GENERAL NOTES camera has warmed up. In
A good camera with lenses of hot and humid tropical cli-
the highest quality is a precision mates the camera, when not in
instrument and should always be use, should be stored in a
treated with care and apPrecia- tightly closed container to- gether with some drying agenttion, if you wish to retain its (silicagel).permanent efficiency, reliability
and precision. If you want your 4. The film track and the Pres-
ALPA-REFLEX to remain a sure plate should be cleaned
source of constant pleasure, trY from time to time. Use a soft
to adhere strictly to the follorv- brush, avoid using a fluffy rag
ing suggestions: or (worse) cotton wool. After
1. The camera should be protec- thorough cleaning the pressure plate can be lightly wiped ted from shock and vibrations.
Hold it firmly and don't let it rvith a trace of paraffin oil.
drop. 5. The mechanism should not be
2. When stored for a long period Iubricated ! The shutter needs
the shutter should be released no oil even when it is operated
beforehand. tens of thousands of times.
3. Protect the camera from dust, 6. Do not try to dismantle the
sand and humidity. On a cold camera yourself ! Not even if
winter day the exterior and you think you know the posi-
interior glass and metal com- tion of the fault. For dis-
ponents will be covered with mantling special tools are
condensation when it is trans- needed. The manufacturer's
ferred to a warm room. Be or agent's guarantee will
patient, do not wipe off the become void if the camera has
condensation, wait until it has been opened by an unau-
disappears by itself when the thorized party.View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
2 4 .
7. If used cartlidges are refilled
with bulk film make sure that
the cartridge is clean and
dustfree, especially the velvet
mouth of the cassette. Soiled
and dusty cassettes will cause
scratches on the film.
8. If a custom's seal is to be fitted
to the camera, have it done so
that the f r-rnctioning of the
camera does not suffer. We
suggest the use of the eyelet
on the right-hand side of the
camera (see fig. 44).
Custom's seal attached
TABLE OF INTERCHANGEABLE ALPA LENSES
and the filters. lens hoods (sun-shades) a n d ca se s re q u ired.
Lens | : f Sunshade Filters Case
Retrofocus 24 n0ne @ D filtrado Redark
Retrofoc us 3.5 28 n0ne @ D filtrado Redark
Curlagon 2,8 35 curtabe @ I filtrabe Normdark
Marco-KiIar 2.8 40 n0ne @ DEecrana Xetdark
Switar 1 . 8 t0 0mxana @ A filtrana Normdark
Makro-Swilar r 8 50 omxabe @ I filtrabe Normdark
X enon 1 . 9 50 0mxana @ A filtrana Normdark
A lfinon 2,8 50 0mxana @ A' filtra n a Normd ark
Xenar 3.5 7 5 . 0mxana @ A filtrana Xetdark
Alfitar 2.5 90 0mxa0e @ B filtrabe Cendark
Makro-Kilar 2.8 90 n0ne @ A filtrana Cendark
Apochromat 2 r00 paran ka @ C filtrace Cendark
A lgular 3.2 135 0mxa0e @ B filtrabe Fardark
Tele-Xenar 3.5 r35 o mxa b e @ I fillrabe Cendark
Alefar 180 omxabe @ B filtrabe Fardark
Alitar r80 o mxabe @ B filtrabe Aldark
Tele- X e n a r q 5 360 parante @ 75 xfiltran IexdarkView original page 27Page 31 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
Instructions for
R.EF IJEXusing the b-Models
a. SpncrrrcATroN:
The ALPA camera is available
in four different models, all of Model 4 b : reflex focu,sing on
whi,ch are in current prod,uction. ground-glass screen
(without a prism).Model 7 b : reflex focusing with
pen,ta-pri,sm on a All ALPA reflex mo,dels are
equipped with the same focal- ground-glas,s screen
n ) u ! | plane shutter,s and the same wirth indePendent
flash-synchr,onisation. All in- view rangefinder / fASti terchangeabl'e lenses *) and which is coupled to "-o P' all all 50 mm standard accessories can be used equ,a,lly ! * F t lenses and indicates well with all ALPA models. For
this reason these instructions ap- also the image areas
to all model,s. At the end of =E;> for mm 135 ply 90 and
< E i : mm, for wh,ich focal this booklet, however, you wi.ll
lengths it is convert- find a brief summary of the
=< \Er j aa i,Ua ibIe. Buitrt-in delayed points which apply only to the
action release self- model you have cho,sen.
timer). The ALPA REFLEX is the resu,It
of years of research and expe-
Model 6 b : reflex focusing with rience iD the manufacture of
penta-prism on a precis'ion camera,s and represents
ground-gl,ass screen, an attempt to meet the steadi,ly
in the centre of which increasing requirements of pho-
a split-field range- tographers. It may happen, how-
finder is built-in, in- ever, as it has happened before,
dicati'ng the correct that fu'rther technical d,evelop-
distance regardless of ments wi'll involve changes in the
the focal length of design and co,ns,truction of the
the lens in use. Op- camera.
ti,cal viewfinder for The ALPA-b models differ frorn
the 50 mm image previous models in the introduc-
fie,ld. tion of the new lightning reflet
Buil't-in delayed ac- mtmor (operates by a hairtrigger
tion relea'se (self- release). fn actual practice this
timer). means that the mirror no,t only
Model 5 b : reflex focusing with flips up instantly, practica,lly
penta - prism on withou't image blackou,t, but
ground-glass screen. returns into viewing posit,ion
Optical viewfinder ins'tantly after the eiposure,
for the 50 mm image even if the release button is
field. kept depr€SS€d.View original page 31Page 32 · Read text
Fig. 1. Rapid wind lever in tensioned Fig. 3. Shutter tensioned.
Position. Fig. 4. Shutter run off.
Fie. 2. Not tensioned, shutter run off. W: Setting v.rheel for frame counter.
The bodies of all ALPA-Reflex Instructions" should be studied
cameras are noade of light-alloy carefurlly.
injection die-castings, which en- *) Ernportant: The earlier 50 mm
sures the highest possible rigid- standard lenses in collaPst'ble
ity. The covering con,sists of a mounts, such as Alorar f/3.5
speci.al plastic material r'.rhich is and Alfinon f12.8, cannot be
impervi,ous to sweat, cold and used with the ALPA-REFLEX
heat and all clim,atic vicirssitudes. - b models. The rea.son is that
AII opera,tional knobs are easily that they cannot be pushed
acce,sLsi,bleand ca,n be operated back into the camera bodY,
even with thick gloves. since the new lightning mirror
Everything has been done to pre- rvill not spring back automa-
vent damage by handling the tically and would therefore be
camera incorrectly. These in- damaged by retracting the
structions or at least the "Brief lens.
tView original page 32Page 33 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
3
B. THE EXTERNAL CONTROLS
AND IIOW TO IIANDLE THEM
The film wind knob (I() tensions
the shutter, a,dvances the fi'Irn
and operates th.e frame counter.
By depre'ssing the outer mille'd
ring of this knob the shutter can
be set to the shutter speed re-
quired. Shutter speeds between
1/1000 sec. and 1 second can be
selec.ted and there irs also a "B"
setting for time exposures.
Winding the knob only needs Shutter speeds: I (314) Ll2 (1/3) 1/4 (1/6)
a rotation through less than 160o u8 ut' - B - 1/30 (1/38) (1/48) 1i6c \
in a clockwise direction (arrow); (1170) (1/e0) 11125 u250 u500 u10c0
since this knob performs second.
sevgral functions, a certain re- Theonly speedsindicatedshownby strokesin bracketson the( scale,) are
sirsfgr"" has to be over,come when in the sequence in rvhich they occur.
rotating it. If, by mis,take, the
film wind knob has not been
'nvound to its fullest ex'tent, that
is to Soy, until it stop,s auto- (see fig. 1-4) also indicates whet-
matically, the shutter canno,t be her the shutter is tensioned or
re,leased but rernains locked. not.
With ALPA-Ref1ex cameras It is also possible to set the
which are fitted with a rapid shutter speed between the mark-
wind lever the rotation of the ed vatrues, e. g. between 1/30 and
knob is replaced by that of the U60 s,ec. This is not po,ssi'ble,
lever, the sweep of which i,s less however, betwe,en 1/15 and 1/30
than 160'. It returns automa,ti- sec., since between these values
caltly to its res,t posltion. A11 the lies the "B" setting. All in all
other instructions re,main unal- you have the choice between
tered. approx. 60 shutter speed settings.
For setting the shutter speed the
mi,lled outer ring of the film
wind knob should be press,ed
downwards and turned in either
direction unti'l the index mark
is oppo,site the shutter speed re-
quired. The milled ring will snap
in automatica'lly when it is
released. Setting the shutter
speed can be done whenever i't is
shutter is cocl<ed or n,ot. The
setting rernains visible all the
time. The position of the knob
Shutter speed setting.View original page 33Page 34 · Read text
4
Intermedi'a,te settings are not pos- The delayed action release (self-
sible where there i's a continuous timer) (fig. 7)
stroke at the edge of the ring. The ALPA-Reflex mode,l's6b and action delaYed ? b have a'built-in the meaning 5 demonstrates Fig. '(self- called usuallY release, witt-t- s,trokes intermediate of the
out, a figu,re. The flash mark \ timer". The tensioning lever (L)
(beside 1/60) indicates the utmost of the selftirner can be set to a
Iimit of the X-setti,ng for flas;tt higher or lresser degree of tension
synchronirsation. With electro'nic and this wil,I control the length
f'tashguns shorter shurtter speeds of delay. When the lever is turne'd
cannot be us,ed. right through to the final stoP'
The selection of the shutter sPeed, the delay will be aPProx,. 15 t-o
by the woY, dePends on - lfe 20 seconds: if it is tur:ned through ripidity of the movement of the 90' it will be approx. 6 se'co,nds.
subject to be PhotograPhed, ilts The selftimer shou'ld be use'd as
dist-ance from the camera' the follows: First cock the shutter
directi'on of its motio,n a,nd the (K) then turn the lever (L) as far
foca,l length of the taking lens. as require'd. The delaYed acti'on
Shutter speeds s{ower than 1/30 mechanism wi'Il start when the
sec. can h-ardlY ever be u,sed with shutter release knob (P) is firmlY
the hanC-hel'd. camera. Since the depressed. If you wisLt to appear
fi,lm wind knob (I{) r'otates when in the picture your'self there is
the shu'tter is relga'sed, its move- ample time to move i'nto the
ment should not be obstructed. posltion provided. If a lens with
The shutter release knob (P) is on lullyphragm automatic(APS) i's used,Pre-setthe auto-dia- waY The best front. camer'a the shouild diaPhragm of the mation de- is to shutter the release to al.l circum- under disengaged be of finger press index the i't wirth willl exPosu'r:e the since stances, the right hand whi'Ist the thumb otherwise be made at the fu'll exerts a slight counter Pressure aperture. against the back of the camera
in order to Prevent camqra shake.
The release knob has h conical
thread into which a cabl'e r'elease
can be screwed (see P'age 20).
Lenses with au,tomatic Pre-set
diaphragms are fitted with a
rel6ase knob of their own. This
knob is exactlSr oPPos'irte the
camera release knob, which is
automati,callY released when the
lens release knob is dePres'sed. If by mistake the release button {,iq
(P) is d.epressed during coocking rll.fi
of the ihutter (either bY the q
knob (K) or the raPid wind lever)
the mirror will not fliP-uP on
the next release and this Pictttre
fl will failView original page 34Page 35 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com 5
If the shu,tter is set to 368" in- The eyepiece for reflex fo,cusing
stea'd to a definite .shutter spee'd permits viewing ,the en'tire image
the selftimer will produce an field (23 X 35 mm) on the groun'd-
exposure ti,me of approximate'Iy gl'ass ,sc'reen. This image fi,eld is
2-3 seconds. The very gentle smaller (by 1.mm) than the fi,lm
vibratio,nless release of the shut- gate in the ca,mera, since the
ter by means of the s,elftimer usual s,Iide-masks are cut to this
can be used to advantage for size. This slight reduction makes
exposures at slow shutter speeds sure that everything visible. on
(e.g 1/: sec.) from a tripod, when the focusi,ng screen can be shown
a cable release is not avai,lable. later in p'rojection. The picture
on the focusing screen i's very
Setting the aperture. The aper- bright and magnified ( X 4.8) so
ture shoutrd be set according to that it appears to be '(in natu'ral
the indication given by the expo- size" even if a standard lens of
sure meter. Aperture setting is only 50 mm is used.
different wi,th the various types The image is amazingly bright
of lens, either by setting ring or right up to the corners, even
knob (see page 13-14).The choic,e when relatively small apertures
of the f/nu,mber depends on the are used, making it easy to judge
shutter speed chosen, the speed the depth of fi'eld.
of the filrn in the camera and The eyepiece is arranged so that
the illu,mi'nation of the subject. it permi,ts viewing the image at
It also determines the depth of an angle of 45o, as if it were
f iel'd. placed on an oblique desk. (With
model 4b the image is viewed
Distance setting. The di,stance is at an angle of 90'.)
set by turrning the helica'l mount
of the lens. There'are thnee ways
to obtain correc't distance set,ting:
a) Deterrnl.ntng the defi.nttion bg
refler f ocusing on the ground-
glass screen. With the ALPA
mode,ls 7b, 6b and 5b the
picture visible on the ground-
glas,s sc,reen is upright and
Iaterally correct, thanks to
the built-in penta-prism. Wi'th
the model 4b, however, the
picture is upright but late-
rally reversed in horizontal
pictures and ups,ide down in
upright pictu'res.
Fig. ?
( Delayed action release (selftimer).
i*&;,.,.,View original page 35Page 37 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
7
The transparent circular zone wou'Id be hardly more than 1 mm.
around the rangefinder makes it
easier to find a suitable spo,t in c) The ui.eulrangefind.er of the
the subject on which to focus for ALPA-REFLEX, model 7 b
best definition. When taking The view/rangef inder, sometimes
photomicrographs this ring zone called the measuring viewfinder,
permits focusing on the aerial is fully independent of the reflex
image when the two smal,l hori- focusing devirce. It is coupled,
zontal strokes permit,the accurate however, to the stroke of the
locating of the focusing pl,ane. focusing mountS of the 50 mm
The diameters of the rihg zone lenses. The vertically arranged
and the prisms provide an accu- base of the rangefi'nder permits
rate standard of comparison for focu,sing on the superimposed
the actual image-size on the i,mages of horizontally placed
film. details until they are brought to
The ALPA models 7b, 5b and 4b coincidence. The reflected second
have a cross division in the picture is of gotrd-yellow col.our
centre of the focusing screen, the and is visible in the centre of
significance of which is shown the picture. By turning the
in fig. 12. In model 4b this figure focusing ring of the lens the two
is laterally reversed. separate images are brought to
It should be mentioned here that coincidence, thus indicating the
the magnifying system of the highest possible definition. This
ALPA produces a highly mag- type of measuring is po,srsiblefor
nified screen image. This mag- all distances from infinitv to
nification may induce photog- 3 r/r fsg1. If the distance is less
raphers to take pictures of than 3 1/r feet focusing can be
subjects, the image-size of which performed only with the reflex
on the fi'lm will be much too fo'cu,si,ng device.
smal'l. The standards of compar- The actual viewfinder within the
ison (cross divi:sion of the view/rangefinder can be adjusted
focusing iscreen or the diameter to indicate the image framings
of the transparent circular field) of 50, 90 and 135 mm focal length
are provided to save the photo- lenses. Thi,s can be used for a
grapher from taking, for instance, quick judgment of the effect of
a picture of a distant ship, the the various lenses (without ac-
image-size of which on the fi,lm tually changing the lens). It is
Fig. 12
Meaning of the cross divisions on the groundglass screen of models 4b. 5b and 7b.View original page 37From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.