Film cameras
Alpa Reflex 11 el / Alpa 11si User manual
User manual for Alpa Reflex 11 el / Alpa 11si. 16 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 Reflex 11 el / Alpa 11si
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 16
- File size
- 2.9 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
Instructions
for use of the
ALPA11el
Poor results or even damages are often Replacing the delicate galvanometerwith
caused by ignorance of the equipment. quivering needle, this shockproof meter
We strongly recommend that you study gives you easier, faster, more sensitive
these instructions carefully, so as to get and far more precise exposures-up to
the best results with your ALPA. 1/1 Oth of an f/stop - and eliminates
Most of the instructions apply also to the most meter repairs.
ALPA 11s, with exception of the sections The ALPA body is a light-weight, com-
about release lock, selftimer, pact die-cast of great strength and long-
mirror lock, and M synchro- lasting rigidity. The ALPA 11 el has a
nization. pentaprism for eyelevel viewing, and an
The ALPA 11 el and the unlimited ALPA instant-return mirror which reacts even
system of photography are the results of if the shutter release is kept depressed.
more than 30 years of researchand devel- Any slight vibration accompanying the
opment to meet the evergrowing demands return occurs only after the exposure is
of the creative photographer, as well as completed, and cannot affect the sharp-
of scientific and industrial photography. ness of the picture. A film-type reminder
is on the back of the camera (F,tiq. 12).
All controls are easily accessible and can
be operated even if wearing gloves.
Every feature has been planned for fool-
proof operation.
A . G E N E R A L D E S C R I P T I O N
The Swiss ALPA 11 el is a 35 mm single- B. EXTERNAT CONTROLS
lens reflex camera (24x36 mm, 18x24
mm or 17x 2 2 . 5 mm) w i t h t h r o u g h - t h e -
lens light matching meter. The precise,
shockproofsolid state electronic circuit 1) Winding the film
has six transistors.a yellow light for over
and a red light for under exposure,visible
both below the groundglass and on top The winding lever A (fig. 1) cocks the
of the ALPA. shutter, advances the film, and counts the
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The speed may be set whether or not the
shutter is tensioned. The range of speeds,
evenly spaced, is the standard: B, 1 , 1 /2,
1 / 4 , 1 / 8 , 1 / 1 5 , 1 / 3 O , 1 / 6 0 , 1 / 1 2 5 , 1 / 2 5 0 ,
1/500, 1/1OOOsec. B may be locked for T
time exposure. To keep the shutter open,
the refeaselock V (tig.2) must be moved
to its in nermost position.
Setting B allows you to make time exposu-
res of any length, the shutter staying open
as long as the release button is pressed
( D, fig. 2). A cable release with locking
screw is very usefu I f or lo ng exposures,
and when the equipment is on a tripod.
The release button should also be locked
in position B with shutter open, if any
special shutter is used instead of the focal-
p la ne sh utter of the camera.
lmportant: when long shutter speeds are
used, for example 1 sec, with automatic-
diaphragm lenses, either the shutter
release must remain pressed throughout
the exposure, or the automatic diaphragm
must be discon nected.
The speed 1 /60 sec is marked in red
because it is the fastest speed which will
synchro nize with electronic f lash; if any
faster speed is used only part of the frame
will be exposed.
Fis.1 The shutter speed is, of course, chosen to
take into account any movement of the
subject. Factors to be considered include
the speed, distance, and direction of
movement of the subjecti the focal length
of the lens used is also important, as is the
way the camera is being supported. For
exposures.The short travel of only 160o maximum sharpness,use as short a speed
and operation of the three separate f unc- as possible.
tions give a slight resistance.lf the lever
is not wound fully to its stop the shutter
release is blocked. Remember, therefore,
to move the lever f ully round (but without
forcing it).
3) The shutter release
2) Setting the shutter speeds
To set the shutter speed turn ring P (fig. 1) The release button D (ta1.2) is situated
to the required speed, shown by the red o n the f ro n t of the camera. The f inger
line of the transparentdisc, without going squeezes tFe button while the thumb
past the black sector (do not f orce it). pressesagainst the other side of the ALPA.
2
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'# Ftg. 2 This arrangementminimizesrisk of camera very short focal lengths for example).To shake. The thread in the release button do this, simply slide down knurled lever E takesa standardcable release.Lenseswith (fig. 2). automatic diaphragm have their own Double or multipleexposuresare made as releasebuttons which in turn depressthat follows: after the first exposure press the of the camera.When taking a rapidsucces- shutter releasewhile winding (to tension sion of pictures, if this button is not the shutter without winding the film), let released before winding, the film will the shutterreleasego f irst,then the winding not be advanced,and the last exposure lever, raise the mirror by means of E, and made will be spoiled by another,partially make the secondexposure.Do not forgetto fogged becausethe mirror will not have move E back again afterwardsto lower returned. the mirrorfor viewing. The shutter lock V (f ig. 2) in its inside position blocks the shutter releasewhile light readingsare made. lf a cable release is fitted the lock is not effective. Note: if the releasebutton is pressedvery 4l The self-timer slowly the mirror may flip up before the actual exposure is made. This does not affectpicture quality. The ALPA 11 el has a self-timer(R, fig 2). It is sometimeusefulto be able to lock the This delayed-action release can be set mirror in its raised position (when using accordingto the length of delay required.View original page 6
Page 7 · Read text
F i s . 3 Fig. 4
2,5
5
-7,5
1 2 , 5
lf the lever is moved fully round the delay synchronizationsockets(fig. 2).The upper
is abou t 1 8 secs; if moved o n ly 90" the contact XF is for electronicf lash at speeds
delay is about 6 secs. up to 1/AO sec; a shorter speed than this
First wind the shutter, then the lever R. will give only a partiallyexposed frame.
The delayed action is started by pressing This contact can also be used for special
the shutter releasebutton. lf you wish to short-peakf lashbulbs, but if theseare used
be in the picture, you have time to take the manufacturer'sinstructions must be
u p position. followed carefullyas this kind of bulb is
lmportant: when usingthe self-timerwith really disigned f or between- lens sh utters.
automatic-diaphragm lenses, the lens The lower M contact is for use with f lash-
must be used pre-set or the picture will bu lbs specially made for focal-plane
be taken at f u ll apertureon ly. lf the self- shutters; their long peak allows short
timer is used with the shutter set at B, sh u tter speeds.
the exposure time will be 3 secs. This
known exposurecan be very usefu I u nder
poor light conditions or with small
a pertu res.
The smooth release of the self-timer is
usefuI also if you have no cable release.
Use a fast speed in such circumstancesfor
photographing in difficult conditions
without risk of camera shake. C . F R A M I N G A N D
lf the self-timer has been set but is then not F O C U S I N Grequired,it can be disengagedby shutter
lock V and then keepingbutton D pressed
while lever R is allowed to return to its
origin a I position.
1) Framing
5) Flash synchronization
The image of the screen is reinvertedand
The ALPA has two standard co-axial measuresexactly 2 3 x 3 5 m m , i . e . % m m
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less on each side than the 24x36 mm the middle of the screen.Choose a definite
frame.This matches the window of slide detail in the subject and focus the lens
mounts,so that there is no cut-off in pro- untilthe image of the line acrossthe range-
jection. The image on the screen of the finder is in perfect alignment; the subject
ALPA half frame cameras measures rs now sharply focused (figs.3 and 4).
exactfy 18x24 mm or 17x22.5 mm. The clear ring helps you to identify the
The screen image is magnified, to give object you are focusing on. In photo-
life-size with the standard 50 mm micrography the aerial image is focused
lens, and even with small diaphragm and it is necessary to see it clearly at the
openings the entire image is bright into same time as one of the lines - that is,
the corners - most useful for composition, with o u t p a ra lla x(fig . ).
focus, depth-of-f ield. Both semi-circular prisms will appear
An optional0.Tx eyepiecereducesmagnifi- uniformly bright under normal conditions.
cation. so that persons with deep-set eyes Under certain circumstances(smallerlens
or wearers of glasses can see the entire apertures, close-up photography) one of
field. Even with small f/stops, telephoto the semi-circularprisms may appear to be
lensesand bellows or tubes, etc. shaded. In this case you can align your
The viewfinder has a rotatable bayonet- image between the other, bright prism of
mounted rubber eyeshield cup which the split-imageand the clear glass ring.
excludesextraneouslight, and which can The scales indicated bv the cross are usefu I
be replacedby a magnifieror a right-angle for comparison (figs.3 and 4), especially
viewfinder. an photomacro- and micrography.
People with eyesight needing correction
can fit special lensesinto a mount fixed in
the eyepiece. The powers available are:
-4, -3, -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, and +4
diopters. b) by microprism
Microprismsare actualtya large number of
small rangefinderswhich show clearlv the
smallest mistake in focusing; as long as
the focus is wrong the image is very
blurred. As soon as the focus is correci
the image snaps into clarity.
2) Focusing on the screen
The ALPA 't 1 el has a screen which
combines a split-image rangefinder with
a circularzone of microprisms.The lens is
focused by means of the ring which turns 3) Focusing by distance scale
the lens in its helical mount. Sharpnessis
controlledover all the screen bv means of
one of the systemsmentioned below. AIIALPA lensesare calibratedfor distance.
It is thus possible to select a certain
distance.by using the scale (for example
qhen using f lash). Estimatingthe distance
a) by rangefinder gf the subject,it is set on the scale,taking
into account the depth of field. This
method is useful when it is impossibleto
The groundglass screen has a built-in focus, either when there is no time (as at
rangefinder formed by a pair of prisms a sporting event) or if it is too dark (when
which appear as a pair of semi-circlesin using flash etc.).
.. ,r -.- .:-;luiale*L .,-..;;-*"View original page 8Page 11 · Read text
2l Rewinding the exposed film
When the f rame cou nter shows 1 9 or
35 exposures (according to the film
loaded), wind to the next frame carefully
to avoid tearingthe perforationsor pulling
the film from its cassettealtogether- this
wou ld make rewinding impossible.When
definite resistanceto winding-on is felt
the film is used up and is rewound after
pressing the rewind release knob O
(fig.6) which disengagesthe sprockets.
It is not necessaryto keep your finger on
this button. Pull out the rewind crank F
(tig.2) and turn in the direction of the
arrgw (fig. 10). The film will offer a slight
pullagainst the rewind,until suddenlyfhe
crank beginsto turn freely.The cameracan
then be opened and the cassetteremoved.
Take care not to press the rewind knob
except when rewinding. lf pressed by
mistakeduring exposureof a film, advanceFis.10 the film one frame to re-engage the
sprockets.
F i g .1 1
E . A L P A L E N S E S
1) Ghanging the lens
To change the lens, press the button O
(fig.2) and turn the lens to the left.
Positionthe new lens so as to line up the
two red dots, push it gently into the body,
and turn to the right until it clicks into
position.
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2) ALPA lenses
ALPA have chosen an incomparable The transistorizedcircuit receives informa-
range of lenses from the best manufac- tion from two Cds cells which measurethe
turers - Kern, Kinoptik, Angenieux, light coming through the lens, while a
Schneider,Toomar and Zeiss. third cell compensatesfor any stray light
Each lens is individually factory-tested by enteringthe systemthrough the viewfinder.
ALPA to very rigorous standards. Focal The electronic circuit lights the lamps:
lengthsavailablerange from 24 to 600 mm, yellow indicatesoverexposure,red under-
and their bayonet mounts have remained exposure.When both lamps are lit at once,
standardizedfor more than 20 years. exposure is correct. The two cells integrate
Among this selection of lenses are two readings from the screen, with center
designswhich are exclusiveto ALPA - the weighting,to give highly accurateexposure
famous Kern Macro-Switar f 1.9/50 mm control.
(the standard lens of the ALPA), and the
KinoptikAPOCHROMATS.
2) Methods of use
Two methods are possible
a) The shutter speed is set, depending on
the subject (fig. 1). Remember to set the
F . E X P O S U R E R E A D I N G S film sp e e d wh e n ch a n g in g films (fi g.6) .
Lock the shutter releaseby sliding lever V
towards the lens. Press the shutter release
(D) to allow the meter and diaphragm to
operate. While keeping pressure on the
release turn the aperture ring until the
lamps visible in the viewfinder and in the
accessory clip are both lit.
lf the subject is in focus, just slide back the
1) Basic principles lock V and take the picture.
Note: in its outermost position the lock V
makesthe meter inoperativebut allows the
shutter to be released (useful for repeated
exposuresof an identical subject).
In the center position the meter ope-
Themeter system has a very wide range of rates at half pressure on the shutter
sensitivity(1.6 - 400,000 asb). Current is release,which also operates the automatic
supplied by one Mallory PX 28 battery diaphragm, and the shutter is releasedat
(Eveready544). full pressure.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
In the innermostposition, next to the lens, When reading the meter in the accessory
both the shutter and the meter are blocked. clip. it is good practice to cover the
This last position allows the shutter to be viewfinder with the hand or a lenscap.
kept open after it has been released:open In other circumstance,to keep out un-
the shutter at B setting. and slide the lock wanted light when working in intense
toward the lens.The shutter is closed again illumination,the small sliding cover for the
after the exposure simply by sliding the meter-window, on top of the camera, may
lock back again. b e clo se d (G, fig . 1 2 ).
Note: if the releasebutton is kept depres-
sed with the lock as just described,while the shutteris tensioned,the blind staysopen IIr fully at shutter settings between 1/30th
and B, and partiallyso at all other settings. {
b) The aperture is first set, according to
requireddepth of field. Choosethe opening.
block the shutter with V, then press the 4) Direct meter readings
releaseand find the correct time by turning
the soeed dial. Slide back the lock. check
the focus, and take the picture.
Note: remember the cells are very sensitive
and that to get both lamps lit at once may Film speeds Range of shutter speeds
require the diaphragm to be set at an ASA DIN fastest slowest
intermediatestoo value. The shutter can
be releasedif one of the lamps is not fully
lit: at some light levels the system is so 3 (6) 1 /60 1 second
sensitivethat it may be difficult to get both 6(ASA) (e) 1/',t25 1 D
(12) lit. The in error such case will not exceed 1/250 1 ) 12 'l 'l 'l ( 1 5 ) to of I 2 5 an f -stop r> /5 /5OO 1 /1 Oth
50 (18) 1/10OO 1 )
100 (21) 1/1OOO 1/2 D
.2OO (24) 1/1OOO 1/4 D
400 (27) 1 /1 0 0 0 1/8 D
800 (30) 1 / 1 O O 0 1 / 1 5 D
1600 (33) 1/1000 1/3o )
3200 (36) 1 / 1 0 0 0 1 / 6 0 >
6400 (3e) 1 /1 0 0 0 1/125 ,>
3) lmportant note
lf the speed required is outside the scale
Another point to remember is that, like registered by the system it is easy to
the human eye, the cells have to get used estimate it because ASA ratings . are
to darkness and are "blinded" by very directly proportional to shutter speeds
intense light, so that they continue to and f stops (except for a few maximum
register it for a short time. Therefore when apertureson certain lenses).
passing from a very bright subject to a dark For example, if an exposureof 1/1000 sec
one, allow the meter to rest for a few is required with a 25 ASA film a direct
seconds. lntentional over- or under- reading will not be obtained - the fastest
exposure is, of course, always possible. speed for this film is 1/500 sec. lf the
The eye should be kept as close as possible correct stop at 1 /500 sec was, say, f 5.6,
to the eyepiece during exposure readings the shutter speed is halved to 1/1ooo,
(especiallyif wearing glasses),to minimize therefore the aperture must be doubled,
the effects of stray reflections entering the t o f 4 .
viewfinder. lt is well compensated for by Sometimes 1 sec on the speed dial is not
the third cell but this compensationmight long enough: in this case the film setting
be insufficient in extreme circumstances. can be alteredinsteadofthe shutter speed.
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Fig.12 Fig. 1 3
For example,with a 25 ASA film, if the The ALPA does not requ ire a battery
shutteris set to 1 sec without the meter test because its design makes it u n neces-
lightscoming on together, alter the film sary. Either the battery is good a nd the
speedsetting until the lights do come on system functionS,or the power is too low
together.lf this happensat, say, 100 ASA, and the lampsw i l l n o t l i g h t .
thisis two stops above that of thb film, so
onejust gives two stops (- Q,x the time),
thatis 4 secs in this case.
5) Checking the battery
G. GENERAT
RECOMMENDATIONSRemovethe cameraback (no film inside!).
Takeoff the lid of the batteryhousing,and
insertthe new battery (Mallory PX-28 or
Eveready544) with the + sign f acing The ALPA is well known f or its strengthand
outside(fig. 1 3), and replacethe lid. lf the robustness, as proved by its use o n
lampsdo not light check that the battery numerous expeditions in all kinds of
has been put in correctly ( + to the extreme climates.At the same time one
outside),and change it round if need be. must rememberthat it is a precisioninstru-
ment, and should be used with care if it
is to give the best possible service.This
applies equally to its lenses and acces-
so nes.
Please pay special attention to the
following points:
1 ) Protectthe ALPA from dust, sand, and
high humidity. In the tropics it should be
kept in a sealed co ntainer with a bag of
silicagel.In winter, if it becomes coated
with mist on coming in out of the cold,
do not try to wipe it dry but simply wait
until the moisturedisappearsby itself.
1 1View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
2) Clean the film channel and pressure-
plate occasionallywith a piece of lint-free
clot h.
3) Never oil the mechanism.The shutter
will work for many tens of thousands of
exposureswithout lu brication.
4) Never try to dismantlethe ALPA your- I
self. This requires not only expert know-
ledge but also specialtools. Your guarantee ;
becomes void if the ALPA is serviced by
any unauthorizedperson. l
5) lf you are so unlucky as to drop the I
camera into the sea, it must be thoroughly I
rinsed in several changes of fresh water
before being dried. lt must then be sent
without delay to an authorized dealer or
to the factory.
6) lf yourcamerais lostorstolen advisethe
factory at once of the serial numbers of
body and lens.We stronglyrecommendthat
you insure your ALPA equipment.
7) When insertinga {ilm, either a new one
or one reloaded by yourself, check that
the lips of the cassetteare not too tight, and
that the film comes out easily.
It is a good idea also to check that there are
no loose velvet threads hanging from the
cassette; these can easily become trapped
in the film window and make shadows on
all your pictures.
J:iI
12 i
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. ., :::i.,:,:1.;,,.1.1'r.{i1fu};,;. >-,,ql;g,l,hi *,,, .,,. .r'rrriB*,Salb,,: &View original page 15Related documents and language editions
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