Film cameras
Alpa Reflex 8b User manual
User manual for Alpa Reflex 8b. 31 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 8b
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 31
- File size
- 16.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
Fig. 1. Rapid wind lever in tensioned Fig. 3. Shutter tensioned.
Position. Fig. 4. Shutter run off.
Fig. 2. Not tensioned, shuttel run off. \v: Setting wheel for frame counter.
The bodies of all ALPA-Reflex Instructions" should be studied
cameras are made of light-alloy carefully.
injection die-castings, which en- *) Impcrtant: The earlier 50 mm
sures the highesl possible rigid- standard lenses in collapsibleity. The covering consists of a molLnts, such as Alorar fi3.5special plastic material vrhich is and Alf inon f 12.8, cannot beimpervious to sweat, cold and used with the ALPA-REFLEX
heat and all climatic vicissitudes. - b models. The reason is thatAll operational knobs are easily that they cannot be pushedaccessible and can be operated back into the camera body,even with thick gloves. cinna fho .._..nour ..b........9liohtnin mrrror
Everything has been done to pre- rvill not spling back automa-
vent damage by handling the tically and wor-rld therefore be
camera incorrectly. These in- alamrqe.l hw rrlrAnlino thn
s'uructions or at least the "Brief len!.View original page 4Page 6 · Read text
4
Intermedi'ate settings are not pos- The delayeit action release (self-
sible where there is a continuous timer) (fig. 7)
stroke at the edge of the ring. The ALPA-Reflex models 6b andFig. 5 demonstrates the meaning 7b have a built-in delaYed actionoflhe intermediate strokes with- release, usually called "self-
out a figure. The'flash mark\ timer". The tensioning lever (L)(bes,ide 1/60) indicates the utmost of the selftirner can be set to a
limit of the X-setti'ng for fiash higher or 'tresser degree of tensionsvnchronisation, With electronic and this will control the Iength
f,iashguns shorter s,hutter speeds of delay. When the lever is turned stoP,cannot be us,ed. right through to the finalThe selection of the shutter sPeed, the delay will be approx. 15 to
by the way, depends on the 20 seconds; if it is turned throughrapidity of the movement of the 90' it will be aPProx. 6 seco,nds.
subject to be photograPhed, itts The selftimer shoutrd be used asdistance from the camgra, the follows: First cock the shutterdirection of its motion and the (I{) then turn the lever (L) as farfocal length of the taking lens. as required. The delaYed actionShutter speeds s'lower than 1/30 mechanism will start when thesec. can hardly ever be used with shutter release knob (P) is firmlYthe hand-held camera. Since the depressed. If you wish to aPPearfilm wind knob (I{) rotates when in the picture yourself there isthe shutter is released, its move- amDle time to move into thement should not be obstructed. position provided. If a lens with dia- ully automatic Pre-setThe shutter release knob (P) is on f (APS) i.s used, the auto- phragm way best The front. camerathe should diaphragm the mation of de- to is the shutter releaseto circum- under disengaged all be of finger index the Dress i,t wirth wilrl exPosure the stances, since thumb the whirlst hand rightihe f ull the at otherwise be made exerts a slight counter Pressure against the back of the camera aperture.
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 automa'tic Pre-set
diaphragms are fitted with a
release knob of their own. This
knob is exactly oPPos,ite the
camera release knob, which is
automatically released 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 (I() or the rapid wind lever)
the mirror will not flip-up on
the next release and this Picture
will failView original page 6Page 9 · Read text
www.butkus.us 7
The transparent circular zone would be hardly more than 1 mm.
around the rangefin'der makes it easier to find a suitable spo,t in c) The ut.eulrangefinder of the
the subject on which to foc^us for ALPA-REFLEX. model 7 b
best definition. When taking The view/rangefinder, sometimes
photomicrographs this ring zone called the measuring viewfinder,permits focusing on the aerial is fully independent of the reflex
image when the two small hori- focusing device. It is coupled,
zontal strokes permit the accurate however, to the stroke of thelocating of the focusing pl'ane. focusing mounts of the 50 mrnThe diameters of the ring zone lenses. The vertically arranged
and the pri,sms provide an accu- base of the rangefinder permitsrate -"tandard of comparison for focusing on the superimposedthe actual image-size on the images of horizontally placedfilm. detail's 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 gold-yellow colour
centre of the focusing screen, the and is visible in the centre ofsignificance of 'uvhich is shown the picture. By turning thein fig. 12. In model 4b this figure focusing ring of the lens the two
is laterally reversed. separate images are brought toIt 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 possible for
nified screen image. This mag- all distances from infinity tonification may induce photog- 3 tir feet. If the distance is lesslaphers to take pictures of than 3 t/r feet focusing can be
subjects, the image-size of which performed only with the reflexon the fi'lm will be much too focusi,ng device.
smal'l. The standards of compar- The actual viewfinder within theison (cross division 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 length
are provided to save the photo- lenses. This can be used for a
grapher from taking, for instance, quick judgment of the effect ofa 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
groundglassView original page 9Page 12 · Read text
10 C) LOADING AND UNLOADING TIIE ALPA-REFLEX The body of the ALPA-REFLEX the last but one frame (19 - 20 or is closed by a cross-bar rvhich is 35 - 36 according to cartridge) hasfolded around the tripod bush at been reached, the f ollowing the bottom of the camera. To operation of the film wind knobopen the camera unfold the keY or, particularly, the raPid wind (fie. 1?) and turn it to the right. lever, nee'ds the utmost caution, Lift the back (including the since one must avoid under allbotto,m) upwards, holding it bY circumstances pulling the end of the key, and remove it. (Do not the f ilm from its cartridge or move it sideways, pull it uPwards damaging the perforations.immediately the cross-bar is If an unsual resistance is felt,opened). Ho ding the film cart- the film has arrived at the end ridge in the right hand, Bush the and should no longer be forcedtapered beginning of the film to advance; on the contrarY, itbeneath 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 film from the cartridge, but no more than necessary for inserting the cartridge into the emPtY sPool chamber. The prong of the re- Fig. 17 wind knob (R) should engage Opening the bodl'.correctly with the recess at the top of the film cartridge (fig. 19). Make the film 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 film is wound around it. Now close the camera and turn the film wind knob (K), thusadvancing the fihn and cocking the shutter. Release the shutter by operating the shutter release (P) and repeat this operation two or three times. When advancing the film make sure that the rewind knob tltrns in the direc- tion opposite to the arrow. Set the frame counter by means of the small wheel (W) to "O". The camera is now leady for action. When the frame counter indicates that the last frame of the film orView original page 12
Page 14 · Read text
12
Reuinding the erposed IiIm: t):,e Note the f ilm type you havecoupling knob (D) should be de- loaded ! On the reflex hood a
pressed firmly. small white plate permits noting
When it snaps in, the sProcket is the film type with which the
disengaged for the whole Period camefa is loaded. A pencil should
of rewinding. Thus the couPling be used, not only to indicate the
knob need not be dePressed all type of film but also the tYPe of
the time. Pr-rll out the rewind cartridge (20 or 36). The noteknob (R (fig. 21) and turn it to can be t'emoved easilY with a
and fro as if rewinding a watch. damp finger.
Do this until the whole film isrewound; a slight resistance will
indicate that the film has Partedfrom the clamp of the take-ltP ->spool and the rewind knob will
turn f reely without anY resist-
ance at all. The film can also be Fis. 21
rewortnd without pr-rlling out the Rewinding the exposed film. OnlI' a
lewind knob; this r'vill take a single p|essut'e on the coupling knob D trecessat'\'.longel time, but is comPletelY is
noiseless. When
the camera is
loaded once again
the coupling knob
(D) will be dis-
engaged automati-
ca,lly. Any further'
operation is unne-
cessary. However,
care should be
taken not to de-
press the couPling
knob (D) when
the camel:a is
freshiy loaded. If
this has been done
by mistake, how-
ever, the fi'lm
should advanced
by one frame
(with the lens
covered), since the
the last f rame
exposed will be
superimposed by
the next pictur-e
taken if this is
not done.
www.butkus.usView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Film tl llc rtot(' plate. Su.'itar cl iaph r':rgm
BL ..
D) I'HE LENSES FOR THE
A[,PA-REFLEX
a) Sto ndurd local Iettgth 50 mnt : The propt'r' ft'actions engraved in
You have the choice between the t'ed indicate the c:orresponcling
following lenses: the Swital f/1.8 leduction rlf ther object on the
with fully ar-rtomatic pre-set dia- film, e. g. 1,9 lneans that the
phragm; the ALPA-Xenon f,1.9 image will be in 1rg of the ar.tual
tvith pre-set diaphragm and the size, so that a . 9 magnification
Alfinon f. 2.8 with pre-set dia- nrill prodtrce a piclure in naltrlal
phragm. The mounts of all these si ze.
lenses permit continLlous focus- In actual placl.ice this caliblation
ing at distances from infinity to is a valuable help in taking
1 2 m (20 ins.), thanks to a stroke c:lose-r-rps, since it is hardly ever'
of 6 mm in the worm drive. The necessar-v to know the ar:t,ual
dislani'e rnarks below 3rr feet distance in inches u'hen the
ale caliblated in image scales. image scale. is known beforehand.
Depth of {iclcl scale and of clistancc f igul es tView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
14
The Macro-Switar f 1.8 has a
helical morrnt with an 18 mm
stroke and per-mits close-ups up
to an image scale of 1i3 of the
natural size, which corresponds
to a distance of 11 ins. measltred
flom the back of the camera ot'
approx. ? ins. from the front of
the lens mount. This mount is
engraved with distances (meas-
uled f rom the bacl< of the
camera) and image scales.
Maklo-Switar': The apeltLrle (set to f '4)is pre-selected with the Ring. The
a|r'o!vv on the clisc G mearls:
Pointing forwalcls: Ar.rto-cliaphlagm
engaged
Poirrting dou,nn,alcls: Atrto-cliaphlagm
cliscngaged.
V: ,.Visifocus" cleDth of field ir-rdicator'.
Fig. 26
With Angenieux
Alpa lenses. thc
ape|tu|e is set on
disc S. Auto-clia-
phlagm engagecl
ancl disengagecl l).\
ievel G on
untelsicle.
www.butkus.us
j_1
Fig. 27
Schneidel ALPA
lcnses with auto-
matic diaphlagm
and depth of ficlcl
indicator'-
Reiease knob P
turnecl two dots:
aLrto-diaphragm
disengaged
turned to thtee
dots: auto-dia-
phlagm engag('ci
T: Depth of f ield
indicator'. s",4agEtelView original page 16Page 17 · Read text
www.butkus.us 15 b) Short f ocal lengths: the Depth-of-field indicator. Most various wide-angle lenses for the ALPA lenses have the usual ALPA - Reflex have helical depth-of-field scale engravecl 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 c) Long f ocal Lengths: All lenses distance range between any two supplied with the ALPA Exten- identical f/numbers. The depth-the san mount are so engraved that of field is usually based on distances below 1/10 of the image largest permi,ssible circle of con- scale are marked with image fusion of 1/30 mm; it should be scatres. It should be noted that mentioned, however. that the the exposure time for image highest possible definition will scales below Ul0 (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 fie,l'd" is rel,ative and if the final stop of the Extensan the highest definition is required mount the factor for this extreme you shoul'd not. The Kern Macro- adjustment is engraved in green. Switar f/l.8,50 mm is fitted with Since the factor for l/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 will indicate the With lenses which are not sup- boundaries of the depth-of-fieldplied with the Extensan mount range for a set aperture. fhe(i.d., most of the lenses with depth-of-f ield indicator of thefully automatic pre-set dia- Schneider Curtagon 35 and the phragms) the distances are Tele-Xen'ar 135 provides a similar marked in f eet in the nsual effect with a scale of red strokes. manner. Infra-red exposures. There is aErtrente close-ups: If you wish small red index mark on all theto take extrerle close-ups for Ienses, which indicates thewhich the stroke of the helical neces,sary extension of the focu,s- mount is no longer sufficient you ing mount for infra-red expo- can use various ALPA accessories sures (with the correspondingsuch as the "Tuban,, exten,sion filter and film, of course). It istubes and the bei'lows 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 17
Page 20 · Read text
18
F. ALPA ACCESSORIES
a) ALPd precision filters: these
filters are of the highest optical
quality and are coated on both
surf aces. They are made and
inspected ll'ith the same pains-
taking care as are the lenses and
therefore ensure irreprochable
image sharpness. The trade mark
ALPA and the number of the
f ilter are marked on the glass
itself. ALPA filters are simply
slipped on to ALPA lenses and
tightened by a slight pressure;
they can be removed by pulling
and rotating them slightly.
Colours which are not available
in stained optical glass can be Lens l-rood on Switar in both positions.substituted by varnished gelatine
foils in ALPA mounts. Empty
ALPA mounts for mounting spe-
cial filtels are also available.
When using supplementary lenses neces-and f iltels, the I ens should be F ol particulars and theslipped on first and tl-ren the sary sizes of fiJ.ters, see table onfilter. the last page of this booklet.
c) "Tuban" extension tubes.b) ALPA lens hoods The complete set consists of the
These lens hoods are simply following components: Tuban
slipped on the outer mounts of ring A (or,rtside bayonet, inside
the lenses and can be attached thread); the Tuban extension
and removed by a pressLtre on tubes 1 (6 mm), 2 (i2 mm), 3 (24
the loop of the flat spring. When mm) and 4 (48 mm), and the
not in use most of them can be Tuban ring B (thread and master
leversed and so slipped on the bayonet).
lens where they can remain. The individual components
This practical and space-saving should be used according to the
method of storing has the addi- illustration 34. The extension re-
tional advantage that the lens quired can be obtained easily by
hood is always present and appropriate combinationsl A + B
handy. Since the lens hoods are on their own give an extension
slipped on the outer mount of of 6 mm. The rings A*B are
the lenses, whilst the filters are not necessary when an ALPA
fitted in the inner rim of the iens in a divisible mount is used.
flont lens, the position of the In this case the tube components
lens hood is always the same are directly interpolated between
regardless of the position of the the Extensan mount and the lens
filter. Fjg. 33. barrel.View original page 20Page 22 · Read text
20
The simple cable release (code
"declad") should be used at right
angles to prevent the pressure of the release from shaking the
camera. For time exposures of
some duration, a retaining screw
serves as a locking device (shut- ter setting to ((8"). It is a good plan to fasten the cable release
(bent backwards) to one of the eyelets on the camera by body How to use the cable release means (see a paperclip of fig. 38).
d) Cable release {"N) When using the wide-angle lenses of 28 and, more parti- In order to avoid any vibration cularly, 24 mm focal length, of the ALPA-Reflex when special care should be taken mounted on a tripod a cable to ensure that the cable re- release should be used. This is lease does not obtrude into screwed into the release knob. the picture area.
The Tusin-Cable Re-
Lease (code"biclon")
is in'dispensable
when a lens with
fr.llly automatic pre-
set diaphragm is
attached, not direct-
ly to the lens panel
but via tubes, etc.
and the pre-set
mechanism is to beused nevertheless.
When the lens is
mounted on a Tuban
tube or the focus-
ing bellows, one of
the twin-releases is
screwed to the ca-
mera, the other one
to the lens.
,,USAN" camela cr.adle
and T.BICLON" double
cable release.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
www.butkus.us
Montur Okulur Ocuvis
g) Optical accessories. Basically
the ALPA-REFLEX is designed
so that spectacle wearers have
no difficulty in using all the
focusing facilities of the camera'
Only people who should wearI{AV bellows unit and slide attachment. spectacles but don't, that is to
e) The KAVO Focusing Bellows say, far-sighted people, maY haveprovides a continuous extension difficulty sometimes in accom- helPvariable within a range of 88 mm' modating their eyes. ToThe most interesting use of the them ALPA offers the following
KAVO can be made with ALPA accessories:
mounts,lenses in divisible since - forALPAthe view/rangefindermodel 7 b, there isof thethe to infinitY be focusedthese can awithout employing further ac- "oculur" mount into whichcessories and permit continuous glass according to Your doc-focusing right u,p to extreme tor's prescription can be in-close-ups. With lenses in other serted. (Tell the doctor whichmounts. the effective use of the eye you normally use for
KAVO starts when the normal sighting).near-focusing limit of the lens for reflex focusing with all - ALPA models, there is themount is reached. Tuban ringscan be used in addition to the "montur" mount, which also
focusing bellows; they are con- accepts a glass made accordingnected by means of Tuban ring A. to prescription). accommo- (code (Since in difficulties cradle camera f) '6IJsan" met with in are usually dation triPod bush) t/r in with"usang"This cradle has three tripod far-sighted people, the mostbushes so that the ALPA can be common correction glasses ofscrewed to a tripod in anY Posi- +2,+ 3 and +4 dioPters are tion conveniently and quicklY' It available from ALPA. In other
certainly widens the scoPe of the cases an optician should be con-
camera and can be used for uP- sulted).
right pictures without using a ball- There are people who can siqht and-socket head or for Picture only with the left eye. The series when the camera must rest additional ((ocuvis" ocular dis-
on a firm support. A few "sPecial- places the exit PuPiI backwards
ists" even say that Picture taking without any optical correction so
is made easier with the hand- that such people can easilY useheld camera when the AlPa is the view/rangef inder of the
snugly embedded in the cradle' ALPA. model ? b.View original page 23Page 25 · Read text
www.butkus.us 23
j) Leather cases for the inter- strap. It is made of , natural
changeable lens.es: coloured leather of the f inest 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- wiII not strain or chafe the collar
tect the len,ses from dust and of your suit.
damage. The various sizes arelisted on the last page. l) The MAKROSTAT copying
and macro-unit
k) "Suspentt camera neckstrap This lightweight close-up stand if the ALPA-REFLEX is used for both indoor and outdo,or
without an ever-ready case (e. g. photography can be easily tran,s-
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-
plaited 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-
precision qualitythe highest is a ' matesuse, shouldthe camera,be storedwhen notin ina be andinstrument always shouldtreated with care and apprecia- tightly closed container to-tion, if you wish to retain its gether with some drying agent
permanent efficiency, reliability (silicagel).
and precision. If you want your 4. The film track and the pres-ALPA-REFLEX to remain a sure plate shonld be cleaned
source of constant pleasure, try from time to time. Use a soft
to adhere strictly to the follow- brush, avoid using a fluffy rag
ing suggestions: or (worse) cotton wool. After
1. The camera should be protec- thorough cleaning the pressure ted from shock and vibrations. plate can be lightly wiped
Hold it firmly and don't let it with a trace of paraffin oil.
drop. 5. The mechanism should not be
2. When stored for a long period lubricated ! 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 f ault. 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 voi'd if the camera has condensation, wait until it has been opened by an unau- disappears by itself when the thorized party.View original page 25Page 26 · Read text
24
7. If used cartridges 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.
B. If a custom's seal is to be fitted
to the camera. have it done so
that the f unctioning 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, Iens hoods (sun-shades) and cases lequired.
Lens Filte rs
Retrofocu s 24 n0 ne @ D filtrado Redark
Retrofo c u s 28 n 0ne @ D filtrado Redark
Curtagon 2,8 35 curtabe @ B filtrabe N ormd ark
Marco-Ki I ar 2,8 40 n0ne @ DE ecrana Xetd ark
Switar 1,8 50 0mxan a @ A filtrana N ormdark
Makro-Switar 1.8 50 omxabe @ B filtrabe No rmd ark
Xenon 1.9 50 0mxana @ A filtrana No rm d ark
Alf inon 50 0m xan a @ A filtrana Normdark 'RXenar ,l 0mxana @ A filtrana Xetdark
Alf itar 90 0mxa0e @ B filtrabe Cend ark
Makro-Kilar 2,8 90 n0n e @ A filtrana Cendark
Apoc h rom at 2 r00 paranka @ C filtrace Cend ark
Algular 3,2 IJJ omxabe @ I filtrabe Fa rd ark
Iele-Xenar IJJ omxabe @ B filtrabe Cgnd ark
Alefar 180 0mxa0e @ B filtrabe Fard ark
Alitar 180 omxabe @ B filtrabe Aldqrk
Tele-Xenar 5.5 360 parante @ 75 xfiltran Texd arkView original page 26From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.