ALPA OF SWITZERLAND - Hersteller herausragender Kameras

Can my existing lenses get converted into ALPA mount?


Yes, in general it is possible to convert existing lenses from Schneider and Rodenstock into ALPA mount. The lenses get checked by Schneider or Rodenstock, mounted to ALPA lens boards, get calibrated and equipped to ALPA standards (including shutter blade interlock and release button).

A modification is normally possible if...

  • the lens can be found in our actual product list
  • the lens is used - we do not modify lenses bought just for the purpose of modification
The following steps will take place...
    • please indicate what lenses you would like to convert
    • please indicate per lens if it is already equipped with a shutter and if yes which type
    • please indicate per lens if it is already equipped with a helical mount and if yes which type
  • you get a quote from ALPA - please note that these quotes are valid only if the lens, shutter and helical mount is good condition
  • if you accept the quote you are kindly invited to send the lens(es) to ALPA (German customers can send the lenses also directly to Schneider or Rodenstock - but only after we have been able to contact the relevant company)
  • you will get your lenses back from ALPA
The round trip time depends on various parameters. Normally it takes some 3-4 weeks after receiving the lens(es).

Products

Why the need for mechanical precision and robustness?

Ever more frequently digital backs use ever-smaller pixels (at present more than 60 MP at 6 µm size).

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Why are all ALPA shift-sleds mounted on roller-bearings?

There are, of course, cheaper solutions to support shift sleds.

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Why does ALPA offer adjustable adapters for digital backs?

Adjustable back adapters (max. 3/10 mm, adjustable in single steps right down to 1/100 mm) with reuseable shims of various thickness are exclusive to ALPA.

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Why do ALPA cameras not need a manual?

ALPA cameras are designed to be as simple as possible.

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What is the exclusive ALPA shutterblade interlock for?

All current ALPA lenses with mechanical Copal shutter (except the extraordinary Schneider Apo-Digitar 5.6/24 mm XL) are equipped with the ALPA shutterblade interlock.

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What is shift, swing and tilt?

Shift, swing and tilt are purposeful displacements of the picture axis against the lens’ axis.

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What are color fringe, color cast and center fold and what can be done about them?

These are three unwelcome but usually removable side effects when photographing with digital backs.

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What viewfinders are there for the ALPA cameras?

When an ALPA camera is to be used freehand, then on all ALPA models a variety of viewfinders can be used (see also page 29):

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Mounting the ALPA Shutter Blade Interlock

All actual ALPA lenses in Copal 0 (except Apo-Digitar 5.6/24 mm XL) feature the interlock as standard equipment.

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How to focus and to frame?

There are five ways:

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Can my existing lenses get converted into ALPA mount?

Yes, in general it is possible to convert existing lenses from Schneider and Rodenstock into ALPA mount.

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Can existing lenses be adapted to the ALPA?

Indeed they can – as long as such lenses are listed in our latest product list.

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Can lenses for AFi, Hy6 or Rolleiflex 600x be used with ALPA cameras?

Yes.

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can a digital or film back on an alpa camera be positioned vertically as well as horizontally?

Yes, they can.

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Macro: Are macro shots possible with ALPA cameras?
As a start: Why are all ALPA cameras equipped for digital as well as for rollfilm backs?

Not everyone wants to photograph digitally, and not everyone wants to do so exclusively.

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What are the exclusive "Short Barrel" lenses and what are they used for?

ALPA supplies all lenses made by Schneider-Kreuznach from 80 mm to 250 mm focal length besides the standard version also in a special "Short Barrel" version that is 34 mm shorter than the standard version.

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