ALPA 11 el User manual
Instructions for
use
of the
ALP
A
11
el
Anglais
CONTENTS
Page
A.
General
Description
B. External
Controls
1) Winding the film 1
2)
Setting the shutter speeds 2
3)
The shutter release 2
~l
The self-timer 3
Flash synchronization 4
C.
Framing
and Focusing 4
1)
Framing 4
2)
Focusing on the screen 5
a)
by
split-image rangefinder 5
b)
by
microprisms 5
3) Focusing
by
distance scale 5
D.
Loading and Unloading 6
1)
Loading 6
2)
Rewinding the exposed film 8
E.
ALPA
Lenses 8
1)
Changing the lens 8
2) ALPA lenses 9
F.
Exposure Readings 9
1)
Basic principles 9
2)
Methods
of
use
9
a)
by setting the shutter speed first 9
b) by setting the aperture first
10
3) Important note
10
4)
Direct meter readings
10
5) Changing the battery
11
G. General Recommendations
11
1
nstructions
for
use
of
the
ALPA
11
el
Poor results
or
even damages are often
caused
by
ignorance
of
the equipment.
We strongly recommend
that
you
study
these instructions carefully, so
as
to
get
the best results
with
your
ALPA.
Most
of
the
instructions
apply also
to
the
ALPA
11
s,
with
exception
of
the secti
ons
about
release
lock
, selftimer,
mirror lock, and M
synchro-
nization.
The
ALPA
11
el and the
unlimited
ALPA
system
of
photography
are the results
of
more than
30
years
of
research and devel-
opment
to
meet the
evergrowing
demands
of
the creative photographer,
as
well
as
of
scientific and industrial photography.
A.
GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
The Swiss
ALPA
11
el is a 35 mm single-
lens reflex camera
(24
x
36
mm,
18
x
24
mm
or
17
x
22
.5 mm)
with
through-the-
lens
light
matching
meter. The precise,
shockproof
solid state electronic
circuit
has six transistors, a
yellow
light
for
over
and a
red
light
for
under exposure, visible
both
below
the groundglass and
on
top
of
the ALPA.
Replacing the delicate galvanometer
with
quivering needle, this
shockp
roof
meter
gives
you
easier, faster, more sensitive
and
far
more precise exposures-up
to
1/10th
of
an
flstop
-and eliminates
most
meter repairs.
The
ALPA
body
is a
light-weight,
com-
pact die-cast
of
great strength and
long
-
lasting rigidity. The
ALPA
11
el
has a
pentaprism
for
eyelevel
viewing
, and
an
instant-return mirror which reacts even
if
the shutter release is kept depressed.
Any
slight
vibration
accompany
ing
the
return occurs
on
ly after the exposure is
completed, and
cannot
affect the sharp-
ness
of
the picture. A
film-type
reminder
is
on
the back
of
the came
ra
(F, fig.
12)
.
All
controls
are easily accessible and can
be operated even
if
wearing gloves.
Every feature has been planned
for
foo
l-
proof
operation.
B.
EXTERNAL
CONTROLS
1)
Winding
the
film
The
wi
nding lever A
(fig
.
1)
cocks
the
shutter, advances the film, and
counts
the
2
Fig. 1
exposures. The short travel
of
only
160
0
and operation
of
the three separate
func
-
tions
give a
slight
resistance.
If
the lever
is
not
wound
fully
to
its
stop
the shutter
re
lease is blocked. Remember, therefore,
to
move the lever
fully
round
(but
without
forcing
it).
2)
Setting
the
shutter
speeds
To set the shutter speed turn ring P (fig.
1)
to
the required speed,
shown
by
the red
line
of
the transparent disc,
without
going
past the black sector
(do
not
force
it).
The speed may be set
whether
or
not
the
shutter is tensioned. The range
of
speeds,
evenIy spaced, is the standard. B, 1,
1/2,
1/4, 1/8,
1/15,
1/30, 1/60,
1/125,
1/250,
1/500,
1
!1
000
sec. B may be locked
for
T
time exposure. To keep the shutter open,
the release
loc"-
V (fig.
2)
must
be moved
to
its innermost 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
(0
, fig.
2).
A cable release
with
locking
screw is very useful
for
long
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-
plane shutter
of
the camera.
Im
po
rta
nt
:
when
long
shutterspeeds 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 disconnected.
The speed 1/ 60 sec is marked in
red
because it is the fastest speed
which
will
synchronize
with
electronic flash;
if
any
faster speed
is
used
only
part
of
the frame
will
be exposed.
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 subject; the
focal
length
of
the lens used is also
important,
as
is the
way
the camera
is
being supported. For
maximum sharpness, use
as
short a speed
as
possible.
3)
The
shutter
r
elease
The release
button
0
(fig.2)
is
situated
on
the
front
of
the camer
a.
The finger
squeezes the
button
while
the
thumb
presses against the
other
side
of
the
ALPA
.
v
Fig. 2
This arrangement minimizes risk
of
camera
shake. The thread in the release
button
takes a standard cable release. Lenses
with
automatic
diaphragm have their
own
release
buttons
which
in turn depress that
of
the camera. When taking a rapid succes-
sion
of
pictures, if this
button
is
not
released before w
inding
, the film
will
not
be advanced, and the last exposure
made
will
be spoiled
by
another, partially
fogged
because the mirror
will
not
have
returned.
The shutter
lock
V (fig.
2)
in its inside
position
blocks
the shutter release
while
light
readings
are
made.
If
a cab
le
rele
ase
is
fitted
the lock
is
not
effective.
Note
:
if
the release
button
is pressed very
slowly
the mirror may
flip
up
before the
actual exposure is made. This does
not
affect picture quality.
It is sometime useful
to
be ab
le
to
lock
the
mirror
in
its raised position
(when
using
ve
ry short focal lengths
for
example). To
do
this, simply slide
down
knurled lever E
(fig.
2).
Double
or
multip
le exposures are made
as
follows:
after the first exposu
re
press the
shutter release
while
winding
(to
tension
the shutter
without
wind
ing the
film),
let
the shutter release
go
first,
then
the winding
lever, raise the mirror
by
means
of
E, and
make the second exposure. Do
notforgetto
move E back again afterwards
to
lower
the mirror for
viewing.
4)
The
self-timer
The
ALPA
11
el
has a self-timer (R, fig
2).
This
delayed-action
release can be set
according
to
the length
of
delay required.
3
4
Fig,3
If the lever is moved
fully
round
the delay
is
about
18
sees;
if
moved
only
900 the
delay is
about
6 sees,
First
wind
the shutter, then the lever
R,
The delayed
action
is started
by
pressing
the shutter release
button,
If you wish
to
be in the picture,
you
have
time
to
take
up
position,
Impo
rta
nt
:
when
using the self-timer
with
automatic-diaphragm
lenses, the lens
must
be used pre-set
or
the picture
will
be taken at
full
aperture
only,
If
the self-
timer
is used
with
the shutter set at
B,
the exposure
time
will
be 3 sees, This
known
exposure can be very useful under
poor
light
conditions
or
with
small
apertures.
The
smooth
release
of
the
se
l
f-timer
is
useful also
if
you
have
no
cable release,
Use a fast speed in such circumstances
for
photographing
in
difficult
conditions
without
risk
of
camera shake,
If
the self-timer has been set
but
is then
not
required, it can be disengaged
by
shutter
lock
V and then keeping
button
0 pressed
while
lever R is
allowed
to
return
to
its
original position.
5)
Fl
ash
synchronization
The
ALPA
has
two
standard co-axial
synchronization sockets (fig,
2),
The upper
contact
XF
is
for
electronic flash at speeds
up
to
1/60
sec; a shorter speed
than
this
will
give
only
a partially exposed frame,
This
contact
can also be used
for
special
short-peak flashbulbs,
but
if
these are used
the manufacturer's
instructions
must be
followed
carefully
as
this kind
of
bulb
is
really disigned
for
between-lens
shutters,
The
lower
M
contact
is
for
use w
ith
flash-
bulbs specially made
for
focal-plane
shutters; their
long
peak
allows
short
shutter speed
s,
C.
FRAMING
AND
FOCUSING
1)
Framing
The image
of
the screen is reinverted and
measures exactly 23 x35 mm,
i,
e,
% mm
less
on
each side than the
24
x
36
mm
frame. This matches the w
indo
w
of
slide
mounts, so
that
there is no
cut-off
in
pro-
jectio
n. The image on the scr
ee
n
of
the
ALPA
half frame cameras measures
exactly
18
x
24
mm or 17x22.5 mm.
The
sc
r
ee
n image is m
ag.
nified, to give
life-size
with
the standard
50
'mm
lens, and even
with
small diaphragm
openings the entire image is
bright
into
the corners - most useful
for
comp
osition,
focus, de
pth-
of-f
ield.
An
optio
n
al
0.7 xeyepiece r
ed
uces
magnifi-
ca
tion, so
th
at persons
with
deep-set eyes
or wearers
of
glasses
ca
n
see
the entire
field.
Ev
en w
ith
small
flstops,
telephoto
lenses and
bellows
or
tubes, etc.
The
viewf
inder has a rotatable
bayonet
-
mounted
rubber eyeshield cu p
wh
ich
exclud
es
extraneous l
ight,
and
whic
h can
be replaced
by
a magnifier
or
a
right
-a
ngl
e
viewf
ind
er.
People with eyesight needing correction
can
fit
special lenses
into
a
mount
fixed in
the eyepiece. The
powers
available are:
- 4, - 3, - 2, - 1, +1, +2,
+3,
and +4
diopters.
2)
Focusing
on
the
screen
The
ALPA
11
el h
as
a screen which
combines a
split-image
rangefinder
with
a circular
zo
ne
of
microprisms. The lens is
focused
by
means
of
the ring
which
turns
the lens in its helical
mount.
Sharpness is
co
ntroll
ed
over all the
sc
r
ee
n
by
means
of
one
of
the systems mentioned
below.
a)
by
rangefinder
The groundglass screen has a
built-in
rangefind
er
formed
by
a pair
of
prisms
w
hi
ch appear
as
a pa
ir
of
semi-circles in
the middle
of
the screen. Choose a definite
detail in the subject and focus the lens
until
the image
of
the line across the range-
finder is in perfect a
li
gnment:
the subject
is
no
w sharply focused
(f
igs. 3 and
4).
The clear ring helps you
to
identify the
object
you
are
focusing
o
n.
In
photo-
micrography the
ae
rial image is focused
and it
is
necessary
to
see
it clearly at the
same time
as
one
of
the lines -
that
i
s,
without parallax (fig. 4).
Both
sem
i-cir
cular prisms w
ill
appear
unif
ormly
bright
under normal
conditions
.
Under certain circumstances (smaller lens
apertur
es,
close-up
photography)
one
of
the semi-circular prisms may appear
to
be
shaded. In this case
you
can align
yo
ur
image between the other, bright prism
of
the sp
lit-
image and the clear glass ring.
The scales indicated
by
the cross are useful
for
compa
ri
son (figs. 3 and
4)
, especially
in
photomacro-
and micrography.
b)
by
microprism
Mi
cr
op
risms
ar
e
actually
a large
number
of
small rangefinders which
show
clearly the
smallest mistake in
focusing
;
as
long
as
the foc
us
is wrong the image is very
blurred, As
soon
as
the
focus
is correct
the image snaps
into
clarity.
.3)
Focusing
by
distanc
e scale
All
ALPA
lens
es
are calibrated
for
distance.
It
is thus possible to
se
lect a certain
distan
ce
by using the scale
(for
example
whe
n using flash). Es
timating
the distance
of
the subject, it is set on the scale, taking
into
account
the
depth
of
field. This
method is useful
when
it is impossible
to
focus, either
when
there is
no
time (as at
a sporting event)
or
if it
is
too
dark
(when
u
si
ng
flash etc.).
5
F
ig.6
D.
LOADING
AND
UNLOADING
1)
Loading
The
ALPA
11
el is opened
by
the key M
(fig. 5). on the
bottom
of
the camera. Lift
the key and turn it
to
the
right
(fig. 5).
Remove the back
by
pulling
on
the key.
Hold
the film cassette in the
right
hand and
insert the film leader in the
slot
of
the
take-up
spool
(fig.
7).
Take care
to
push
the film
well
into
the slit marked
with
an
arrow so
that
the edge is against the l
ower
flange
of
the spool; the leader is held
by
a
tooth.
Pull
out
enough film
to
enable the
cassette
to
be
put
in its chamber. and
engage the rewind lever
into
the cassette
(fig. 8).
Remember
to
check
the
correct
winding
before
closing
the
camera
.
Replace the camera back and l
ock
it by
turning
Ithe key
to
the left;
wind
and
release the s
hutt
er
two
more times
while
noting
that
the central screw
of
button
F
(fig
.
2)
is
turning
wh
ile the shutter is
being
wou
nd.
Theframe
counter
C (fig.
7)
is
automatically
disengaged
when
the came
ra
back
is
removed.
It
advances
to
zero after
thr
ee
windings
of
the
film
as
mentioned
above.
Note
:
if
a
partly
exposed
film
is removed
from the camer
a,
the
numb
er
of
exposed
frames
should
be
not
ed before
opening
the back, so
that
the
film
can later be
inserted
without
loss
of
a frame.
Do
not
forget
to
set the
film
speed on the
exposure meter; depress the outer ring
of
the speed dial P (fig. 1) and turn the black
index mark
unti
l it is opposite the
ASA
speed
of
the film (fig. 1
0).
F
oreasiersetting
of
the speed the dial can be
put
to
one end
of
its scal
e.
6
Fig.8
Fig
. 9
7
Fig.
10
Fig.
11
2)
Rewinding
the
exposed
film
When the
fr.ame
counter
shows
19
or
35 exposures (according
to
the film
loaded).
wind
to
the next frame carefully
to
avoid tearing the perforations
or
pulling
the film from its cassette altogether -this
would
make
rewinding
impossible. When
definite
re
sistance to
winding-on
is
felt
the
film
is used
up
and is
rewound
after
pressing the rewi nd release
knob
Q
(fig. 6)
wh
ich disengages the sprockets.
It
is
not
necessary
to
keep
your
finger
on
this
button.
Pull
out
the
rewind
crank F
(fig.2)
and turn in the direction
of
the
arrow
(fig
. 10). The
film
will
offer a slight
pull
against the rewind,
until
suddenly the
crank begins
to
turn freely. The camera can
then be opened and the cassette removed.
Take care
not
to
press the r
ewind
knob
except
when
rewinding.
If
pressed by
mistake during exposure
of
a film, advance
the film one frame
to
re
-engage the
sprockets.
E.
ALPA
LENSES
1)
Changing
the
lens
To change the lens, press the
button
0
(fig. 2) and turn the lens
to
the left.
Position the
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.
8
2)
ALPA
len
s
es
ALPA have chosen
an
incomparable
range
of
lenses from the best manufac-
turers Kern, Kinoptik, Angenieux,
Schneider, Zoomar and Zeiss.
Each lens is individually factory-tested
by
ALPA
to
very rigorous standards. Focal
le
ngths available range from
24
to
600 mm,
and their
bayonet
mounts
have remained
standardized
for
more than
20
years.
A
mong
this selection
of
lenses are
two
designs
which
are exclusive
to
ALPA
-the
famous Kern
Macro
-Switar f 1.9/50 mm
(t
he standard lens
of
the
ALPA)
, and the
Ki
noptik APOCH
ROMATS
.
F.
EXPOSURE
READINGS
1)
B
asic
pr
i
nciple
s
The meter system has a very
wide
range
of
sensitivity
(1.6
-
400,000
asb). Current is
supplied
by
one
Mallory
PX
28 battery
(Eveready
544).
The transistorized circuit receives informa-
tion
from
two
Cds cells
which
measure the
light
coming
through
the lens,
wh
ile a
third cell compensates
for
any stray
light
entering the system
through
the
viewfinder
.
The el
ectronic
circuit
lights the lamps:
yellow indicates overexposure,
red
under-
exposure. When
both
lamps are
lit
at once,
exposure is correct. The
two
cells integrate
readings from the screen,
with
center
weighting,
to give
highly
accurate exposure
control.
2)
Me
t
hod
s
of
u
se
Two
methods are possible
a) The shutter speed is set, depending
on
the subject
(fig
.
1).
Remember
to
set the
film speed
when
changing
films
(fig
.
6)
.
Lock
the shutter release
by
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.
If the subject is in focus,
just
slide back the
lock
V and take the picture.
Note:
in its
outermost
position the
lock
V
makes the meter inoperative
but
allows
the
shutter
to
be released (useful
for
repeated
exposures
of
an
identical subject).
In the center position the meter ope-
rates at half pressure on the shutter
release,
which
also operates the
automatic
diaphragm, and the shutter is released at
full
pressure.
9
10
In the innermost posi
tion
, next
to
the lens,
both
the shutter and the meter are blocked.
This last
position
allows
the shutter
to
be
kept open after it has been released: open
the shutter at B setting, and slide the
lock
toward
the lens. The shutter is closed again
after the exposure simply by sliding the
lock
back again.
Note:
if the release
button
is kept depres-
sed
with
the lock
as
just
described,
while
the shutteris tensioned, the blind stays open
fully
at shutter settings between 1/
30th
and B, and partially so at all
other
settings.
b) The aperture is first set. according
to
required
depth
offield.
Choose the opening,
block
the shutter with
V,
then press the
release and
find
the correct time
by
turning
the speed 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
require the diaphragm
to
be set at
an
intermediate
stop
value. The shutter can
be released
if
one
of
the lamps is
not
fully
lit: at some
light
levels the system is so
sensitive
that
it
may be
difficult
to
get both
lit. The error in such case
will
not
exceed
1/5
to
1!1
Oth
of
an
f-stop
I
3)
Important
note
Another
point
to
remember is that, like
the human eye, the cells have
to
get
used
to
darkness and are
"blinded"
by
very
intense
light
, so that they
continue
to
register
it
for
a short time. Therefore
when
passing
from
a very bright subject
to
a dark
one,
allow
the meter
to
rest
for
a
few
seconds.
Intentional
over-
or
under-
exposure
is,
of
cour
se
,
always
possible.
The eye should be kept
as
close
as
possible
to
the eyepiece during exposure readings
(especially
if
wearing glasses),
to
minimize
the effects
of
stray reflections entering the
viewfinder. It
is
well
compensated
for
by
the third cell
but
this compensation
might
be
insufficient
in
extreme circumstances.
When reading
th
e meter in the accessory
clip, it is
good
practice
to
cover the
viewfinder
with
the hand
or
a lenscap.
In
other
circumstance,
to
keep
out
un-
wanted
light
when
working
in intense
illumin
a
tion
, the small sliding cover
for
the
meter-
window
,
on
top
of
jhe camer
a,
ma
y
be closed (G, fig.
12
).
4)
Direct
meter
readings
Film
speeds Range
of
shutter
speeds
ASA
DIN
fastest
slowest
3
(6)
1/ 60 1 second
6(ASA)
(9)
1/
125
1
12
(12)
1/
250
1
25
(15)
1/500
1
50
(18)
1/1000
1
100
(21 ) 1/
1000
1/2
200
(24)
1/
1000
1/4
400
(27)
1/
1000
1/8
800
(30)
1/
1000
1/
15
»
1600
(33)
1/1000
1/
30
3200
(36)
1/1000
1/60
6400
(39)
1!1
000
1/125
»
If the speed required is outside the scale
registered
by
the system
it
is easy
to
estimate it because
ASA
ratings are
directly
proportional
to
shutter speeds
and f stops
(except
for
a
few
maximum
apertures on certain lenses) .
For example,
if
an
exposure
of
1/ 1
000
sec
is requir
ed
with
a
25
ASA
film a
direct
reading
will
not
be obtained -the fastest
speed
for
this
film
is 1/
500
sec.
If
the
correct
stop
at 1/ 500 sec was, say, f 5.6,
the
shutter
speed is halved
to
1/
1000,
therefore the aperture must be
doubled
,
to
f 4.
Sometimes 1 sec on the speed dial is
not
long
enough:
in this case the film setting
can be altered instead
of
the shutter speed.
4
Fig.
12
For example,
with
a 25
ASA
film,
if
the
sh
utter
is set to 1 sec
without
the
meter
li
ghts
coming
on
together, alter
the
film
speed
setting
until
the
lights
do
come
on
toget
her.
If
this happens at, say,
100
ASA,
this is
two
stops above
that
of
the
film, so
one
just
gives
two
stops
(= 4 x the
time)
,
that
is
4 secs in this case.
5)
Check
i
ng
the
battery
Remove
the
camera
back
(no
film
insidel)
.
Take
off
the
lid
of
the
battery
housing,
and
insert
the
new
battery
(Mallory
PX
28 or
Eveready
544)
with
the
+ si
gn
facing
outs
ide (fig.
13).
and replace
the
lid.
If
the
lamps
do
not
light
check
that
the battery
has been
put
in
co
rr
ectly
(+
to
the
ou
tside). and change it
round
if
need be.
Fig.13
The
ALPA
does
not
require a battery
test because its design makes it unneces-
sary. Either
the
battery
is
good
and
the
system
functions,
or
the
power
is
too
low
and
the
lamps
will
not
light.
G. GENERAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The A LPA is
we
ll
known
for
its strength and
robustness,
as
proved
by
its use
on
numerous
expeditions
in all
kinds
of
extreme climates.
At
the
same
time
one
must
remember
that
it
is a precision
instru-
ment. and
shou
Id
be used
with
care
if it
is
to
give
the
best possible service. This
applies
equally
to
its lenses and acces-
sories.
Please pay special
attention
to
the
following
points
:
1)
Protect
the
ALPA
from
dust. sand, and
high
humidity.
In the
tropics
it
shou
ld be
kept in a sealed
container
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 moisture disappears
by
itself.
) 11
12
2)
Clean the
film
channel
and pressure-
plate occasionally
with
a piece
of
lint-free
cloth.
3) Never oil the mechanism. The
shutter
will
work
for
many tens
of
thousands
of
exposures
without
lubrication
.
4)
Never try
to
dismantle the
ALPA
your-
self. This requires
not
only
expert
know-
ledge
but
also special tools. Your
guar
antee
becomes void
if
the
ALPA
is serviced
by
any
unauthorized person.
5)
If
you
are
so
unlucky
as
to
drop the
camera
into
the sea, it
must
be
thoroughly
rinsed in several changes
of
fresh
water
before being dried.
It
must
then
be sent
without
delay
to
an authorized dealer
or
to
the factory.
6) If
your
camera is lost
or
stolen advise the
factory
at once
of
the serial numbers
of
body
and lens.We
strongly
recommend
that
you
insure
your
ALPA
equipment.
7) When inserting a
film
, either a
new
one
or one reloaded
by
yourself, check
that
the lips
of
the cassette are
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.
SWllZERLAND
PIGNONS
SA
CH
-1338 8allaigues
Printed
in
Switzerland
5/0151/5/6
.73/GB Haefeli
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