Alpa review

[schaubild]

I am amazed about the Alpa review.
Looks like there is no other market participant which has a system that is even closely compareable regarding the number and compatibility of system components, including methods and software.

The comparison between calibrated and uncalibrated mounts makes one think why this is not discussed more intensely. It seems obvious to me that there is no other way of handling the manufacturing differences in digital backs. And that there is a lot to gain by doing this (which could also explain some of the real big names using the cameras).

[wolfnowl]

I am amazed about the Alpa review.

Yes.  After reading about the Alpa Max I thought, "I'm going to need a bigger penny jar."  Optechs Digital (Seattle) is the closest dealer to me, and they have some videos available on YouTube that talk about the different aspects of the Alpa.  Viewable here: Alpa System

Mike.

[fuzzyfoto]

Optech is a really good dealer to do business with - esp when it comes to alpa gear. they know their stuff and they don't rip you off. I esp like their videos on alpa use. If you intend buying anything alpa, check them out. I bought some alpa equipment from a couple of different crappy, know-nothing alpa dealers but so far Optech has been great. Good prices, good support,

fuzzyfoto

[filmcapture]

I had some discussions with Derek of Optechs, and he's very knowledgeable and friendly.

[CBarrett]

I had some discussions with Derek of Optechs, and he's very knowledgeable and friendly.

Man.  Now I want an Alpa.  Who am I kidding?  I've ALWAYS wanted an Alpa.  There are just too many really cool cameras!

[pixjohn]

What the difference between the Alpa and the Cambo?  Same lens, same type of set up.

They both do the same thing the same way. I would say the choice of digital backs makes the difference.

[John Collins]

The selection of digital back and lens are extremely important. The feel of the camera is another factor that can be taken into consideration. I don't mean to introduce right and wrong into this discussion, just a notion that there may be other, perhaps somewhat more subtle factors that have a bearing on our personal choices in equipment.

[schaubild]

What the difference between the Alpa and the Cambo?  Same lens, same type of set up.

They both do the same thing the same way. I would say the choice of digital backs makes the difference.

To me the review sounds like it's all about exactly the differences. Did you read it?

[Christopher]

To me the review sounds like it's all about exactly the differences. Did you read it?

But are they really there ? I mean I haven't seen any miss focused images from a cambo, nor would I say that the cambo feels any less robust. It has been a long time since I tried a Alpa and I'm planing to try both the cambo and alpa max again. Still I am not so sure if the difference really is that great.

[pixjohn]

It would help if you posted a link to the review. I own a cambo and also shot with an Alpa and don't see that much of a difference.  They both do the same thing with small differences.  They both offer the same lenses and both offer a viewing solution. You could flip a coin and produce the exact same shot in the same time.

To me the review sounds like it's all about exactly the differences. Did you read it?

[Dustbak]

Interesting discussion. I am thinking about (eventually) getting something like either the Alpa SWA or a Cambo for wide angle work. I would prefer a package as small as possible, isn't the Cambo a lot bulkier? It is significantly cheaper I believe which is a nice bonus.

[PeterA]

Interesting discussion. I am thinking about (eventually) getting something like either the Alpa SWA or a Cambo for wide angle work. I would prefer a package as small as possible, isn't the Cambo a lot bulkier? It is significantly cheaper I believe which is a nice bonus.

[attachment=18138:Alpa.jpg]

The Alpa 12 with rise model as per LL review - I use a Schneider 24 or 35 digitar on this set-up and wouldnt useanythign longer than a 45. I think Sinar's arTec is a better set-up for landscape and architectural work though because you dont need to rely on hyperfocal technique or experienced guesstimates for focus of course the arTec isnt as portable nor is it handholdable - I use the Alpa regulalry for street shooting very easy to hand hold at insanely slow shutter speeds. My view is that it is too much hassle to use a ground glass on an Alpa - and then switch between it and your digi back - out in the field. I cant comment on Cambo - have owned and used Alpa's for over five years now - just the sweetest and most basic system you could ask for - everything is up to the photographer - which means most so called pros in this forum - wouldn't know what to do with one - but thats another story for another time.  

[John Collins]

I noticed that Mark D has a wake-up grip on his Alpa. I am under the impression that it isn't necessary to use a wake-up cable for the P40+ and P65+. Did I miss something?

[michael]

It is and it isn't.

Both backs can be set to "No Latency", which means that they do not have an energy saving sleep mode, and therefore don't need a wake up. But, this eats batteries. So when working in the field if one already owns a two shot release and doesn't want to carry lots of extra batteries, it makes sense.

Michael

[micek]

I am an architectural photographer and I use both an Alpa XY and an SWA. When I travel I use the SWA with a Hasselblad RFX finder (which is lighter than the Alpa viewfinder and obviously more accurate) + 24mm, 35mm and 47mm lenses. The outfit is very compact and light, focusing is not difficult and I use it with both a Leaf back and Hasselblad 6x6 film holders. Using the RFX finder I don't think a longer focal length would pose any problems.

[vandevanterSH]

For the cost conscious hobbyist, a 903 SWC has many of the same virtues as the ALPA;  a small "point and shoot" platform for a digital back.

Steve

[MHFA]

Some years ago I tested the ALPA for several month. I was really impressed for this wonderful camera, but for my daily work as a architectural photographer the sliding and rotating back on my artec is so important that I don`t understand why ALPA still insist that nobody needs this feature.
I tested also all my lenses (23,28,45,70,135) at infinity without checking the groundglass ... and they are all sharp....


Michael Heinrich

[rainer_v]

Some years ago I tested the ALPA for several month. I was really impressed for this wonderful camera, but for my daily work as a architectural photographer the sliding and rotating back on my artec is so important that I don`t understand why ALPA still insist that nobody needs this feature.
I tested also all my lenses (23,28,45,70,135) at infinity without checking the groundglass ... and they are all sharp....


Michael Heinrich

me not either. i cant understand the advantages of the view finder cameras  except for handheld aplications. of course alpa/cambo allows to  shoot also exchanging the groundglas with the sensor, but at least for my personal workflow this is a 100% no go option and i cant see why this is not a huge compromise for everyone shooting architecture.
do that ( exchanging groundglass with the sensor ) on a crane or in desert like environments or in humid and hot conditions and you may understand what about i talk. and the viewfinders are way too far away from the real image with their curved and only estimated cropped views that i cant compose with them at all, at least not accurate.

to be such competent manufactor as alpa is and still insisting that people dont need/ want a slideback or that the desired 1/1000mm tolerances dont allow to make these  is one more wonder in mf wonderland, as it is that the artec dont exists ( or at least not from the beginning ) with adapters for all mf platforms.

looks like each mf manufactor find its own and unique way to dig its personal grave, although alpa even may survive for many many collectors and also for their system thinking   ( as leica if there wouldnt be the s2 - just m.o. ) .
aside this the alpa system is very excellent made and i like that.
i am nearly sure that after waiting some years more they will come out with a slide back camera too,
its too obvious that their product line is missing this.
the collectors will still be there in 2,3 or 5 years, some enough busy professionals too, so most likely we will see that.

[archivue]

[attachment=18138:Alpa.jpg]
 and then switch between it and your digi back - out in the field.

then you can use the Arca Swiss RM3D with the rotaslide on a tripod
and without the rotaslide for hand held shoot

[rainer_v]

then you can use the Arca Swiss RM3D with the rotaslide on a tripod
and without the rotaslide for hand held shoot

 i liked the concept till i phoned with one of the arca swiss guys in summer 2007 and this told me that the first 50 samples of the rm3d are sold and will be delivered one month later. i think it took 2,5 years to make this story real ( if they have sold 50 now )  and it ate all my trust and interest month by month a bit more.