Alpa 12 TC This is the ideal camera for traveling. As small and as light as possible, while offering full integration into the modular ALPA 12 camera platform. All current digital backs fit the ALPA 12 TC (Travel Compact) with the correct adapter. The more traditionally inclined can also make use of rollfilm backs up to a format of 6×9 cm – which allows truly “unplugged” operation.

The ALPA 12 STC (Shift Travel Compact) sets the standard for very compact and light cameras with an integrated shift (perspective correction). The STC thus also offers a stitching function and a corresponding multiplication of the number of pixels for one shot. A lateral lens shift is turned into a rise or fall option by a simple rotation of the camera by 90°. There could hardly be a bigger difference from mass-produced solutions. From a design aspect, the STC, like all ALPA cameras with an integrated shift, offers one feature that no other camera manufacturer does: all shift movements take place over the full length of movement on roller bearings – not the cheapest solution, but certainly the most precise.

The ALPA 12 SWA (Shift Wide Angle) was the first model in the ALPA 12 medium format camera series. First only with roll film backs and later, not least thanks to its superior precision and extremely tight tolerances, also with digital backs. It is physical confirmation of ALPA’s philosophy of no artificial obsolescence, no change for change’s sake. Fully integrated into the modular ALPA 12 platform, the ALPA 12 SWA represents an interesting option in particular for architectural but also for landscape photography: shift (perspective correction) is integrated into the camera – in the most frequently used direction of vertically upward. If the ALPA 12 SWA is turned on its head, downward shift is achieved. This rotation can be done by hand or using an additional adapter on a tripod. When digital backs are used, the same effect can also be achieved by a simple swapping of the lens with the back. This allows to achieve our design goals of reliability, precision, versatility and simplicity in equal measure.

The ALPA 12 PLUS, ideal for traveling, comes with a protected fixed frame and does not protrude when moving. The camera provides several hardpoints with full ALPA accessory Interface (3/8″ on the body, 1/4″ on both standards). The ALPA Plus features horizontal and vertical movement that is achieved via sophisticated linear guides and a smooth-running mechanism that can be blocked if needed.
The standards are equipped with shock absorbers in all directions to prevent accidental decoupling and fall of the lens or the digital back. The body can be used in any position (rotated 90°) and positioned optimally depending on the photographic task with four individually adjustable circular bubble levels.
The shift guides made of brass with click stops that can easily be replaced by the user.

 ALPA 12 PANO opens up completely new perspectives. Movements of only 10 to 12 millimeters are not enough. And that’s why the PANO offers full 35 mm of horizontal movement to the left and right with a newly conceived shifting system with fixed detents for “pre-programmed” final formats. And we keep the 10 mm for additional rise and fall… simultaneously!

The advantages of “flat stitching” over simple rotation are manifold. In particular, the time-consuming search for nodal points is no longer necessary, and the new live view backs allow convenient and straightforward framing. And this happens without much guesswork, as is often the case with rotational panoramas.