ALPA 12 PLUS camera announced
The Swiss company ALPA announced a new camera ALPA 12 PLUS camera that will be available from the end of October/beginning of November 2018 for CHF 6,996 (around USD 7,000).
Additional information:
POSITIVE FROM EVERY SIDE: ALPA INTRODUCES THE ALL-NEW ALPA 12 PLUS
Zurich, 23 October 2018 - ALPA introduces its newest technical camera: The ALPA 12 PLUS - positive from every side.
The plus has the perfect shape. The Swiss know this fact and show it as a Swiss cross in their flag. You can turn it as you like - it always fits. The new ALPA 12 PLUS can also be shifted plus and minus 20 mm on each side. Stitching multiple images is a snap. Move it up and down, right and left. Besides, the latest camera body from Swiss manufacturer ALPA features an entirely symmetrical design - front and back. It's not the camera that decides what fits, but the photographic object. Even the digital back can be attached vertically and horizontally. In this way, the photographic task also becomes the determining factor for the format itself. If the image circle of the lens provides it, the multi-line stitched sensor format of 80 x 94 mm go be numerically beyond the good old roll film in 6x9 analog format.
In this sense, the ALPA 12 PLUS is an entirely flexible tool for high-end photography. It doesn't really matter how you set it up, it provides persistent access to the knobs; whether on the ladder from below or near the ground from above. Also, each of the four sides has its own adjustable spirit level. Of course, the usual ALPA accessory connectors are located on all sides. In combination with various accessories, the Silex Mk. II control unit connects quickly and efficiently to control the new electronic shutters.
The ball-bearing movement for shifting and stitching can be decoupled for quick adjustments. Whilst for the more precise settings, this is done by a lockable rotary wheel. Since an ALPA is always about making everyday professional life more comfortable, the shift guides can be separately ordered with individual raster marks depending on; the image circle of the lenses, the size of the digital back and the final format which is to be achieved. And if a standard is accidentally uncoupled, dampers are fitted to prevent damage to the photographic lens and/or digital back.
The new magnetic Shift Scale Sticks can be used more conveniently and quickly, and thus always provide an overview of the movements in place, even from behind the camera. All of which make everyday work more comfortable. Apropos backs, although the ALPA PLUS has been consequently developed for the requirements of digital photography, analog photography on roll-film was not forgotten. All you need to do is attach SB 17 or SB 34 ALPA lenses with a rear-mounted fixed or tilt/swing adapter.
The large variety of functions makes the camera sound big, but it is not. On the other hand, the data quality, especially with stitched images, is just astounding. At 18x18x3 cm, the PLUS is an extremely compact tool, although the standards are protected so that they do not extend beyond the body. This is extremely helpful when rigging the camera on beams or in other technical environments. The ALPA MAX revolutionized travel comfort for architectural photographers in 2008. The PLUS can do more and still creates even more space in the photo bag. Together with the optics, the result is a particularly compact package that doesn't have to hide from size comparison with the supposed 35 mm full format and the corresponding giant lenses.
The ALPA 12 PLUS convinces through perfection and precision instead of additional volume. And of course, it exists in the tradition of Swiss camera construction. It is the quintessence of 20 years of production experience and discussion with the most demanding photographers. Yes, this is also a mirrorless system camera, only much more consistent. Moreover, the PLUS is designed for specialized tasks with moving image in mind. The ALPA system has a new top model - under the sign of the White Cross.
The ALPA 12 PLUS will be available from the end of October/beginning of November 2018 at a net price of CHF 6.996 (ex-works Switzerland) from ALPA country representatives and ALPA in Zurich.