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Alpa Modèle 10d |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in Swiss from 1968 to (Circa) 1976.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 3020
See the complete technical specifications
Chronology of cameras Alpa
The Swiss company Pignons SA was founded in 1918 and specialized in producing mechanical parts used in watchmaking. Like many companies, diversification became necessary to offset market fluctuations and shortages. Pignons SA decided to venture into the field of photography.
The first camera prototypes were manufactured in 1939 under the brand name BOLSEY, among others.
The history of Alpa Reflex cameras spans over four decades, during which the models underwent significant evolution. Production is generally divided into four generations.
The first generation covers the period from 1942 to 1952. The models are named Standard, Reflex, or Prisma Reflex, and they were made of sheet metal. The Reflex and Prisma Reflex models had both a reflex viewfinder and a rangefinder viewfinder, with the reflex viewfinder mainly used for framing as it was not very precise. Its mirror had to be manually operated. The reflex viewfinder (chest viewfinder) was protected by a metal cover that also served as a sunshade when opened. The name Alpa-Reflex was engraved on this cover. The presence of three windows on the front easily identifies these models. The rangefinder viewfinder was effective for focal lengths up to 135mm. In the Prisma Reflex models, the reflex viewfinder was replaced by a black rectifying prism, and the viewfinder was at eye level. The models referred to as "Standard" did not have the reflex viewfinder.
In 1947, Pignons S.A. applied for a patent for a camera that had both a reflex viewfinder and a rangefinder (Patent No. 260,595). The rangefinder was positioned vertically, and the patent explained that this was the right solution because the upper part was occupied by the reflex system components. This principle would be found in the Model 7.
Cameras of the second generation (1952-1968) were now made from cast metal. They had discontinued the rangefinder viewfinder (except for the Model 7). In addition to the reflex viewfinder, they featured a direct viewfinder. The reflex viewfinder's mirror movement was automatic. The model and serial number were engraved on a small plate at the base of the prism. The early models were called Alpa Alnéa before becoming Alpa Reflex.
The appearance of third-generation cameras (from 1968 onwards) was significantly different, with a more modern silhouette. The prism cover had a flatter, wider shape and incorporated an exposure metering system behind the lens. They had a film winding lever that operated backward, which was different from the usual forward operation found in most cameras.
The fourth generation was the last one entirely manufactured by Pignons in Switzerland. The overall shape resembled other SLR reflex cameras from the 1970s and 1980s. The prism was laterally symmetrical. However, the film winding lever remained reversed from the common practice. The flash shoe was not located on the prism but on one of the two side plates.
Classifying Alpa models is complex, as is dating them. Reference authors sometimes disagree on the details.
| Years (c.) | |||
| First generation | |||
| Bolca-Reflex | 1933-40 | ||
| Reflex model B | 1941-43 | ||
| Reflex model C |  |
1944-46 | |
| Reflex model D | 1945-47 | ||
| Reflex model E |  |
1945-52 | |
| Standard | 1940-52 | No reflex viewfinder | |
| Prisma Reflex E |  |
1950-52 | Rectifying prism |
| Second generation | |||
| Alnea/Reflex model 4 | 1952-89 | No Rectifying prism, Viewfinder through a cap | |
| Alnea/Reflex model 5 |  |
1952-88 | Full rectification. Eyepiece tilted at 45 degrees |
| Alnea/Reflex model 5a |  |
1955-58 | idem with self timer |
| Reflex model 5b | 1959-60 | Idem with rapid mirror | |
| Alnea/Reflex model 6 |  |
1952-78 | Stigmometer |
| Alnea/Reflex model 6b |  |
1959-60 | Idem with rapid mirror |
| Alnea/Reflex model 7 |  |
1952-59 | Prism and coupled vertical rangefinder. |
| Reflex model 8 | 1952-59 | Idem, with Stigmometer | |
| Reflex model 8b | 1959-88 | Idem with winding lever | |
| Third generation : Integrated light meter | |||
| Reflex model 6c |  |
1960- | Integrated light meter |
| Reflex model 9d |  |
1964-88 | TTL |
| Reflex model 9 f |  |
1964-88 | Without light meter |
| Fourth generation : Modernized appearance | |||
| Model 10d |  |
1968-66 | |
| Model 10s | 1973-75 | A model less elaborate than the 10d. | |
| Model 11e |  |
1970- | Exposure indication with diodes of different colors. No indication in the case of correct exposure. |
| Model 11el |  |
1972-78 | Exposure indication with diodes of different colors. Green light in case of good exposure |
| Model 11s | 1973-82 | No exposure metering system. | |
| Model 11si |  |
1978-90 | Silicon light meter |
Alpa continued to produce in Switzerland until 1976/77, after which production was transferred to Japan. Pignons S.A. eventually ceased its operations in 1991.
The Alpa 10d is a rare camera model, with only 946 black Alpa 10d units produced between 1968 and 1976, as stated in the "Alpa ~ Complete Collector's Guide." This particular camera dates back to 1975. It's a 35mm reflex camera, technically similar to the chrome Alpa 10d. The black version features a robust finely reticulated slightly rough paint on the body.
The lens is an Alpa Kern Macro-Switar 50 mm f/1.9. This lens allows focusing up to 28 cm, offering a magnification ratio of 1/3, which was innovative for that time (late 1950s for the first Macro-Switar with f/1.8, and 1968 for this one with f/1.9). A partial press on the front shutter release, covered by the lens mount system, controls the depth of field.
The Alpa 10d is equipped with a built-in CdS exposure meter for through-the-lens metering (TTL). The exposure meter's small window is located inside the accessory shoe, displaying a needle and +/- indicators. Although a compact solution, it becomes clear when the readings are also shown at the bottom of the viewfinder, enabling aperture or shutter speed adjustments without taking the eye off the viewfinder. Film sensitivity can be set between 3 to 6400 ASA, a broad range for that era.
The original batteries recommended by the manufacturer were "2 Mallory PX 450" (1.35-volt mercury batteries each) as indicated by a sticker in the film chamber. PX675 batteries were also suitable. Shorter batteries could be used with an 18 mm-long accessory ensuring contact with the bottom of the chamber; tests were conducted using 2 SR44 batteries providing 3.1 volts instead of 2.7 volts. A slight adjustment might be needed; however, in practice, the difference seemed negligible (1 f-stop).
To change batteries, the back needs to be removed, accessing the battery compartment through a screw, similar to what is found under the baseplate of many cameras. This necessitates rewinding the film, if applicable, making it safe but somewhat impractical in the field. It's worth noting that Alpas were more geared towards scientists (naturalists, laboratory work, engineers, and architects) than globetrotters or sports journalists.
The Alpa 10d features a self-timer (a chrome lever under the shutter button, to the right of the lens - when holding the camera in shooting position). There's also a shutter release lock button on the front on the same side. On the left of the lens, there's a latch to unlock the interchangeable lens.
Some 10d models have a small wheel at the back under the exposure meter window, serving as a reminder for the loaded film. This particular camera doesn't have this feature.
The film rewind crank is a precision mechanical piece, resembling a standard button but unfolding into a articulated head crank during use. As a reminder, this camera belongs to the second generation of Alpa cameras (starting with the Alpa Reflex 4b): the winding lever, located under the right thumb, moves back and forth.
This specific camera (Serial No. 570xx) shows signs of usage on the body. It's not a collector's item kept in a safe since purchase; rather, it has been intensively used, as many Alpas, especially in Switzerland, often were. However, it still functions perfectly.
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