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Alpa Modèle 11s |
 Version française |
Manufactured or assembled in Swiss from (Circa) 1973 to 1982.
Index of rarity in France: Rare (among non-specialized garage sales)
Inventory number: 3238
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 11s is a true rarity. Only 34 units were produced between 1973 and 1982, including 5 in a half-frame format (18 x 24 mm). Its main characteristic is the absence of a light metering system. In this regard, it is comparable to the 10f model, which is equally rare with only 24 units produced.
In comparison, the most advanced and one of the most common Alpa 11 models is the 11si, which followed and was produced in nearly 1100 units, not counting special editions and 18-carat gold-plated extravagances.
In some ways, the 11s may appear to be a kind of pre-series for the 11si. However, in reality, these cameras were produced in parallel, primarily in response to specific orders or, towards the end (1981/82), were likely acquired by enthusiasts. According to Columberg, this camera was sold for half the price of the 11si in constant 1968 Swiss francs, which is quite surprising and made it a relatively affordable Alpa, although it was less interesting due to the lack of an incorporated light meter. It was probably used primarily for scientific purposes, such as in laboratories. At this level of production, one cannot speak of a market or consumers!
All other features are identical to those of other main models in the Alpa 10 and Alpa 11 series.
In total, around 6,440 Alpa 11 cameras (across all variants, including 2,225 models for postal services) were produced.
Interesting links or bibliography :
| Alpa Reflex - Un appareil photo suisse, Alfred Columberg, 2004, suggested by Sylvain Halgand |
| Alpa Complete Collector's Guide, Bea+Poly Publisher, trad. anglaise de l'ouvrage de Shigeo Toyota (1998), suggested by Sylvain Halgand |
| The Alpa production index (annexe à l'ouvrage ci-dessus). , suggested by Sylvain Halgand |
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