I had a chance to shoot with ALPA TC, ALPA SWA12, ALPA XY....
However, I spend most of my time with:
ALPA TC + Schneider Apo-Digitar 5.6/24 mm XL
ALPA TC + Rodenstock Apo-Sironar digital HR 4.5/28 mm
Both Cameras are mounted on separate ALPA Frames, I am sorry I can't get used to calling it Camera because it looks like a frame for side bed table pictures
At first when I heard my friends talking about these ALPA Cameras... they had equal number of ALPA TC Cameras per lens. I realized later, it was very practical in the field.. but the day before that... I said, I can't possibly ask if I heard them saying they have ALPA TC per every lens they own
, because of the cost etc.... and finally to my surprise it's true, they did have ALPA TC Camera per every lens they own.... I didn't have to ask
So, ALPA TC is very small convenient, affordable even though they told me it went up US$400 because exchange rate
I am sure it is build solid with 100% precision, but even in that regard we laughed hard because the viewfinder that came along with camera had a front ring that was off a little
ALPA said it's not that important not to bother, but they will gladly exchange it!!!
Another experience that was important for me is switching between the two systems
Mamiya -> ALPA -> Mamiya. I personally think it is important to remember that ALPA TC camera is just a frame, and when you mount your Digital Back on it you are not collecting any dust obviously, but when you're done and you switch to Mamiya/etc. yes you can put a cap on the lens but you have nothing to put on the back of the Frame/Camera (remember, your Mamiya mount is mounted on the frame in case you need/wish to switch back to ALPA again!!!
I found that really overlooked and something you may need to add to your order:thumbup:
Logically, it should come as the cover for the DB adapter of your choice Hasselblad/SINAR/Leaf/PHASE!!!
I thought about this because it's nothing to do with image quality and could easily be overlooked!!!
In general I had fun shooting with ALPA TC and I will definitely buy one much sooner than I think
The only difficulty I must admit was guestimating the distance for optimum sharpness but I was advised with one of these LEICA Laser Meters there shouldn't be a problem:thumbup:
Bottom line, ALPA is interchangeable system and therefore I see it as my way to go...... because take a look at it this way, ALPA comes as small as Leica and as big as EBONY and all that with Superior lenses, also interchangeable superior MF lenses (Schneider/Carl Zeiss) and with superior image quality with the DB of your choice!!!
There is more info on my experience but long to wright everything in General at once
Again, would I ever need more than this,
FINALLY not:thumbup:
I would like to encourage ALPA owners... to share your experience/Tips/guestimating/solution???