Alpa Model 5 lens: Hi: I’m currently looking for a 50mm lens for an Alpa Alpaflex / Alnea Model 5 camera. I currently have a 4cm 3.5 Kilfitt Macro, but would be willing to...

sandy_44

Hi:

I’m currently looking for a 50mm lens for an Alpa Alpaflex / Alnea Model 5 camera. I currently have a 4cm 3.5 Kilfitt Macro, but would be willing to trade/sell/buy a 50mm lens. I’ve been told the following lenses will work with my model camera:

Kern Switar 50mm/1.9,
Kern Araw 50mm/1.9,
Schneider Xenon 50mm/1.9
Alpa Spectros Alorar 50mm/3.5 (collapsible)
Old Delft Alfinon 50mm/2.8
Angenieux 50mm/2.9

Thanks!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

sandy_44 wrote:

Hi:

I’m currently looking for a 50mm lens for an Alpa Alpaflex / Alnea Model 5 camera. I currently have a 4cm 3.5 Kilfitt Macro, but would be willing to trade/sell/buy a 50mm lens. I’ve been told the following lenses will work with my model camera:

Kern Switar 50mm/1.9,
Kern Araw 50mm/1.9,
Schneider Xenon 50mm/1.9
Alpa Spectros Alorar 50mm/3.5 (collapsible)
Old Delft Alfinon 50mm/2.8
Angenieux 50mm/2.9

Thanks!

I have a Kern Switar and also a Schneider Xenon, but they still reside back in Germany, haven't been used in years!

sandy_44

Well, I found myself with this camera and figured I would put it to good use. I’d be interested in taking a look at them if you had some pics!

JHS Loc: Carmichael, CA

I bought a Kern Macro Switar 50mm F1.9 back in 1968 and it has never failed to amaze me with its resolution and the quality of the 35mm negatives it produced. I have never regretted that purchase, and as far as I am concerned, it was one of the best lenses made for 35mm use. Good luck with finding one. John

"A letter of reprimand is better than no mail at all!"

sandy_44

I thank you for your reply. I am hopeful I’ll be able to locate a similar lens :)

sandy_44

Any chance of getting those lenses over here so they can be put back into service?

JHS Loc: Carmichael, CA

The only way that I can see is a used one from one of the big, established, and RELIABLE sellers. The lens was built like a tank, so unless it was dropped, there is not much that can go wrong with it.

Good luck shopping, John

"A letter of reprimand is better than no mail at all!"

JHS Loc: Carmichael, CA

Sandy,

I checked both B&H and KEH without any success. I did find several on ebay, but they are around $3,000.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpa-Kern-Macro-Switar-50mm-f-1-9-AR-black-paint-1113009/283434752051?hash=item41fe071833:g:asEAAOSw5VFWM-7B

Wow, I had no idea that they had become so rare, although with the performance mine has provided, I am not really surprised. Once again, good luck, John

"A letter of reprimand is better than no mail at all!"

sandy_44

I know! right now it seems prices are inflated some, based on the sold eBay item search. I think the plan now is to use the 4cm Kilfitt that it came with it and make sure I like the way the camera operates. I typically shoot Rolleiflex MF TLRs so I’m unsure about my overall commitment to the camera just yet. Lotta dough to be throwing that kind of money into without ever even firing a shot with the camera!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

sandy_44 wrote:

Hi:

I’m currently looking for a 50mm lens for an Alpa Alpaflex / Alnea Model 5 camera. I currently have a 4cm 3.5 Kilfitt Macro, but would be willing to trade/sell/buy a 50mm lens. I’ve been told the following lenses will work with my model camera:

Kern Switar 50mm/1.9,
Kern Araw 50mm/1.9,
Schneider Xenon 50mm/1.9
Alpa Spectros Alorar 50mm/3.5 (collapsible)
Old Delft Alfinon 50mm/2.8
Angenieux 50mm/2.9

Thanks!

Is your Makro-Kilar the D or E version? Either one will likely be as good as any Alpa mount 50mm lens.
Rather than looking for Alpa mount lenses, you might look for an adapter. Alpa used to make them for several different camera mounts, some preserving auto-diaphragm operation.

sandy_44

Thanks for the tip! I believe it’s the E version. I sent it off to the repairman and he indicated the lens was in good condition. He will CLA lens and the camera. I did not note any balsam separation, scratches or other defects. So I will look for adapters! I own a Vitessa T with lenses. It would be nice to find an adapter for that mount. I shoot mainly street so it seems the 40 mm would be better suited for this use than a 50mm. The 35mm Schneider Curtagon appears to be much more reasonably priced, but I doubt I’d gain much coverage overall. Thanks again for the vote of confidence in the Kilfitt!