Photographica Pages

An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff

Alpa 11e, 11el, 11si, 11es, 11a, 11f, 11p, 11m, 11r, 11s and 11z

The Alpa 11 series was the last of the cameras that were built by Alpa. It contains the model with one of the largest production runs, and a model with a production run of two. Cameras destined for the US marked had a red emblem attached to the front. Cameras for other markets lacked it.

The Alpa IIe was like the 10d, except that the meter readout was now two illuminated arrows, one indicating overexposure, the other underexposure. When both arrows were off, correct exposure was indicated.

Production began in 1971 and concluded in 1975 with 1228 built, 813 in chrome, 415 in black. Plus 4 constructed in half frame. Serial number ran 57201-58300.

It was followed by the Alpa 11el in 1972. This was the same as the Alpa IIe except that correct exposure was indicated by both arrows being lit rather than none. Production was 1163 with 615 finished in chrome and 548 in black, with 33 half frame. Production ended in 1976. The serial numbers ranged from 58301 to 59900.

The Alpa 11es was designed for crystallography. It lacked a mirror lock-up and a self timer. Only 22 were built in 1973.

In 1973 Alpa released the Alpa 11a, which was a post camera. It was used by many European countries to record utility meter readings (which were done buy the Post office, hence the name). There is no finder at all. The lens is generally a fixed focus type. The shutter has a single speed.

The camera has pins on either side of the lens that mate with the meters being photographed. Sometimes they have a grip attached to the bottom, and the shutter is release with a cable release that attaches to a port on the bottom of the baseplate. As they were sold in a number of different markets, they may differ in details to match the meters being photographed.

There were 2354 built, with 129 of them in half frame. There may also have been some built in 24x24mm format as well. The serial numbers ranged from 59501 to 63825.

These were always finished in black.

The Alpa 11si replaced the Alpa 11el in 1976, and was the last general purpose camera that Alpa produced. The meter display was changed to a series of colored diodes.

Production 287 finished in chrome, 781 finished in black, plus 12 in black with wood veneer, 160 gold plated, 12 chrome marked “Golden Jubilee” on the front, and 36 with pin register backs. Serial numbers range from 60009 to 64150.

The rest of the 11 series were specialty models. The Alpa 11f was like the Alpa 11si, but without a meter, and was sold with a 50/1.9 Schneider Xenon. Production was limited to 13 units. The Alpa 11m “Mercure” were designed for use creating microfilm documents. They were available in two formats, 10x15mm and 11.75x16.5mm and were provided with lenses made by Asahi Pentax. The shutter had two speeds, 1/60 and T. The wind lever sticks out of the back like most cameras, rather than out of the front like most Alpas. Production was 85 units, built from 1977 through 1982.

Another camera for document copying and microfilm work was the Alpa 11r. It has the format of 11.5x16.5mm. Total production was 95 units.

The Alpa 11s was a simplified version of the Alpa 11si. Only 34 were built.

And finally, the Alpa 11z, which had a single shutter speed of 1/60 (for use with electronic flash) in a half frame format. Total production was 96 units from 1977-79.