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The ALPA Log
Product Update

Introduction ALPA Lens Module Contax 645

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ALPA is bringing new life to classics: With the Contax 645 module, the lenses from this legendary medium-format series can be combined with the modern ALPA 12 FPS and the Silex Mk II.

September 1, 2018
Introduction ALPA Lens Module Contax 645
Newly Introduced Product

ALPA's "Technical Cameras" are available with professional lenses from 23mm to 180mm focal length. The HR ALPAGON and HR ALPAR lenses manufactured with our partner RODENSTOCK are optimized for the highest resolution and sharpness. Its large image circle allows perspective corrections (such as shift and tilt) and the separation from the transverse chromatic aberrations, allows perfect reproduction of even the most delicate details. They are your perfect partner, especially for landscape and architectural photography.

Due to the increasing use of digital backs with CMOS sensor (such as Hasselblad CFV50c, H6D50c, H6D100c, H6D400ms, IQ1 50MP, IQ3 50MP, IQ1 100MP, IQ 3 100MP) and thus excellent, pixel-accurate live view, ALPA cameras, above all the unique ALPA 12 FPS, can increasingly be used for other areas such as macro photography and portraits. Especially the extended dynamic range and the pleasant skin tone reproduction present these backs for these styles. The built-in focal plane shutter of the ALPA 12 FPS allows fast frame rates and a wide shutter speed range (shortest time 1/4000sec, flash sync speed 1/125sec).

ALPA Lens Module Contax 645
ALPA Lens Module Contax 645 on the ALPA 12 FPS

Unlike in architecture and landscape photography, portrait photography does not primarily require the highest resolution, but above all, a high degree of release (through large apertures) and a pleasant bokeh (reproduction of the blurred image areas). In these areas, the lenses calculated by CARL ZEISS for the CONTAX 645 medium-format camera enjoy an excellent reputation, which has made them the first choice for portrait and wedding photographers worldwide for years.

The ALPA Contax 645 lens module (together with the ALPA 12 FPS) enables these legendary lenses and the most modern backs with CMOS sensor technology. It thus enables the use of these lenses far beyond the service life of the CONTAX 645 bodies.

ALPA Lens Module Contax 645 and ALPA 12 FPS: Can be operated with nearly any digital back.
ALPA Lens Module Contax 645 and ALPA 12 FPS: Can be operated with nearly any digital back.

Here are some examples of such a setup: The CARL ZEISS CONTAX 645 2.0/80mm is one of the fastest focal lengths for medium format. The light "bubbles" of its blurring give it a unique, unmistakable character. If you prefer a pleasing, harmonious bokeh paired with an exceptional sharpness in the center of the picture, you cannot avoid the CARL ZEISS CONTAX 645 2.8/140mm. This lens would correspond to an 85mm portrait lens with an aperture of 1.8. Paired with a sensor with 100MP, it delivers the most delicate details, as LINK already showed.ALPA's "Technical Cameras" are available with professional lenses from 23mm to 180mm focal length. The HR ALPAGON and HR ALPAR lenses manufactured with our partner RODENSTOCK are optimized for the highest resolution and sharpness. Its large image circle allows perspective corrections (such as shift and tilt) and the separation from the transverse chromatic aberrations, allows perfect reproduction of even the most delicate details. They are your perfect partner, especially for landscape and architectural photography.

Contax Zeiss Planar 80 / f2.0
Contax Zeiss Planar 80 / f2.0

The ALPA CONTAX 645 lens module (together with the ALPA 12 FPS) enables these legendary lenses and the most modern backs with CMOS sensor technology. It thus enables the use of these lenses far beyond the service life of the CONTAX 645 bodies.

Here are some example pictures with both lenses. What is your preferred CONTAX 645 lens (on an ALPA camera)? We are curious about your opinion and look forward to seeing your examples!

Contax 645 F5,6 35mm
Contax 645 F5,6 35mm - ©Ralph Rosenbauer

Contax 645 F5,6 120mm
Contax 645 F5,6 120mm - ©Ralph Rosenbauer

Contax 645 F2,8 140mm
Contax 645 F2,8 140mm - ©Ralph Rosenbauer


©Ralph Rosenbauer

Operation & Availability

The ALPA 12 FPS and ALPA Silex Mk II can operate the ALPA Contax 645 Lens Mount, which will be available again in Q2 / 2021.