The Lightweight - The absolute minimum reduction offers the utmost smallest and most compact camera configuration in the ALPA system.

This body is the ideal camera for traveling. As small and as light as possible while offering full integration into the modular ALPA 12 camera platform. All current digital backs fit the ALPA 12 TC (Travel Compact) with the correct adapter. The more traditionally inclined can also make use of roll film backs up to 6x9 cm format, allowing genuinely “unplugged” operation. Many lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach, Rodenstock, and Zeiss with an ALPA adapter fit the ALPA 12 TC and most other ALPA 12 cameras. The ALPA lens adapter is available in different versions: “long barrel,” “short barrel 17 mm,” and “short barrel 34 mm”; adapters are also available with and without an integrated tilt/swing mechanism. One option for a viewfinder is the iPhone with ALPA SDH Smart Device Holder (and the ALPA eFinder App), which was used for this purpose for the first time by ALPA. Or the classic optical ALPA 120° viewfinder. Or many products from third-party manufacturers. The ALPA 12 TC is the right choice for the creative photographer who likes to travel light. The photographer who likes to have full manual control of his or her camera at all times and looking for a style and a quality that is merely impossible to find in large-scale produced cameras.

In spring 2004, we visited the Beijing Photo Fair and supported our representative Fred Zhou on his large stand. As soon as the fair was over, we had to take the night train to Taiyuan to lack a suitable flight.

Almost the whole night through, we could not think of sleep. Instead, we discussed new products and philosophized about requirements and customer wishes.

Sitting on the night train's folding beds, we talked about a camera that was as simple and easy as possible: this idea and the enormous "courage for the gap" matured over the following months. At Photokina 2004, we discovered the "light-tight connection" from the aerial photo camera. The decision was clear:  The new camera must be integrated entirely into the ALPA 12 system but reduced to the essential.  It was a compact camera for traveling, so the name "Travel Compact" was evident.

Apart from the black anodized standard version a special series in silver color was produced. This version is sold out.