“You never really own it. You merely look after it for the next generation.”

"You never really own it. You merely look after it for the next generation.”You all know the famous line from the legendary Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe

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Last week, we saw what this idea looks like in real life. Simon Depardon Paris-based documentary filmmaker and son of Magnum photographer Raymond Depardon, visited us at ALPA of Switzerland

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In his hands: two ALPA cameras his father worked with for decades.

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“When I was a kid, my father’s cameras always felt indestructible. Like they could take a hit and keep going. Today, holding an ALPA, I feel something else: weight, calm, and a simpler way to look at the world.” Simon said.

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Photokina 1996

Raymond discovered the ALPA 12 WA at Photokina in 1996. He was famously quoted saying: “I’ve been waiting for this camera all my life.” His ALPA 12 SWA and ALPA 12 TC were paired with original Schneider lenses and a Linhof roll film back and used extensively, including for his long-term black-and-white series "Errance".

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Both cameras carry the traces of countless journeys: scratches in the housing, worn wooden grips, maybe even desert sand in some slots.They were never objects. They were tools. Loved, trusted, and used.

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"Can they still be used today? Digitally?”

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Simon came to us with a simple question: “Can they still be used today? Digitally?”The answer was straightforward. Thanks to ALPA’s modularity, generations remain compatible to this day. Our ALPA specialist Jean-François attached a Hasselblad CFV 100C digital back and a sync cable, and the cameras were ready again.

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A new chapter

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Same bodies.Same lenses.A new chapter.The cameras are now with us for gentle cleaning, servicing, and tolerance checks. Their character will remain untouched. The signs of use stay, because they tell a story no restoration should ever erase.

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We are proud that Simon continues his father’s legacy with these cameras. And grateful to be part of the journey they carry forward.Lear more about Simon's work: https://simondepardon.com/

‍Learn more about Raymonds history in the Grand Master Section on alpa.swiss.

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