Swiss Pinion-Made Premium SLR, Alpa 5b. It is a high-end SLR manufactured by Switzerland's renowned Pinion company. It features a 45-degree prism finder and a 50mm direct-vision finder. Produced between 1959 and 1966, only 236 units were ever made, making it a truly rare and collectible camera. Known for its practical design, the Alpa 5b prioritizes reliability, with features such as the omission of a self-timer. Its versatility extends to lens compatibility, allowing photographers to enjoy iconic lenses from around the world, including the standard Macro-Switar and others that can be mounted using genuine Alpa adapters like the Practibugs and Exabugs.
The camera exhibits minor signs of wear. There is slight paint loss on the strap lug located on the left side (front-facing) and along the edges of the top cover. Additionally, small bubble-like paint lifts can be seen around the rear finder edges and on the bottom plate. Despite these minor flaws, the overall appearance is remarkably clean, with no major scratches or dents.
Fully servoced in December 2024, with the shutter curtains and ribbons replaced. Both the 45-degree prism finder and the direct-vision finder provide excellent clarity, ensuring smooth and enjoyable use. Combining rarity with practicality, this is a well-maintained Alpa 5b ready for collectors and photographers alike.
