Precision in Every Frame

The Making of ALPA’s Edition Pignons special edition

Commitment to True Craftsmanship

An Overview of the ALPA Edition Pignons Limited Edition

At ALPA of Switzerland, we view photography not as a fleeting moment or trend, but as a profound and enduring art form. One that deserves time, intention, and precision. Our mission is to Advance Light and Photographic Art, not simply to manufacture and sell devices. We see ourselves as part of a larger creative ecosystem, where the vision of the photographic artist takes precedence over brand ego or market speed. Whether with our tools or others, we are committed to supporting those who pursue genuine artistic expression.

With this perspective, ALPA’s unique approach is to offer a modular, timeless system – from digital to analog – that provides the highest level of precision, flexibility, and sustainability, empowering photographers to capture their vision without compromise

ALPA of Switzerland

Concept & Origins:

The ALPA Edition Pignons Limited Edition is a tribute to ALPA’s origins in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Named after Pignons SA, ALPA’s mother company founded in 1918 and originally a supplier of precision components for Swiss horology, this exclusive edition celebrates the brand’s mechanical heritage and commitment to true craftsmanship.

The exclusive ALPA Edition Pignons consists of two of ALPA’s most iconic camera models: the SWA and the STC. In contrast to the standard black anodized versions, this edition features a refined and technically challenging silver finish, demanding a higher level of precision and craftsmanship. This special color is called “Gletscher Silber” (ˈɡlɛtʃɐ ˈzɪlbɐ) meaning Glacier Silver referencing ALPA’s roots in the Swiss Alps.

Distinction:

Unparalleled Craftsmanship
The Gletscher Silber finish is not just a cosmetic difference. It involves high- precision coloring, with separately treated fine scales, highlighting ALPA’s tradition of precision engineering. This edition is built like a timepiece, mirroring ALPA’s roots in watchmaking.

Limited to 99 pieces per model worldwide
Each unit is individually numbered and engraved, making it a truly rare collector’s item.

A tribute to ALPA’s roots in watchmaking and the Swiss Alps
Created in honour of ALPA’s roots in Swiss horology, this edition pays homage to the brand’s deep Swiss alpine heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Exclusive Pre-Launch
Offered exclusively to the Chinese distributor before any global release. Regular sales in the US market will commence after 2026.

Pignons Edition Handstrap – Authentic Materials:

Exclusively designed for the Pignons Edition, this limited handstrap reflects the same dedication to craftsmanship and restraint that defines the camera itself.

The outer surface is made from black shrinked cowhide leather – a full-grain material whose naturally tightened texture oBers both durability and grip. Rich in tactile character, it complements the mechanical clarity of the Pignons design with a sense of grounded confidence. Its robust grain echoes the engineered surfaces of the camera, adding a layer of visual and functional harmony.

On the inside, where the strap touches the skin, lies a contrasting secret: dark green lamb nappa leather. Soft, smooth, and refined, it brings a subtle sensuality to the hand’s interaction with the object. The lamb nappa’s fine grain and supple nature oBer quiet luxury, balancing the structural presence of the outer cowhide with a gentle counterpoint. The deep green tone – reminiscent of alpine moss or shaded forest paths – evokes a connection to nature that mirrors the camera’s Swiss origin.

Together, the materials form more than a strap. They express the duality of precision and emotion, of exterior strength and inner softness. It is a detail that remains mostly unseen – yet unmistakably felt.

Glacier Silver — A Tribute to Alpine Majesty:

The ALPA Pignons limited edition color Glacier Silver is inspired by one of nature’s breathtaking spectacles: the shimmering crowns of the Swiss Alps. In early spring, as the snow begins to melt and refreeze, the glaciers atop the mountains take on a rare brilliance. From the valleys below, their peaks reflect the light like polished mirrors — a fleeting moment when ice appears to transform into molten silver.

This extraordinary phenomenon, both powerful and delicate, evokes a sense of timeless elegance. With the ALPA Pignons Edition in Glacier Silver, we pay homage to this natural wonder — a color that mirrors the alpine spirit: resilient, majestic, and luminous. It is more than just a finish — it is a celebration of nature’s subtle grandeur and a visual echo of the mighty mountains that have shaped Switzerland’s soul. And it is a quiet reminder of the fragility of this beauty.

More than just a color

ALPA cameras are not ordinary photographic tools — they are precision instruments. Each camera body is machined from a single solid block of high-grade aluminum with tolerances as tight as 1/100th of a millimeter. This extraordinary level of accuracy is crucial for ensuring perfect flange distances — a critical factor when working with ultra-high-resolution medium format sensors.

But it’s not just about static precision. ALPA cameras feature mechanical shifting elements — movable components that allow for lens or sensor plane shifts. These movements must remain consistently smooth and geometrically perfect across the entire range, ensuring zero deviation or misalignment during image capture.

Traditionally, ALPA uses black anodizing for its camera bodies. Anodizing is not only highly durable, but it also does not build up on the aluminum surface — preserving the exact dimensions and tolerances of the shifting mechanics and flange interfaces.

However, introducing a special color edition like Glacier Silver comes with technical challenges:

• Anodizing in lighter colors (like silver) is more complex and less forgiving. It requires extremely clean and uniform surfaces, as even the smallest imperfections or machining marks are more visible than on dark anodized surfaces.
• Any change to the surface — whether through anodizing, painting, or coating — risks altering the surface thickness, which can interfere with the precision-fit moving elements.
• Painted or lacquered finishes are virtually ruled out, as they add measurable thickness and would compromise the shifting accuracy and tactile experience of the camera. Creating the Glacier Silver Edition thus required intense R&D and meticulous control of every manufacturing step — from refining the raw aluminum surfaces to adjusting anodizing parameters — ensuring that the stunning visual result does not come at the cost of ALPA’s legendary mechanical and optical precision.

An Exclusive Partnership

How to Find The ALPA Edition Pignons Limited Edition

 The nature of its funding requires the Pignons Edition to be solely available to Yingzi Trading Company until the end of 2025. Beyond, ALPA shall make it available to all their global customers and sales partners.

(Guangzhou in China to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony of the first ALPA boutique this Sunday. The Boutique is an investment in developing the Chinese market and is funded and managed by ALPA’s new business partner Yingzi Trading Company Guangzhou)

Get on the wait list?

If the Alpa Edition Pignons SWA or STC speaks to you as it does to us, please let us know. We are starting a wait list for those who would like to add this special edition Alpa to their Camera arsenal. Just reach out to the sales person that you have a relationship with. As soon as they are available outside of China we will let you know!

INTERESTED? CONTACT YOUR CI SALESMAN!

Steve Hendrix – 404.543.8475 – Steve@captureintegration.com

Chris Snipes – 813.335.2473 – Chris@captureintegration.com

Dave Gallagher – 770.846.5223 – Dave@captureintegration.com

Murray Elliott – 631.935.3389 – Murray@captureintegration.com

Greg King – 303-728-4517 – Greg@captureintegration.com

Office – 404.522.7662 – Info@captureintegration.com