[ ALPA FOCUSING BELLOWS & THE CFV II 50c ]
For those shooting with ALPA cameras and owning the ALPA Focusing Bellows, here’s a quick tip: this accessory works beautifully with digital backs as well. I use it with the Hasselblad CFV II 50c digital back, particularly under the intense Florida sun. The focusing bellows fit the rear of the digital back as if custom-made, and the loupe provides just enough magnification to view the LCD screen clearly—whether you’re relying on focus peaking or zooming in for critical focusing.
As a bifocal eyeglass wearer, I can confirm that using the focusing bellows presents no vision challenges for me. However, you’ll need to remove it to access the digital back controls while setting up shots. To keep it handy, I hang it off my ALPA STC’s side tripod foot, as shown in the first image above.
If you already own this versatile tool, which we used with the ALPA Ground Glass, don’t overlook it—it’s an excellent solution as a focusing aid in bright or outdoor light.
In the past, I relied on an older Hoodman focusing loupe (a newer model is available here), which also worked well. However, I often left it behind in my Hasselblad 907x bag, a habit that eventually led me to dig out the ALPA Focusing Bellows from my gear closet. To my delight, it performed exceptionally.
Since then, the bellows have become a permanent addition to the bag I carry on the road with my ALPA STC and lenses. Its performance and convenience have made it an indispensable part of my shooting routine.
Whether you’re battling harsh sunlight or want an excellent tool for critical focusing, the ALPA Focusing Bellows is a reliable companion—so don’t let it gather dust in your gear closet!