Intrepid 8x10 Camera, Plus Agfa Ansco 8x10 6x6 Lens Board to Sinar 140mm Board

[braxus]

Im debating to get back into shooting 8x10. I used to own a Agfa Ansco 8x10 Commercial camera, but sold it due to its weight. The Intrepid is a lot lighter, which makes me consider using it. I'd probably use a Fuji L 300mm F6.3 on it. Anyone use the new current (as of 2025) Intrepid 8x10 cameras, and are you happy with it? I know they are flimsy compared to old cameras, but I dont want the weight this time. Intrepid only weighs 6 pounds. And its very compact, which most 8x10 cameras are not. I might also get a 8x10 to 5x7 reducing back for the Intrepid, since they sell that.

I still have my old Ansco lens board, which is a 6x6 board. Its made out of thicker wood. Could that board be cut down to 140mm easily? Will the thickness of my board be an issue on the Intrepid? I have a Fuji 180mm which barely covers 8x10 I'd like to reuse, but need the lensboard to work on the Intepid.

Also anyone ever use the Kodak Ektar 12" f4.5 lens? Its expensive in comparison to the Fuji's I use, but wondering if its worth a look? Am I correct that the 12" is basically 305mm?

 

[Alan9940]

As with most things, it generally comes down to your budget. If you want precision and lightweight, I'd look at the Chamonix Alpanist or the new Summit. I have the v1 and v2 Intrepid 8x10's and either gets the job done, but they're no match for my Deardorff. I toss the Intrepid in the backpack when I'm planning a long hike. I was thinking about upgrading to the latest 8x10 because it would be nice to have the bail back for easier inserting/removing of a film holder. However, I'm concerned about the pivot point of mechanism which has metal rubbing against bare plywood. Seems to me that over time this might become an issue. I emailed Intrepid about it and they assured me that it probably wouldn't be an issue. Hmm...doesn't quite compute for me.

If you Fuji 180mm has inside lettering it will just barely cover 8x10; outside lettering no. I don't know what the exact translation from inches to millimeters is, but I've always thought of a 12" lens as 300mm (could be 305mm...close enough.)

 

[blee1996]

I bought the latest Intrepid 8x10 all-black version last year, and since upgrade with the bail back. Before that, I have a Deardorff V8 8x10. I have not done a ton of film yet on either, but here is my personal experience.

1) The Intrepid is very functional and ideal for light hiking. Often I just sling it in a Tenba messenger bag, grab a medium weight CF tripod and go. The saving in weight of the camera also translate to much lighter tripod/head combo. Therefore the total weight saving is significant.

2) I don't think the Intrepid 8x10 will survive more than 5 years of moderate-heavy use. Mine is the all-black version which has a lot of 3D printed parts. The weakest links are: the concentric knobs to control front rise and swing, the two little clips to secure the back in addition to the magnets. If you are a gentle user and can do a bit of self-service and replacement of parts occasionally, then you will be ok.

3) Lenses: I'm using lightweight lenses, especially G-Claron 305/9 which is just about perfect both in terms of size and weight for the Intrepid. Occasionally I use Fujinon 250/6.7 inner lettering for wider angle, but the movements are not as generous as the G-Claron. If you can swing it, do get a G-Claron 305/9!

4) Lens board: Intrepid 8x10 uses Sinar boards, which are thinner than typically wooden cameras (Deardorff V8, Kodak 2D). I believe it is better to mount your existing lenses on a Sinar board: they are reasonably priced. Sometimes I have to file or sand off a bit, since the Intrepid front is a bit tight. Nowadays I mostly 3D print lens boards myself.

So in summary, Intrepid 8x10 goes to places where my Deardorff V8 won't go easily. It has adequate quality for its price, but won't last like the older beasts (Ansco, Deardorff V8, Kodak 2D) etc. Just very different design/build for different purposes.

 

[Alan9940]

I think @blee1996 provided a very thoughtful summary of the key points regarding the Intrepid vs other cameras. I didn't talk about lenses... I have the 305/9 G-Claron which I'm sure would be useable on the Intrepid, but my preferred lenses for this camera are the Fuji A and C series; specifically, I use a 240A, 360A, and 450C. Though I've heard of other photographers using Copal 3 size lenses on the Intrepid, I wouldn't personally put my Schneider 360/6.8 or Fuji 360/6.5 CM-W on this camera.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that you should be handy with tools and be prepared for some DIY stuff. I've had knobs and bits-n-pieces fall off my Intrepid. The newest versions may be better in this regard, but as mentioned above it's "quality for its price."

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I'll stick with what I said to you earlier, stick with the Fujinon with it's modern glass, and smaller shutter. I have the older Fujinon 180 that covers 8x10. If your's has the writing on the inside front face of the lens, then it'll cover... but just. There is no room for movements, unless you do closeup work.
Just remember with the Intrepid. You get what you pay for...and I'll leave it at that.

 

[Ian Grant]

I still have my old Ansco lens board, which is a 6x6 board. Its made out of thicker wood. Could that board be cut down to 140mm easily? Will the thickness of my board be an issue on the Intrepid? I have a Fuji 180mm which barely covers 8x10 I'd like to reuse, but need the lensboard to work on the Intepid.

Also anyone ever use the Kodak Ektar 12" f4.5 lens? Its expensive in comparison to the Fuji's I use, but wondering if its worth a look? Am I correct that the 12" is basically 305mm?

I use an Agfa Ansco Commercial View, as well as 2 Universal View cameras, all 10x8. It would be much easier to make a new wooden lens board, rather than cut down your Agfa Ansco lens board. I'm speaking from experience, as I make lens boards quite frequently, as well a lens board adapters.

If you want to use a lens like your 180mm on more than one camera then an adapter is the way to go. I made one to use lenses on Linhof/Wista lens boards on my Commercial view.

My Commercial View came with a 12" f6.8 Am Opt Dagor, I already owned a300mm f9 Nikkor M. Last year I bought a mint 1963 300mm f4.5 Xenar, in a Compound 5. The Xenar is a dream to focus, the Dagor still relatively easy, the Nikkor M slightly less so.

The Compound shutters are more reliable than the Ilex used with the Ektars.

Ian

 

[AZD]

Also anyone ever use the Kodak Ektar 12" f4.5 lens? Its expensive in comparison to the Fuji's I use, but wondering if its worth a look? Am I correct that the 12" is basically 305mm?

I use this lens and really like how it draws an image, especially for people. I can’t give you any comparisons unfortunately. Somehow it just looks “right” when I see my prints. I will never sell it for any reason. However, you may consider the following:

- It is big and heavy
- 77mm filters front, 72mm rear
- Minimum aperture is f32 when mounted in an Ilex #5
- The Ilex shutters can be finicky
- Top speed is only 1/50th, and only if you don’t mind that it might actually be 1/30th or so

For general purpose use, an f5.6 Tessar, etc. stopping down to f64 or smaller might be a better choice. The 12” f4.5 was probably meant for use as a fast 5x7 portrait lens, but it easily covers 8x10.

BTW, yes, 12” is 305mm. (Ok, 304.8, but whatever.)

 

[koraks]

Though I've heard of other photographers using Copal 3 size lenses on the Intrepid, I wouldn't personally put my Schneider 360/6.8 or Fuji 360/6.5 CM-W on this camera.

I (occasionally) use a Mk1 8x10 Intrepid with Copal 3 Schneider lenses, esp. 300/5.6. It's a wobbly affair. It kind of works, but won't withstand heavy use.

The camera is a reasonably effective wind vane, which can be convenient if you're into flying a kite or sailing.

I don't know what changes they've done to the design for the later versions. I hope they fixed the problem with the bellows easily impinging into the image area which severely limits movements. Basically, the camera pretty much only works with very minimal or no rise at all. Tilt & swing within reasonable limits is not much or an issue.

It sure is lightweight. I don't think anything comes close to the Intrepid in that regard.

 

[Ian Grant]

I (occasionally) use a Mk1 8x10 Intrepid with Copal 3 Schneider lenses, esp. 300/5.6. It's a wobbly affair. It kind of works, but won't withstand heavy use.

The camera is a reasonably effective wind vane, which can be convenient if you're into flying a kite or sailing.

I don't know what changes they've done to the design for the later versions. I hope they fixed the problem with the bellows easily impinging into the image area which severely limits movements. Basically, the camera pretty much only works with very minimal or no rise at all. Tilt & swing within reasonable limits is not much or an issue.

It sure is lightweight. I don't think anything comes close to the Intrepid in that regard.

One advantage of the Agfa Ansco Commercial View is its rigidity, I have used mine in relatively stormy weather, waiting for the short pauses in gusting wind.

Ian

 

[Alan9940]

I (occasionally) use a Mk1 8x10 Intrepid with Copal 3 Schneider lenses, esp. 300/5.6. It's a wobbly affair. It kind of works, but won't withstand heavy use.

The camera is a reasonably effective wind vane, which can be convenient if you're into flying a kite or sailing.

I don't know what changes they've done to the design for the later versions. I hope they fixed the problem with the bellows easily impinging into the image area which severely limits movements. Basically, the camera pretty much only works with very minimal or no rise at all. Tilt & swing within reasonable limits is not much or an issue.

It sure is lightweight. I don't think anything comes close to the Intrepid in that regard.

Yeah, I've heard that the Schneider 300/5.6 is kinda doable, but that lens is a "small fry" compared to my 360/6.8!

They really improved the bellows on v2 cameras vs v1. I don't use a lot of camera movements in my work, so I've never had an issue with v1 or v2. That said, though, I use my Deardorff more and only use the Intrepid when I'm planning a long(er) walk.

 

[Alan9940]

One advantage of the Agfa Ansco Commercial View is its rigidity, I have used mine in relatively stormy weather, waiting for the short pauses in gusting wind.

Ian

Same with my Deardorff sitting atop a Ries A100 tripod.

 

[braxus]

Being large format is my least used film format, even getting the Intrepid, I dont see it getting a ton of use. I have a 4x5 Speed Graphic, which also rarely goes out. I might use the 8x10 more than the 4x5 due to negative size, but again it wont get a ton of use. So Im probably ok with the Intrepid. I just want light weight and compact.

 

[StefantheHun]

I can recommend the Chamonix Alpinist (2460g for the smaller and lighter horizontal-only version) - mounting a Copal 3 Nikkor M 450/9 (640g weight) on a Linhof board and using a Linhof-to-Sinar adapter works nicely as maximum focal length. Fujinon C 300/8.5 is a much lighter option (250g weight) though, and works nicely as well.

The Chamonix Summit is even slightly lighter, but only accepts a new type of thinner film holder which is pricey but gives you the significant weight and space advantage. As the name indicates, you reach the Summit in technology and price.

 

[braxus]

I dont want a camera that has a restricted back on it. I want vertical too. Plus I want to be able to remove the back and put reducing backs on it. Intrepid Black 8x10 is only 5 pounds in weight.

 

[StefantheHun]

There also is the "normal" Alpinist allowing for horizontal and vertical shots. Accordingly, frame and bellows have to be square to allow for both, whereas in the horizontal (or vertical) only bodies frame and bellows can be rectangular in cross-section, thereby (slightly) reducing size and weight.

 

[braxus]

I'll pass. At almost 6 grand US, it's 6 times as expensive as the Intrepid.

 

[P Sanders]

Perhaps considering the Intrepid a 'disposable' camera would help, good for about 3-4 years of heavy use before purchasing another new one. 5-6 grand could have a break even (comparing to an Alpinist) of 15 to 20 years? The latest edition of the Intrepid includes a bale back, a big plus. Yes, the quality isn't top notch, but you'd be spending the money and time on lenses, film and experience and it allows you time to find a 'used' Alpinist years from now.

 

[GregY]

I'll pass. At almost 6 grand US, it's 6 times as expensive as the Intrepid.

Braxus, if we're making comparisons ....there are others besides price...
Good luck starting your 8x10 project today. I hope you get the results you're after. Even going bargain basement its an undertaking. For a couple of years I had both a Deardorff & Canham 8x10 & went through a lot of Tri-X and TMY-2. Eventually i settled back to the 5x7."
Are you planning on contact printing? Do i remember correctly that you sent film out for processing?
(I can't imagine sending out sheet film...)

 

[braxus]

Yeah. Im on a budget at this time, hence my decisions. Large format is my least used format, so spending a ton of cash on a camera itself doesnt make sense. The Intrepid will do me for some time. I still use my Pentax 67 cameras more than anything else. I just want to dip back into the waters of large format to see if I'll use it more. And to see the results. I went looking for the two sheets of 8x10 negatives I shot in 2021, and they have gone missing. So I can't even scan them to see how they'll turn out.

I will mostly be scanning my films, as printing isn't an option at this time. I dont have a real darkroom and no space for any enlargers or trays, etc. I do develop my own B&W films at home, and I also have a Unicolor II 8x10 drum for this purpose. Color still goes to the labs I use.

I am aware of the quality of product the Intrepid is like. It doesnt hold up to hard use. But thats the point. I dont use hard my large format gear. Its saved for those really special shots or when I just want to play. I do want to see how portraits in 8x10 will turn out. I have an Epson V850 here at home. Xtol is my developer of choice.

 

[blee1996]

I will mostly be scanning my films, as printing isn't an option at this time. I dont have a real darkroom and no space for any enlargers or trays, etc. I do develop my own B&W films at home, and I also have a Unicolor II 8x10 drum for this purpose. Color still goes to the labs I use.

For 8x10, I'm doing contact prints so there is minimal equipment (bare bulb) and space (clothe closet) needed. You can even do prints in your Unicolor drum, but probably a bit cumbersome if you have to rotate through developer, stop bath and fixer. I use a tiny foldable picnic table in my bathroom, which fits three 8x10 trays. It is very tight, but doable. And I enjoy the quality and process.

 

[braxus]

My two big bathrooms both have windows/ skylights in them, and Im not able to black them out (its not my place to do that). Plus counter space is very limited. Hence what I was saying. But Id love to try it when in a new place.

 

[abruzzi]

I think in one of your other threads somone brought up the issue of bellows and longer lenses (i.e. will 300mm suffice for the type of portraits you want to take? Will the Intrepid have enough bellows to focus a longer lens to head-shot distances?) Not trying to talk you out of an Intrepid, but my first 8x10 camera had 500mm of bellows and ran into a wall pretty quickly with that. You might want to look at some other budget cameras with longer bellows like the Stenopeika Air Force:

Air Force 8x10

Air Force 8x10 is an entry level and affordable 8×10 camera designed to fit into a hiking backpack with lightweight equipment successor to the legendary Hyper camera 8x10. Completely different from the previous model, direct front shift has now been introduced (which in the previous model was...

www.stenopeika.com

Its not a lot more expensive than the Intrepid but has 750mm of bellows instead of 510mm.

Or maybe something older like a Calumet C1 if you don't mind a 20lb camera.

As for cutting down a larger lens board to 140mm--I don't know the Intrepid design, but an actual Sinar lens board has a light trap channel just inside the perimiter of the board. If the Intrepid implements that channel then a cut down flat board may not work. On the positive side, used Sinar boards are pretty cheap (not quite as cheap as Linhof boards, but they don't usually break the bank.)

 

[braxus]

The current Intrepid states you can use lenses up to 550mm with it's 510 below extension. I dont believe I'll go that high with a lens for it. Even 450 is above my price range.

The reason for the Intrepid is 3 things. First it's price is very good for new. Secondly it's one of the most compact 8x10s out there. Thirdly it only weighs 6 pounds. The main reason I got rid of my Agfa Ansco was it was just too big and heavy for my liking.

Another reason is the Intrepid sells 5x7 and 4x5 reducing backs for their camera, which I do plan to buy.

 

[Dani]

If you take a couple of considerations you can use heavy lenses on the intrepid 8x10.
Here’s a Nikkor APO 480mm front mounted on a shutter. Not a single issue.