Alternative Firmware for the Intrepid Enlargers

[tcolgate]

Hi All,

I've put together an alternative firmware for the Intrepid Compact and 4x5 Enlarger timers. I wrote it because I wanted easier f-stop and test strip printing.

It's mostly focused on white light printing (so using filters with the enlarger), but does have support for using the raw RGB values. I intend putting together some tips for using the RGB settings for contrast grading and RA4 additive printing at some point. I currently use this with ilford Multigrade filters.

The main features are as follows:

• multiple exposures (you can define up to 9 for a print)
• exposures are set relative to a print base time (using seconds,half/third/tenth stops, or a percentage (inspired by you for that one)
• it changes the focus light behaviour to make it a bit safer for B&W printing, but also quicker to use a white light
• it has a test strip mode, so you can setup a 3,5 or 7 segment test strips, with either "cover previous segments", or "absolute value for each step".
• LED colour can be controlled either by white light brightness, or raw RGB value (each exposure can have different values, but it's either all white light, or all RGB).

The documentation, code and initial release can all be found on Github. If anyone has an Intrepid and wants to give it a try, please do reach out and I can give you a hand getting set up.

GitHub - tcolgate/intrepid-fstopper

Contribute to tcolgate/intrepid-fstopper development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

 

[mshchem]

Impressive, not an intrepid user. Does Intrepid make light sources for other enlargers?

 

[tcolgate]

Impressive, not an intrepid user. Does Intrepid make light sources for other enlargers?

No, I don't think they would either, I think they are focusing on a complete system within their own product line. The graflock 4x5 kit is the closest you'll get.

To be honest, the light is not the strong point of the kit (too much spectral cross over in the green and blue as they use an integrated three colour LED). It's good enough for me, but seems not up to historical professional standards.

 

[richyd]

Impressive, not an intrepid user. Does Intrepid make light sources for other enlargers?

Intrepid did make a light source for a de Vere 504 but it is not listed on their website now. The setup guide is still there.

De Vere 504 LED conversion

https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/products/intrepid-de-vere-504-converter anyone tried this yet? Looks interesting and a lot cheaper than an Ilford multigrade system or a DeV colour head. I wonder if it would be bright enough for smaller formats though.

www.photrio.com

 

[mshchem]

Intrepid did make a light source for a de Vere 504 but it is not listed on their website now. The setup guide is still there.

De Vere 504 LED conversion

https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/products/intrepid-de-vere-504-converter anyone tried this yet? Looks interesting and a lot cheaper than an Ilford multigrade system or a DeV colour head. I wonder if it would be bright enough for smaller formats though.

www.photrio.com

Thanks for the info!