Anyone have any experience with the Intrepid 4x5 camera?

Alabamacoffeebean · Sep 11, 2015

So, I came across this Kickstarter-funded business called Intrepid. They produce a plywood and aluminum 4x5 camera that, with shipping, costs about £199.00. If the Google currency converter is accurate, that's about $310.

https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/products/intrepid-camera

Anyone use one of these? is it worth the price?

At the moment, they have a lead time of 8-10 weeks. I feel like, for the price, I can get a used LF camera in the States for the same price, and I dont have to wait almost 3 months for it to be shipped.

Sooo.... general Intrepid camera discussion go!

gone · Sep 11, 2015

As you said, you could buy a "real" used 4x5 (Calumet comes to mind) w/ those movements for less money, and be shooting it in a few days, assuming you had the lens/shutter/film/film holders, all of which you would need for this thing.

Alabamacoffeebean · Sep 11, 2015

momus said:
As you said, you could buy a "real" used 4x5 (Calumet comes to mind) w/ those movements for less money, and be shooting it in a few days, assuming you had the lens/shutter/film/film holders, all of which you would need for this thing.

I'm a sucker for quirky products. I'm too impatient to wait 3 months for a camera, though, when I can pick up one this weekend on Craigslist

Pioneer · Sep 11, 2015

For a new, 4x5, large format field camera I consider that a really good price.

For about the same you can buy a used monorail Calumet or Cambo from Ebay but they don't fold up for transport.

Crown Graphics do fold up. In decent shape they go for a little less, but do not have the range of movements. Again, from Ebay.

So, new with a bit of a time lag to take delivery...or used in uncertain condition a bit quicker, for a very similar price.

Your choice.

Alabamacoffeebean · Sep 12, 2015

Pioneer said:
For a new, 4x5, large format field camera I consider that a really good price.

For about the same you can buy a used monorail Calumet or Cambo from Ebay but they don't fold up for transport.

Crown Graphics do fold up. In decent shape they go for a little less, but do not have the range of movements. Again, from Ebay.

So, new with a bit of a time lag to take delivery...or used in uncertain condition a bit quicker, for a very similar price.

Your choice.

Good points.

Also, I didnt notice the other Intrepid thread. In my usual fashion (on here and other forums), I guess, I get excited and post something without using the search tool

Pioneer · Sep 12, 2015

I wouldn't get too worried, a lot of us are exactly the same.

Another thing to consider is that the camera itself is not usually the primary cost when working in large format. I know that it is one of the first things we look at but the lenses and the film we use is often the biggest cost. I am really a newbie at this having only worked with these cameras for two or three years but I can personally attest that I have spent a lot more for film and for lenses than I have paid for my cameras.

As an example, I pledged 129 pounds to the Intrepid Kickstarter for my camera; and though it isn't here yet I have already paid $1,000 for my Schneider APO Symmar 150/5.6 L lens. This doesn't even begin to count the cost of film that I have already bought. The cost of that camera was literally a drop in the bucket but I expect to get a great deal of use out of it. It is half the weight of my Crown Graphic which will be very nice when out hiking in the mountains.

paul_c5x4 · Sep 20, 2015

Whilst out and about today I bumped in to a young lad that had recently acquired an Intrepid. He seems to like it, and the wife was quite pleased about it too - For every camera he buys, she gets to buy three pairs of shoes :eek:

Axle · Dec 26, 2015

I love my intrepid! I've shot 16 sheets through it so far (took some time to get some lensboards). And am very pleased with the results and the build quality of the camera.

KidA · Dec 27, 2015

Axle said:
I love my intrepid! I've shot 16 sheets through it so far (took some time to get some lensboards). And am very pleased with the results and the build quality of the camera.

TORONTO!

SimonB · Jan 27, 2016

Got mine recently and I'm very pleased with it:

I've taken about a dozen photos with it so far, still learning. Here's a couple that seemed to work out ok:

Crossing Trunks

Brighton Pier

Both on Adox CHS II 100

Simon

munz6869 · Jan 27, 2016

I've had mine a week and have taken it out to shoot exactly zero times. It's not as well crafted as my Wista, but it is quite well made for CNC-cut plywood and aluminium and weighs an astonishing 1.2kg without lens (The Wista is 2kg). I like the revolving back and I like the fact I will not feel bad repairing or modifying it too. A lightweight wooden camera for adventures you'd think twice about taking your fancier beloved camera instrument on. Best of all - same lens boards as my Wista so everything's consistent, and a very versatile graflok-ish back.

Marc!

Pioneer · Jan 28, 2016

I hope mine shows soon. I'm chomping at the bit now that it is getting close.

If it works as well as I hope, I suspect I will be putting several 4x5 cameras up for sale. Mostly Cambo monorails and Crown Graphics but they will all become quickly redundant.

Born2Late · Feb 3, 2016

I tried to order an Intrepid camera last night, but couldn't because their web site gave me a message saying that there were none available. I tried sending them an email but haven't received a response. I really would like to get one and hope they become available again.

Pioneer · Feb 12, 2016

Born2Late said:
I tried to order an Intrepid camera last night, but couldn't because their web site gave me a message saying that there were none available. I tried sending them an email but haven't received a response. I really would like to get one and hope they become available again.

I am certainly not an official spokesman, but at this point I believe that they are pretty busy trying to fill the orders for those who supported the Kickstarter project. Give it a bit of time and try to make contact again. From what I get from their updates they have been quite busy since the first of the year getting cameras built and ready for shipping.

Axle · Feb 24, 2016

IIRC they have finished up all the Kickstarter Cameras and are working hard on the pre-orders.

darinwc · Feb 25, 2016

It does not look like it can accommodate the 300mm lenses like advertised. Unless it had a back extension that no one showed in the pictures. Or is larger than comparable tachihara/shen hao cameras.

John Koehrer · May 26, 2016

Except for the rear adjustment thingy it's similar to the Bulldog. Similar money but a kit.

Anyone have any experience with the Intrepid 4x5 camera?

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