Trying to get some feedback from any users that may have purchased and used the Intrepid Compact Enlarger. Interested in ease of set up and leveling and use.
INTREPID COMPACT ENLARGER FOR 35MM & 120
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- Thread starter Howard Earl
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Thanks for the feedback and link. Really interested in everyday users. The pre-production reviews were very all over the place. Interested in repeated leveling issues, durability of negative holders, wiring issues???
I bought the light box and controller with color controls that I use with my Intrepid MK3 4x5 and it works well enough. I have a level table and use the levels on the camera to align everything. The film holder is decent at holding the film in place; I also use it for some 6x9 pinholes I make on 120 film. The light box works very well. The controller is very simple and works fine, though the buttons and knobs can be a little finicky at times. The contrast controls work well on Ilford paper. It is not professional grade by any means, but works well enough for the hobby enthusiast like myself.
Johnwwyatt: Thanks for the info, That’s the type of knowledge I’m interested in.
Never seen one. Not my cup of tea.
Out of curiosity, have you tried printing RA4 with it? I looked into the Intrepid when it just came out and I have some concerns about the LEDs they use and their appropriateness for color work. I don't doubt it all works mighty fine for B&W though!
No, I did not try any RA4 with it as I only do B&W. I originally ordered the B&W model and due to production delays overlapping with the new model, they offered me the color upgrade at no extra cost.
My uses for the Compact Enlarger would be primarily to contact print 4x5 negatives. I also have been using an Ondu pinhole square format I would enjoy printing.
You don't need anything that complex (simple as it is) to make contact prints. A timer, a light source, and a safe light and some glass. You can get a set of the larger multigrade filters and lay them on the glass, or rig up a way to slide the smaller ones in front of your exposing light. Though you could simply mount the Intrepid (since it's basically just a light source and neg carrier) above your contact printing area and skip the need for filters.
Started with a light bulb over paper. When doing multiple prints any bump of table can cause restart. Currently using $50 Bogen enlarger. Just investigating if an upgrade to the Intrepid (smaller & takes less space) would be worth the upgrade, and possibly smooth out my workflow.
Chances are that any enlarger from the 2nd hand market is effectively a more functional and sturdy basis than the Intrepid. I can see the sense of the Intrepid contraption for those who live in a tiny home or something. If you have the space, I would just use a regular enlarger. If the Bogen is a good chassis, modify it in whatever way necessary to make it do what you want. Or get something that better suits your tastes on the second hand market.
Build quality so-so
Thank you all for your comments.
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