Intrepid 4x5 Camera Review
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2017
- A quick review of the Intrepid 4x5 camera in the field. A bit of an impromptu endeavor filmed with a cell phone and edited by Lance Roth. This video was made to go along with this blog post here: www.alexburkephoto.com/blog/20...
Wonderful shots and a straight forward honest evaluation of the camera.
I am thinking about the Intrepid, great to see an honest review and showing a few things to watch out for thanks 👍
I've been thinking about picking one of these up lately. This will be my first venture into large format. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for this very informative demonstration.
Not that I needed it, but it makes me even more pleased with the Linhof Technika, which sets up, ready to shoot in seconds & I prefer the weight which provides stability.
However, the good thing about the availability cheap cameras such as yours, is that helps film sales, and enables enthusiasts and students to get started and do some work until they can afford something better.
👌
A comprehensive and honest review. Out of curiosity, does this camera have a Graflok back?
Thanks for this review from practice. Really good!
Your pictures at the end of the video are amazing !
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them.
Have used a medium for met and want to use of large format thank you for show
Incredible pics
Thanks, John.
Might be wrong, but think bees wax, would work well for lubricating the moving wood parts
Enjoyed the helpful video! I'm thinking of getting one of these or some other 4x5 camera pretty soon. Also, I remember shooting a scene with you in The Narrows a couple weeks ago. It's one looking down river with a glow that happened at about 10:30 am. I didn't ask you your name was so it's kinda funny that I happened to see one of your videos!
Oh hey Nick! I remember you in the narrows as well. That's funny you found my video, sometimes even though there so many of us photographers it ends up being a small world. Good luck on your venture into large format. The intrepid is great for backpacking because it's so light, but as you saw I preferred my old heavy metal Toyo for use in the river so it wouldn't vibrate. Take care!
Thanks Alex! I just decided on a Shen Hao 4x5 yesterday. The main reason I'm interested in large format is because of the process so I think I made the right choice of getting something that would last a long time and be enjoyable to work with in the field. Hoping to get all the final things I need and be able to shoot some film by the end of the year for a small local trip. Probably will be shooting 4x5 next time I'm in Zion as well!
awesome review m8
some fantastic imagery Alex! Personally, I used to love using my old Toyo view camera for shooting large B&W portraits in my studio - really nothing beats the image quality of a 20x16" print, though often I would compose and crop more for a square image as I find it more impactful as I would generally compose so the face would fill most of the frame, then I would use a very fast lens thus a shallow depth of field. - I would really like to get back into 4x5 portraits but I have since sold my Toyo. I doubt I would go with one of these Intrepid as weight is not an issue for me as I would be shooting in a studio, though I have a plan to set up on the street and try an entice those people I find interesting to sit for me on Queen St in downtown Toronto, still weight is not an issue. The Intrepid's shift and tilt capabilities plus their bellows look very rough and ready. Personally, I prefer something with much more precision than offered by these wooden 4x5s - yet I understood that they do fill a niche market, I just am not part of that niche - I'd love to have an Arca Swiss to be honest with you.... you had some wonderful landscape prints to be sure!!!....would love to hold them in my hands as that is where you truly appreciate the magic of large format film cameras!
I agree totally, if I were in a studio and weight were of no concern I would use a heavier and more rigid camera. But when it comes to hiking weight means a lot, and arriving to a destination feeling more physically fresh from carrying less can mean a lot. Glad you enjoyed the review!
Luckily (for me) I have an aversion to selling anything. So after a break of 16 years from LF photography I still have all the gear now that I'm going to get back into it.
Greetings Alex, very well informed review. I ordered an intrepid myself (awaiting anytime soon), and want to ask if a fresnel screen would sit deep enough with the ground glass? Or do you use your toyo GG without a fresnel? I'm looking to buy a used GG/fresnel combo but unsure if it will fit. Cheers.
Great, I hope you enjoy the camera! I'm using mine without a fresnel. Since the intrepid doesn't have a separate groove to place a fresnel you can't just put one in there without messing up the focus. Alan Brock has a very good video showing how he modified his to make a fresnel fit on the other side of the ground glass. It's not too complicated, but you'll have to ask Max at intrepid to send you a couple spare ground glass holders. I'm sure he'd be happy to help. Search for Alan Brock's intrepid video.
Just received my camera a few days ago. Definitely a weight savings camera and appreciate that you showed the quirks of the system. I noticed also that the aluminum track at the front standard has a lot of friction during rise/fall so I added some lubrication, not a big deal. I did heed your advice in holding the camera down when inserting/removing the film holder to prevent any abrupt movement with the tripod when I tested this out at home. A lot of awareness and precision involved when inserting the film holders but overall, a great learners camera for those who want to jump to 4x5 on a budget.
Chris Chow Glad to hear you're enjoying the camera. After a few more wilderness trips the quirks have really faded as I've gotten used to it.
Great review, I'm curious what tripod and head you're using?
Will Gavillan Thanks. It's a Really Right Stuff series 1 and an Arca Swiss p0 head
Alex Burke thanks, I had the same question.
very useful thanks
Very informative video, tnx
Yeah. The no back tilt is pretty much a deal breaker. Is it really that much lighter? I have a Wista DX and it weighs 4 lbs. I think it's pretty pricey for what a really good used field camera costs.
Tim Lowe Yeah it's definitely not for everyone. It does weigh under 2 lbs so I guess it's half the weight.
I didn't realize how much 2 lbs was until I got this camera in my hands. I almost giggled at how lightweight it was. The difference between 2 and 4 pounds is an incredibly noticeable difference. When you start adding your lenses, depending on what you use, it starts to make and even bigger difference. I've been able to work fine without the back tilt with this one. It creates a bit of a challenge at first but a challenge is never a bad thing.
The Intrepid is actually an alternative to buying a 1950s Speed Graphic that has been dropped down a flight of stairs a couple of times (and weighs in at 2.5kg/6lbs). Even a second hand DX is 3 to 4 times the price and isn't a fair comparison at all.
You do not need a back tilt. You just tilt the entire camera and work with the front tilt. The first version of the Linhof Technika has limited front tilt, but it has back tilt. So I work the other way around.
If that screw has a string loop it could be an elegant solution to the potential of loosing the front standard mounting screw
what film did you use?
Most of the shots were taken on Fuji Velvia 50
Thanks for the review, a bit too fast, but I can reply the video. I would have been nice to see some pics. Too bad about the leak, so I just ordered my graffer tape.
It's sounding like very few people have had any sort of leaks, but I'd say it's always a good idea to have some gaff tape wrapped around the tripod leg so you can do some field repairs for any 4x5 camera.
Thoughts are: Good job.
Ok, camera aside......that place looks beautiful.
GLAJMAN It's a downright amazing mountain range for backpacking!
Mo betta for kindling. Like the Prez would say "Fake Camera!"