Intrepid 4x5 Review - Falling in Love With Large Format Film
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2020
- My first images using the Intrepid 4x5 MK4 large format film camera. This is not a paid review. Yes, they sent me the camera, but I chose to do this video.
Check them out here: intrepidcamera.co.uk
►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
OTHER GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO(*these are affiliate links):
Sekonic L-558R Light Meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
Fujinon 135mm f5.6 Lens: ebay.us/RlMfUv
Kodak Ektar 100: bhpho.to/2F2saZx
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
Videos on this channel are filmed using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K: bhpho.to/2SWPBqO
And the Fuji X-T4: bhpho.to/3n91yYk
My go-to for music (FREE Trial with this link): bit.ly/35aQELa
►GEAR(*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My FAVOURITE medium format lens: ebay.us/m5PTvK
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
The BEST medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
The film scanner that I use for my work: ebay.us/RwKM4c
Best entry-level film scanner: ebay.us/Qp3ZEz
The film camera that started it all for me: ebay.us/qewXkD
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
Awesome strap for large cameras: ebay.us/pY8mV2
Rope style strap for smaller cameras (cheap but great!): amzn.to/33hrRDO
Camera I use to film my videos: bhpho.to/3gY9yak
Camera that I use for vlogging: bhpho.to/3n91yYk
The gear I use for UA-cam: bit.ly/3j5vd1L
My favourite film cameras: bit.ly/3hm6MN6
Essential film photography accessories: bit.ly/34o3Uvt
→Instagram: bit.ly/2GuYV21
→Website: kmcdougall.com
→Podcast:
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DISCLAIMER
Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
*composes image*
“this could be good”
“it could also be really boring”
I felt that
Me too! It’s good to hear what we all think. 😂
Me: *Clicking on this video* My Wallet: *Starts breathing heavily*
😂
Now I realize that 35mm film was just a gateway drug
Yeah, it was...
Once you go medium format only the sky (and the wallet) is the limit. Ilford just introduced Ultra Large Format preorder, how does 24" x 20" negatives sound?
View Camera's are obsolete these days. So much you can do with a full frame and then in post. No need at all for that old clunker. Just a waste of time. To experience it go for it. To use it for a job...forget about it.
Skip Rope Boooo 👎👎👎
@@RewDowns You obviously have never worked a view camera for a living!
I feel like I’m watching a Netflix series on analog photography. Production value on these is through the roof! I also love the photo at 6:58, along with all the others lol. Cant wait to see more of your 4x5 work Kyle!
🤛 Thanks man. Having fun shooting with it!
yes, this video was some of the best of his.
@Brae Hunziker Yours as well, brother! Both of these channels have quickly become my favourite
The low price tag alone is a message that goes beyond photography: Here is a company that cares about the things they do, and they want to make photography accessible.
Always been intrigued by intrepid cameras due to the price. But those images so clean. Beautiful captures.
Thanks Madison!
I am so excited you posted this! I have had my eye on this camera forever!
Worried about wasting film....
Meanwhile, I worked at a studio that used to burn through ~400 sheets of 8x10 FujiChrome 100D per day, just doing copy work.
(I didn't work there at the time but I spent 2 months just reorganizing all their negatives).
I used a 4x5 Linhof Technikardan for a quarter of a century, it went all over Europe with me, never let me down, paid all my bills and gave me lots of front covers too.
Can tell just how much you loved shooting this - can feel it in the edit, you just seem so excited. Thanks for your great videos
Thanks, Alex.
Be proud! The production quality of your videos (and images) are nothing less than excellent! Highly appreciated! I always learn something and it's a delight to watch.
I appreciate that. Thank you.
I absolutely love that shot with the phone booth. I think it’s my favorite that you’ve done. Makes me want to get one of these cameras and I agree it’s so awesome that a company is making these NEW film cameras. I’ve been saying it for awhile now I would love to see more companies making newer film cameras.
Agreed, man. And thank you!
I've been eyeing the 4x5 format/intrepid camera now for so long, but watching Kyle's joy and excitement has made me finally pull the trigger 😭
Swings. tilts and rise. That is all a view camera is about. A good rail. A good pod and there you go. Man I had Arca's, Derdorffs you name it. Used to love having to do multiple pops to achieve f 22-45 with strobes in the studio. Reciprocity calculations for long exposures with Tungsten film. Damn the digital age has made it so everyone is a photographer. So they think.
Nice Job on the video. Show the peeps how the swings and tilts effect depth of field and perspective. This was the big thing we used view camera's for was product photography...yada yada
These videos are so well put together. Super informative, great cinematic B roll and brilliant images to boot. Keep it up!
Thank you, Tom.
I took my first 4x5 shot with a Crown in 1982. Still have the negatives! So cool to still see people enjoying the process. Developing film is like opening Christmas presents. Good job.
You just opened a whole new world for me. Now I’m keen to try it out for myself! Also, I love how passionate you sound. Photography is amazing.
I appreciate that, Zac.
Been waiting for this one to come out and it's super cool to see you're enjoying it so much Kyle! I found the same thing with my intrepid. Cool to see some various colour film examples, need to get my hands on some! Stay well 😊
Thanks Murray! Glad you enjoyed it.
perfect timing for this review, I've really been looking into the intrepid 4x5 and think im gonna pull the trigger on one soon. awesome photos as usual! thanks for the review
Thanks Lewis.
Great video, as usual! Love the "Bell" shot! Love my Intrepid 8x10 Mk2. One suggestion for ensuring the front swing is zeroed out: place the front standard into each of the holes, aligned the it with the base using a triangle, then draw a pencil line along the front base side of the standard. I did this on my 8x10 and it really helps in the field.
Thanks, Alan. Great advice!
I enjoyed the photos, instruction and review of the Intrepid. I have a Lindhof Kardan super color and an intrepid Mk3 (with new mk4 base). I really enjoy both cameras. I love the portability of the Intrepid. I enjoy not having to worry about whether my bellows have pin-hole links as they are new on the intrepid. I love the movements and the feel of the intrepid and I loved dealing with the company via email in the U.K. If you want to get into 4x5, I would advise buying a new intrepid over a used speed or crown graphic. You will have a new camera with new parts and actual support. They sell lens boards if you want new. They even sell an adapter kit to turn your intrepid into an enlarger. This is the way to start your large format journey. I believe the review here was just enough to give you a feel for the camera. That is what you need rather than a lot of details about knobs, etc. Thanks!
The vibe of this video is sooo satisfying
“I like the composition, this could be good... but it could also just be really boring”
-thought every photographer ever. 😅
I love it! thought you captured the experience of figuring out 4x5 and using the Intrepid well! The whole rushing with 1000 thoughts going through your mind is right on point. 👏🏼
Haha, thanks man! Yeah, I figured I’m not the only one with a million indecision’s. All part of the fun!
i can feel by vibe of this video that You are really happy with this camera :)
What makes Intrepid really nice is the customer service that one gets from the company. I in the U.S. have had several email exchanges with Intrepid in the U.K. The responses came very quickly. In one case a question was answered in addition to text with an image in which the pertinent areas of the camera were marked with arrows. Someone took some time to ensure that I got the proper perspective. They are friendly folks who are dedicated to their product and the users that buy them. I've bought several accessories from them and they are also reasonably priced. This besides cost is another reason to start your large format photography with Intrepid.
Kyle, thx for sharing this video. Back in my home country, we are under severe quarantine, not being able to go out and shoot for over five months. I found your video therapeutic for my sanity and a hope to get back out one of these days. Great work.
Thanks, Edilberto. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully things get better in the near future for you.
Great stuff mate as usual.
Beautiful video, Kyle! I could feel your happiness, gotta say I got emotional from what you said about feeling satisfaction that you haven't felt in a long time with that amazing photo
That's awesome. Thanks, Pedro!
Your video is so amazing and inspirational. Takes me back to my college days in the darkroom 🎞 📷. Thank you so much for sharing!!! 💯🙂🙏🏽
time flies by when watching your reviews. Loved this one !
Glad you enjoyed it, Valentin.
Loving the last few vids, feels like you’ve made an incredible step forward, but I can’t tell how. And please keep on bringing 4x5 reviews, your pics are soul cleansing!
I appreciate that. Thank you.
@@KyleMcDougall You're welcome!
Great review! The large format negatives have so much detail and make it very tempting to try
Man I love this video Kyle! Your passion for it resonates!
Thank you, Mark!
Great photo tour ..beautiful photos..thanks
Thank you.
I bought an intrepid 4x5 mk4 last year to literally take one landscape photo. A year later, it is my favorite format and favorite camera. Im not associated with intrepid in any way, but they have given me excellent customer service on the one issue I did have. The big ground glass is addicting. I now wonder what I did without movements. Even home scans yield larger more detailed files than my Nikon D800. Develop it yourself and it's a feeling like none other. I also have Fuji lenses (125mm and 210mm) and they are indeed cheap and very good.
Movements are essential. I just started using horseman vh ('m not going into 4x5, because of costs, well, for now) and I also wonder how can I lived without it. Additionally having "regular" and "macro" camera in one package is very nice :)
what lens do you use with your D800 to scan?
@@sabi57 I don't scan with the D800. I have an epson 4870 to scan.
Kyle !, I must agree my favorite photograph is the lamp post with the telephone booth 6:17 . I love the outtakes of how human you can be with the decision making of your photograph, it’s not like a digital camera or you can look at the back . You got it enjoy waiting period with anticipation and expectation.
Thanks, Kern. Yeah, all about keeping it real!
This was just what I was craving to see. Thanks! I love your reviews.
Thank you.
This is awesome Kyle! Great video and the negative for the image must be a beautiful one worth staring at for hours 😍
Thanks, Sam. Yeah, the negatives are something special!
beautiful camera and beautiful images.
My first training was with the 8x10 Deardorf in the military. Then used 4x5 press till discharge and then a Calumet 4x5 for college. Then I discovered the perfect combination, a 5x7 Intrepid!!! Now I have a 6x17 roll back for it. 5x7 GET HOOKED!!
These photos are insane! Probably one of your better images in my opinion. Awesome work Kyle
Thanks so much, Martin.
I have had a Benderview 4x5 I made from a kit many years ago. Now that I am retired I plan to use it lots more. My Yashicamat 6x6 was the start of a long slow road to bigger and bigger negatives.
Love it and love my intrepid. 4x5 is so addicting. Thinking about grabbing the 8x10 around the Holidays
Definitely addicting!
Very impressive,excellent shots and cool camera!!
Great video. That shot of the black car was so nice, same with the night shot
Thanks, Joseph.
The look of joy talking about the anticipation of seeing that last shot...
I love my Intrepids - yes I said Intrepids I bought the 8x10 and the 4x5!!!! Great video - yet again! Thank you.
Yeah, the 8x10 looks nice! I thought film was expensive for 4x5 though...
Kyle McDougall - I’ve been shooting LF for 15 years - there’s no comparison - I love seeing the reaction from my clients - it’s like they’re truly seeing themselves for the first time.
@@marloncrutchfield1625 I've had a Busch Pressman Model D for 30 years. In Columbia College, 1994-96, I had the good fortune to shoot lovely classmates for studio projects. I apologized for being too broke to pay them, but all they ever wanted was a set of prints. One was my aunt's friend's daughter, who I shot in her mom's dark-panelled bedroom w/one window in it. In one, you can see the window & trees outside reflected in her left eyeball. When she saw the prints, she said, "I had no idea I could look like that in a picture."
An addition to what was said in the video. I agree fully that it would be nice to have some hardstops to zero out the various movements. Large format is anyway a slow process so anything that helps is useful. However, as was stated one does get a procedure for the zero out process. For others, this is actually a great, practical hands-on review for starting with the Intrepid (or really any 4 x5). Great Job!!
Amazing video, beautiful brand new camera. Can't wait to start shooting large format. I have two fully serviced german 9x12 cameras from 30' and 20' with holders. I also have 9x12 enlarger from 30' waiting to be restored, it'll be something! It's the same like cubic inch, more is better!
Wow! Some great images!
That was a great review and images! 👏
Beautiful work Kyle, as always. I absolutely love the phone box shot but the cars for me were really special too. Really enjoyed the video and having palpitations even thinking about one of these. As the price of entry isn’t that high I’m wondering.... But it’s a whole new lexicon and array of techniques to learn! And breathe.
Thanks Ben. Definitely a learning curve, but it’s a ton of fun.
Nice review Kyle. Thank you! As well as your thoughts along the way, it gives us a very good look at the Intrepid. If that camera were around when I was starting out, it would have been a done deal. Yes, the absence of zero indents etc would be a problem in my camera work now, but as a beginners outfit, it should be basic. We can see from the close-ups you provide, that it is very well made.
Yeah ... I'd be pleased with the phone booth image too. Cheers, Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin. Glad you enjoyed.
Yeah I love the detail on the front end of the Monarch, real sharp. I love my speed graphic, and I'm thinking of picking up a Chamonix 5x8, not cheap but it might be a good investment for my retirement, where I can just kick back and just enjoy taking photos. Loved the video Kyle.
Thank you!
4x5 looks like a ton of fun. Definitely want to try it out sometime in the future!
Well Kyle, love the Bell Phone booth shot. That one will live on. So Ive watched you fall in love with all sorts of formats ie fuji aps-c, 6x7 645 mini Pentax roll film, (110?) 35mm etc. What’s left ? How about wetplate ? seems like it would be a natural evolution to your curious and inquisitive mind. As always your reviews rock and the production values of the youtube channel remains unrivalled. Looking forward to more. Allbest :)
I've always been intrigued by large format photography but, after 30 years of doing photography, I've never taken the plunge. Thanks for making this great video!
Thanks Terry. Give it a shot. I'm sure you'd enjoy!
Great video! It was excellent to see all the work that goes into taking the photos, all the movements and adjustments. Another great review, I really enjoyed! Ps. your photos look great, you should be excited :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
I restarted to shoot photos with my 4x5 after wathcing several your videos. I now realized how shooting a photo is fun with my classic camera comapred with my Sony A3.
Glad you found some inspiration here.
great !! mine is almost on the way, two more weeks. your video came out just at the right time. I haven't even started yet and I already feel like I'm super in love with the 4x5. thanks for the video and keep doing your excellent work
It’s been fun. I’m sure you’ll love it!
How long did your order take?
@@JohnnyMcMillan after completing your purchase. it takes between 6 to 8 weeks to produce your camera. It is made by hand and there are many orders. i live in amsterdam, so it should take a few more days after the production time. in the end, the waiting process is almost the same as the process of shooting large format, take you time :)
I ordered one on June 1st and still waiting
@@jeffst.ongephotography1239 the normal would be between 6/8 weeks, but I believe they have a lot of orders. and the covid changed everything. soon you will enjoy, for sure. I don't mind the wait, analog vibe :)
Yup, many years back I used to lug around a Linholf monorail camera, but the problem for me was finding the best composition as you can’t really experiment with multiple setups, pretty much has to be right the first time, or maybe maybe the second. A Hasselblad fits me better. But… the use of a smart phone to experiment with viewpoint, composition, focal length, etc. before the setup is the way to go. It shows here I think, as unlike the images shown in too many other large format youtubes, these are actually really good pictures. Thank you!
That was rad. Love the old gas station image. Oooooo
This camera is made in my town! Great video man, you make the best quality photography video's on youtube imo.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Love the payphone shot
Amazing record perfection photos -🔥🔥
Large format is my favorite format. I owe a lot to Intrepid for providing a great option! I still have my MK2 and while my main 4x5 is a Chamonix 45F2 now, I am trying to come up with excuses to buy the Intrepid 8x10 ;) Really great review and BEAUTIFUL photographs!
Thanks so much, Tim! Yep, I love what Intrepid is doing. Always nice to see new options in the film world.
The only downfall is it says it takes 6-8 weeks for them to make the camera? That’s the one thing holding me back
Great review!! Really on-point with sharing the experience and the production quality is top-class. As an owner of the Intrepid MKIII for 2 years now, I relate to all that was said. My only personal frustration with 4x5 (and this is easily remedied) is that unless you are printing these resulting images they can often look like they were taken with any old film camera (in 4x5 crop), or even an iPhone when shot at deep DoF and viewed on a small screen (Instagram), so the real value I perceive (apart from the zen-like satisfaction) comes from printing and exhibiting the work. I've been dreaming of making huge prints from some of my favourite 4x5 images, but then you have to plan what to do with these, as they can cost more than a holiday to Hawaii for each print if framed well...
Thanks Alex. And yeah, I agree, it would be a shame, and wouldn't make much sense just to post the final images on UA-cam and IG. I'm looking forward to printing at least one or two of these large, at some point in the future.
Kyle McDougall I've been out shooting my MKIII here in BC after it's been sleeping for many months. Already got the negs back and can't wait to scan (and hopefully print) them back at base in London. Such an absolute thrill this type of photography!
There is also the option of the Chroma Camera which is a little more expensive and made from different materials. The same premise exists though - you could have a brand new camera (except for the lens as brand new LF lenses cost a fortune) for about £600. Chroma was my introduction to LF and, like you, I love the process.
Now I know what I want for Christmas 🎄
Awesome shots 👏👏👏
In another week or so, mine will turn up. Can't wait. I have everything else I need, just the camera and I'm good to go!
Enjoy!
That pic at 4:50 is a bomb! Nice job.
I shoot a Chamonix F1 4x5 and thinking about adding an 8x10 to my kit. Really interesting in the build quality of these Intrepid cameras.
I love the cars shot at 4:40 ) Great review!
Thank you.
Thanks for this - great video!
Love the photo of the gas-station. Well done!
Thank you.
1:17 My man included Bach in this episode, first time I’ve seen a channel do something so beautiful 😢
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for large format photography. I like these derelict and abandoned urban spaces that you choose to photograph. I am considering the Intrepid also for my first 4 x 5 camera but the lack of hard stops is putting me off. And also the fact that both the shift and swing movements can be locked by the same knob could make things really awkward. On the other hand, being able to use 75mm and 90mm wide angle lenses as well as longer lenses with the one bellows is a huge draw card. It seems that this is not possible with many other view cameras. And with some of them, you have interchangeable bellows and use a bag bellows in particular to accommodate very wide lenses. I'm not sure if a recessed lens board would fix this issue in some of these cameras.
I love large format it's amazing, yes you can get into it cheap and then it EATS ALL YOUR MONEY with film and developing costs, or else develop the film yourself at which point it EATS ALL YOUR TIME and them scan it yourself and it EATS ALL YOUR DISK SPACE..... it's a beautiful monster. And the intrepid is amazing for the price, pretty sure they do them with different bellows colours too. Lovely pictures, thank you.
good to see you beginning at this, and confidently too, but yes it is harder with intrepid, as there is no detents, so it is harder to zero things.
You have a creative eye for art.
Been using a Crown Graphic for a little over a year now and love it. Would like to have some more movements to play with but I'm happy with my set up. That Fuji lens looks too nice on the Intrepid though!
Love love your videos. I’ll take my Crown Graphic with a 135mm Schneider lens and shoot some B&W.
Wow 6:58 is wonderful man! Great video as always.
Thanks, Trevor! :)
It may be obvious to most, but this is the only place I could find how to properly have the film holder in the camera. I see at 5:05 it goes *between the ground glass and the camera. thank you.
For what its worth: I have been shooting large format since buying a Speed Graphic in 1972. In recent years, a 5x7 Canham has been my go-to camera. I acquired a 4x5 Intrepid Mark IV a few weeks ago and am sharing your experience with setting it up. It takes twice as long to set up as any large format camera of my past due to the lack of detents that assure alignment, and my confidence in using the camera suffers accordingly. If you find a solution, please share! At the moment, it has a high probability of going on eBay. and a return to the Canham/Kodak Commercial View/Graflex cameras that are so much faster to set up.
A fine-line marker and a square took care of the swing alignment. Never understood people saying they miss detents. The first thing I do is pull a 6-inch level from my pocket and check vertical on my standards. Takes me 10 seconds and I can move on. Sets up faster (for me) than my Toyo 45A. Also half the weight! 👍 But I understand everyone has a process they are comfortable with. Keep shooting!
@@scottconklin3241 Why is it not provided with the lines if they are necessary? I'm puzzled.
In the past, I have tested a quality "machinist's level" (not a cheap plastic one) against the standards on my Canham 5x7 and Kodak All-Metal Commercial View 8x10 and find it isn't accurate enough, although if you habitually stop down to f/22-90, any alignment error in focus would disappear; I often shoot wide open or one stop down. Plus an additional item to pack along, dig out, use then re-store (or lose!). Seems like a design flaw to me not to have detents... just saying ... they aren't rocket science to add to the suports and would subtract weight. Your images are wonderful, by the way!
Russell I agree detents are easy to do. As far as the level, I use it for verticals; I agree would not be accurate enough for squaring the swing and focal plane. The lines solve that, and are easy to do, but those could be scribed easily at the factory; not sure why they don’t. Bottom line (for me) is the fun of customizing a $300 dollar camera. I prefer minimal equipment as that’s part of my enjoyment of LF. My Sinar is super versatile, but not near as fun!
@@scottconklin3241 hahah, in total agreement, my Sinar F+ is gathering dust - but in favour of a 4x5 RB Graflex... nice to dispense with the tripod!!! Keep hsooting, amigo.
Great vintage camera
Well that was inevitable, based on your shooting style. Congrats Kyle!
Thanks John. Yep, surprised it took me this long.
Would love to see an episode on how you shoot these videos. The quality is top notch.
Thanks, Timothy. I'll keep that in mind for a potential future episode.
Nailed, it my dude. 4x5 is addicting.
It is, indeed!
My 5x4 is a MPP and I love it!
I brought this camera during lockdown and now I can't stop using it ! Your review and video is super good. Also the telephone cabin photograph is amazing, can I ask you about the settings you used? Did you calculated some reprocity failure also? I have a Kodak ektar box ready to use and would like to shoot some photos at night. Thank you and good work Kyle
Thank you Mariano. I don't know the exact settings, but I did use a reciprocity calculator app on my phone for that image.
@@KyleMcDougall great, can I ask wich app are you using? thanks
and of course the phone booth shot is unreal!
🙏
I'm putting together an Intrepid camera setup and spending around $800 all together. I underestimated how many little accessories id need!
Hey Kyle! Just found your channel it's great. Love the video! Was the Bell phonebooth up on hwy 11? oro area? Cheers dude!
Thanks, Michael. And yes, you got it, up near Kilworthy. Funny how many people recognize this location. It's so random!
Great man!!!
ooooo such a good video!
🙏
Great review, and great shots, man, love these videos. I like Intrepid very much, especially then at the price 4x5 costs, someday I am gonna get one, but I would like to know, which lenses and accessories do you use with it, and how much could that basic kit of Intrepid 4x5 with basic lenses, film holders and all the stuff you need cost.
Hey Peter, as mentioned in the video, I have a 135mm Fujinon, as well as some older Riteway film holders. I really think you could be all in under $600 US.
Kyle McDougall that’s cool! Thanks 😉
Intrepid. Great people and they build a great camera. Your first experience was much better than mine 😂 hoping to have mine for many years to come. Loved that first image of the gas station. Composition definitely worked.
Also where did you send your film out for developing?
Thanks man! What happened to yours? Operator error? 😁 Or gear? I had mine developed here in Toronto at a local lab.
Kyle McDougall definitely operator error. Haha Film loading problems. But luckily I learned and haven’t messed up since.
Ah yes... been there!
Will always shoot digital as it suits my experimental style - but addicted to large format film videos on YT