INTREPID 4X5 MK4
Jul 30, 2019 19:03:24 #
Capable, BUT not high quality in any standard of fit, finish, or fine performance in any of the large format camera's. Slightly above a DIY build it yourself camera, but pertinent for it's pricing. A budget production. This is my read from many reviews and personal ownership of many midrange 4x5 camera's I have owned. I have not stepped up to purchase this camera as intriguing as is appears.. However have owned many Tachihara, Woodman, and others of the ilk.
Jul 30, 2019 20:23:31 #
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several ... (show quote)
Never heard of "INTREPID 4X5 MK4" cameras before. One issue, a 4x5" view camera is a large format camera not a medium. Some serious issues with terms here. Medium format film cameras are 4.5x6cm, 6x6cm, 6x7cm, 6x9cm and use 120 Size Type film. Large format are the huge bellows cameras and come in sizes like 4x5", 5x7", 8x10", 11x14", and use cut sheet film. Some known brands are Sinar, Omega, Toyo, Linhof, Wista, Zone IV, Burke & James. I own an Omega 45F Studio Rail View, and Gundlach 4x5" Wooden Folding Field Camera. Here the camera is basically a light tight holder for film and a lens with movable fronts and backs. All the important stuff is the lens and leaf shutter.
Jul 30, 2019 20:39:48 #
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several ... (show quote)
I took a look online for it. OMG! It is made out of Laminated Wood (updated plywood). This is a far cry from Cherry Wood. The earlier versions (ca. 2017) seemed to have some issues. But at $400 what would one expect. Newer version, 2019 seem to show some refinement. Unless she is planing on back-packing to photo locations with it. A used Wista or similar solid wood camera should serve her better. The better lenses for View Cameras are Schneider, Nikon, (used) Fujinon, Rodenstock. There are old but often good Calumet and Kodak lenses out there. The best are on Copal shutters, Compur Shutters are OK.
Jul 30, 2019 22:11:10 #
Jul 31, 2019 01:29:38 #
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several years. She has her own photography business and does portraits, architectural, and food photography. ... I hope to learn enough here
to have an intelligent conversation with her.
to have an intelligent conversation with her.
You daughter appears to be an experienced photographer, who has likely done more research on this camera than most of those who have commented on this thread. Is there a reason you trust the judgement of UHH members, most of whom are not professional photographers with their own photography businesses, over that of your daughter?
It's her birthday. Get her the gift she wants.
Jul 31, 2019 11:26:28 #
I think most posters have expressed the thought that for the same money she can get a higher quality used 4x5 camera and lens. I haven't bought any cameras or lenses other than used on ebay, since my last new digital point and shoot camera purchased almost a decade ago. On the other hand, you have a good point, if she is an experienced professional photographer she ought to know everything that has been posted here.
Cheese wrote:
You daughter appears to be an experienced photographer, who has likely done more research on this camera than most of those who have commented on this thread. Is there a reason you trust the judgement of UHH members, most of whom are not professional photographers with their own photography businesses, over that of your daughter?
It's her birthday. Get her the gift she wants.
It's her birthday. Get her the gift she wants.
Jul 31, 2019 15:59:37 #
I'll bet she doesn't or haven't.
Other professional Wooden View Cameras / Field Cameras:
Deardorff
Tacihara
(sorry it was) Zone VI
in addition to the ones I listed before.
Again, is she a photo hiker back-packer? Only then would one want a lightweight camera or tripod.
Other professional Wooden View Cameras / Field Cameras:
Deardorff
Tacihara
(sorry it was) Zone VI
in addition to the ones I listed before.
Again, is she a photo hiker back-packer? Only then would one want a lightweight camera or tripod.
Aug 2, 2019 11:40:40 #
The best view camera is Sinar P, then Plaubel and Linhof. These cameras are beautiful (not very affordable though), but also kind of difficult for the outdoors and colder weather to use.
It looks to me, that the your daughter is quite well informed what she wants:
The Intrepid Mk4 is a simple to use, fast to set up view camera, weighs under 2 pounds, designed with very comfortable larger plastic knob controls (think about winter use with sharp metal ones) and with two or three lenses (enough for travel or backpacking) it is hard to beat - for beginners or professionals.
The back focusing knob is brilliant.
You can make the neutral position lines on the wood surface as one pro suggested, and glue on the bubble levels. Some people (like myself) can add a fresnel lens addition to the focusing glass.
All that is for only $235.00 new!!!
And if you need an affordable elarger, there is an Itrepid 4x5 enlarger available, too.
It looks to me, that the your daughter is quite well informed what she wants:
The Intrepid Mk4 is a simple to use, fast to set up view camera, weighs under 2 pounds, designed with very comfortable larger plastic knob controls (think about winter use with sharp metal ones) and with two or three lenses (enough for travel or backpacking) it is hard to beat - for beginners or professionals.
The back focusing knob is brilliant.
You can make the neutral position lines on the wood surface as one pro suggested, and glue on the bubble levels. Some people (like myself) can add a fresnel lens addition to the focusing glass.
All that is for only $235.00 new!!!
And if you need an affordable elarger, there is an Itrepid 4x5 enlarger available, too.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.