INTREPID 4X5 MK4
Jul 29, 2019 19:23:09 #
My daughter has been into photography for several years. She has her own photography business and does portraits, architectural, and food photography. Her husband, at her request, is purchasing an INTREPID 4X5 MK4 medium format camera for her birthday. These cameras are handmade in England (bespoke) and are made to order but they look very primitive to me. Does anyone here have any knowledge or experience with this camera system? Comments, reviews, advice, etc. is appreciated. She plans to concentrate on b&w photos until she feels comfortable enough to move on to slides or color prints. I hope to learn enough here
to have an intelligent conversation with her. My background was 35mm but have moved onto APC-S.Thank you in advance.
to have an intelligent conversation with her. My background was 35mm but have moved onto APC-S.Thank you in advance.
Jul 29, 2019 19:42:57 #
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several ... (show quote)
Boy "Primitive" is being kind!! I had a Wisner in my early days and really liked it, at least it looks a little better in the finished state!! If she gets her wish, I hope she is satisfied and happy with her selection. However, I would ask her what draws her to this particular 4x5!! Maybe it is a budget consideration??
Jul 29, 2019 22:08:06 #
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several ... (show quote)
It seems fair enough as a first large format camera. It is pretty imprecise, no way to get the standards to 100% neutral positions - rear tilt, front standard height/swing/tilt - no detents, no scales, no level, etc. It could prove to be a little frustrating to use. I would suggest something a little more conventional.
Something like this would be great in the studio:
http://eby.onl/k2
or this:
http://eby.onl/k3
If she needs something more portable then something like this:
http://eby.onl/k4
I prefer Wisner, Sinar P, Toyo, Horseman, Linhof, Cambo but they are typically much more expensive.
Too bad she missed it - I just gave away my Calumet field 4x5 - and a 90mm F4.5 Nikon lens, a few film holders and a case for everything. The lens was the only thing of any real value, but I hadn't used it in years so the shutter needed to be torn down, cleaned and lubed and have the shutter speeds checked.
Jul 29, 2019 22:17:11 #
From my experience, the Intrepid seems to be put back up for sale often and with little resale value. As others have said, it is a bit unrefined and not as solid as other choices. In a sense, it may make her not enjoy 4x5 photography in the end. However...I have never owned one. I had a Chamonix 45N2 and currently use the Speed Graphic / Aero Ektar. Both of which are different animals.
Jul 29, 2019 22:37:33 #
I think I need to steer her toward something a little more sophisticated. I think she likes the idea of trying her hand at using old technology. This could end up being a “wooden toy” that she will soon tire of.
Jul 30, 2019 07:59:55 #
First, a minor correction, a 4x5 is considered large format not medium.
Here's a review of the camera, or a model similar. https://www.alexburkephoto.com/blog/2018/10/24/the-new-intrepid-4x5-mk3-field-test-and-review
Personally, I prefer 4x5 cameras that have a substantial bit of sturdiness to them. I'm not sure about the wood construction, especially plywood. It's probably a good starter camera, but not one I'd want to put through an extensive amount of usage.
--Bob
Here's a review of the camera, or a model similar. https://www.alexburkephoto.com/blog/2018/10/24/the-new-intrepid-4x5-mk3-field-test-and-review
Personally, I prefer 4x5 cameras that have a substantial bit of sturdiness to them. I'm not sure about the wood construction, especially plywood. It's probably a good starter camera, but not one I'd want to put through an extensive amount of usage.
--Bob
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several ... (show quote)
Jul 30, 2019 08:08:12 #
The points of interest with the Intrepid is compact folded size and light weight. While usable for her intended needs, I might want the geared movements of a regular view camera for food or architectural stuff. I own an earlier version (haven't used it yet - long story..) and have previously used a Deardorff which only had geared focus over what this model offers.
Jul 30, 2019 09:42:40 #
Jul 30, 2019 09:58:45 #
They are old-school cameras. They come from the film era, now passe. They function all analog. She will have to learn that approach to photography. A handful of diehards swear by the pre-digital means of doing photography so she will find company.
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several ... (show quote)
Jul 30, 2019 10:43:48 #
n4jee
Loc: New Bern, NC
To me the only selling point for this camera is light weight weight for backpacking. I can think of much better solutions for backpacking. If I really wanted to get into 4x5 I'd go for one of the sturdier used bargains on eBay. That thing looks like some of the kit cameras that wood workers used to enjoy building, but flimsier.
Jul 30, 2019 11:52:48 #
clint f.
Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa
I have used Several 4x5 cameras, Speed Graphic, calumet, Linhoff (borrowed) and Toyo. My favorite is a Toyo field 45a. For the price I don’t think you can beat it. From what I’ve seen on eBay today you can pick up this precision camera for not much more than the intrepid.
Jul 30, 2019 14:52:54 #
Here's a Horseman with the lens on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXC-HORSEMAN-VH-W-SUPER-ER-90mm-f-5-6-Seiko-SLV-Shutter-from-Tokyo-Japan/153577287720?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3Df53cd3ebd1b14dd28b983530747f20f9%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D281148846029%26itm%3D153577287720%26pg%3D2385738&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598#viTabs_0
Here's a bunch of videos on the Intrepid.
https://www.google.com/search?q=INTREPID+4X5+MK4+medium+format+camera&oq=INTREPID+4X5+MK4+medium+format+camera&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXC-HORSEMAN-VH-W-SUPER-ER-90mm-f-5-6-Seiko-SLV-Shutter-from-Tokyo-Japan/153577287720?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3Df53cd3ebd1b14dd28b983530747f20f9%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D281148846029%26itm%3D153577287720%26pg%3D2385738&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598#viTabs_0
Here's a bunch of videos on the Intrepid.
https://www.google.com/search?q=INTREPID+4X5+MK4+medium+format+camera&oq=INTREPID+4X5+MK4+medium+format+camera&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Gene51 wrote:
It seems fair enough as a first large format camer... (show quote)
Jul 30, 2019 15:58:45 #
Here's a very nice video on youtube of someone using the Interpid Mark 4 4x5 large format camera with Fuji Provia color transparency film for a landscape shoot.
Jul 30, 2019 16:44:23 #
Billiam13 wrote:
My daughter has been into photography for several ... (show quote)
That's probably a good place to start for a light and portable camera but as she accumulates a few lenses the whole kit gets harder to carry around.
My Zone VI (pretty much the same as the Wista Field-45DX Field Camera that B&H sells for $2900) is light and portable. I has all of the movements you need for most subjects. The Intrepid might be just what she needs.
But the main drawback of a light field camera is that it's not rugged or rigid enough for rough treatment. If I had to replace the Zone VI I would expect to spend more for something more robust.
Jul 30, 2019 18:30:31 #
Gene51 wrote:
It seems fair enough as a first large format camer... (show quote)
I agree with your prefered list. I have a cherry wood 4x5 she can have, just pay for shipping. For another $20 I'll include 2 film holders. I know 4 shots doesn't sound like much but the average time it took me to set up and shoot a photo with the 4x5 was 40minutes.
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