As a subscriber to the film photography podcast I’ve been enjoying your contribution to film photography for a couple of years. Having recently entered the large format world I am now also enjoying your CZcams content. Your work is invaluable to those just starting out and strikes a perfect balance of concise but useful information. I have played some of your videos in an introduction to large format photography at my local group in York England.
I love my Intrepid 4x5 mk4, but I also agree with your assessment 100%. Also, LOVE the circular motion in the water on the last image. Kinda made it look like star trails
Thanks Sam! Full rant/review of the Intrepid coming up next. That particular eddy wasn't too bad, but on really long exposures they can get out of hand.
Thanks for this. If I don't sell off all my 8x10 gear over the Winter I'll probably be looking at this one for it's lightweight backpackability. I'm reserving judgement though until I see someone shoot in a good strong wind to see if the rigidity holds up and in humidity to see if it develops any binding in the controls. I can even begin to tell you how much I absolutely detest the unfinished plywood look compared to other offerings. Someone has a good business opportunity out there if they want to start custom finishing these things.
Haven't shot in anything stronger than 5mph winds yet, but it's still early Fall, there will likely be a few windier outings before a longer review drops. Currently spending time in a much more humid climate and things are still looking strong. Haven't soaked it thoroughly like my Tachihara...yet! ;)
Thank you for your great work and for your contributions and informations about large format film photography. I got into 4x5 only 2 years ago and love it and what it did to my photographic work. As a 6x7 film photographer form the start in 2000, I love film and I love larger film formats, certainly for my personal work. I work day to day with a 50MP DSLR and like the convenience... Large format did something to me I was waiting for, I love photography like never before now, it also changed and improved my digital work. I love my light Toyo 45CF and now got an 8x10 back and bellows for my 4x5 Toyo 45G monorail. I'm waiting for a black Svedowsky 8x10 E field camera and can't wait to start with 8x10 film (3 boxes of T-Max100 are in the fidge) But at the price of the film and my love for the craft I'm not getting into the Intrepid thing... I like what they did to the market and appreciate that very much, but for me it has to be old-schold solid before I expose these sheets... Thanks for this video and for your Intrepid 8x10MKIII reviews.
Great video, looking forward to your full review. I think the back is a huge improvement. The first thing I broke on my MK II was one of those little clips on the bottom. I got a replacement and so far so good, but using magnets all around and those release clips look great. Also now I'm thinking I gotta get that Fresnel screen.
You are right about those lens boards! I just bought the camera and did not get any lens boards because I have a 4X5 Horseman that uses Sinar boards. None of them fit quite right. I loosened the screws for the slide lock and one proper Sinar board fits ok but one that I have was a 3D printed one that fits my Horseman fine but oddly the corners are too "Sharp" to seat into the Intrepid properly. Easily fixed, but just a little odd I think.
Hey what's up man! I go to Midwest Photo all the time and when we talk about large format we always bring up your work! I really appreciate the production you've put into this video! Keep it up, I am a fan 🙌
Nice, Mat. I think I see one of these in my future, though I look forward to seeing your full review after you've used it a little more. This looks a whole lot more appealing on the trail than my Kodak 2-D. Lovely shots from the video, too!
Thanks Chris! There is something I miss about the "brick shithouse" construction of extension bed cameras like the Kodak 2-D and Eastman Commercial B. It's also worth mentioning they have bellows that last longer than most newly built houses. But in terms of weight and movements, this new Intrepid is pretty sweet.
Thanks for the promo code! You're not kidding, that really made a difference. Planning to travel this year and this will be a lot lighter than the Tachihara! - Michael Hardeman
If there's one thing I miss, it's my Gen.1 Intrepid 4x5, it broke beyond repair on a trip when it fell off a seat. I also know that if my Crown ever dies I'll get a new Intrepid 4x5. Great shots as always and I look forward to your full review!
Definitely no pressure on the camera, it's a very tempting price but it's always a good idea to wait and get those reviews from multiple sources first!
Hi Mat!! Great to see you again...always a good start to my Friday when I see one of your episodes of LFF pop up!! Interesting camera....I think in the near future I"ll try one of intrepid's 4x5 cameras to use to "dip my toe" into the LF waters..... Have a great weekend Mat! And Happy Shooting.. CC
great in the field review, but one tip with these field cameras, when folding the top of the rear standard is unsupported, with the standard way you all do it, to save wearing the hinge out, reverse the standard mounting, aka flip the front std, 180, leaving the wood block between the bed and rear standard when folded, so if you 'squeeze' in this area, say when grabbing it when removing from a bag, or backpack, it saves any extra force on the parts.
I am hoping they fixed the major issue which is being delivered and having light leaks. Also I agree with the nitpick of the removing of the film holder. I know the cheapness of materials and those two issues were some drawbacks of me getting this camera but I think with this new updated design they made, I think I will get this 8x10 camera! Love the videos Matt! You got me back into large format photography!!!
With a dozen sheets exposed (and counting), no light leaks to speak of. Still much more testing to do, but glad you're liking what you've seen so far. Thanks for the comment and have a great weekend!
Hi Matt, It looks like you do the same “dance” with every new partner 😉 Given the lightness of this camera, and the fact none of the movements are tracked, would you perhaps recommend to a newbie who doesn’t have the same “dance muscle memory” to check all the lockdowns BEFORE inserting the film? The shove-n-clunk of inserting the film looks like the most likely time that something is going to move a bit, and if u have potentially banged a shift or a tilt out a wee bit and don’t find you hadn’t locked down till after the clunk, it’s gotta be a disincentive to check if needing to take out the film, throw the dark cloth back over etc? Absolutely love your channel. I found it while I was off work sick and binged the first 3 seasons in 2 days, and keep going back to different episodes and keep getting stuff out of each one. Cheers from Australia!!
Nice work, but with the wide angle options have you considered changing your bellows to a combination style, like the linhof cameras, this has a bag on the front, so you have the best of both worlds; a long set for macro and telephoto, a bag for wide angle lenses .
Great idea! In the past, I was a volunteer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Nature Preserves system. You can see selects from that series here: marrash.com/ohio-uninterrupted
A good "first impressions" video! I would like to have an Intrepid 4x5 with the exact same "features" as this new 8x10 model, just smaller! And with a "universal" bellows like the Chamonix has. This 8x10 has everything that I miss on my 4x5 (model IV, if I'm not mistaken) - black felt on surfaces that could let light "seeping" in (a serious problem I do have with pinhole photography), a much more reliable (and more precise) mechanic for rotating the back (also a constant hassle), some more precise handling in general, a better mechanic to fix (and release) the lens board, and this additional thing (don't know the name) to better fix the back standard (a serious problem with my 4x5, as with rise the bellows do push on the top of the back standard and make it move backwards). These would be all rather "small" improvements from a technical standpoint, but it would make the camera a much better tool (even if it would be a bit more expensive, it would be still in a very attractive price range). Yes, I could switch to 8x10 to get what I want (not the universal bellows), but there are other considerations keeping me from this step … 😁
They also updated their 4x5 line which has all these same features and more! Take a look at the website there is a new generation avaliable for purchase on there.
@@andrewthompson5609 Not quite: Still a rotating back (which I hate), no universal bellows (much more of a problem than with the large model), unclear if there are black felts at the same places (maybe), and no stabilization rods/bars for the back standard (actually the one feature I would need the most). From my list only the lens board lock is updated (a good thing), the rest is unclear or virtually the same. The stabilization rods might be optional with a smoother, universal bellows, but being able to really fix the back standard would be a good thing (I already added toothed washers to the knurled screws, but it is not nearly enough friction to securely lock the back standard in place, no matter how hard I try to fasten them). On the 8x10 the additional rods do the trick quite nicely (they are absolutely necessary with this large back, but they would help with a small back too).
@@c.augustin hmmmmm not sure if we are reading the same thing. The new model has universal bellows and a dentent / locking position now on the back standard plus a reinforced front standard. This is per their website.
@@andrewthompson5609 I found "removeable bellows" (I've overlooked this one) and "soon to be released bag bellows (YEAH!), but "lockable zeroing stops" only for the front standard (never had problems there, but a nice addition). The standard bellows look exactly like the one I have in my model. Halfway there for me. I thought about modifying my camera to lock the back standard, but there's not enough there to do so (and what I could incorporate myself would further slow down the setup process).
Hi Mat, Just ordered one the other week. A little note concerning the Fresnel lens. As a matter of fact, the camera is not shipped with the Fresnel lens by default. One has to buy it separately.
Hey Tapio thanks for pointing this out, I wasn't made aware of this. Now I'm definitely going to be encouraging folks to use the coupon code, since it will more than cover the cost of the fresnel!
Great video as always Mat and nice to see you out in the field. I have the Intrepid 8x10 and will say that the springs on the film-holder are rather strong so yes, lock it down well before inserting the film holder. I love my 8x10 and am now using it more than the 4x5. I have a Fujinon 250 W S and a rather cool and rare Schneider Kreuznach Componon 210mm / f5.6. Next I plan to get a Fujinon 360W - any thoughts on this lens?
The Fujinon 360W is a very nice standard lens that will compliment your 250 well. While I don't personally own one, I would put it in the same class as other modern standard lenses like those from Nikkor, Rodenstock, and Schneider.
Hey Steve! I'll try to include as many genre as possible with the Intrepid, but so far haven't done anything closer than ~ 1/2 stop with bellows factor. Cheers!
@@MatMarrash that’s why I am in no hurry to buy the 8 x10. I have my hands full with what I have for now. Main thing is to get back home to Zhengzhou, China.
My Gen 5 Intrepid 4x5 has issues with the thickness of Gen 4 Intrepid lens boards. I had to remove the holding clips and put a layer of electrical tape between them and the camera to gain enough clearance. it's OK now, but I'm not sure the electrical tape will last, when it gets hot it gets gooey and might make a mess or start to slide around. If I could find some of those small clear plastic washers that Intrepid uses that might be a better fix. It almost seems as if Intrepid got the depth of the recess wrong. It's too shallow. And my Zone VI 4x5 weighs 6 pounds, so 6 pounds for an 8x10 is really phenomenal!
On this copy of the 8x10 shown in the video, it almost seems as if the light seal felt is pushing the lens mount out just enough to give it fitting issues with standard Sinar boards. Third party board and older Sinar Norma boards work just fine. Also if DIY'ing, a few tiny plastic washers to shim the lens lock would be a better long-term solution.
@@MatMarrash Yes, I tried getting some small washers with no luck. I'll have to look on line. And just FYI in case you have not seen one, the 4x5 Gen 5 doesn't have felt lining the lens receptacle and it doesn't come standard with the Fresnel. It is an upgrade over the Gen 4 but the problem with the OEM lens boards is perplexing. Thanks for the help, great videos! 🙂👍
What Focusing Loupe do you suggest for a 4x5 ? Love the 8x10 and also saw your review of the Gen5. Man, I would have been P.O. ‘D that the ground glass was off. I’m using a Speed Graphic that I rebuilt from a junker. Got everything rebuilt but want something with more movements. Quick question. Intrepid sells that 3D printed version , I wondered what filament they used Great Videos you are doing !! Thank you.
Mat, what BAG are you using to care the gear? I’ve been looking for a messenger style bag for my 8x10 something that I could carry the lens and 2 film holders in.
Jaime thanks for the question. In this video I'm using an older Tenba messenger that has just enough room for the Intrepid. Tenba's new DNA 16 Pro may have enough room, but basically you'll be looking for a messenger that is padded an fits a 17" gaming laptop. Cheers!
FYI, I got my Intrepid 8x10 mk 3 a couple of days ago but it did not come with a fresnel. When I contacted Intrepid about it, they said that the fresnel comes seperately.
@@MatMarrash It's an honest mistake. When the camera comes to you like that, I would expect it to come like that for everyone. :P Looking forward to your full review! And thanks for doing what you do!
Hello Mat! I love your backlit photos, and I really would like to know more about how you meter backlit scenes. Does your spotmeter workflow change? Are you more likely to “sacrifice” the highlights to keep details in the shadows? And lastly, will you extend your development time? Thanks!
Hey Bjorn this is a rod iron Majestic geared pan-tilt head. It weighs more than the Intrepid 8x10 and can support 30+ lbs. With how far the bellows can draw on an 8x10, I'd recommend some sort of head that can support at least 15-20 lbs.
Thanks, Mat! I am using a Sirui K-40x ball head with my Gibellini GP810 camera, but I am also looking for a geared head alternative for field use. In studio I am using the Manfrotto 400 geared head on my Foba column stand, but the head is way too heavy for hiking.
Hi Mat, very informative videos, thanks for all of this. In this one you have me a a little confused about the reciprocity. In one shot you say meter reads 1/4 second at F16. I understand you then close two stops and get to 1 second exposure, but why double the exposure again? And why is that because of reciprocity?
Reciprocity failure of FPP Mummy 400 begins at a metered exposure time of 1 sec. and longer. When 1 sec. is indicated, opening up by another 1 stop is needed to avoid underexposure. Traditional grain films suffer from reciprocity failure far worse than modern T-grained films.
@@jjherman Most Kodak stocks will handle things better, but I always recommend checking out the datasheet of any film you're planning on exposing longer than 1 second.
Hey Ted! A deep-dive video is still a ways off but I will be demoing it in next Friday's livestream on the 11th. Come with questions if you stop by. Cheers!
Quick question about your super wide 150mm lens and the intrepid 8x10. Can you shoot in portrait orientation without the bed of the camera getting in the shot? Could a 120mm lens be used on this camera? Please let me know, thanks for the review.
instead of a spring to keep the film on camera, maybe a bolt to put the pressure? Is a bit slower, but if you loose it, don't need to keep holding while putting out the film
Hmm, I'm not sure if I've seen an LF camera using a bolt as the locking mechanism for the holder. As long as it's strong, repeatable, and doesn't get in the way of normal operations, I'm all for it!
what's that tripod configuration. I see a Majestic head, like mine, but the rest looks more modern (and probably lighter, as the full Majestic tripod weight is similar to a Panzer IV)...
Here's a previous LFF dedicated to the topic: czcams.com/video/fraADuAALyo/video.html The legs are an Induro CT414, which weigh about the same as the Majestic head and hold quite a bit!
@@MatMarrash many thanks! Yes, I've seen that one. It was important for the decision of buying a Majestic head... and tripod. I've tried to find an adapter for the Majestic head to a modern tripod but only found one that didn't match for 1 or 2 mm. Do you know where to find this type of adapters or I have to found somebody with a heavy lathe?
I just finished making a set of bellows for my old century view 8x10. Found out that I don’t have a lens big enough for the format. I have a Fuji 210mm and I was told it would fit but it’s the wrong version 😞. Would a nikkor w 240mm be a good fit for cityscape beach and landscapes?
The Fujinon 210W (inner barrel lettering) and Nikkor W 240 are in about the same class of coverage, which is barely covering at infinity with no movements. My go-to recommendation would be the slightly longer Fujinon-W 250mm f/6.7. It can often be found for < $300 in good condition, and try to find it in a Copal #1 shutter if possible.
@@MatMarrash Awesome! Thanks Mat. Btw this is all your fault 🤣 started with 4x5 like you said and now I’m up to 8x10. I keep eyeing them 11x14. I swear you are spreading something 🤣🤣🤣.
I tested the first 8x10" during a short teaching session and said that was good to go, and got myself a used 5x7", but did not expedt it to fail on so many areas. Is the rise and fall feel so "ugly" as on my 5x7"? When bottoming the front standard, would it go further down if you made room for the bolts in the front standard? How is the ground glass? Mine is course and with some ugly lines I want to switch to a plain one, even consider the original fresnel... Is your impression the quality has increased - my back did not fit until after an hour of filing - it might have contributed to the last owner giving up on them.
Thanks for your comment, and yes I do believe the quality has increased a bit. The ground glass and fresnel are decent, but certainly not going to equal other systems whose glass costs what this entire camera does. There are still 3D printed parts on the latest gen but they are still holding strong on my copy. I'm not 100% this is for every photographer interested in 8x10 but there is a niche that could benefit from this option.
I'd love to see some thicker metal all around the camera, for sure. There is definitely a cost that comes with choice of thinner metals and 3D printed parts, but surprisingly the front standard holds heavy glass well!
@@MatMarrash I thing i used the wrong term. I not meant thicker material. What always worries me more than the thickness of the material is the width or depth of the strut holding the front standard. With that narrow base, the whole thing looks a bit wobbly. But that is not only here. A lot of other manufacturers use a quit narrow strutbase…
@@SD_Alias Oh that is a very good point. I recall a lot of photographers having a negative experience with very narrow front standards from the early Shen Hao cameras and the Canham JMC 8x10. I can confirm the Intrepid is more wobbly than my Tachihara, but so far hasn't ruined any shots due to it's construction.
As a subscriber to the film photography podcast I’ve been enjoying your contribution to film photography for a couple of years. Having recently entered the large format world I am now also enjoying your CZcams content. Your work is invaluable to those just starting out and strikes a perfect balance of concise but useful information. I have played some of your videos in an introduction to large format photography at my local group in York England.
Peter thank you so much for tuning in all these years and thanks for sharing the channel with your local camera group! :)
I would probably be in on 8x10 if color film didn’t cost me my life savings.
You know it's bad when Polaroid 8x10 is the cheapest color emulsion out there!
I love my Intrepid 4x5 mk4, but I also agree with your assessment 100%. Also, LOVE the circular motion in the water on the last image. Kinda made it look like star trails
Thanks Sam! Full rant/review of the Intrepid coming up next. That particular eddy wasn't too bad, but on really long exposures they can get out of hand.
Nice job Mat. I know this is a ton of work so I commend you for your efforts! :)
Much appreciated!
Thanks for this. If I don't sell off all my 8x10 gear over the Winter I'll probably be looking at this one for it's lightweight backpackability. I'm reserving judgement though until I see someone shoot in a good strong wind to see if the rigidity holds up and in humidity to see if it develops any binding in the controls. I can even begin to tell you how much I absolutely detest the unfinished plywood look compared to other offerings. Someone has a good business opportunity out there if they want to start custom finishing these things.
Haven't shot in anything stronger than 5mph winds yet, but it's still early Fall, there will likely be a few windier outings before a longer review drops. Currently spending time in a much more humid climate and things are still looking strong. Haven't soaked it thoroughly like my Tachihara...yet! ;)
Thank you for your great work and for your contributions and informations about large format film photography. I got into 4x5 only 2 years ago and love it and what it did to my photographic work. As a 6x7 film photographer form the start in 2000, I love film and I love larger film formats, certainly for my personal work. I work day to day with a 50MP DSLR and like the convenience... Large format did something to me I was waiting for, I love photography like never before now, it also changed and improved my digital work. I love my light Toyo 45CF and now got an 8x10 back and bellows for my 4x5 Toyo 45G monorail. I'm waiting for a black Svedowsky 8x10 E field camera and can't wait to start with 8x10 film (3 boxes of T-Max100 are in the fidge) But at the price of the film and my love for the craft I'm not getting into the Intrepid thing... I like what they did to the market and appreciate that very much, but for me it has to be old-schold solid before I expose these sheets... Thanks for this video and for your Intrepid 8x10MKIII reviews.
Great video, looking forward to your full review. I think the back is a huge improvement. The first thing I broke on my MK II was one of those little clips on the bottom. I got a replacement and so far so good, but using magnets all around and those release clips look great. Also now I'm thinking I gotta get that Fresnel screen.
An outstanding contribution to the large format knowledge base available online.
You are right about those lens boards! I just bought the camera and did not get any lens boards because I have a 4X5 Horseman that uses Sinar boards. None of them fit quite right. I loosened the screws for the slide lock and one proper Sinar board fits ok but one that I have was a 3D printed one that fits my Horseman fine but oddly the corners are too "Sharp" to seat into the Intrepid properly. Easily fixed, but just a little odd I think.
Hey what's up man! I go to Midwest Photo all the time and when we talk about large format we always bring up your work! I really appreciate the production you've put into this video! Keep it up, I am a fan 🙌
Hey thanks for the comment and there is quite a large format crowd at Midwest Photo! We need to do a Columbus meetup!
Nice, Mat. I think I see one of these in my future, though I look forward to seeing your full review after you've used it a little more. This looks a whole lot more appealing on the trail than my Kodak 2-D. Lovely shots from the video, too!
Thanks Chris! There is something I miss about the "brick shithouse" construction of extension bed cameras like the Kodak 2-D and Eastman Commercial B. It's also worth mentioning they have bellows that last longer than most newly built houses. But in terms of weight and movements, this new Intrepid is pretty sweet.
Thanks for the promo code! You're not kidding, that really made a difference. Planning to travel this year and this will be a lot lighter than the Tachihara! - Michael Hardeman
If there's one thing I miss, it's my Gen.1 Intrepid 4x5, it broke beyond repair on a trip when it fell off a seat. I also know that if my Crown ever dies I'll get a new Intrepid 4x5. Great shots as always and I look forward to your full review!
With the latest batch of improvements on their latest gen, the Intrepid 4x5 is now my go-to recommend, even above the Crown Graphic. Thanks Alex! :)
thanks for the update and the discount code - need to do some serious thinking on this
Definitely no pressure on the camera, it's a very tempting price but it's always a good idea to wait and get those reviews from multiple sources first!
Hi Mat!!
Great to see you again...always a good start to my Friday when I see one of your episodes of LFF pop up!!
Interesting camera....I think in the near future I"ll try one of intrepid's 4x5 cameras to use to "dip my toe" into the LF waters.....
Have a great weekend Mat!
And Happy Shooting..
CC
I've got no notes on their 4x5" cameras, their latest gen are a fantastic option and they punch far above their weight class in terms of performance!
great in the field review, but one tip with these field cameras, when folding the top of the rear standard is unsupported, with the standard way you all do it, to save wearing the hinge out, reverse the standard mounting, aka flip the front std, 180, leaving the wood block between the bed and rear standard when folded, so if you 'squeeze' in this area, say when grabbing it when removing from a bag, or backpack, it saves any extra force on the parts.
Hi Matt all of your videos are excelent Congratulations from ARGENTINA
Gerardo thanks for the comment and I appreciate you tuning in to the show! :)
I am hoping they fixed the major issue which is being delivered and having light leaks. Also I agree with the nitpick of the removing of the film holder. I know the cheapness of materials and those two issues were some drawbacks of me getting this camera but I think with this new updated design they made, I think I will get this 8x10 camera! Love the videos Matt! You got me back into large format photography!!!
With a dozen sheets exposed (and counting), no light leaks to speak of. Still much more testing to do, but glad you're liking what you've seen so far. Thanks for the comment and have a great weekend!
What about screwing in a small knob from a cabinet to give you better grabbing the film out?
That could work, though I'm not sure I'm ready to mod this new camera...yet!
@@MatMarrash fabric loop stapled? But I get it, this is a loaner for you.
It needs a bale to spring the back to release the holder easier .
Good Stuff, Mat. I shoot a first get Intrepid 8x10. It has some issues, but overall it works and is fun to shoot.
Bret having shot the Intrepid 8x10 Mk. 1 myself, I can say that you've more than earned an upgrade! ;)
@@MatMarrash You know what? Done.
Hi Matt,
It looks like you do the same “dance” with every new partner 😉
Given the lightness of this camera, and the fact none of the movements are tracked, would you perhaps recommend to a newbie who doesn’t have the same “dance muscle memory” to check all the lockdowns BEFORE inserting the film?
The shove-n-clunk of inserting the film looks like the most likely time that something is going to move a bit, and if u have potentially banged a shift or a tilt out a wee bit and don’t find you hadn’t locked down till after the clunk, it’s gotta be a disincentive to check if needing to take out the film, throw the dark cloth back over etc?
Absolutely love your channel. I found it while I was off work sick and binged the first 3 seasons in 2 days, and keep going back to different episodes and keep getting stuff out of each one. Cheers from Australia!!
Nice. Thanks.
Please try to mount 120mm and check, if there is a way to modify the camera to make it shoot vertical shots. Thank you!
Nice work, but with the wide angle options have you considered changing your bellows to a combination style, like the linhof cameras, this has a bag on the front, so you have the best of both worlds; a long set for macro and telephoto, a bag for wide angle lenses .
Love the content ! Keep it coming
Thank you! Will do!
If the park rangers have an office nearby you should send them a print. Would be a nice gesture.
Great idea! In the past, I was a volunteer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Nature Preserves system. You can see selects from that series here: marrash.com/ohio-uninterrupted
A good "first impressions" video! I would like to have an Intrepid 4x5 with the exact same "features" as this new 8x10 model, just smaller! And with a "universal" bellows like the Chamonix has. This 8x10 has everything that I miss on my 4x5 (model IV, if I'm not mistaken) - black felt on surfaces that could let light "seeping" in (a serious problem I do have with pinhole photography), a much more reliable (and more precise) mechanic for rotating the back (also a constant hassle), some more precise handling in general, a better mechanic to fix (and release) the lens board, and this additional thing (don't know the name) to better fix the back standard (a serious problem with my 4x5, as with rise the bellows do push on the top of the back standard and make it move backwards). These would be all rather "small" improvements from a technical standpoint, but it would make the camera a much better tool (even if it would be a bit more expensive, it would be still in a very attractive price range). Yes, I could switch to 8x10 to get what I want (not the universal bellows), but there are other considerations keeping me from this step … 😁
They also updated their 4x5 line which has all these same features and more! Take a look at the website there is a new generation avaliable for purchase on there.
@@andrewthompson5609 Not quite: Still a rotating back (which I hate), no universal bellows (much more of a problem than with the large model), unclear if there are black felts at the same places (maybe), and no stabilization rods/bars for the back standard (actually the one feature I would need the most). From my list only the lens board lock is updated (a good thing), the rest is unclear or virtually the same. The stabilization rods might be optional with a smoother, universal bellows, but being able to really fix the back standard would be a good thing (I already added toothed washers to the knurled screws, but it is not nearly enough friction to securely lock the back standard in place, no matter how hard I try to fasten them). On the 8x10 the additional rods do the trick quite nicely (they are absolutely necessary with this large back, but they would help with a small back too).
@@c.augustin hmmmmm not sure if we are reading the same thing. The new model has universal bellows and a dentent / locking position now on the back standard plus a reinforced front standard. This is per their website.
@@andrewthompson5609 I found "removeable bellows" (I've overlooked this one) and "soon to be released bag bellows (YEAH!), but "lockable zeroing stops" only for the front standard (never had problems there, but a nice addition). The standard bellows look exactly like the one I have in my model. Halfway there for me. I thought about modifying my camera to lock the back standard, but there's not enough there to do so (and what I could incorporate myself would further slow down the setup process).
Hi Mat,
Just ordered one the other week. A little note concerning the Fresnel lens. As a matter of fact, the camera is not shipped with the Fresnel lens by default. One has to buy it separately.
Hey Tapio thanks for pointing this out, I wasn't made aware of this. Now I'm definitely going to be encouraging folks to use the coupon code, since it will more than cover the cost of the fresnel!
Great video as always Mat and nice to see you out in the field.
I have the Intrepid 8x10 and will say that the springs on the film-holder are rather strong so yes, lock it down well before inserting the film holder. I love my 8x10 and am now using it more than the 4x5.
I have a Fujinon 250 W S and a rather cool and rare Schneider Kreuznach Componon 210mm / f5.6.
Next I plan to get a Fujinon 360W - any thoughts on this lens?
The Fujinon 360W is a very nice standard lens that will compliment your 250 well. While I don't personally own one, I would put it in the same class as other modern standard lenses like those from Nikkor, Rodenstock, and Schneider.
Will you be testing the 8x10 with any macro photography? I'd love to see that.
Hey Steve! I'll try to include as many genre as possible with the Intrepid, but so far haven't done anything closer than ~ 1/2 stop with bellows factor. Cheers!
I have considered 8x10 though I am going to wait until I can find one like my 4x5 with the extension back and that comes with the 4x5 reduction back.
There's still a ton of versatility that 4x5 has over 8x10. Bigger isn't always better!
@@MatMarrash that’s why I am in no hurry to buy the 8 x10. I have my hands full with what I have for now. Main thing is to get back home to Zhengzhou, China.
My Gen 5 Intrepid 4x5 has issues with the thickness of Gen 4 Intrepid lens boards. I had to remove the holding clips and put a layer of electrical tape between them and the camera to gain enough clearance. it's OK now, but I'm not sure the electrical tape will last, when it gets hot it gets gooey and might make a mess or start to slide around. If I could find some of those small clear plastic washers that Intrepid uses that might be a better fix. It almost seems as if Intrepid got the depth of the recess wrong. It's too shallow. And my Zone VI 4x5 weighs 6 pounds, so 6 pounds for an 8x10 is really phenomenal!
On this copy of the 8x10 shown in the video, it almost seems as if the light seal felt is pushing the lens mount out just enough to give it fitting issues with standard Sinar boards. Third party board and older Sinar Norma boards work just fine. Also if DIY'ing, a few tiny plastic washers to shim the lens lock would be a better long-term solution.
@@MatMarrash Yes, I tried getting some small washers with no luck. I'll have to look on line. And just FYI in case you have not seen one, the 4x5 Gen 5 doesn't have felt lining the lens receptacle and it doesn't come standard with the Fresnel. It is an upgrade over the Gen 4 but the problem with the OEM lens boards is perplexing. Thanks for the help, great videos! 🙂👍
What Focusing Loupe do you suggest for a 4x5 ?
Love the 8x10 and also saw your review of the Gen5. Man, I would have been P.O. ‘D that the ground glass was off. I’m using a Speed Graphic that I rebuilt from a junker. Got everything rebuilt but want something with more movements. Quick question. Intrepid sells that 3D printed version , I wondered what filament they used Great Videos you are doing !! Thank you.
If you're using a Graphic 4x5 with a folding shade, I'd recommend a loupe that's 6x or 8x and one that's a little longer to work around the shade.
@@MatMarrash Thanks Mat !
Mat, what BAG are you using to care the gear? I’ve been looking for a messenger style bag for my 8x10 something that I could carry the lens and 2 film holders in.
Jaime thanks for the question. In this video I'm using an older Tenba messenger that has just enough room for the Intrepid. Tenba's new DNA 16 Pro may have enough room, but basically you'll be looking for a messenger that is padded an fits a 17" gaming laptop. Cheers!
I like 8 x10 but not in a rush to get one.
FYI, I got my Intrepid 8x10 mk 3 a couple of days ago but it did not come with a fresnel. When I contacted Intrepid about it, they said that the fresnel comes seperately.
Hey Jay thanks for the comment. This will be addressed in the full review and wasn't something I knew about until after uploading.
@@MatMarrash It's an honest mistake. When the camera comes to you like that, I would expect it to come like that for everyone. :P Looking forward to your full review! And thanks for doing what you do!
Hello Mat! I love your backlit photos, and I really would like to know more about how you meter backlit scenes. Does your spotmeter workflow change? Are you more likely to “sacrifice” the highlights to keep details in the shadows? And lastly, will you extend your development time? Thanks!
This video is really informative. The camera seems impressive for the price. What tripod head are you using to support the camera?
Hey Bjorn this is a rod iron Majestic geared pan-tilt head. It weighs more than the Intrepid 8x10 and can support 30+ lbs. With how far the bellows can draw on an 8x10, I'd recommend some sort of head that can support at least 15-20 lbs.
Thanks, Mat! I am using a Sirui K-40x ball head with my Gibellini GP810 camera, but I am also looking for a geared head alternative for field use. In studio I am using the Manfrotto 400 geared head on my Foba column stand, but the head is way too heavy for hiking.
My Majestic head is 1900 gram plus adapter to fit 3/8" screw. And it is a bit on the tall side.
Hi Mat, very informative videos, thanks for all of this. In this one you have me a a little confused about the reciprocity. In one shot you say meter reads 1/4 second at F16. I understand you then close two stops and get to 1 second exposure, but why double the exposure again? And why is that because of reciprocity?
Reciprocity failure of FPP Mummy 400 begins at a metered exposure time of 1 sec. and longer. When 1 sec. is indicated, opening up by another 1 stop is needed to avoid underexposure. Traditional grain films suffer from reciprocity failure far worse than modern T-grained films.
Thanks for this info, good to know! I’m shooting a project on kodak at night and was getting worried. 😅
@@jjherman Most Kodak stocks will handle things better, but I always recommend checking out the datasheet of any film you're planning on exposing longer than 1 second.
The Printalyzer Densitometer is now shipping. Do you plan to test this device? Thanks Ted
Hey Ted! A deep-dive video is still a ways off but I will be demoing it in next Friday's livestream on the 11th. Come with questions if you stop by. Cheers!
Hi Mat, looking forward to your livestream. My Densitometer is scheduled for delivery Weds.@@MatMarrash
Getting a 8x10 intrepit what head and tripod are you using? thanks!
Quick question about your super wide 150mm lens and the intrepid 8x10. Can you shoot in portrait orientation without the bed of the camera getting in the shot? Could a 120mm lens be used on this camera? Please let me know, thanks for the review.
instead of a spring to keep the film on camera, maybe a bolt to put the pressure? Is a bit slower, but if you loose it, don't need to keep holding while putting out the film
Hmm, I'm not sure if I've seen an LF camera using a bolt as the locking mechanism for the holder. As long as it's strong, repeatable, and doesn't get in the way of normal operations, I'm all for it!
how about an episode for 8x10 enlargers, some of us dont want scan just print.
Did you post a final review yet? I am curious
Guess not 😂
what's that tripod configuration. I see a Majestic head, like mine, but the rest looks more modern (and probably lighter, as the full Majestic tripod weight is similar to a Panzer IV)...
Here's a previous LFF dedicated to the topic: czcams.com/video/fraADuAALyo/video.html
The legs are an Induro CT414, which weigh about the same as the Majestic head and hold quite a bit!
@@MatMarrash many thanks! Yes, I've seen that one. It was important for the decision of buying a Majestic head... and tripod. I've tried to find an adapter for the Majestic head to a modern tripod but only found one that didn't match for 1 or 2 mm. Do you know where to find this type of adapters or I have to found somebody with a heavy lathe?
I just finished making a set of bellows for my old century view 8x10. Found out that I don’t have a lens big enough for the format. I have a Fuji 210mm and I was told it would fit but it’s the wrong version 😞. Would a nikkor w 240mm be a good fit for cityscape beach and landscapes?
The Fujinon 210W (inner barrel lettering) and Nikkor W 240 are in about the same class of coverage, which is barely covering at infinity with no movements. My go-to recommendation would be the slightly longer Fujinon-W 250mm f/6.7. It can often be found for < $300 in good condition, and try to find it in a Copal #1 shutter if possible.
@@MatMarrash Awesome! Thanks Mat. Btw this is all your fault 🤣 started with 4x5 like you said and now I’m up to 8x10. I keep eyeing them 11x14. I swear you are spreading something 🤣🤣🤣.
FYI just bought one and they do not come with a fresnel lens , that’s a separate purchase
Do you have any trouble mentally compensating for lenses that are not "true" with their stated shutter times V.S. actual shutter time?
Not really since if they're too far off the mark, they immediately get sent out for a CLA.
I tested the first 8x10" during a short teaching session and said that was good to go, and got myself a used 5x7", but did not expedt it to fail on so many areas.
Is the rise and fall feel so "ugly" as on my 5x7"?
When bottoming the front standard, would it go further down if you made room for the bolts in the front standard?
How is the ground glass? Mine is course and with some ugly lines I want to switch to a plain one, even consider the original fresnel...
Is your impression the quality has increased - my back did not fit until after an hour of filing - it might have contributed to the last owner giving up on them.
Thanks for your comment, and yes I do believe the quality has increased a bit. The ground glass and fresnel are decent, but certainly not going to equal other systems whose glass costs what this entire camera does. There are still 3D printed parts on the latest gen but they are still holding strong on my copy. I'm not 100% this is for every photographer interested in 8x10 but there is a niche that could benefit from this option.
It seems like intrepid would be a great entry point for large format.
While I wouldn't exactly consider 8x10 a great entry point, the price of their entire camera series does help the cost burden!
@@MatMarrash I’m interested in their 4x5 and their enlarger as well.
Good review. Front standard looks still a bit thin. Would it be better if a thicker holder be used for heavier lenses?
I'd love to see some thicker metal all around the camera, for sure. There is definitely a cost that comes with choice of thinner metals and 3D printed parts, but surprisingly the front standard holds heavy glass well!
@@MatMarrash I thing i used the wrong term. I not meant thicker material. What always worries me more than the thickness of the material is the width or depth of the strut holding the front standard. With that narrow base, the whole thing looks a bit wobbly. But that is not only here. A lot of other manufacturers use a quit narrow strutbase…
@@SD_Alias Oh that is a very good point. I recall a lot of photographers having a negative experience with very narrow front standards from the early Shen Hao cameras and the Canham JMC 8x10. I can confirm the Intrepid is more wobbly than my Tachihara, but so far hasn't ruined any shots due to it's construction.
What spot meter are you using?
Hey Stuart! This is the Reveni Labs Spotmeter, more info on it here: czcams.com/video/RBlacFq74JA/video.html
@@MatMarrash wicked. Ill check it out. I have one of his light meters
First. Hey Matt
Hey hey, Happy Friday!
FYI, that coupon code is no longer valid. :-(
New10
@@woodjeb2 awesome thanks
от тебя так много шума
Wish I would have known about the coupon when I ordered my 4x5 last week. :{ 🥲🥲🥵🥵🥵🥵
If it's any consolation they only honored the coupon code for a couple of weeks. When the new site dropped so did the code. ;(