The Intrepid Camera Co. is on a roll. With the lofty goal of bringing low-cost large format film photography to the masses, they launched their initial 4x5 model's Kickstarter in the fall of 2014. Although plagued with fulfillment issues and mixed reviews (You can see our review of the original model here), enough attention was garnered to warrant a follow up of a much more refined model in 2016. Now, Intrepid is stepping up and hoping to swing for the fences with a big boy: an 8x10 camera.
A week from now, Intrepid will launch its Kickstarter for their new 8x10 model, catering to a segment of photographers that has been clamoring for an affordable way to try out the medium. By using the refinements they introduced in the second version of their 4x5 model, they hope to bridge their success to the new camera.
According to their Facebook page, the specs of the new camera are as follows:
- £425/€495/$550
- 2.2kg
- 310x310mm (75mm Folded)
- Sinar Lens Board
- Min/Max extension bellows: 40 - 600 mm
- Front Rise/Fall + 70 / - 65 mm
- Front Shift: +/- 55 mm
- Front Tilt: over 45° limited by bellows
- Front Swing: over 45° limited by bellows
- Rear Tilt:- +/- 35º
- Tripod Mount: 3/8” + 1/4"
- Works with standard 8x10 holders and our own affordable 8x10 holder!
- Choice of Bellows Colours Red/Blue/Black/Green
Although the specs for camera movements are similar to their older models, of note is the new inclusion of rear tilt away from the lens, enabling more flexibility with perspective manipulation. This will be particularly valuable to landscape shooters. The lens board compatibility has also changed with the use of Sinar lens board sizes rather than Technika lens boards. These boards can still be found second hand at affordable prices.
At 2.2kg (only 4.85lbs) this is one of the lightest 8x10 cameras I've ever seen. To put it in perspective, a Nikon D810 without a lens weighs 2.16lbs. For backpackers interested in the ultimate in image quality, this is a massive boon.
We look forward to getting our hands on a review copy as soon as possible. The Kickstarter for the 8x10 camera starts May 25th. We will update this page with a link as soon as the Kickstarter launches.
That's awesome news! I never could justify shelling out $2k-$3k for a Deardorff or Tachihara 8x10, but $550 from Intrepid sounds very, very tempting if they incorporate their 2nd gen 4x5 enhancements. Now we just need them to launch an affordable 8x10 film kickstarter. Large format is always an expensive hobby, but paying $8 - $13 per sheet of Fuji Astia or Velvia starts hurting the wallet after a while.
One thing I find particularly intriguing is that it will have a 4x5 reducing back as an option. Hell, I'm tempted to sell my Shen Hao 4x5 and get an Intrepid 8x10 with a reducing back!
A reducing back would make it incredibly appealing. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.
Ok, I like these. Seriously considering the 4x5. Do you have a lens recommendation? How do I know which lens board I would need?
The Intrepid 4x5 takes the Linhof/Technika boards. Just about any lens between 100-300mm will work with the stock bellows. I'd recommend a Schneider-Kreuznach 150mm F5.6 Symmar - really sharp from what I've seen and heard.
As josh said, a technika board is what you'll need. You determine the hole size by the lens specs. It'll say something like "copal 32." As for lenses , I started with a super cheap 135mm (35mm equivalent). I wouldnt spend a lot of money on glass at first if you havent shot 4x5 before. I still only use 3 lenses, a 210 portrait lens and that 135 with a 90mm for wide angles, which I rarely use.
This is great news! It's about time to retire my Calumet beast.