Intrepid 4x5 MK4 review

A return to 4x5 photography.
#intrepid4x5 #intrepidcamera #largeformat #filmphotography #landscapephotography

My return to the 4x5" film format with the purchase of a new Intrepid 4x5 MK4 camera. This is a short overview of my initial thoughts about the camera, plus some modifications I have carried out to make it more user friendly for myself.

Camera - Intrepid 4x5" Mk4
Lens - Schnieder 150mm F6.8
Bag - Lowepro Vertex
Vlogging camera - Canon M3

[taxicabish]

Nice, looking forward to more 5x4 vidios lee, love the format thanks

[jameslane]

You forgot to mention the crazy high resolution you get with large format! My main camera is the Mamiya RB67 and it already makes my Nikon d810 look like a Holga with Agfa Vista for image quality

[siark-photo]

Hi Lee, I also purchased one of the Mk4 cameras at the Photography Show and was surprised by the protruding thread on the focus knob! Interesting to see that you have ground it down with no apparent issues, thanks! I'm also itching to get out and make some photographs although I plan on using medium format film in a 6x12 back rather than sheet film! Look forward to watching your next video too which I see is now up! Regards, Mark.

[oldfilmguy]

I have recently returned to 5x4 as well, and for the same reasons. Dabbled with it in the 80s, but never really learned it. Cheers! (New Subscriber)

[thevalleywalker]

Instant Gratification is something that has it's good points but totally understand where you are coming from with the switch to film. I cannot afford it but find the process totally fascinating to be honest and on my list of subs on you tubes I follow at least 5 that shoot film only - I have just added yourself and look forward to your journey.

[brianrae]

totally agree with the tangible aspect of film photography I also think film sticks closer to preserving hat was actually I the scene vs some of the digital that is overly processed in post to look like some magical scene ... it has kind of stripped photography of its realness because a lot of the over processed look is so unbelievable that I find people making comments on amazing images that were shot true to the scene as if they were doctored in photoshop.

[CraigPrentisPhoto]

Hi Lee, I’ve been tempted to go with something lighter myself so I’m looking forward to seeing your trips out with the Intrepid.

[roberte.andrews]

I've made a few mods to my Mk III: flat black paint on all interior wooden surfaces and the lens board cavity, carpenters' (bubble) levels on left side of base and top of front standard, a zero position for rise and fall indicated by a black map tack which I can both see and feel with my fingers, infinity lines scribed at each of the front standard inserts for 75, 90, 150 and 300mm Nikkor lenses and black anodized thumb screws to retain the lens board clamp to keep the board snugged up against the front standard. The original screws kept loosening and I didn't always think to bring a screwdriver with me. Now, I have the newer Mk IV focus base mechanism on order and that should complete my tinkering. Actually, I'm just gilding the lily. The pictures won't improve but the set-up time will be reduced.

[nickademuss]

I shoot a lot of sheet film, and I wanted a lighter one, but I didn't want the original Intrepid, it wasn't field tested. Now that they have had some time, they have made the changes needed. I ordered one three weeks ago. As to your "why film" intro, I shoot film because it can't be deleted with a single click, its a far greater resolution when properly scanned than any digital, and its completely organic and random at times. It make a far better paintbrush for art than any battery powered device....

[richardvick]

Nice, Lee...looking forward to seeing out in the field with it 👍🏼

[GRAYnomad]

I too am going back to film, in my case after 17 years with DSLRs. Unlike you though I still have all my 5x4 gear so all I need to do (at first anyway) is buy some film. If it's more than just a whim I'll start processing as well but never printing again. It will be digital from that point on.

Lack of rear swing is no big deal, but I can't see that you have any backwards rear tilt, that's something I use a heck of a lot of the time.

[matlockcopy]

I have a MPP 4x5 Press and it weighs in at over 3kg, far too much to lug about on a shoot. Listening to you review, I think the Mk4 is for me. I have a Schneidar Kreuznach 135mm f5.6 on a Toyo lensboard coming from Japan so if I can persuade the wife to let me spend the I have subscribed and will watch with interest your progress with the Intrepid.

[rd]

yeah I was also wondering how you lock the back down; interesting to see if the magnets really secure it. Also would be interested to see how the camera folds up but you'll probably show that later on. Thanks for the video !

[RandyMoe]

Looks like the hidden magnets that locked the rotating back at 0 and 90 degrees is gone from the KS model. How is the tripod mount female socket done? Is it 3/8 or 1/4? Is it just tapped into the alu plate or reinforced? Is it repairable? What is the GG panel made of? What is the GG made of? I like most features and improvements you pointed out and modded. Good vid!

[henricspeng]

You got it so early! Mk4 is yet to be released!

[anzaeria]

Thank you for the review. The Inteprid looks like quite a versatile view camera with pretty much all the essential movements. I'm a newcomer to view cameras myself and I could see some potential issues with the fact that the shift and swing movements share the same control knob. Correct me if I'm wrong. For example, suppose you are shifting the front standard to the right and at the same time, you might be applying some very slight swing without even realising it. I have read about the importance of having everything zeroed except the specific movement that you're working on. So has this ever been a problem for you when doing swing or shift on the Intrepid? To me, it looks like it's hard to isolate these particular movements. I also note that you mentioned there are some zero points to line up the front standard. I think I would prefer to go by feel. However, I am on a small budget. If none of these points are issues in real world situations, then I just might actually buy the Intrepid as my first large format camera.

[martincutrone]

In this video, and your more recent one, there appears to be a fair amount of play in the rotating back of the camera. THere were a lot of comments about this, and some feedback from Intrepid. Has there been any solution? Or have you devised your own solution? I'm sure I'd generate some inadvertent light leaks with it so freely mobile. Have you had any issues with this? Debating buying this camera and would appreciate your opinion. (currently shooting a Graphlex)

[geniosquarepants]

have you tried the enlarger kit or any wide angle lens on this camera?

[roderickwillis]

So Meccano photography is a thing now ? Good video fella