4x5 Film Photography - A look at my setup

[@fromkyiv6667]

This is the first time I’ve seen such an interesting video about a large-format camera without further ado. Everything is very specific. I'm familiar with 135 and 120 films, but this is different. Incredibly interesting! Thank you very much!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@izzyleicanut9190]

That 6 x12 print is a delight to behold

[@mcroman-superfeat]

Hi, Amazing to find you - at last someone who explains how it really works to take photo w/ the 4 x 5 and 8 x 10, NO secrets here, and now I understand the way to do the shutter and exposure time, and the use of the shutter cable, and the film load etc. great to see how this BIG format works in real life and NO hidden games, .. etc. THZ / /// McRoman SWEDEN & TH .

[@bradleyzimmerman4184]

I always wanted a 4x5 back in the old film days. I had a complete Canon 35mm pro system and a 7 lens Pentax 6x7 system complete with all the accoutrements yet 4x5 was like a Sirens song ever beckoning, trying to lure me in. An absolutely beautiful Zone VI rosewood and brass camera fuelled my burning desires. I craved the movements and lusted after the tonal ranges it offered. I imagined its stunning beauty sitting atop a tripod in the woods overlooking a carpet of bluebells on a magnificent spring morning. But alas, marriage and starting a family overtook that dream and gave me another one. It doesn't make enough sense to get into it now but I'll always remember that quest fondly.

[@SteveONions]

I know exactly how you feel Bradley. I wanted one for years when I was younger but could never afford it.

[@nikwilliams3600]

Thanks, very interesting! The time you put into making and sharing theses videos is greatly appreciated by a lot of beginners (looking at myself here!)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Nik, I will do more on how to use 4x5 in the future.

[@CalumetVideo]

Steve does a great job on videos! Lots of information, very down to earth and genuine. Always enjoy the videos.

[@waynesimon2963]

Thank you for your time again Steve. I'm sure many of us would like a peek in the other guy's bag. Cheers from Canada..

[@tomcox2579]

Just loved this video. You have a gift for concise explanations. I began shooting with 4 x 5 in 1969 and am happy to say I learned useful things from your video. Thank you very much.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Tom, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂

[@lenswork4]

Stepping back into a Toyo 45A that I (like a fool) sold about 12 years ago. Now I'm buying one and heading out to enjoy some film photography. Will be using roll film in a 6X12 back that I still have from the old days. Thanks for the video.

[@phillipP8848]

It is always good to see what other people have in there camera bags and their lens choices. Great video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Phillip.

[@rinabinette]

Thanks for making this video discussing the basics. I am greatly encouraged to press on using my Meridian 45B camera. Every piece of kit has its place. I can't begin to tell you of the hours of reading and watching videos and no one had ever discussed using a loupe to focus with. Again, thanks.

[@SteveONions]

Glad it was of use Ray. All the best.

[@MichaelFollan]

Excellent video, love to see a full process, from start to finish, video of 5x4. Thank you for doing your videos, very educational.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael, I will be doing a start to finish video on the next 4x5 outing.

[@DI-cm5xc]

Thanks Steve, so many memories. If only I hadn't sold my Kardan Color kit many decades ago! Very tempted to surf eBay for some large format gear. I will most likely resist the temptation, but will definitely send you the bill if my will power fades!

[@SteveONions]

Hehe, resistance is futile.

[@alanjones8579]

Very informative Steve, love the way you present your video's. No irritating music either drowning the content...

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alan.

[@j.c.m5168]

I wanted to say thank you for all your videos. Such good info. You're a rock star, mate!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@philipculbertson55]

Very interesting. I find I'm fascinated by the idea of large format film so this was helpful.

[@DGriffGallery]

Absolutely remarkable! Here I am utterly fascinated and yet very unlikely to even consider using this sort of kit as you’d probably guess. But I really appreciate you making this sort of video because we can learn so much and just enjoy your craft 😊👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dave. It really isn’t so much different than a modern camera once you get the hang of it and it’s certainly less important than the light and the subject.

[@MileyonDisney]

That was very interesting! I'm planning on moving from medium format to 4x5. This video was helpfully informative. Thanks!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks.

[@pilsplease7561]

I just added a 4x5 to my kit, but it wont replace my medium format.

[@lucacagnolati5530]

Thank You Steve Great video! Very useful to me

[@SteveONions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Morongobill]

Really enjoyed this teaching video and am really looking forward to the spot meter video. If it is as good as this one, it will be the definitive video for spot metering on YT!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks William.

[@wcwendychapman]

Nice video - informative and easy to understand. I look forward to the video you make about metering. It would also be interesting to me if you explained in more detail how the movements (tilt, rise, etc) work to compose and focus the image.

[@SteveONions]

I’ll definitely be covering more 4x5 related stuff this year Wendy.

[@2zirc]

Thanks for the video... I hope to give LF a try this summer....

[@GrainyByNature]

Excellent as always.

[@islamoradasteve]

Thank you, Steve. That was very helpful. I look forward to more videos like this (I have an Intrepid Mark II that I've yet to shoot with. It's a bit intimidating, but watching you has been helpful).

[@peterdadson7713]

Thanks very much for another very informative video Steve. I see there is another comment about your loupe and although I am currently using an old Pentax 50 mm lens it is not that easy. There are many out there but perhaps you could give us a bit more detail on the one you use, pros/cons?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul. I bought the loupe about 10 years ago and cannot find the make anywhere (and no markings on it). It is x4 and very solid, cost was £70 I believe.

[@miguellopez-araus7020]

Thank you very much, Steve, for remembering my request on making this video. You have been a great help to take away my fear on 4x5 photography. I now have the intrepid mark 3, for about a month and I am still in the learning curve. I have the same fujinon 90mm f8 as you have, and also a nikkor 180mm f5.6. For a tele I´m thinking on a 300mm but after hearing you , maybe is better to look after a 240mm or a 270mm. I read comments saying that is difficult to focus to infinity with a 300mm in the intrepid. There are some things that I do not like about the intrepid. The most important is the difficulty in focus with precission with the camera. One knob is for focus and the other is for fix the focus. Well, once you get the focus, and use the knob to fix it, the focus is gone. Yes I now, for the price of the camera you can not ask too much, but focusing is critical in this type of camera. The new mark 4 have ghange the way to focus. I hope it's easier to focus now. The bubble levels are so tiny that they are not very precise. The other day I lost one of the two small piece of metal that makes the ground glass hold on the back of the camera. I have ordered a replacement and it will arrive in a week. I now can only use the Dayi 6x12 roll film back. A very good piece of equipment! Steve, have you ever considered putting a fresnel lens for better focusing with the 90mm? How much did the 240mm cost you? It is easy to find? The last one, Where did you buy the cable reléase. I have one but is very large and not very comfortable. Thanks Steve

[@SteveONions]

Hi Miguel. I agree that the Intrepid is pretty basic and can be harder to focus than other 4x5 cameras. I tend to accept this in return for the ultra light weight and simplicity it brings. I typically get all the controls just right enough that I can move them without allowing them to move back on their own. I don’t usually bother with spirit levels and judge a scene by eye, the inbuilt ones are too small. I do use a fresnel for the 90mm, just a cheap piece of plastic cut down from a reading screen, great for composition then removed for fine focus. The 240mm is a special lens and quite hard to find in Europe, I got mine from the states two years ago for £600 including taxes. The 300mm length is great but a stretch to focus. It is fine for infinity but cannot go closer than about 10 feet. Hope this helps.

[@miguellopez-araus7020]

@@SteveONions Yes, of course, helps me a lot. thanks Steve.

[@AE5X]

Neat stuff, Steve. I'm enjoying my Mk3 4X5 as well but am really interested in learning more about the 120 back you showed...maybe another video of how you attach it to the Intrepid and how you compose an image on a 4x5 gg with a panorama in mind.

[@SteveONions]

I’ll cover it on much more detail on the next 4x5 video 👍

[@progtom7585]

very useful video, thanks a million. I want the intrepid 4x5 and im just checking costs of everything, cheers.

[@lars-goranabrahamsson9337]

Nice video Steve !

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Steve. Fantastic ! What a fascinating video. Really enjoyed seeing your 4X5 set up. Many thanks for sharing.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Tim.

[@Harlequin565]

Nice video Steve. Would be interested in the developing side of things because 120 obviously comes out of the camera light tight so it's easy to send off/dev at home. I guess most people can DIY B&W but C41 & E6 are another matter. Also, +1 for the rough "cost to get started" (i.e. 1 lens setup & a couple of darkslides)

[@SteveONions]

I’d say around £750 for a single lens setup (with a lightmeter) or down to under £500 if you get an older standard lens. I have decided to outsource the colour developing this year as I don’t do the quantities to make it cost effective (and it is a pain compared to B&W).

[@roywilkinson9879]

More excellent info; with thanks Steve.

[@eddybax1]

Look forward to your videos on metering and scanning!

[@droidster888]

Great Steve! I'm going to shell out for an Intrepid, the just brought v4 but I'll await some reviews first. Currently I lug around a Graphic View II, it's great but man is it heavy! Generally I end up taking out my Rolleiflex instead so the weight saving with the Mk4 will be considerable. I only shoot b&w and also have a 6x7 MF cassette, would like the 6x12 you have, beautiful format and yes, much cheaper! Keep it up, love your videos as always.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and I hope you enjoy the Intrepid, I wouldn’t go back to a heavier make.

[@GRAYnomad]

I use the Horseman 6x12 back, it's a great piece of kit.

[@thevalleywalker]

Very interesting to see your set up Steve and I look forward to watching this series of videos on your processing & printing.

[@matlockcopy]

I'm waiting for my Mk lV to turn up, been on order now three weeks, perhaps it will arrive in time for my birthday. Got a 135mm lens and board, dark cloth, film holders, spot meter, film, cable release, loupe and changing bag; all I need is the camera (and perhaps a 250mm lens?)

[@SteveONions]

You’re all set to go Ken, 135mm is an ideal starting position and if you add a 250 you’re covered for most situations.

[@cj_m2477]

Wonderfully informative video. Thank you for making these videos.

[@Vincent780320]

Thank you Steve.Another amazing video!

[@jamesallen5591]

Dang it! Now I want a 4x5 camera.

[@beekellyplus]

Very illuminating as always, Steve. The price for film holders you give seems a bit high to me, unless you mean new ones. The average over here is $10 US or so for a used holder in good condition. Would there be a smaller supply of them in the UK?

[@ttroutindy30]

Hi Steve! Loved the video and I’m looking forward to the series of LF videos :)

[@DanielDeRudder]

A good overview. Thanks. I'm looking forward to you light metering tutorial for 4x5 film.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Daniel, I’ll start planning the metering video.

[@RobinWhalley]

Great video Steve and very informative.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robin.

[@andrewbuchan7413]

Very interesting Steve.

[@christianpaul3303]

Great video. Stumbled upon you - how I'm not sure - but you've made me think about the way I use some of the gear I already have. View cameras like the Intrepid have made amateur hobbyists like me think maybe 4 x 5 is in financial reach. Amateur Question: Other than the board mounting, are view camera lenses typically already board mounted or do you mount yourself? Will any lense with a shutter work?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Christian. The lenses often come mounted on an appropriate board but there are different sizes. You can also make your own from thick plastic or thin plywood. The openings for the lenses will depend on the shutter size, eg Copal 0, 1 etc. there are a lot of online sellers who will supply new boards to fit most lenses and cameras.

[@chbo682]

Great video!

[@zerihunhailu8922]

Nice set up, what is missing is from these list is your filter set ups. Do you mind to share? What filter, lens adapter and you using?

[@SteveONions]

I typically use 85mm square Cokin filters for B&W and Hitec when I need graduates.

[@siark-photo]

Interesting video Steve. Interesting to know what lenses you use. I have a couple of questions, 1) what magnification is your loupe? 2) does the Horseman have a snug fit on the back of the Intrepid? I have just got the Shen Hao and when I fit it to the back it seems a little “loose”. Regards, Mark

[@SteveONions]

Hi Mark. The loupe is x4 which is good enough for me. I have tried stronger ones but found them unnecessary. The horseman fits perfectly, no play or movement.

[@Benjohns89]

So jealous of the 6x12 back! I really want a 6x17, have to stick with stitching digital together for now!

[@SteveONions]

I know what you mean, 6x17 is wonderful but my wideangle wouldn’t cover it.

[@danferrel9612]

+2 reading glasses. That's brilliant.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dan 🙂

[@erichstocker4173]

Steve, I enjoyed that. I was hoping you would do one about your 4 x 5 gear

[@fafnorcal]

Well done, as usual, Steve. The weight of the Intrepid camera is a clear advantage for landscape field work. If weight were not a consideration (e.g., shooting from the roof of your vehicle a la Ansel Adams), what 4x5 camera would you want to carry with you?

[@SteveONions]

Interesting question Frank. It would probably be one of the technical models from Wista. I had one, all metal and it was very solid but weighed a ton.

[@jiml989]

A WistaSP, weighs 6.30 lbs (2.86 kg) according to B&H.

[@gchristopherklug]

What a great video! I’ve been thinking about getting a 4x5 setup based on the Intrepid, this helps a lot!

[@stevemilne8364]

Another great video. I have an Intrepid on order. I like the little bubble levels you have added to yours. Can you recall where you got them from?

[@SteveONions]

Hi Steve. The latest Models actually come with the levels built in 👍

[@stevemilne8364]

Excellent - so that's at least £5 saved!

[@epstar83]

Hey Steve, just came across this one. I have an Intrepid MK3 as well. I was wondering how you manage framing with the 6x12 back, have you marked off the frame on the ground glass somehow?

[@SteveONions]

Hi Michael. I’ve made two small cardboard strips that mask off the top and bottom of the ground glass so I can see exactly what the end result looks like.

[@kameleddinetaibi6797]

amazing sir

[@jonneville2287]

The Intrepids are about 1/3 of the weight of a Wista 45 SP (1.1 KGS VS 2.9, without lens). Definitely worth considering if you plan to back pack any distance.

[@SteveONions]

I did like my old SP but it definitely took more courage to take it on long walks.

[@Noealz]

never seen a setup like that - looks fun :) enjoy shooting man

[@thomaspopple2291]

Very nice. I am looking forward to getting into large format once I find a place to settle down at. Thank you for the videos. Would love to see a video with you shooting the 6x12 back. You may already have one. If so could you send me a link?

[@SteveONions]

I’ll definitely do a more in depth video on shooting with the 6x12 back this year.

[@carticaya]

Lovely video! Thank you very much! Can you point me to a video where the development of Large Format Film negative is advised in such detail?

[@SteveONions]

I’ll hopefully be doing a video on this soon 🙂

[@jayantaroy1203]

very useful video, i am thinking of starting large format photography and hope to get suggestions from you.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you found it useful Jayanta.

[@DuteHart]

Yes, please do a video on your workflow.

[@skelligringphotographyandw7012]

Very interesting video. Can I ask how you frame the image when using the Horseman 6x12 back?

[@SteveONions]

I usually mask out the top and bottom of the ground glass with small pieces of card, it make it very easy to place the subject exactly within the film area that way.

[@skelligringphotographyandw7012]

@@SteveONions Thank you. :)

[@kevinflynn6306]

Hi Steve very informative, when do you get time to shoot? I enjoy your videos and look forward to the next outing regards Kevin F.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kevin. Shooting is usually limited to one weekend day per fortnight sadly coupled with the occasional longer trip with a friend.

[@malcolmrendle6622]

Great video as I am looking at moving over to 4X5 my worry is focusing as my eyesight isn't as sharp as it used to be. I notet that you use reading glasses to get initial focus then a loupe.... surely you still need your glasses or else you will be adjusting for defective eyesight or am I missing something?

[@SteveONions]

I can get away with just a loupe Malcolm and have no problems getting sharp images this way but the mild reading glasses allow me to get an overall closeup of the whole ground glass to aid composition.

[@malcolmrendle6622]

@@SteveONions Thanks Steve I shall give it a go I think. Always wanted to try 4X5 and find your videos very encouraging. Used to love using my Bronica ETRS but with my eyesight deteriorating and digital taking over regretably sold my camera about 10 years ago...DOH!

[@stephenbecker-atlanta7639]

IMPRESSIVE

[@markharris5771]

Please can I ask a rather strange question, how much reaching is involved in using a 4x5? It’s not necessarily the weight that worries me, though without my scooter I would never manage my wildlife setup. It’s the reaching forward to focus and getting under the hood that I think will be the most painful. I can see me saying "I can manage this no problem." Then not taking it out again as I’m too sore afterwards. One of the things I like about my ETRSi is I can manage it probably the best of all my cameras. I would really like a 4x5 though, much more than any new digital camera, including the H6D. LF is the ultimate to me, though I know I will never be able to emulate Tim Layton and his 11x14. An absolutely brilliant video Steve, unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Thank you very much for making this one, though you have whetted my appetite once more.

[@SteveONions]

That’s a very interesting question Mark. I have to admit that I have noticed a fair deal of stretching at times, mainly the 300mm that can be tricky and I have long arms. The 150 is usually fine as are the wideangles, infinity focus of course. Once you rack out the focus bed to get closer it get more difficult to focus and view at the same time so I sometimes set the focus then get under the cloth for a focus check.

[@markharris5771]

Steve O'Nions Thanks for the reply Steve, it’s very helpful.

[@SteveONions]

No problem Mark.

[@iNerdier]

I realise this is a year old question but it’s probably worth noting that at least with regards to focusing the intrepid mark four has moved to a focusing knob on the rear, which removes one area of reaching out from the equation, though you would still need to for rise and tilt.

[@mathias12345678]

Nice to see your equipment, Steve! Looks great and makes me hungry again to go out with my Plaubel camera - 4x5" as well. But just one question. Could you define more detailed what kind of "barkcloth" made by Paramo you use? I can't find something similar and I'm still on the hunt to get something more suitable than just my jacket ;) Thank you in in advance!

[@SteveONions]

It’s a very good dark cloth Matthias, made in the UK I believe. It’s is waterproof and fits 4x5 cameras very well. Have a look on paramo-clothing.com.

[@klausmoritzpeitzsch690]

One really needs a sturdy tripod for large format. I remember mounting my monorail LF on my normal tripod and ended up with the tripod getting bowlegs.

[@markvandenberg4606]

I would love to get into this one day, but it’s sooo slow and not cheap either. It’ll have to be a post-retirement project...

[@BobGamble]

Steve. Thanks for the video(s). I watch a lot of them. Do you know of a good portrait lens for the 4x5 that has a flash sync port?

[@SteveONions]

Hi Bob. I’m afraid I don’t know of a suitable lens unfortunately as I’ve never tried using flash.

[@wasabibinladeen62]

Hello, I am thinking of jumping into medium format photography, mostly for cityscape and landscape photography and I would like some advice with the transition. I am from sony mirrorless so it will take quite a while to get used to all manual exposures and everything but I am willing to get through that. 1. Is Bronica SQ-A a good choice for first medium format camera? The price seemed to be within my budget, and many medium format youtubers I watch used it so I thought I might give it a try. 2. How expensive is it to shoot medium format once you have the setup ready? Film and developing and printing cost, etc... 3. Do I need a separate light meter or can I use an iPhone app to meter the light? 4. How to manage the films, negatives, and equipment? Do I just store them the same way I keep my sony a7riii? Thank you.

[@SteveONions]

That’s a big question but basically: 1). The Bronica is excellent for your needs 2) costs depend on how much you shoot - colour is more. 3). If you just shoot negative materials then an iPhone app is fine. 4) store a film camera exactly the same way as a digital one. Store negatives in dedicated sleeves in a box file.

[@wasabibinladeen62]

@@SteveONions Thanks for the reply! I have two more questions and those are 1. What color and b/w film do you recommend? 2. What kind of filters do you recommend for b/w? Thank you.

[@SteveONions]

For B&W I’d start with HP5+ and in colour Portra 400. Filter wise any make will do, I typically use Cokin and have yellow, orange, red and green.

[@DomenicoPescosolido]

Great video, I use a similar stuff for my 4x5 equipment. I just a question about Horseman 6x12 that I would like to buy, do you know if it possible to use on any camera or it's specific to use with a particular back?

[@SteveONions]

Hi Domenico. The Horseman back will fit any camera with a Graflok back, it’s a common fitting and most cameras come with one.

[@robinhorton6625]

Thanks for the insight, very interesting.

[@oldgrumpyjim5003]

What daft bugger gave this a thumbs down!!. Excellent content Steve would love to give large format a go.

[@adamkozik7289]

I ordered a Intrepid last week with lens boards from Intrepid, will a Nikkor 150mm F5.6 fir into one of those lens boards?

[@SteveONions]

It’ll fit a standard Copal 0 lens board Adam, this is typically the one Intrepid sell.

[@denizylmaz9439]

another great video! can you tell us more about the tilt and the detailed explanation on how to shoot a 4x5 camera?? especially tilt :D

[@SteveONions]

I’ll do one eventually Deniz.

[@denizylmaz9439]

@@SteveONions thank you!!

[@jamesmerecki3128]

Hi Steve, Great videos! What camera bag do you find most useful for your 4x5 equipment? Many thanks. Best, James

[@SteveONions]

Hi James. I use a variety of bags with the 4x5, mainly a Lowepro Mini Trekker but also a Pro runner 400. It’s such a small camera a shoulder bag might suffice with a single lens and two film holders.

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Hi Steve, great video, been thinking about getting into 4x5 for a while now. How do you compose the image using the roll film back? Is there some kind of mask for the ground screen?

[@SteveONions]

I typically mask the ground glass screen with card Andrew, it helps get it spot on rather than allowing wiggle room by moving further back.

[@tseumd58]

Thank you , so informative

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it Tareq.

[@chrisbrodroy1183]

Great video (as always)! How do you transfer the framelines from the 6x12 to your ground glass?

[@SteveONions]

I just use two pieces of card to mask off the GG top and bottom.

[@Prashant.Khapane]

Good one Steve

[@Enevan1968]

Damn you Steve, you're a health hazard to my bank account! ;-)

[@waynesimon2963]

LOL...You're not alone with on that sentiment.

[@nadraabdi7867]

Thank you for this. I’m curious how much this all came together price wise with just the 150mm lens and no light meter? What would you say would be the estimate? ☺️

[@SteveONions]

For the camera and 150mm alone you should be able to get it well under £500. You will of course need a cable release and film holders so a total of £500 is realistic.

[@hybryd83]

Very informative, thank you very much!

[@doumepatrice7597]

Tks very interesting video

[@rookie4619]

Hi Steve, do you record your videos in 1080p or 4k? Thanks! Another great vid. I would like to start vlogging my photoshoots in nature just to show people where I live and also to develop my skills. Who knows if i will succeed - video editing is another huge skillset to learn!

[@SteveONions]

I usually record outdoor clips at 2.7k with the GoPro and 1080p on the other cameras. For indoor clips I use 4K so I can do close ups by cropping in. Outputting in 1080p from a 4K original gives a very high quality result.

[@RustyTube]

Could you please recommend a good loupe (yours looks nice) for a 72-year-old photographer with blurry diabetic eyes.

[@SteveONions]

I'm really not sure what to recommend unfortunately, I picked mine up many years ago for around £40, it's OK but I'm not sure what other options exist 😟

[@RustyTube]

@@SteveONions Thanks anyway.

[@LeePengellyPhotography]

Great video Steve, interesting to see the gear you’re using. I’m using a changing bag but finding it a pain sometimes, do you use a tent too to load film ?

[@SteveONions]

It is a tight squeeze in my standard bag Lee but a lot better in the larger size. I’d like a changing tent but they are expensive so I’ll probably make a frame to go into the larger bag.

[@LeePengellyPhotography]

Steve O'Nions Ah good idea. I’ve taken over the understairs cupboard now and blacked it out. Makes things a little easier!

[@DizinEire]

Hi Steve, what loupe is that? Mine is on its last legs and looking for replacement. Your one looks handy. Cheers, Diz

[@SteveONions]

I cannot find the make Diz, I got it about 10 years ago for £70 and despite it not be being perfect it somehow works well for me as it is extremely well made.

[@DizinEire]

@@SteveONions No worries Steve, cheers, Diz

[@Halfpint71]

Very interesting video. I've never used a large format camera, and it still scares me that film so bloody expensive, so 1 simple error can cost a fortune. I've only dabbled in medium format a few times and that's pricey enough as it is. I'll stick with 35mm for now 😃

[@SteveONions]

Nothing wrong with 35mm Dave, I am using it more and more for the freedom and also the wonderful quality of grain that it delivers.

[@Halfpint71]

@@SteveONions I'd love to shoot more 120 film, but over the last 2 or 3 years medium format camera prices have shot through the roof and put them out of my price range. I love my AE-1 and Nikon F100 though so i'll never give up my 35mm cameras :)

[@SteveONions]

They really have shot up Dave and a lot of what is for sale is of questionable quality.

[@Halfpint71]

@@SteveONions I blame hipsters! 😄

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Yp, 30 yrs I would give it a go but today... The only time I encountered that type of camera was in photography school (it was a Sinar), where I made a single (yp, only ONE) shot on it, but these days, I really don't know, it's a bit too big thing to swallow, given that even simple 35mm photography someone can view as unnecessary hassle...

[@SteveONions]

That’s a fair point. What got me back into large format was the lightweight nature of the Intrepid, the whole outfit weighs less than the equivalent Bronica SQAi setup.

[@tonyb2760]

Thank you

[@adamkozik7289]

I am interested in purchasing a Intrepid camera, can you advise me were I purchase one? Nothing on eBay or KEH camera. Is it manufactured in UK?

[@SteveONions]

Toy can purchase them direct from their website at intrepidcamera.co.uk

[@adamkozik7289]

@@SteveONions I purchase a 4x5 camera from Intrepidcamera and it seems as though I am not getting any response on the purchase with my credit card and thats very concerning, left a e mail, but no one is there. Got any suggestions. A phone call is $15.00.

[@adamkozik7289]

Just got every think right. Card went through, miss hap with security code and MasterCard worried if it was me. Thank you for your info on a great 4x5 camera.

[@eltinjones4542]

True Photography ( not for me, I'm too lazy ) - keep up the good work 👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Eltin.

[@erwindegroot8760]

Hi Steve, how do you mount the Horseman 6x12 Rollfilm holder on the Intrepid ?

[@mellonman9299]

I would love to know also.

[@SteveONions]

It is surprisingly simple Erwin. The 6x12 back has the same profile as a 4x5 sheet film holder where it fits into the back of the camera. You just remove the focus screen and you’re done.

[@klausmoritzpeitzsch690]

But before you can do so, you need to spend 500€ for it, unfortunately. One can buy and shoot on a lot of 4x5 sheets for 500€.

[@SteveONions]

I only paid around £250 for my back and although it is unlikely to pay me back in terms of film savings it is a lot easier and lighter to take plenty of film on a long hike.

[@mellonman9299]

Yes!

[@robyoung125]

Have you thought of getting a 6X17 back?

[@SteveONions]

I have Robert but generally prefer a less elongated format. In addition, some of my lenses would run out of coverage and I’d need a very expensive wideangle 😕

[@decoff]

interesting I started looking for that Horseman back and the prices are so much more for the 6x12 than the 6x9's.. Obviously need one fitted for 4x5. But wondering if i need a special fitting to attach the back. Currently using a Wista.

[@SteveONions]

The 6x12 backs used to be cheap but they went up steeply a couple of years ago. Any camera with a graflok back will accept one.