8x10 Intrepid MkII First Impressions

[@IntrepidCameraCo]

Great review Tony, and very fair points. Following feedback from yourself and others who had early MK2 models we incorporated a bevelled edge to the rear standard to allow the film holder to slot in easier. We have also increased our quality control and been able to reduce the lead time for the 8x10s :)

[@zerihunhailu8922]

Intrepid Camera Co. You guys are the best on addressing your customers satisfaction. I am one of your witness. I hope if you focus in quality control and addressing those little issues we see here and there you will cut a huge costs of Sending different parts to your buyers. Glad to be your fanboy

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Intrepid! I'm really glad to hear that all the feedback from everyone has been helpful. I'm really looking forward to your 8x10 enlarger kit! I'd love to review it for you! ;) Tony

[@jaytayag810]

I just ordered mine! Thanks, Tony for the review and thanks Intrepid for listening to your customers!

[@andyvan5692]

great review of this design of camera, and this model; a couple of tips worth sharing with not just the lf community, but Intrepid themselves is that to support the rear standard, the top, as it is folded down, you need to 'INVERT' the clamp rail of the front standard (by the tilt axis knobs), so the thick part lies between the gap created by the bed and rear standard to stop wear and possible breakage of the hinge, and screws of the rear std. ( with this configuration no gap, means no play, especially whilst carrying it to the tripod, or in the case during car transport, extending this components life); a Hack I saw on youtube, but one fix for this is, like shen-hao, KB canham and other 'field' designs, use a hook, latch, or leather strap constraint to alleviate this potential wear point. also some protrusions, like outriggers on a mobile crane, which hinge out to support the rear standard, as a brace, could help here, and they, if not interfering with anything else, could act as a 'focus cloth' support, or for mounting a flash trigger, hanger for your cable release, or other options.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for sharing the good suggestions. Cheers!

[@MichaelLloyd]

Man... for some reason my sub was taken off. I thought you had quit. I'm very happy to see this and the rest of the videos that I missed

[@tonysantophotography]

Michael, I'm glad to have you back! I appreciate your sentiments. Thanks for your continued interest in my channel! Tony

[@Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer]

Excellent review Tony,very interesting,there are some problems, let's hope they can fix them as soon as possible. Thank you very much Tony!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for dropping by!

[@artmartdc]

Tony thank you so much for a "textbook" example of how to review a product. Informative and fair and, thank heavens, a really professional and articulate presentation. A really great help.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for the very kind words Marten! I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Tony

[@flipflopsleica]

Great review as you shared the fix for two design issues, not just complaining. This will help Intrepid improve and move forward in its sustainability as a viable large format camera solution for many.

[@tonysantophotography]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Thanks, Tony

[@zerihunhailu8922]

This is by far the most honest and constructive review to the intrepid camera. As someone familiar with their 4x5 camera I hope intrepid will address these minor issues. I am waiting a little refinement to dive into their 8x10 system.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Zerihun! I appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback and for watching! Tony

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

Excellent and very honest review of this great camera. I sincerely hope that Intrepid work on these small but important issues and grow as a company. I am looking forward to buying one ...

[@Michael-wm5fx]

Thank you Tony for a considered and interesting appraisal which raised some very interesting points. I particularly appreciated the thought that despite the obvious basic construction it allows one to shoot 8 x 10 without spending thousands. The only drawback concerning your review is that you initially showed the Zone VI 10 x 8 alongside the Intrepid but didn't elucidate on the real world difference when working with these cameras. I am not being critical here however there is an obvious level of craftmanship in both cameras ( related to price ) and I would love to know your opinion. Anyway, thank you sincerely for the review and it's all good for the future of the craft.

[@c.augustin]

Light leaks were an incredibly huge pain in the rear with my Intrepid 4x5 Mk 4 - and part of the problem was that important parts are *not* blackened! Granted, I'm doing pinhole photography, and with those extremely long exposure times (sometimes up to half an hour and longer) any light leak, as minute as it might be, becomes a huge problem. I'm sure that I would not have so much problems using regular lenses (until using an IR filter and Rollei IR 400 film). Intrepid does cut corners in places that can lead to problems, and some of their solutions are not that good (but the 8x10 seems to have actually some better solutions in place). Now that I do have a Chamonix 4x5 F2, I know what I was lacking using the Intrepid - the Chamonix is blackened and uses black felt anywhere light might come through, no matter how unlikely or minute. The biggest draw-back is still the lack of wide-angle (bag) bellows for the Intrepid 4x5 (they wrote about it with their latest model, but it hasn't materialized and is no longer mentioned). It seems to be much less of a problem with 8x10, since not even the Chamonix provides them.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for sharing your experience Christian. It’s unfortunate that Intrepid has had these issues. I’ve since moved on to the Chamonix as well and it has been wonderful! Thanks for watching!

[@wdb1932]

Thank you sir! So good to have you back.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you for your kind words! Hopefully I can make a few more soon! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@jimwlouavl]

Great review. This is very helpful as I’m thinking seriously about this as an option for 8x10 and 5x7.

[@tonysantophotography]

Glad to be of help Jim! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@drb9705]

Thanks Tony, I always look forward to your videos!

[@tonysantophotography]

Eugene, I really appreciate that sentiment! It makes me want to make more videos! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@SmalltimR]

Awesome review - as I understand it, many of your recommendations were taken into consideration by the manufacturer, and that the product has been improved as a result - A+

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching! Tony

[@alanhuntley55]

Hi Tony, nice honest review! I debated with myself for some time before finally ordering the 8x10 MkII because I already owned the Mk1 version and really had no particular issues with it. But, based on videos like this one and other photographer's opinions I could easily see the improvements to this second generation camera. However, my MkII has an issue in that a lensboard doesn't fit securely into the front standard; that is, with the retaining clip fully engaged I can poke the upper part of the board and it moves freely! And, yes, I have tightened the clip as much as possible and still be able to move it, but no help. After contacting Intrepid, they made some sort of "light seal", but I haven't seen it, yet. Hopefully, that will resolve the light leaks I get from a loose lensboard. That one negative aside, I absolutely love that this camera allows me to still carry my favorite format into the wilds! Nearing 70 years young, I can't lug my 8x10 Deardorff that far anymore!! ;)

[@tonysantophotography]

Alan, I am really happy to hear that you are out shooting more because of the Intrepid camera! I definitely don't miss carrying all that weight! Happy shooting! Tony

[@burker720]

Have one on order to go along with my MKIII. Thanks for your review! Hopefully I should be about halfway through with my lead time!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching Burke! Have fun shooting with it! Tony

[@MrHero0220]

Thank you for posting this brilliant review

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Andy! I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Tony

[@renepirolt]

Really great and thorough review, Tony. I was considering purchasing the 8x10mk2, but may wait for the next revision. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you for watching Rene! Tony

[@PatAcct]

Thanks Tony, it's a really solid and helpful review. Sincere and to the point!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Patrick! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and leaving feedback. Tony

[@Nidave-ck4jz]

We waited a long time 😍. Thank you for this new video!

[@tonysantophotography]

Sorry about the wait. I'd like to produce more videos regularly but time is always an issue for me. I appreciate you patience and not giving up on me! Tony

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Interesting video, I’m tempted by the 8x10, already got the 4x5 Mk III (since upgraded to a Mk IV because I much preferred the focussing). I think your points are very fair.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Jonathan! I appreciate your support! Tony

[@jaytayag810]

Awesome review, Tony! I love the modifications that you did on the camera. I hope to see them in Intrepids upcoming builds. Man I really want to shoot 8x10 now.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Jay! You are going to love 8x10! The negatives are surreal! Tony

[@m00dawg]

That was very helpful Tony, thank you! The Intrepid 8x10 is the one I plan on getting. I bought their 4x5 MK2 as my first large format camera, and later upgraded to a Chamonix 45F2. I'd love Chamonix's 8x10 but I'm with you, that's a steep price to just see how I'm going to like it. This was helpful to know what I should be aware of with the 8x10. I think my big gotcha right now is finding a decent normal lens for 8x10 that I could also use as a tele lens for 4x5. I can't seem to find decent 300mm f9's, for instance, that aren't price inflated right now. That plus knowing I'll need a heftier ball on my tripod has me a little ways out from an 8x10. Perhaps by then Intrepid will have improved things a bit more - I know it took several revisions for the 4x5 and their latest model seems to rival my 45F2 in feature set.

[@tonysantophotography]

Tim, thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts. It seems that many LF lenses have increased in price. Have you tried the LF photography forum "for sale" section? I've picked up a few things there at reasonable prices. I appreciate your support! Tony

[@2857Miguel]

Much appreciate presentation of the MK2. Indeed it would be nice to see this "small" camera issues to be reviewed by the Intrepid team. BTW, after observing the rear standard, it seems to me it would not be so difficult to provide the MK2 with horizontal rear swings. When working with fast lenses, wide open, camera movements are really useful ! Thanks for the demo. Tony Stay safe !!!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Miguel!

[@lensman5762]

The dimness of the ground glass is one of the major problems that any M/F, L/F film photographer encounters and usually the third party replacement ' brite view ' screen is prohibitively expensive at least for the hobbyist. I have had this problem with my Hassleblad 500cm ( had to source Beatie screens ), Pentax 67 MUL and an old Toyo View camera that I had in the early 80s. My Wista DX 4X5 has a Fresnel lens as standard to overcome some of the issues. I wonder if this problem could be addressed at the build stage as a dim glass can really put people off using a view camera, otherwise this camera appears to be reasonably specified for normal field photography and great value . Thanks for your honest review. PS: I forgot to add that the Intrepid Camera Company must be congratulated on providing a very reasonable way for those photographers who wish to go the analogue way 100%. They provide a very reasonably priced kit to convert the camera to an enlarger. Just try and source an L/F enlarger in working condition that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, at least here in the UK.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you for your comments! I am definitely looking forward to the 8x10 enlarger converter kit. Tony

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Great review Tony! So now you have 6 8x10 Intrepid cameras? Jokes aside, I do believe most of your concerns are similar to others, what did you think in terms of sturdiness?

[@tonysantophotography]

Nico, thanks very much! It is always good to have spare parts, right? I feel like the camera is sufficiently sturdy but you do have to allow the camera to "settle" a bit (e.g., after inserting the film holder) before clicking the shutter. Only time will tell how well it will hold up. Good hearing from you! Tony

[@ImperiousImages]

Fair review! I hope they’re able to continue to refine the 8x10 to a better model. It’s clear there are some unique challenges not aren’t on the 4x5 versions.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching! Tony

[@planar98]

Dear Dr. Santo-Do you know if Intrepid has incorporated any of your suggestions for improvement? I have tried two of their 8x10's (original and Mk2) and had to return both due to extreme quality issues which were very disappointing.

[@tonysantophotography]

A friend of mine recently purchased this camera and he incorporated some of the modifications I made to my camera. So, to answer your question, I don't believe Intrepid has made significant changes to this version of their 8x10. Perhaps the Mk III will be different? Thanks for watching! Tony

[@johannes.2089]

Great review Tony. Really loved all your aspects. Btw what ballhead and tripod are you using?

[@tonysantophotography]

I use a Gitzo Traveler 1542 and Arca Swiss d4 geared head. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@caryconover]

I have the original Intrepid 8x10, have been shooting with it for two years. The focus mechanism on it is really hit or miss, the white plastic gears on mine keep slipping. So I’ve been really curious how the new systems feels. It looks really smooth, but does it have a lock? I saw on their website that you can get base upgrades on one of the 4x5 models. All in all I am happy with it and I think it’s a really cool company.

[@tonysantophotography]

Cary, The focusing knob does not have a lock, however, it remains in place once you set it where you want it. Happy shooting! Tony

[@andyvan5692]

one other feedback, manufacturers need to get away from using 'spring' backs, and go for graflok or international style, so EVERY holder, whether a polaroid, reducing back, double dark holder will fit, NO wondering if it will, they all MUST fit, as who knows what styles of film will still be available in a few years, even have adaptors for mirrorless cameras, or things like the fujifilm GFX, Leica S and S2 digital MF systems, so you can do both, depending on what you want, the aim of this is to keep all options OPEN.

[@toulcaz31]

Interesting review, thanks. We don’t see many out there that attempt to give a good representation like yours. I struggle to get your point at 15:55 after what you say about the back and show us you got three below assemblies later. You seem also to have received VIP treatment from Intrepid so it will be tough for you to objectively judge their service. What about sturdiness, operating at max/min extensions and use of heavy lenses? It would have been good to clarify which type of photography might work well and which may not (macro, wide angle, close focus portraits...). Thanks

[@tonysantophotography]

Nico, I appreciate you taking the time to leave some feedback. As far as the back is concerned, I was sent 2 additional backs because they were not machined properly. I eventually just came up with a fix to solve the problems I was having. That's a very good point about their customer service because I have no other point of reference and cannot determine if they treat all their customers that way I was treated. In my opinion the camera is sufficiently sturdy; it is capable of securing the Nikon Nikkor 150mm SW lens which is my largest and heaviest lens. As far as types of photography and uses, my plan is to have more experience with the camera before sharing my thoughts in a future video. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@toulcaz31]

Tony Santo Photography thanks a lot Tony; truly appreciate your videos. I have a Kodak Commercial Ektar 14” that would be a good lens to test on such camera :)

[@Normanskie]

Right, I accept that there will be a increase in quality using an 8x10 and also very nostalgic, but you can also get an increase from a 6cmx6cm so what are the real term benefits of film photography considering that a Canon 5D mk3 can give most people a really good quality image, taking into consideration of the cost and time in developing and scanning images, or is this a nostalgic hobby or for the few that require the professional quality for books or magazines. Thank you.

[@tonysantophotography]

Norman, Thank you for stopping by the channel. Shooting large format is a laborious process that is enjoyable for some people. In my case, I print extraordinarily big prints and I like the resolution I get from an 8x10 piece of film. I also enjoy the colors and look of Fujifilm Velvia. However, there have been many times that I have been frustrated with the extensive and sometimes frustrating process of acquiring images using large format. I do enjoy shooting my Canon 5Dsr and love the image quality, but oddly the process of large format keeps me magnetized to it. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@lewisg06]

It’s a pity they did not add a slide off protective plate at the back to protect the ground glass from breaking in your bag.

[@tonysantophotography]

Ged, I agree; that would be a nice feature to have. I am always worried that I will break the glass. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@hresto1]

The European plywood is of engineering quality as oppose to the plywood standard in the US. It is made with solid birch.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for dropping by the channel Herman. I appreciate your input. Tony

[@califmike2003]

Great review Tony, i guess you get what you pay for, i think im going to pass on this camera.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks! I’ve learned to work with it’s quirks. Happy camera shopping!😎

[@user-de6xc6rj4c]

It’s shaking like leaf in the wind

[@tonysantophotography]

I could understand the concern but I've produced really sharp images with this setup; on non-windy days of course! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@paulherman6487]

Poor communication after purchase. I received an 8x10 MK II camera whose finish is very rough, the 4x5 adapter that does not fit, deplorable after-sales service. In short, the price cannot be a justification. Really disappointed.

[@tonysantophotography]

Paul, I am sorry to hear that you had a disappointing experience. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Tony