The Intrepid 4x5 Camera "Black" Edition - First Look, vs. Chamonix and Shen-Hao + Weight Comparison

[@Fjalll]

Didn't think I'd see a comparison video of these. Much appreciated!

[@andreblum]

This video is a great tribute to the build quality of all three cameras. They survived 12 minutes of handling them with zero finesse. The tool shed background makes sense. Had you just been cutting lumber with an axe before shooting this video? Honestly though, a very useful video. Thanks.

[@flipflopsleica]

Picked up my Chamonix F2 11 months ago, never looked back at the decision. However, I am looking forward on an 8x10 as a next possibility where Intrepid makes sense for now.

[@waynesimon2963]

Great presentation and comparison between the Chamonix and the Intrepid. You might have mentioned the price difference also. That is a stunning difference between the two. Intrepid packs a lot into their offering at a vast price difference.

[@rudyumans]

Even though the Shen-Hao was barely discussed, it would be the camera of my choice. Was never too wild about the Phillips design.

[@nicolaslevy2657]

Good presentation/comparison. Seems like you forgot a major difference between the two cameras : the Chamy has a sliding rear standard and the Intrepid does not. When setting up my 45N2 I screw the front standard on, guessing which hole to use depending on the lens used and focus distance, then I focus with the back standard by simply sliding it forward or backwards, making sure to focus a hair behind my subject. Then I pull out my loupe and bring the image into fine focus with the focusing screw. This is a very fast way of working and I couldn’t picture myself switching to a camera with a fixed back standard. Also, focusing with the front standard changes your perspective, while moving the back standard does not 😉

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

I know a number of folks who have Chamonix cameras and no one I know focuses like that. You're inviting slight left-to-right tilt because there is no "stops" to make sure the rear sliding standard is parallel, except pushed all the way forward or backward. But if it works for you, great. The Intrepid simply isn't meant for lenses wider than 90mm or perhaps 72/75mm if you have a proper recessed board. It's also 1/3 the cost of a USED Chamonix, which I think is important to remember. Perspective changes based on front or rear focusing will be very, very minimal and not important unless you are doing extreme macro, with which a sliding rail system is a better overall investment anyway.

[@bthemedia]

Great review of several 4x5s... including my heavy Shen Hao and the 2 others I have highly considered! (Given their pros and cons) ps - also suggest adding the in the description to make clickable links! 😉

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

Thanks, good catch!

[@nickfanzo]

I was on the fence between the Chamonix and the intrepid, now I know the chamonix makes more sense for me.

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

Hi Nicholas! I'm curious to know what tipped the scale for you? A bit of disclosure: I'm having some issues with my Chamonix...I think the back is warping. I have shot thousands of sheets of film with it, including out in the rain and elements, so it's probably due for some work. I have been enjoying the Intrepid though and with careful use to ensure parallelism I might be switching permanently! Though I still prefer my Linhof Technika for real precision, better than the Chamonix by a mile still.

[@nickfanzo]

Have Film, Will Travel your initial comments about weird design flaws, such as screw placements etc, what I think made sense. But now you are saying the chamonix is warping? That is not good. Now I am uncertain again.

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

@@nickfanzo Let me be VERY clear - the Chamonix I have is the first model they made and is getting on in years. I have beaten it up, dropped it or knocked my tripod over, and taken it in the rain many times. It would be really unreasonable for me to expect a wooden camera to hold up to that kind of abuse forever. I have a friend who had his tripod blow over with his Intrepid and it basically exploded into kindling (this was the normal plywood model). So I would say the Intrepid is likely not more robust, and I will need to be mindful of this (though this "Black" version is all plastic/metal so less worry about rain/humidity damage). The Chamonix is still a bit more refined, especially with its ability to setup parallel faster/easier. It's also not possible to use really wide lenses on the Intrepid, compared to the Chamonix. They are both good cameras, but neither replaces my Linhof...so you gotta get your hands dirty and see what works for YOU. I have a half-dozen 4x5 cameras because none of them does everything!!

[@nickfanzo]

Have Film, Will Travel well, since posting this, I made the jump and got an intrepid. Not because of your comments or video, but I found a gentleman who wishes to sell his. He threw in three film holders, a 150mm lens, tri x, Portra 160, a dark cloth, light meter, etc for less than $800.00 . I couldn’t pass it up even though I already have a sekonic light meter.

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

@@nickfanzo Cool, good luck!

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

Thanks for this. All of these cameras require too many actions to open and be ready to compose.

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

They really don't take much time to open once you know how they work. Most of the time I have my camera packed in the bag till I find my first photograph while out shooting, and then I carry the camera on the tripod setup for the rest of the outing. Other cameras that are "faster" to setup, like the Linhof Technika that I also shoot with, have a massive weight penalty that is much more detrimental for long outings where you are hauling gear. Shooting inside in a studio would be a different situation altogether though.

[@orion7741]

I dont get it. you complain about these cameras requiring too many actions to open and be ready to compose..... you realize that these are large format camera, right??? lol. You dont sound like you are well suited for large or even medium format cameras. stick with your standard 35mm or full frame digital, there is nothing wrong with them and it sounds like that suits your needs better.

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

@@orion7741 I use several Large Format cameras. 4X5 and 5x7 Linhof monorail and field, 8X10 Sinar. There's nothing quicker, nothing requiring fewer operations, to be ready for composition and exposure than a Linhof Technika. It was developed over a century's improvements, consulting professional photographers throughout. With your arrogant, smartarse comment, you simply make a fool of yourself. Do yourself a favour and delete it. However, you are indeed right about one thing: you don't get it.

[@rossmansell5877]

Well they int for happy 'snappers'

[@chevy2die]

It almost sounded like you said "Shit House" instead of Shen-Hao ahahaha

[@ltbphoto]

Just curious - has the roughness in the focus mechanism improved with use?

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

I put a tiny amount of oil on it. The focus is still stiff in some areas, but smooth (even a bit too loose) in others. I think the design just does not lend itself to smoothness throughout the focus like my Chamonix. It hasn't bothered me too much in use personally, but others may have strong opinions on that. I might make a follow-up video in the future talking about some of these things, not sure.

[@ltbphoto]

@@havefilmwilltravel5860 I'd definitely be interested in a follow up video at some point - toying with the idea of an Intrepid to supplement my Super Graphic which is a bit of a tank and pretty limited on movements.

[@michaelharmon7162]

I believe the Shen Hao is a much better Camera then the other two. I own one and I know it will accept a 65mm lens.

[@havefilmwilltravel5860]

The Shen Hao is a very differently designed camera, and is almost 3 times as heavy as the Intrepid. It's a fine camera, but isn't really comparable due to the weight. For the record, the Intrepid can use a 72mm XL lens on a recessed board. I have also seen simple mods to make the Intrepid take wider lenses. No camera is perfect and the Intrepid's weight is incredible, and worth the trade-offs in many situations IMO.

[@orion7741]

any of those cameras can accept a 65mm lens though.... its just a matter of lens boards and modification.

[@nickademuss42]

news flash, a 1200$ camera is nicer than a 400$ camera....but seriously thanks for the comparison!

[@seboc1]

Your ShenHao is not PTB 45

[@orion7741]

I have NEVER been a fan of anything that Intrepid makes because they cut corners and dont really care about high quality with their products. sure its alot cheaper, but that is because they use crappy materials to make their cameras and budget quality components for the cameras and enlarger.... A person could DIY their own large format camera for cheaper than Intrepid and it would be a higher quality as well!

[@alessandropugliese2123]

Correct, I've seen many DIY cameras over the years that where much better than this overhyped plywood thing.