FAQ The answers

Where to start..! A Large Format camera is one of the most creative, fun and rewarding tools a photographer can use. Free from any electronics or automatic settings, shooting Large format is actually a lot simpler than you may think. As a totally analogue experience, they allow you to refine your photography and fully immerse yourself in the process. Unlike smaller cameras, Large Format cameras allow you to move and reposition the lens giving you total control of focus and perspective.

The larger size means much higher quality and sheet film gives you pictures with incredible depth and colour, sharper than even the best digital cameras. We recommend doing a bit of research yourself if you are new to the world of Large Format and there is a wealth of information on the Internet. 

Put simply the Intrepid 4x5 and 8x10 cameras are around the same price, if not cheaper, than most secondhand alternatives and a lot lighter and more compact. Plus they come with the guarantee that they are in top working order as well as the security of help and support from an active company.

We also have an evolving range of accessories to allow you to create and experiment without having to track down expensive secondhand ones, that may or may not be compatible. 

Intrepid Cameras are made from high quality Birch Plywood that is weather sealed with a plant based wax/oil mix. Whilst being  lightweight the wood we use is also very dimensionally stable and will remain flat and level over time. 

The metal parts are all Anodised Aluminium that is scratch-resistant and and will not rust or oxidise over time. The bellows are made from Nylon with a special super-thin lightproof coating inside and the bright focusing screen is made in a traditional way from 2mm glass. 

Large format lenses tend to come mounted on a board and our cameras are compatible with any Copal Shutter lens. Our current 4x5 model can take 300mm-75mm lenses with no problems, you can also use up to 65mm lenses with limited movements (or pop it on a recessed board for more flexibility).

The 8x10 can take lenses up to 600mm. Find a fantastic list of LF lenses here and have a read of Alex Burke’s excellent post all about lenses here.

Intrepid 4x5 cameras are designed to take Intrepid 4x5 boards or Linhof/Technika style boards (97mm x 99mm). The 8x10 is designed to take either Intrepid boards or Sinar style boards (140mmx140mm).

Once you have the camera, you will just need a lens in a Copal shutter, a lens board, a film holder and some film. A light meter and a tripod are also very useful accessories. As with all types of photography there are tons of other bits and bobs you can get, so it is worth doing some research to figure out what is best for you. Find out more about what film and film holders you can use below.

The most recent 4x5 model features a leaf spring back that fully rotates for fast switching between portrait and landscape. Older models feature marine grade bungee chord instead of leaf springs and a back that rotates 90º. The ground glass is secure and film holders can be easily attached either behind the glass or in its place. 

Yes we post to almost everywhere! We try and keep shipping as affordable and fast as possible and work with a small number of couriers.
 

The lead time simply means the time it takes from when you place your order to when it will be shipped. Currently the lead time is 6 to 12 weeks depending on when you ordered as this is the time it takes us to make cameras and keep up with the demand.

We are working late and over weekends to try and beat this and towards the end of the year we aim to have cameras on the shelf ready to ship immediately. 

Yes! you can use any of the Fuji FP pack films with a Polaroid 405 Holder or a Fuji PA-145 Holder, you can also use New55 Film with a 545 Holder. 

The wood of Intrepid cameras is treated with a plant based oil/wax mixture, this reduces the chance of it warping and makes it water resistant. The bellows are made from a coated nylon fabric that can withstand a light rain shower and the metal work is all anodised aluminium so it won’t rust.  So if you do get caught in rain your camera will be fine, just make sure to leave it out to dry when you're back inside.

The price of everything on our website includes 20% VAT, but if you don't live in the European Union you dont have to pay this and it will be automatically deducted at checkout. If you have a valid European VAT number for your business, you have the option to input this at checkout and this will also deduct the VAT.

Film holders are readily available both new and secondhand. Common 8x10 Film holder brands are Fidelity, TOYO, Lisco, Chamonix, Calumnet, Kodak, Burke & James and Shen Hao. Secondhand film holders are easy to source from eBay but be careful when buying older wooden holders or untested ones. If you are unsure you can always send us a link to the listing and we can advise you. Another alternative is our 8x10 to 4x5 reducing back which allows you to use 4x5 film on an 8x10 camera. This video from Ben Horne is very useful when deciding what holders will best suit you.

‘Gear Acquisition Syndrome’ is something many of us go through and this is particularly common in the Large Format world. However, an Intrepid could be the solution for you! It’s so light you barely feel it in your bag and the simplicity of the camera means you can minimise your kit whilst still being able to enjoy the quality and control offered by Large Format.

Yes you can and it's really easy! The correct place for a Fresnel lens to go is in between you and the ground glass (on the outside of the camera). Simply loosen the 2 small ground glass clips and slide the Fresnel lens into place.