Is anyone actively using the Intrepid Enlarger Kit? Please share your experience.

[Certain Exposures]

Hello,

I have a bathroom the size of a matchbox. I would like to make 8x10 enlargements out of 4x5 negatives, and the Intrepid Enlarger Kit seems like a decent enough option. However, I cannot find a longterm user review. I did an advanced search on the forum, and that turned up empty. Please share your experiences with using this product! I might be interested in buying one if the feedback is positive.

[Exploring Large Format]

Hello,

I have a bathroom the size of a matchbox. I would like to make 8x10 enlargements out of 4x5 negatives, and the Intrepid Enlarger Kit seems like a decent enough option. However, I cannot find a longterm user review. I did an advanced search on the forum, and that turned up empty. Please share your experiences with using this product! I might be interested in buying one if the feedback is positive.Hardly long term as i made just one print! It is my first ever darkroom print, and serves as my profile photo here. Never used any enlarger before or since (more to come), so consider that.

I took care to align it with the Versalab laser tool. Worked great, factoring in my limited perspective and lack of comparison to anything else. Used my 150mm taking lens. Everything about enlarging was new to me, so took me some time. However, even i did it rather easily. So, for ease of use, even for a newbie, great!

That said, if i then use my camera as a camera again, i need to realign it as an enlarger. I can see where that could be a hassle. But that all depends on your circumstances/needs.

Fit and finish is very good. Mix of laminated wood and 3-D printed components. Not highly finished metal, but then neither did i expect that. The timer, laminated wood also, is simple, yet elegant. I am not so familiar with illumination details--available online--but it worked great for me.

Instructions are limited to the online video tutorials. As a beginner, i could have used more detail, but that was easily available elsewhere.

For its intended use, i think it is excellent at good value. Again, particulars of how you would use it are the key factors.

Best!



Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Luis-F-S]

Not sure where you're located, but if you're in the states, I think you'd do much better buying a used 4x5 enlarger. No need to align every time you want to use it. They're pretty reasonable used. Check auctions and Craig's list. I would recommend an LPL VCCE enlarger, but it may be harder to find. I gave away 3 used DeVeres last year and threw one away! Good luck

[Certain Exposures]

Hardly long term as i made just one print! It is my first ever darkroom print, and serves as my profile photo here. Never used any enlarger before or since (more to come), so consider that.
I took care to align it with the Versalab laser tool. Worked great, factoring in my limited perspective and lack of comparison to anything else. Used my 150mm taking lens. Everything about enlarging was new to me, so took me some time. However, even i did it rather easily. So, for ease of use, even for a newbie, great!
That said, if i then use my camera as a camera again, i need to realign it as an enlarger. I can see where that could be a hassle. But that all depends on your circumstances/needs.
Fit and finish is very good. Mix of laminated wood and 3-D printed components. Not highly finished metal, but then neither did i expect that. The timer, laminated wood also, is simple, yet elegant. I am not so familiar with illumination details--available online--but it worked great for me.
Instructions are limited to the online video tutorials. As a beginner, i could have used more detail, but that was easily available elsewhere.
For its intended use, i think it is excellent at good value. Again, particulars of how you would use it are the key factors.
Best!
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Thank you for that information about the Versalab laser tool. I may budget some savings towards that for Christmas. I bought a Graflarger today instead of the Intrepid enlarger because it is affordable, and I do not have to wait ten weeks or longer. I will keep the Intrepid in mind if this does not work well. I wish more Graflargers were available for sale because the one I bought looks like it is in rough condition (judging by the pictures). Your break down was nice to read, though. Please consider making a post or a video about the product.



Not sure where you're located, but if you're in the states, I think you'd do much better buying a used 4x5 enlarger. No need to align every time you want to use it. They're pretty reasonable used. Check auctions and Craig's list. I would recommend an LPL VCCE enlarger, but it may be harder to find. I gave away 3 used DeVeres last year and threw one away! Good luck


Unfortunately, the maximum dimensions that my bathroom can support for a fully extended enlarger/enlarger column are height = 49", baseboard width = 30", baseboard length from the wall to standing human = 23". I do not know of a 4x5 enlarger that can fit that criteria. Please let me know if you happen to know of one! I will create a dedicated darkroom with a nice color 4x5 enlarger once I have enough money to buy a home. Do not hold your breath.

[Exploring Large Format]

Thank you for that information about the Versalab laser tool. I may budget some savings towards that for Christmas. I bought a Graflarger today instead of the Intrepid enlarger because it is affordable, and I do not have to wait ten weeks or longer. I will keep the Intrepid in mind if this does not work well. I wish more Graflargers were available for sale because the one I bought looks like it is in rough condition (judging by the pictures). Your break down was nice to read, though. Please consider making a post or a video about the product.





Unfortunately, the maximum dimensions that my bathroom can support for a fully extended enlarger/enlarger column are height = 49", baseboard width = 30", baseboard length from the wall to standing human = 23". I do not know of a 4x5 enlarger that can fit that criteria. Please let me know if you happen to know of one! I will create a dedicated darkroom with a nice color 4x5 enlarger once I have enough money to buy a home. Do not hold your breath.While i dig the Intrepid enlarger for what it is, i know I'll eventually get a regular enlarger for reason i stated: to have a permanent setup. When that occurs I'll be selling my Intrepid enlarger.

And, meanwhile, the Versalab is slick.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Bob Salomon]

While i dig the Intrepid enlarger for what it is, i know I'll eventually get a regular enlarger for reason i stated: to have a permanent setup. When that occurs I'll be selling my Intrepid enlarger.

And, meanwhile, the Versalab is slick.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

It might be slick but your setup will change alignment every time you adjust the height, focus and, as you noted, remount the camera. Since you are not using an enlarging lens or a glass carrier it may not matter.

[Certain Exposures]

Hardly long term as i made just one print! It is my first ever darkroom print, and serves as my profile photo here. Never used any enlarger before or since (more to come), so consider that.

I took care to align it with the Versalab laser tool. Worked great, factoring in my limited perspective and lack of comparison to anything else. Used my 150mm taking lens. Everything about enlarging was new to me, so took me some time. However, even i did it rather easily. So, for ease of use, even for a newbie, great!

That said, if i then use my camera as a camera again, i need to realign it as an enlarger. I can see where that could be a hassle. But that all depends on your circumstances/needs.

Fit and finish is very good. Mix of laminated wood and 3-D printed components. Not highly finished metal, but then neither did i expect that. The timer, laminated wood also, is simple, yet elegant. I am not so familiar with illumination details--available online--but it worked great for me.

Instructions are limited to the online video tutorials. As a beginner, i could have used more detail, but that was easily available elsewhere.

For its intended use, i think it is excellent at good value. Again, particulars of how you would use it are the key factors.

Best!



Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Hello again! It has been a few years. How have you liked the Intrepid 4x5 enlarger? What were the cons over the long term? Did you switch to a standard enlarger yet?

[Exploring Large Format]

I ended up snatching a Beseler 45mxii for free, and sold the Intrepid. I have the room so easier to keep it set up permanently. Intrepid is great if you have space or other constraints. It's well-made. Otherwise, simpler and easier if you can snag a standard enlarger.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

[Certain Exposures]

I ended up snatching a Beseler 45mxii for free, and sold the Intrepid. I have the room so easier to keep it set up permanently. Intrepid is great if you have space or other constraints. It's well-made. Otherwise, simpler and easier if you can snag a standard enlarger.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

Okay, thanks. That's a sweet deal you got on the Beseler!

[Certain Exposures]

Thank you for that information about the Versalab laser tool. I may budget some savings towards that for Christmas. I bought a Graflarger today instead of the Intrepid enlarger because it is affordable, and I do not have to wait ten weeks or longer. I will keep the Intrepid in mind if this does not work well. I wish more Graflargers were available for sale because the one I bought looks like it is in rough condition (judging by the pictures). Your break down was nice to read, though. Please consider making a post or a video about the product.


Unfortunately, the maximum dimensions that my bathroom can support for a fully extended enlarger/enlarger column are height = 49", baseboard width = 30", baseboard length from the wall to standing human = 23". I do not know of a 4x5 enlarger that can fit that criteria. Please let me know if you happen to know of one! I will create a dedicated darkroom with a nice color 4x5 enlarger once I have enough money to buy a home. Do not hold your breath.


Update:

I bought two Graflargers and both arrived broken so I never did end up printing 4x5 enlargements. I'm doing another round of searches for long term reviews of the Intrepid enlarger.

[rfesk]

A Federal enlarger (450 series) will work. The baseboard of mine is wooden. Can be cut to size if needed. Plus you can take it down for storage.
I am sure there are newer options.

[Tin Can]

I am using the 4X5 Intrepid enlarger head

BUT!

I bought the conversion kit for a Made in England 54 DeVere enlarger

I assume you are USA based, correct me if wrong

The 54 is an excellent enlarger CHASSIS

I pieced this one together over 8 years

I bought a DeVere conversion kit from Intrepid which MAY not be available in USA or anywhere

Since you WANT Colour prints and I don't, you are on your own

Don't buy Graflargers! Junk!

Study this https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/collections/darkroom

and study your location and what is available from Intrepid

[Certain Exposures]

A Federal enlarger (450 series) will work. The baseboard of mine is wooden. Can be cut to size if needed. Plus you can take it down for storage.
I am sure there are newer options.

Thanks, I'll look into them. I don't see any for sale so far.


I am using the 4X5 Intrepid enlarger head

BUT!

I bought the conversion kit for a Made in England 54 DeVere enlarger

I assume you are USA based, correct me if wrong

The 54 is an excellent enlarger CHASSIS

I pieced this one together over 8 years

I bought a DeVere conversion kit from Intrepid which MAY not be available in USA or anywhere

Since you WANT Colour prints and I don't, you are on your own

Don't buy Graflargers! Junk!

Study this https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/collections/darkroom

and study your location and what is available from Intrepid

Thanks, I'm debating if I'll get the Intrepid enlarger or simply wait until I have the space and the funds for a more permanent set up. DeVeres are big and pricey! Let me know how you like it once you piece everything together.

[Certain Exposures]

Someone industrious made their own enlarger.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Darkroom/comments/12u7oc5/i_built_a_darkroom_enlarger_out_of_stuff_from_the/

[Tin Can]

There is no best enlarger

Unless you buy a huge custom

I like Beseler CB7, power rise, power focus, it has a bigger condenser set, almost 5X7

I really like my 2X3 Beseler III which eliminated the fan

I bought when everybody was selling

Now it is all rare

[Tim Meisburger]

I've used a graflarger mounted on an old crown graphic for many years. First because I was overseas, and couldn't get anything else shipped, and then because I needed an enlarger in a small space. Over the years, I made several different light sources for it, and even built a similar contraption to enlarge 5x7. I returned to the US about 5 years ago, but only recently was able to set up a tiny darkroom, and again I have the graflarger set up, as no way I could fit a regular enlarger in there. This time, I mounted the crown graphic to a copy stand, and plan on replacing the graflarger with the intrepid light source in the next few weeks (after I sell a lens), so I can dispense with filters. I'm no professional, but I've never had any problem making 11x14 and larger prints prints with my little set up.

[Tin Can]

There was a very active member who made and used a DIY 11X14 enlarger from shelf brackets on a wall

He posted pics long ago in DIY