Intrepid 4x5 as a permanent enlarger?

[PiratePhD]

I currently have an Intrepid 4x5 (mk 4) but I'm thinking of upgrading to a Chamonix 45-F2 at some point.

I have also been looking for a 4x5 enlarger but haven't been successful in finding a good deal.

Would the Intrepid with their enlarger kit be a good permanent solution as a enlarger?

Thanks!

[Tin Can]

Please add your general location

Many 4X5 enlargers are available

& welcome to LFPF

[PiratePhD]

Please add your general location

Many 4X5 enlargers are available

& welcome to LFPF

Thanks!

I am in Switzerland, not sure that's gonna be helpful since most people here are probably US based.

There are two Durst Laborator 138 on our local "Craigslist" but one of them (about $650) only has the 35mm and MF condensers and the other one is about $1100.
TBH they might not even fit in my darkroom because the ceiling is pretty low.

[koraks]

Thanks!

I am in Switzerland, not sure that's gonna be helpful since most people here are probably US based.

There are two Durst Laborator 138 on our local "Craigslist" but one of them (about $650) only has the 35mm and MF condensers and the other one is about $1100.
TBH they might not even fit in my darkroom because the ceiling is pretty low.

Europe seems a little more challenging when it comes to finding large format enlargers. Nevertheless, in my experience, something attractive pops up once in a while. Given where you are, Durst is indeed your best (most likely) bet. There's a lot of 138's out there; 1200's as well, but less so. I had the luck to be gifted a 138 a few years ago by someone who had 3 or 4 and had serious trouble getting rid of them - even for free. I think he ended up throwing 2 of them away in the end. Getting the condensors is a little tricky, but especially the 240 condensors (the ones you'd use for 5x7" and that are also usable for 4x5") are fairly common.

I'd just keep an eye on your local trading/second hand platform. This is something that requires a little patience, but with good chances of success.

Can't comment on your question about using an Intrepid as an enlarger. It'll undoubtedly work, but also undoubtedly be a rather compromised solution. Especially if you compare it to something as solid and functional as a 138.

[Luis-F-S]

Thanks!

I am in Switzerland, not sure that's gonna be helpful since most people here are probably US based.

There are two Durst Laborator 138 on our local "Craigslist" but one of them (about $650) only has the 35mm and MF condensers and the other one is about $1100.
TBH they might not even fit in my darkroom because the ceiling is pretty low.

You can get additional condensers on the auction site. There are a gozillion posts on the 138 on this site. Search for them and read them.

[Oslolens]

No, sell the camera. The set can be used with a rail camera which is much stiffer, or an enlarger.

Sent fra min SM-G975F via Tapatalk

[Louis Pacilla]

Would the Intrepid with their enlarger kit be a good permanent solution as a enlarger?

Thanks!

No

I Join Randy Moe in Welcoming you to the forum

[Luis-F-S]

No

I Join Randy Moe in Welcoming you to the forum

Not just No, but Hell NO!!!! I've given two Dursts S-138 away, and still have the SM-183. Look around, you'll find one!

[Exploring Large Format]

I have the Intrepid MK4, but also two other LF cameras. I love the MK4 for all that it is. But it isn't for me for every situation.

I had the Intrepid Enlarger Kit, and recently sold it. It was my intro to dark room. Worked fabulously, truly. But then scored a Beseler 45MX II Enlarger for free on Craigslist (plus tons of other valuable darkroom accessories). Also separately scored an 8 foot Stainless Steel darkroom sink...for free. Craigslist is amazing for darkroom finds. Patience, then being ready to jump, can work wonders.

Happy to now have a permanently installed enlarger in my garage/ darkroom/studio.

If I didn't have that space, then I'd have never sold the Intrepid Kit.

And, having just gotten a 5x7 back for my Sinar, I'm anticipating that teased-up Intrepid 5x7 Enlarger Kit!

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

[PiratePhD]

I have the Intrepid MK4, but also two other LF cameras. I love the MK4 for all that it is. But it isn't for me for every situation.

I had the Intrepid Enlarger Kit, and recently sold it. It was my intro to dark room. Worked fabulously, truly. But then scored a Beseler 45MX II Enlarger for free on Craigslist (plus tons of other valuable darkroom accessories). Also separately scored an 8 foot Stainless Steel darkroom sink...for free. Craigslist is amazing for darkroom finds. Patience, then being ready to jump, can work wonders.

Happy to now have a permanently installed enlarger in my garage/ darkroom/studio.

If I didn't have that space, then I'd have never sold the Intrepid Kit.

And, having just gotten a 5x7 back for my Sinar, I'm anticipating that teased-up Intrepid 5x7 Enlarger Kit!

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

I say permanent but I'd probably still be on the look out for a dedicated enlarger.
Just that if I had a second 4x5 camera, the Intrepid would stay in the darkroom.

But I'm glad to hear that the Intrepid Kit is decent enough.
I like working in the darkroom but only being able to do contact prints with 4x5 and having to use 35mm or MF for large prints feels kinda backwards.
That's why I wanted to have at least something working in my darkroom.