Impressive video, Ben - incredible that you can get the weight down to 35 pounds! The Alpinist looks great, but as a hobbyist with limited dedication to large format I think that is more than I will spend. The intrepid is looking pretty good - at least to try out. As a gear junkie, I really have to keep myself on point.
Many thanks - I am enjoying your videos and appreciate your contribution to the community.
Life is short, even if we make 100
Do it now!
Tin Can
I had an 8x10MKII. It was a decent camera to use. I bet the new version is better. Every camera has it's quirks. The only way to really know if it's for you is to give it a try. You can always buy one, use it for 6 months, and then decide. If you sell it, you'll likely recoup quite a bit of the purchase price. Think of it as a rental....I had a few quality issues with mine, but Intrepid was quick to help.
“You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know
Ha, I think most of us view GAS like my favorite saint and Church Father used to see chastity, praying for continence, but not yet.
At any rate, I'll throw another option out there: whole plate. You could do your own search about what others have said about the format, but a lot folks see it as a sweet spot between 5x7 and 8x10: big enough for a reasonable contact print, yet small enough to be covered by a lot of 4x5/5x7 lenses. The cameras themselves tend to be on the svelte side as well.
At any rate, good luck with your search.
I think I’ll go for an new Intrepid - it looks like there is about a months wait ( if they can stick to that schedule) so I’ll have time to try to source a lens.
Thanks for all the advice!
I didn't lose much money when I sold my Intrepid.
“You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know
All used equipment comes with a risk, and if you need to pay in order to address any unexpected problem, that money is not recoupable when you resell.
All new equipment will lose in value when you resell, expensive or cheap.
The loss on cheap may be a higher percentage but less in $$:
Sell your new $5000 Arca Swiss with a 20% loss = $1000.
Sell your new $500 Intrepid with a 50% loss = $250.
Some may prefer to loose $250 rather than $1000.
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Niels
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