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Thread: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

  1. #1
    Serious Amateur Photographer pepeguitarra's Avatar
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    Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    I am in the market for a used, or new, 8x10 view camera. Someone is offering me a Calumet 1A 8x10 in aluminum, while I am tempted for an 8x10 The Intrepid because of the weight (although, I do not walk too far from the car for a photo, so I could carry the weight of the monster). I mostly would do seascapes, landscapes and ocassional still life and portrait. I just want to have one lens on the 8x10. Can you share what would you choose? Pros and cons of each. Thank you.

  2. #2

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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    I would choose the Calumet with a 360 mm lens. That is if the weight isn't too much for you. I gave mine up at 75.

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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    If I'd been stuck with an aluminum C1 my 8x10 explorations would have died before they got started. No way I would wrestle with that monster in the field - not remotely worth the hassle and hurt. I'd take my chances with the Intrepid.

    As always, YMMV.

    EDIT: to be clear, I wouldn't take the magnesium C1 either.

  4. #4
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    The Calumet is my most accurate and rugged 8x10. A simple cart to schlep it is adequate.
    (I think the green colored one is magnesium alloy, not aluminum. Someone can correct me.)

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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    It is indeed about weight, but also: do you value movements? The Calumet resembles the Cambo I had, a beast, but certainly more movements than an Intrepid (or most field camera's for that matter).
    I don't go far from the car, so I carry the Sinar P2 8x10" and a heavy tripod (Gitzo), but never more than 1000 yards. In the studio, that camera is a delight to work with.
    If you want just one camera, the Calumet will do nicely in the field and studio.
    Last edited by fotopfw; 31-Mar-2018 at 11:43. Reason: addition
    I own the gear, but those don't make masterpieces. My everyday experience.

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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    Never owned the Calumet, but I do have an Intrepid. If you're planning to work mainly from the car and/or hike small distances, then I'd go for the Calumet. Just based on what I've read and other photographers I know that own one, it will be much more solid and stable vs the Intrepid, if placed on an adequate tripod, of course. Since I hike over fairly long distances with my 8x10, 3 lenses, and all the related paraphernalia needed, the Intrepid really works out great. It's not as rock solid as my Deardorff, but it's a heck of a lot easier to carry for this old man!

  7. #7
    Serious Amateur Photographer pepeguitarra's Avatar
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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    Thanks for the answers so far. I do have two 4x5 Calumet cc400 (a black one and a grey one), I bought one and I got one for free. I think they are indestructible, they are in perfect conditions after so many years and they weight 5 pounds without lens. The other camera I have is a Super Speed Graphic, that weights 2.5 pounds with a small lens. When I really want one a good picture, I take the Calumet CC4400. That is why the green monster is an option for me. The price is also an attractive reason, very very low.

  8. #8
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    I was speaking of the Calumet c1, definitely not like the cc400.

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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    If the Calumet is inexpensive, try it. It's a very capable machine. But if it doesn't work for you, you can sell it on this forum (or elsewhere).

  10. #10

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    Re: Green Monster or The Intrepid 8x10?

    You state that even though you will primarily do landscapes, you do plan on taking some still lives and portraits. Do you plan on using any vintage lenses (heavy!) for portraits or are you sticking with relatively compact modern lenses? Judging by the internet chatter, the intrepid front standard might not be up to the task of using heavier lenses.

    Another thing to consider if you plan on transporting it much is the physical size. I have the predecessor to the C1 and, in addition to the heavy weight, it is a physically big camera (in relation to the the lighter 8x10 field cameras).

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