Intrepid have been working on developing and releasing a new lens and novel electronic shutter for large format cameras, and have today launched the project on kickstarter here.
The lens is a of a cooke triplet formula and is a 150mm f/6.3. As exciting as that is alone though, perhaps even more interesting is the new Copal-0 size electronic shutter with handheld controller. These two projects have been launched as one on kickstarter where people can choose to get just the shutter and controller, just the lens or both! It’s worth noting that the shutter works with all Copal-0 size lenses too.
Intrepid I-0 Shutter
The I-0 Shutter has been designed to feel like a smart cable release with features including shutter speeds from as long as you want to 1/125th and a self-timer. It also has live EV readings so you don’t have to keep going back to your light meter, a shutter-open warning and is compatible with all modern flash equipment via the built-in 3.5mm jack. You can even control the shutter directly from your PC/Mac. Fast charging via USB-C, a weatherproof aluminium body and super bright screen make the shutter and controller easy to use in the studio and on location.
Intrepid 150mm f6.3 Lens
The lens is Cooke triplet formula with focal length of 150mm and a maximum aperture of f6.3. This is roughly equivalent to a 40mm f/1.8 on a 35mm camera. The lens also has enough image circle for tilt/shift movement. The Cooke triplet is said to correct for the main optical aberrations, so at and above f/11 there’s excellent sharpness throughout the image. Intrepid also say the lens provides nice bokeh when used wide open at f/6.3 and that it renders colours beautifully.
New vs. Used
Intrepid acknowledge that there are plenty of 150mm 4×5 lenses and shutters on the second hand market, but say that their lens is because of the second hand market place, and not in spite of it. Just as with new film cameras such as the Pentax 17, new lenses like this remove a barrier to entry that’s felt by many who are searching for their first lens and shutter. New kit also provides peace of mind that used kit cannot but they – all the older kit on the second hand marketplace isn’t getting any younger and the skills required to repair them, as well as spare parts, are getting harder to come by too. Ann alternative solution has been needed, and this new kit from Intrepid provides that alternative!
The Kickstarter Campaign
This is Intrepid’s 5th Kickstarter and whilst they note that they have had the usual delays and hiccups in the past, they have always delivered. They state that if they reach the target of £35000 they will do the same with this project with all the money going into producing the best shutter and lens possible and having a stable and viable tool for the future of Large Format photography. If successful they also state that this will just the first in a line of shutters, and lenses.
Guide Kickstarter Pricing (subject to change)
Lens + Shutter £429
Just Lens £159
Just Shutter £289
You can back the project on kickstarter here.
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