Kickstarter: Intrepid Camera 8x10

Intrepid Camera have done it again, another blockbuster Kickstarter campaign. This time, they are introducing a compact, folding 8x10 camera. Using a Sinar front lens board and providing two different film holders (available as rewards with the camera), an 8x10 back and a 4x5 adapter back, both with ground glass included. It is also possible to combine their 4x5 camera with the 8x10 camera reward for two cameras for one price.

The camera weighs under 5lbs and comes with your choice of black, red, green or blue bellows. The basic camera alone starts at £480 (approx $620 in the US) plus shipping worldwide, the early bird reward of £425 is no longer available. The 8x10 film holder is being offered for just £45 more with a slight discount for buying two together, and the 4x5 adapter back is £80, again with slight discounts if purchased together with the 8x10 boards. The 4x5 adapter back will work with 4x5 film and Graflok accessories.

The camera has three front movements and rack and pinion focusing. The back also tilts in one axis. When thinking of film for this camera, keep in mind Impossible's 8x10 instant film. You will need a Polaroid processor to handle instant film. Apart from a range of B&W films and wet process (the back is sealed with wax), positive papers (such as RA4 process papers) can be used.

There is no lens included, but Sinar lens boards (140mm square) may be used. Intrepid plans to offer their own Sinar compatible boards to make finding one easier. Adapters to Linhof/Technika boards are planned. Used lenses can be sought out on eBay, KEH, Catlabs and elsewhere. Keep in mind that 325mm or so is considered the normal length for 8x10. This page offers a list of lenses and compatible shutters.

Less than three weeks remain, though the campaign is fully funded multiple times over, with more than 300 backers.