A new roll-film back

[David M]

I thought members might like to know that Intrepid has produced a (relatively) cheap roll-film back for 5x4 cameras. Not just for Intrepid cameras, as it has a standard international back.
What you get is a kit of parts that you assemble yourself. No problem for most LF users as they are obviously pretty dextrous already.
The distinguishing feature is that it will work with all formats from 645 to 6x12, via a system of interchangeable masks. These can be changed "live" in the field, by resetting the frame counter and making some adjustments using a table pre-printed on the back. There's an explanatory video on line.
I have not seen or used one, so this is merely for information. I can't provide a review.
Delivery is claimed to be five weeks, so just too late for Santa.

 

[AERO]

Yes..only £230 in KIT form!

 

[IanLand]

The video on Instagram gives a reasonable idea of how it works. It looks like a really interesting idea

 

[Dave_P]

This looks good in theory. However, this is or has been the case for a lot of the Intrepid stuff; where the marketing and promotion is better than the design and manufacturing. Personally I'd wait for the dust to settle on this and see some real-world reviews and reports from users over the next 6-12months first. Having said that, 6x12 backs are generally priced at a massive premium so at that price even if you ignore the multi format capabilities (or if it's too much trouble to be messing around changing masks and keeping track of the film in practice) it could be a winner for 6x12 alone.

On the other hand, let's say you only really ever shoot 6x7 and 6x9 with it...in which case for the same money you could buy a pair of second hand Linhof Super Rollex backs, which are built like tanks (but tanks made by Rolls Royce).

 

[HowLarge]

It’s definitely nice to have more choice for the 120 film backs - we kind of need them if colour is to be remotely affordable on LF , I would definitely agree that waiting for the early adopters to iron out the bugs in the system is a good idea, a high quality back is not a simple job and it takes some research to find the decent ones that are reliable and hold the film flat , it’s worth remembering that the frame that is next wound in , in any roll film back that has been left loaded can be distorted by film rollers or path , luckily there are normally so few shots on a roll they get used up,