Anyone backing Intrepid Electronic Shutter?

[Will Deleon]

Been following this for a while now. The idea to have another “economical” electronic shutter on the market is an awesome. Can mount your current Copal 0 lens on it.

Intrepid Camera Electronic Shutter

 

[abruzzi]

I don't have an immediate need for one, plus I much prefer to wait for feedback and testing before dropping $400. I definitely want them to succeed, but I also want a working shutter that that is relatively accurate, so I'll wait.

 

[buildbot]

Looks very cool, and the design is something very interesting - I think they are using PCB based coils to drive the shutter blades:

 

[vieri]

Backed.

I am very happy with Copal shutters, but I am curious about the technology, the consistency of exposure sounds great and - most importantly - I am happy to support people who support large format photography in such an innovative and creative way. While at it, I got the lens as well.

Putting my money where my mouth is...

Best regards,

Vieri

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Absolutely remarkable what a few determined, dynamic, skilled people can achieve on their own.

I hope they continue developing new lenses ...!

 

[Jessxi]

I wish I had a need for one. I think any new tech for LF is much needed! I hope this leads to larger shutter tech.

 

[Epstar83]

Yeah, I am also backing it. It has so much potential if it is successful! I can imagine a system like this being integrated onto an Actus lens board. I know Intrepid intended this for large format film users but it certainly could be developed for folks using tech cams as well.

 

[drunkenspyder]

I backed it, even though I am not sure how much I will use it. To me, encouraging this sort of development is very important.

 

[DMPhoto-IT]

I'm reopening this thread to ask for your opinion on the progress of this Kickstarter campaign. Do you think it's going well? Will they complete the development?

Fonti

 

[vieri]

Their latest status update email is dated December 8, and it shows progress - I definitely hope we will see it completed, and I think it will, but of course I cannot say for sure either way.

Best regards,

Vieri

 

[DMPhoto-IT]

Yes great to see those solid steps forward in the latest update, but it's frustrating they've gone quiet on comms again. Fingers crossed we get our hands on it this year...

Fonti

 

[nickw]

I really hope they succeed. The community needs this.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Shutters are not easy. They need to confirm longevity (100k-1m actuations at full speed) + planarity out of the gate (less than 1/100mm deviation side-to-side) for it to be top-grade. Of course it does not matter as much for 4x5, but if this shutter is to be used in digital or hybrid systems with wides for smaller formats e.g. 54x40mm and below, then these things matter.

Rodenstock's AUs are quite expensive, primarily because of the quality control and robustness.

Curious if they have a robust product fit for digital too.

 

[DMPhoto-IT]

Paul, I completely agree with your points about shutter requirements.
In my case, if these shutters work properly and consistently, I'd use them with all my Schneider lenses on my CFV 100C. That would significantly simplify my workflow. It would be a dream if they could interface with the back to save shutter speed, lens, and aperture data in the EXIF, but for now, I'd settle for them actually finishing it and having it work.
My concern with Intrepid is communication. Ten days ago, after already being late on their promised January update, Max wrote: "Hello Everyone, Update coming Next week, lots of exciting info to share, the team were very busy over the last month! everything still going well and thanks again for the patience, we are getting there - Max"
Unfortunately, ten days later—still nothing. Even a brief message explaining the delay would help. The wait itself is perfectly understandable, but the silence makes it significantly more frustrating.

 

[Matt Vincent]

I’m following the project and would also love if these were fit for digital. Interfacing with digital backs would be amazing, or if someone else could engineer a small controller to replace the remote that could go between the back and the shutter. I use Schneider lenses in aperture only housings right now but I would jump at the chance to switch over to an electronic shutter.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

I’m following the project and would also love if these were fit for digital. Interfacing with digital backs would be amazing, or if someone else could engineer a small controller to replace the remote that could go between the back and the shutter. I use Schneider lenses in aperture only housings right now but I would jump at the chance to switch over to an electronic shutter.

They will interface with digital courtesy of the flash sync they have announced. You need a special flash sync to lemo 12 pin (IQ4) or 8 pin (IQ3 cable) or 3.5mm jack for Hassy V backs.

 

[Paul Spinnler]

Paul, I completely agree with your points about shutter requirements.
In my case, if these shutters work properly and consistently, I'd use them with all my Schneider lenses on my CFV 100C. That would significantly simplify my workflow. It would be a dream if they could interface with the back to save shutter speed, lens, and aperture data in the EXIF, but for now, I'd settle for them actually finishing it and having it work.
My concern with Intrepid is communication. Ten days ago, after already being late on their promised January update, Max wrote: "Hello Everyone, Update coming Next week, lots of exciting info to share, the team were very busy over the last month! everything still going well and thanks again for the patience, we are getting there - Max"
Unfortunately, ten days later—still nothing. Even a brief message explaining the delay would help. The wait itself is perfectly understandable, but the silence makes it significantly more frustrating.

The problem is digital precision level quality is not easy and there are QC production costs involved. The higher quality you aim for, the more expensive it gets. Consistent shutters with less than 1/100m devitation side-to-side: expensive.

Given their low price point I doubt they'll have a product fit for digital out the gate. Also they will have to test this for weeks or months in the lab to be able to say that this lasts for 100k+ actuations. To be honest it would only make sense to upgrade to this shutter after 1-2y of field reports. I think for digital this will be a risky investment, until proven otherwise and given this is a more simple operation it would require some serious QC equipment and processes to produce perfect shutters at scale which work for Digarons et al. Intrepid looks more like a small mod shop which happens to sell 3D printed and pre-laser cut camera parts assembled to cameras, so not really a Rodenstock level shutter production where each shutter passes high-end Zeiss bench.

Their target audience are 4x5 film shooters which have far less stringent shutter requirements: film is multiple layers deep and a lot more forgiving re lens planarity and on top the resolution is a lot lower than those of digital lenses. I think they measured 4x5 glass at 20lp/mm while digital lenses are measured at 80lp/mm for DMF.

Remember that eshutters 250 failed because of the carbon fiber aperture blades in Rodie eshutters distorting after a while, only eshutter 125 was reliable and I think shutters were rated for 100k only or so.

Nothing, unfortunately, comes close to P1's X-shutter which was developed for industrial purposes and clocks in at 1m actuations at up to 1/1000th.

Problem: Only works with IQ4 and retails is 4k-4.5+ EUR for a lens upgrade.

In the age of AI one should be able to code an independent X shutter controller though - that would be the ultimate lens unit for Rodies and SK lenses.

 

[DMPhoto-IT]

The problem is digital precision level quality is not easy and there are QC production costs involved. The higher quality you aim for, the more expensive it gets. Consistent shutters with less than 1/100m devitation side-to-side: expensive.

Given their low price point I doubt they'll have a product fit for digital out the gate. Also they will have to test this for weeks or months in the lab to be able to say that this lasts for 100k+ actuations. To be honest it would only make sense to upgrade to this shutter after 1-2y of field reports. I think for digital this will be a risky investment, until proven otherwise and given this is a more simple operation it would require some serious QC equipment and processes to produce perfect shutters at scale which work for Digarons et al. Intrepid looks more like a small mod shop which happens to sell 3D printed and pre-laser cut camera parts assembled to cameras, so not really a Rodenstock level shutter production where each shutter passes high-end Zeiss bench.

Their target audience are 4x5 film shooters which have far less stringent shutter requirements: film is multiple layers deep and a lot more forgiving re lens planarity and on top the resolution is a lot lower than those of digital lenses. I think they measured 4x5 glass at 20lp/mm while digital lenses are measured at 80lp/mm for DMF.

Remember that eshutters 250 failed because of the carbon fiber aperture blades in Rodie eshutters distorting after a while, only eshutter 125 was reliable and I think shutters were rated for 100k only or so.

Nothing, unfortunately, comes close to P1's X-shutter which was developed for industrial purposes and clocks in at 1m actuations at up to 1/1000th.

Problem: Only works with IQ4 and retails is 4k-4.5+ EUR for a lens upgrade.

In the age of AI one should be able to code an independent X shutter controller though - that would be the ultimate lens unit for Rodies and SK lenses.

Unfortunately, you’re absolutely right on all points. In addition to the likely reliability issues, especially with the first production batches, there’s also the real possibility that they might not even manage to complete it in the end.

 

[DMPhoto-IT]

The January/February update is finally out.
Max and the team report that the project is still moving forward — the mechanical shutter design is now complete, and the flexing issue with the shutter blade retaining ring has been resolved. They’ve also finalised the laser engraving and the controller casing, which features USB‑C and 3.5 mm ports. The main focus now is on the software side, including shutter control, aperture logic, and safe battery management.
It’s good to see progress, though I can’t shake the feeling that we’re still some distance away from the finish line…

 

[vieri]

The problem is digital precision level quality is not easy and there are QC production costs involved. The higher quality you aim for, the more expensive it gets. Consistent shutters with less than 1/100m devitation side-to-side: expensive.

Given their low price point I doubt they'll have a product fit for digital out the gate. Also they will have to test this for weeks or months in the lab to be able to say that this lasts for 100k+ actuations. To be honest it would only make sense to upgrade to this shutter after 1-2y of field reports. I think for digital this will be a risky investment, until proven otherwise and given this is a more simple operation it would require some serious QC equipment and processes to produce perfect shutters at scale which work for Digarons et al. Intrepid looks more like a small mod shop which happens to sell 3D printed and pre-laser cut camera parts assembled to cameras, so not really a Rodenstock level shutter production where each shutter passes high-end Zeiss bench.

Their target audience are 4x5 film shooters which have far less stringent shutter requirements: film is multiple layers deep and a lot more forgiving re lens planarity and on top the resolution is a lot lower than those of digital lenses. I think they measured 4x5 glass at 20lp/mm while digital lenses are measured at 80lp/mm for DMF.

Remember that eshutters 250 failed because of the carbon fiber aperture blades in Rodie eshutters distorting after a while, only eshutter 125 was reliable and I think shutters were rated for 100k only or so.

Nothing, unfortunately, comes close to P1's X-shutter which was developed for industrial purposes and clocks in at 1m actuations at up to 1/1000th.

Problem: Only works with IQ4 and retails is 4k-4.5+ EUR for a lens upgrade.

In the age of AI one should be able to code an independent X shutter controller though - that would be the ultimate lens unit for Rodies and SK lenses.

Hello Paul,

just two notes:

1. The Intrepid shutter is not, as far as I understand it, being designed for digital;

2. In my experience, the X-Shutter sold to the consumer market is not even close to the reliability you quote: during my Workshops I have seen at least 5 lenses (from multiple attendees) going back to P1 for X-Shutter problems, resulting in a replacement.

To me, for digital, if one doesn't need a mechanical shutter for their photography the best solution today is Rodenstock AU. Lighter, smaller, cheaper, reducing the number of possible points of failure in one's system.

If one needs a mechanical shutter for their photography (flash), or if one's digital back doesn't have electronic shutter, I'd still go for Copal (as long as I can find them) over X-Shutter, regardless of the lack of convenience.

Best regards,

Vieri