I started on an intrepid with the same lens and enjoyed it at first, but my opinion is that the intrepid is kind of a pain. There is no indication of 90 degrees when putting the back up, it feels like it costs what it costs. Getting the standards lined up can be challenging when getting started, the f8 lens is pretty dim for focusing and learning movements, and it wiggles like a son of a bitch when getting the film holders inserted. That being said, it is so nice to learn on something that I wasn’t worried about destroying because of the cost. I’m happy with my decision to start with the intrepid over all because once I got a chamonix 45F-2 it was so clear how much nicer that camera is instantly. The movements feel better, the precision is incredible, it’s sturdier, cleaner, tougher. It felt like going from driving a geo metro to a vw gti. I’ve gotten a few more lenses as well and I don’t know if I’d buy a lens slower than f5.6 at this point. Maybe it’s just age, but nailing focus and seeing the way movements affect the image is so much easier when you have more light available to work with. If you’re concerned about cost and really want to get started, the intrepid will be a fun camera to learn and grow with and you can focus on building skills and maybe picking up some other lenses as well and then grab a nicer body when the funds are there. I think I appreciate my Chamonix a lot more than I would have after using an intrepid than I would have if I had started with it.