In 1954, or thereabouts, I bought a Szabad 5x7 (mm equivalent) camera from the Hasselblad store in Stockholm, together with two Schneider lenses (the front and back elements of which could be separated and used independently). I also bought a dozen film holders, a roll-film back, and a big Linhof tripod. The Danish writer R. Broby Johansen was doing a book on medieval Scandinavian church art and wanted some large, detailed illustrations in color. I was quite impressed with the Szabad, its sturdy blackened wood (oak? ash?) construction with well-designed stainless steel fittings and I took many fine Kodachrome plates with it, working up to each with 35mm Leica 3f studies.
Later, in the U.S. I lent the Szabad to an old friend and a great photographer, William Current. I was occupied at a graduate school, had no time for much else, and Bill could make good use of my equipment (although his favorite camera was the Roloflex). Some of his outstanding photographs can be seen e.g. in his book about the great California architects the Green brothers in the early 1900's in Pasadena, and his book about the Anastazi cliff dwellings of Arizona.
I never got my beloved Szabad back. Bill sold it with the lenses etc. one time when he was hard up for money, but kept the Linhof. I was upset, of course, but Bill claimed I had given him the Szabad, not merely lent it to him. So be it. He was dear friend and so I let the matter be.
Now I am glad to know that out there, somewhere, someone is using the Szabad and enjoying the results.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by jnanian
since i reversed the ground glass, the film holders seat PERFECTLY!
Bookmarks