The Liberator--Black Cat Edition

The Black Cat Edition of John Minnicks' "Liberator" cameras is finally finished.  Ordered on 9-11, it was the 13th camera of its type to be made.  It was completed on St. Patrick's Day.  Here is a photo John sent to me of the final product.  I can't tell you how much workmanship and care goes into making this camera.  I will have to ask John for a list of things that have to happen.  I remember the non-technical stuff like the bronze plaque that adorns the camera which is made by a company in Asheville.  It has my name and a picture of a black cat.  I can't wait to see it.  The wood on the front of the camera comes from a cherry tree harvested near John's studio.  The especially bright mirrors that have no equal are sent from Japan.  The fittings are all chromed by an artisan John knows.  Oh, the list goes on and on.  And best of all, I am one of the only people to purchase this camera who actually visited John at his home and workshop.  I got to see what he does, got to pick out the pieces of the camera.  I have been shooting with the original Liberator.  Now the "Black Cat".  I love this photo.  It shows John as the skilled maniac that he is.

The man who made the camera famous is Dave Burnett (website).  In 2004, he covered the Presidential campaign of Al Gore using this camera.  People thought him crazy until they saw the photographs.  I don't know how much he uses his now, but I know he still owns one.  Now I must see what I can do.  I feel the burden of responsibility.  I hope it doesn't crush me.

This weekend was more beautiful than possible.  It set some sort of record.  And now. . . it is done.  I must return to the brutality of the weekday world made more awful by contemporary culture.  I have to be at work early, and I have a shoot in the studio in the evening.  I will try to exercise at some hideously early hour in the morning.

But now, having eaten dinner with my mother and having poured the first whiskey, I am going to watch Dustin Hoffman in "Luck" and go to bed.  I'll see you in the morning.