My love story with the Mamiya C Series started in the early 90s when I casually bumped into one while visiting my friend Hansel. The strange apparatus belonged to his father, Mr. Onorato, and it really caught my attention. I politely asked his father to let me play with it, and he kindly agreed. I’d never seen anything like it. The viewfinder was so large and bright, the image moved left when you panned right, and it used two lenses instead of one. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Years later, Mr. Onorato helped me purchase my first C220. I loved the interesting and unique way this camera captured light. I took this thing everywhere and shot countless photographs, until 10 years later someone broke into my car and parted with it. It wasn’t until 2008 that I was able to acquire my second C220.
As I rediscovered this magnificent machine and captured memories in it’s unique and timeless way, I also had acquired quite an array of gear. Unfortunately this was the cause of yet another break in, this time in my own apartment. The robbers took most of my photography equipment and with it my trusty Mamiya. I angrily accepted that maybe “our relationship” wasn’t meant to be.
Luckily in (2014) I was able to get my hands on my third C220. I guard it now with my life and only use it for when the time calls. To this day, it still feels like the first time when I first gazed through that dusty viewfinder at Mr. Onorato’s house.
Iván A Mendez (FoToGrAfIkA)
@visionfotografika
@fotografika
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Jorri_photo on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Scott Gitlin on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Steve on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Stephen McVullough on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Thank you very much for sharing the story of this relationship. Your images show that your relationship is deep and strong. Keep going...
Mikey Kay on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 12/05/2020
Very nice images you have there! All the best & I hope you never have another one stolen, because that is just utterly tragic.
Nigel Haycock on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 13/05/2020
Matthias Rabiller on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 13/05/2020
carlosmary on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 24/11/2022
carlosmary on 5 Frames With Mamiya C220: A Love and Loss Story – By Ivan Mendez
Comment posted: 24/11/2022