A Brief Personal History
I have a BA in advertising, an MBA from a prestigious
program and an almost insatiable desire to learn new and creative
things. Many years ago, I spent a lot of time coaching soccer, and
was a certified FIFA soccer referee. I kept at it until my knees decided
they were finally too old to continue, even if the rest of me was
still willing. After almost 40 years in the advertising and publishing
industry, I'm finally pursuing projects that let me enjoy what I do.
My business life was often hectic and I'm looking forward to doing
interesting things again. Either way, I always find balance by spending
my favorite times with my family and friends.
My sons are all great young men (obviously a glowing tribute to their
mother), and my lovely grandchildren are more precious than you can
imagine. I also have a beautiful wife who has put up with me now for
almost 40 years (a miracle of tolerance I can guarantee I do not
question)! |
 Yes, that's really me!
|
|
About This Site
My first new camera was a Mamiya 1000 DTL,
purchased in 1968 (I still have it and it still works). I've
been collecting Mamiya cameras for a long time and think they are
often overlooked as interesting photographic equipment. A few years
ago I was surprised at how little information was available about
the 35mm portion of Mamiya's history (there's a bit more
now, but not much). Not even Mamiya itself says anything about
their 35mm heritage, apparently preferring not to detract from their
current marketing efforts for mid-size professional film and digital
brands.
However, I've gathered a lot of Mamiya 35mm data myself over the
years and, almost ten years ago, decided to make my information
available to everyone. This web site has been a long creative learning
experience for me, and I certainly hope it has become an information
forum to each Gentle Reader for what I think are some truly neat
old cameras!
I say that knowing full well Mamiya made some "clunkers" along the
way. Mamiya introduced many new features to 35mm photography. They
were in the forefront of SLR design (see
Mamiya Prismat prototypes); had the
first production 35mm camera with a removable back (Mamiya Magazine
35, c.1957); the first dual metering system (Mamiya 500 DTL,
c.1968); unquestionably the most technologically advanced 35mm SLR
of its day (Mamiya Auto XTL, c.1971) and they still
produce medium-format film & digital cameras and lenses of superb
clarity. The new Mamiya Digital Imaging Company also produces an
extraordinary medium-format digital camera.
Few people realize Nikon's Nikkorex F camera, featuring the
first Copal S vertical-travel metal focal-plane shutter, was actually
produced for Nikon by Mamiya! Other well-known and well-respected
cameras, like the Rollei 35, used lenses (Rolleinar) that
were actually made for them by Mamiya!
Other Things About Me
I've been fortunate to have done a lot of traveling
over the years. I've been from Maine to California, Seattle to Miami,
and even the Bahamas (although I have to admit I've never seen the
Grand Canyon).
My wife and I spent weeks in Germany, Austria and Hungary, and made
brief stops in Shannon, Ireland and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
We've been to Venice, Naples, Rome and Florence in Italy; Athens
and Santorini in Greece; Eze, Paris and Nice in France; Barcelona
in Spain; and Dubrovnik, Gruda and Cavtat in Croatia! We've also
been lucky enough to have spent several weeks in both Japan and
The People's Republic of China.
And, as wonderful as that all sounds (and yes, I do realize
exactly how fortunate and blessed we have been) there's still no
place like home!
Something You Think Should Be Added?
Join my Collecting
Mamiya 35mm Forum and tell us about it!
|
