Timeless yet contemporary

It was early morning in Freiburg’s historic Altstadt, the cobblestone streets still slick from overnight rain, their surfaces reflecting the gentle glow of dawn. With my beloved Mamiya RZ67 Professional loaded exclusively with black and white film, I was ready to create something timeless yet distinctly contemporary.

The day’s project was ambitious: portraits featuring diverse female models, each styled in modern fashion inspired by traditional German clothing. Weeks of careful planning and collaboration with local fashion designers resulted in outfits elegantly featuring regional embroidery interpreted through a sophisticated Chanel-inspired lens.

The first model, Klara, posed gracefully near the iconic Freiburg Münster, her outfit—a minimalist reinterpretation of classic Black Forest attire—highlighted bold geometric lines and meticulously detailed embroidery. Handling the Mamiya RZ67 required a slow, deliberate approach due to its manual focus and waist-level finder, which encouraged precise framing and careful consideration of composition and light. Viewing the scene through this medium-format camera allowed me to meticulously capture striking contrasts, rich textures, and timeless elegance.

Later that day in Frankfurt, the gritty charm of Sachsenhausen’s historic apple wine taverns and half-timbered facades created an evocative setting. Another model, Anna, wore a sharply tailored jacket intricately adorned with Hessian-inspired embroidery, designed with Chanel’s signature chic simplicity. The Mamiya’s black and white film beautifully rendered the rich textures and subtle interplay between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style, rewarding patience and precision in each carefully planned exposure.

Throughout the day, each shot was thoughtfully composed, deepening the narrative between the models, their attire, and the historic surroundings. The Mamiya RZ67, with its robust yet delicate mechanics, demanded careful handling: advance film deliberately, focus precisely, and measure exposure thoughtfully to achieve optimal results.

By sunset, the rolls of black and white film were treasures waiting to be developed—each frame an eloquent bridge between heritage and modernity, capturing cities, cultures, and eras intertwined with quiet beauty.

Advice for photographers using the Mamiya RZ67 on similar projects:

• Master the camera’s manual operation to gain full creative control over your images.

• Always use a sturdy tripod to stabilize the heavy Mamiya for sharper images.

• Take your time with each shot; film photography, especially medium format, rewards careful composition and precise focusing.

• Pre-visualize scenes in black and white to effectively use contrasts, textures, and shadows.

• Collaborate and plan meticulously in advance, aligning your vision clearly with designers and models to enhance overall storytelling.