Why This Old School Photographer Still Uses a Classic Film Camera | New York Post

Louis Mendes is a true New York City character. He's spent his life taking pictures of people, using classic camera equipment as opposed to modern, digital cameras.
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[@robertcarmona1982]

I saw Louis standing in front of B&H 2 week's ago just standing against a wall outside in the front of the store with a mob of people surrounding him. And he was wearing this camera like a scarf with a big smile on his face. I like this short documentary. Thanks for the inspiration Louis.

[@madedigital]

Robert Carmona I saw him there 4 years ago and I got photos of him

[@dawsonboyle99]

I saw him outside B&H too one time had no idea he was this famous around NYC

[@sega62s]

Saw him 3 weeks ago, same place

[@jhoang861]

Me too! I see from time to time at B & H or during fashion week on the streets

[@ElioVisitaoficial]

Hahahaha I saw him too outside B&H I had no idea that he is famous!!!

[@urbanmuller139]

Its heartbreaking to see him order a pack of fc-100 film and knowing that Fuji had to discontinue that film just half a year later... He won't be able to shoot with those old pack film cameras anymore when the limited stock that is still around is depletet. Quote: "Not being able to shoot film is like going to bed and not waking up"

[@tigerbeatfilms2943]

Urban Müller don’t make me cry!

[@jillyjollyjelly]

thats sad :') if only it wasnt going to discontinue

[@rban123]

Hopefully third party will star making it to fill that niche

[@TheOn3LeftBehind]

Urban Müller I wish we could get Fuji to send a bunch of what they have left to him :(

[@GeneralTarik]

Impossible is close to making it’s replacement! It should be out soon! I just saw another photographer who bumped into Mr. Mendez this month and he was still out there with his Speed Graphic taking photos so he probably has some stored in the fridge like I do!

[@rahulpm2884]

As a "Photographer" myself it's absolutely heartwarming to see someone proving that it's not the camera but it's the photographer who creates great photos!!

[@12niets]

he charge $50 for a picture.. i met him at B&H. I told him about this clip. he's nice but.. i thought he'd charge less per picture

[@ddjr232]

@@12niets he charges twenty stop lying

[@belugaabs]

damn i wish they still produce the fp 100, those are crazy good

[@theonlygoggin]

syarifah sadiyah rumour is impossible project is working on making new ones

[@jackthehatphoto]

Damn! I was in New York last month and bumped into this guy! He was standing outside B&H Photo and he liked so cool with his old camera and long leather coat. I had my Leica in my hand and I desperately wanted to take his photo so bad but I didn't have the courage to ask him. My wife kept telling me to go back and talk to him but I chickened out. I had no idea who he was until I watched this video. Life is full of regrets and that was one of my biggest :-(

[@reellife8707]

It doesn't have to be if you remember this moment. Remember this moment and always listen to your intuition. Best to you.

[@karlkelly9005]

You put it on your bucket list

[@PumaM90]

This reminds me of a time I was in elementary 4th grade. It was the last day of school and I wasn't going to see the same classmates next year. Our teacher told the class to bring cameras to take photos of each other for final memories. I got really excited because I really wanted to take photos with my friends but most importantly I wanted a photo with my crush. I borrowed my mom's Polaroid instant print camera in hopes to take a photo with my crush. The next and final day of the school year came. I was so excited to start taking photos when I realized nobody else brought a camera. I thought "oh no I don't want to be the only one who brought a camera". I thought my classmates would judge and make fun of me. I was and still am a very shy person. I chickened out and left the camera in my backpack, I never took a single photo that day. I never saw that girl I had a crush on ever again. I definitely regret it because it's 2019 (I'm 29) and I still think about why I didn't have more courage to just do what I want without caring about what others think about me.

[@Usualeclectic]

You have a Leica but yet you’re afraid to take a pic of a human being lol

[@Srvch77]

@@PumaM90 Inspiring. Thanks for sharing this 😄

[@thenagyyeno]

A real photographer just wowed. This is real art. Wold would be a better place with more people like him!

[@joshuaromero9946]

Yeah, this is raw on top of raw 👌💀

[@MrRom92DAW]

Funny this shows up in my feed - I ran into this dude in Manhattan about a month or two ago! I was walking past and quickly gave him a quick shoutout to compliment him on his nice graflex. He seemed delighted to see someone recognized the camera. Cool to see his story!

[@inktrapseries9512]

I knew this man for over 30 yrs ,he worked with a gentlemen by the name of Calvin taking photos on 42nd st and on stillwell ave in Coney island .Back when they would custom paint large backdrops with popular celebrity portrait to take photos in front of,beautiful times.💪💎💰

[@petervanorsouw2858]

We had our version of Louis here in Carlton Victoria Australia, he would stand outside places like Papa Gino's and interact with people. He had an old Polaroid camera and mounted the picture into a folder for you. These people are what photographery is all about. 📸👍

[@johncantrell614]

Nice work man. The thing I like about making photographs for people is that when you first give it to them, they like it, but often as the years pass by, they grow to love them, because it is like going back in a time machine for them to a former place and time. Sometimes with people or in places that are not here anymore........

[@Ferrari360Spyder]

I saw him on my trip to NYC in may, first thing I saw was his camera so amazing to see such great piece if art itself. I asked if I could take his photo I had the honor and took a portrait of him... by far one my most fav. Portraits I have ever taken he was so nice and chill.

[@BPantherPink]

YOU SIR, ARE A WORK OF ART and an inspiration for others. Bless your soul🙏🙏🙏

[@NetTubeUser]

What a unique and really precious man who loves life, people and taking photos because photos are magic!

[@thenagyyeno]

Amazing story! Real artist! With more people like him, this world could be a better place!

[@THEtvExPerT]

The passion in this man's eyes for what he does... wow

[@Billie64]

Love Louis and his work, thrilled to see this on my feed.

[@jordysanchez2815]

Sounds like he really appreciates the value of instant photography. What with the introuduction and popularity of the instant print cameras (instax, polaroid) he must be relieved and content that what he loved most is now easier for the average person to pick up and enjoy as like him.

[@SiyabongaMkabela]

Lois Mendes found happiness and a way of giving back to humanity through his work.

[@Bocuma]

I saw him standing on a street corner in NYC 4 years ago :D

[@prabhakarrao4922]

Greetings from Auckland NZ. What a truly amazing gentleman. Wish him all the very best.

[@elams1894]

Fantastic video, I enjoyed this immensely. Louis is great. Doing what he loves, delivering heartfelt emotions to people. What could be more fulfilling?

[@mattduddy1459]

One of the best videos I've seen in a while. Thank you.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

This guy is a real photographer....good for you Louis. Best of luck.

[@RealSergiob466]

Film Photography is real photography. I'm 18 and still shooting film. I revisited film photography since I was 16 years old in 2017

[@lonewolf031]

I love photography, I hope legends like him never disappear.

[@DCYTB]

I appreciate KZbin for recommending this to me. Unfortunately short after this was published, Fujifilm discontinued our beloved FP-100c pack film. After-market prices continue to spike as inventories evaporate. At $60-150 a pack (10 shots) it’s just way too expensive. I’m hoping that Fuji reproduces it or some other indie company down the line so we can keep doing what we love.

[@pilsplease7561]

I dont know why with film surging massively and it will surge and probably beat out digital in the future, fuji is discontinuing stuff when they need to be making new stuff and increasing productivity they are going to lose a lot of money to ilford and kodak.

[@blokeabouttown2490]

People like him are living treasures.

[@aer0724]

very inspirational. love his story..

[@stedalejandro]

Went to New York twice in the past 4 months and both times I spotted him outside B&H just hanging out, seems like a really cool guy

[@yellowranger2214]

Still taking photos?

[@robertrosa3779]

Great mini-doc! I snapped a photo of him a few weeks ago in Brooklyn...I was unfamiliar with him and his work, but he caught my attention, so I had to freeze the moment in a photo. After watching this, man, I regret not having a conversation with him ☹️

[@ActuallyDKM]

What an amazing and passionate man!

[@Mrctubeee]

As a new era photographer this so so cool. I love it. 😊Wish I could meet him and share that passion for photography with him as well. He said exactly what i say. Every picture, every shot, has a story.

[@morganlily.]

This is such an amazing video and story . I really hope I see him one day in NYC

[@lovelylife979]

One word ... Beautiful ..... 💐

[@Renzsu]

Very cool! Last time I was in NY I took his portrait on the street. I’m sure he’s in lots of visitors holiday snaps :)

[@A-RA-N]

wonderful, already photography is passion, this man so humble and prodigious in the way of taking people on the street, I knew this with mom father who took people, in the streets of Paris in the 1950s

[@one4allall4one91]

He raises curiosity with his vintage gear. Like being out of place.

[@SoapinTrucker]

I'm into digital photography these days, hook/line/ and sinker, but back in the 80's, i was extremely lucky, and worked in a photo lab. Let me promise you, there's no comparison of fulfillment between film, and digital! When you go out and shoot film with a film camera, KNOWING enough to even shoot without a light meter, bring the film back, process the C-41 yourself, and then print your own prints, eyeball colour correction all the way, you FEEL a spiritual quickening NOTHING digital can match!

[@fredskates314]

that was amazing. the image is mad clear too

[@dunydesignsCamarasyMas]

So nice photos.

[@reinekefuchs267]

THIS is real photography! this man enjoys the physical, tangible aspects of creating a photograph.

[@vgvlogs]

Great work sir. You are amazing

[@radharcanna]

This is beautiful.

[@macallanvintage]

A genuine craftsman👍

[@DBeMeNLV]

Great work!

[@Ferrari360Spyder]

That's amazing, I didnt have any cash on me to get my portrait taken by him. But I asked if I could get a portrait of him I was shooting b&w 35mm film that day little did i know who he was. What a wonderful man with a passion for this craft of Photography.

[@CrazyD5539]

GREAT man love this!!!!!

[@katasiapa]

Plot twist: He has a delorean car from back to the future.

[@bobhall2171]

It was a joy to watch

[@RedaMounir]

I love what he doing♥️

[@lolathescruff]

This video should have been way long than it is. Amazing

[@fromthefareast2707]

The picture from this man and camera would be my prized possession.

[@makingmoises1209]

Beautiful and inspiring. Analog has always had its warmth. You can really get the sense of feel, especially with tape demos on film and music

[@amersadek9027]

Amazing.

[@captainmerica2498]

This was amazing

[@photobech]

It is an inspiration to all of us who love photography and go from negative to digital.

[@tigerbeatfilms2943]

Wholesome af

[@proberend8983]

I wish i ever have the change to meet this man

[@jimdandy567]

Amazing 📷

[@jaydonbaha]

True og photographer, very inspiring!

[@keivan222]

What a legend

[@ivedigga]

Who Thumbs this down 🤦🏽‍♂️ we need more of this in America we have lost our way & our style

[@n5sdm]

Thank you sir.

[@ronkrijbolder437]

this guy is a true artist, and guess what in europe the young ones are starting to discover '"the old ways"!!

[@DemolitionRepublic]

Louis the man!

[@tukangkomen5545]

old but gold

[@CalvinHicks1]

Brilliant. Absolutely.

[@larrymorris8060]

Does anyone know what camera shop he is in around 1:07? lol I know it's in NYC, but where? And is it still open? It looks like it a cool place for classic film gear.

[@justintsin5286]

KM camera! It's on Broadway and White St.

[@larrymorris8060]

@@justintsin5286 Thank you.

[@agentbl]

I've seen this guy before. He hangs out by B&H on 34th and 9th. I don't disrespect the guy because he shoots on a different camera than mine. I like his camera. It's very cool.

[@alejandrarosales7836]

Fuji needs to stop and think about how disappointing they're being discontinuing their pack film and stop trying to cater to just new photographers that only work digitally and remember the old ones that have been buying their film from them for longer than I've been alive!

[@seand67]

THIS IS AWESOME

[@isgakbrfc7090]

This is awesome...

[@marcellocolona4980]

This man is a local legend, spotted him in Midtown years ago around Rockefeller Center. Haven’t visited NYC in many years, so I don’t know if he’s around anymore. Hope so.

[@RoninNYC]

Met him outside of B&H True Gentleman

[@donaldhay2812]

ni9

[@westernpigeon]

i always see this guy around the city or usually infront of B&H lol

[@westernpigeon]

infront of B&H Photo Video on 34th st near the A train

[@eddienom]

Shaquando Biggums Thanks!

[@jillyjollyjelly]

does he still take pictures?

[@BELGRANOization]

love it!

[@pierrelagarde7758]

Don't know if it's the right word, because I'm french, but this is so stylish. Peace !

[@tallaganda83]

What an absolute legend

[@Fajar-cl3ru]

Inspirational story.

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

Well that's wholesome

[@eduardoespinosa5299]

i saw him around manhattan myself. i thought he looked so cool!

[@rancosteel]

I have a Graflex Century. I love it.

[@RocketinExile]

Awesome

[@KombatFlix]

Bruh, my new fav photographer.

[@tenettttt]

Legend!

[@muzzlebreaker42]

I love retro Photography!

[@NickGranville]

What a cool guy.

[@PrecYsely]

He just took my photo 5 mins ago..great guy man

[@shutupavi]

Can somebody give this guy a medal

[@meetazeem100]

Awesome...

[@Juihi2]

So cool he's doing this! Far more valuable than the gross selfie-stick brigade

[@marcd7332]

Selfie stick? This isn’t 2015

[@Juihi2]

@@marcd7332 You'd be surprised how many people are still knocking around with them in force

[@PT111111]

Still plenty of them around, but I get why they do it. If you're a tourist and don't want to keep asking random people to take your photos, then it's the only way to do it without having to carry around a tripod and use remote shutter, so I can't really knock them for it.

[@thesundog8833]

*It might be fun to just go to New York and find this guy*

[@mohamedzadhil7690]

Old is gold

[@anthonihasiholan4253]

I loves ur gear sir 👌👍👍

[@HamdaniFaizan]

Respect 😇

[@takoboi]

that's really cool

[@nitinb9202]

Apart from his honestly statement, his skills that give such impressive results are certainly applaudable. The age of the camera doesn't mind though.

[@stevesakamoto4895]

Hey Louis! Its your friend Steve from Hawaii You didn't tell me you did a video! Love it, keep doing what you are doing!Will be in NYC to see you in May 2018.

[@emanuellh]

STEVE SAKAMOTO he is fantastic!!

[@TimothySaxby]

What an inspiration! As someone who recently started working as a freelance photographer this really speaks to me. I hope to bump into him one day.

[@Shift2Movies]

I love you man!

[@MysoreStudio]

Amazing man doing a equalling amazing exciting job Lucky Louis