Lomography Partners: Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık of Istanbul, Turkey

Come one, come all. Lomography has partners all over the world to help serve your analogue needs. If you're from Turkey then it's your lucky day! We're featuring our Istanbul-based stockist Ömer Tunç of Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık in today's installment of Lomography Partners.

Can you introduce yourself to the Lomography community?

Hello hello! My name is Ömer Tunç. I am the co-owner of Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık. My father established this company in 1987. Before that, my grandfather was also representing many photography companies in Turkey as a distributor back in the 70s and 80s. Our goal is to be a place where people can find everything about analogue photography. We are always trying to show people how beautiful and mind-blowing it is to take photos with analogue camera.

What does analogue mean to you?

I played with cameras instead of toys. I feel like analogue photography is what defines me. It keeps my inner child alive. I always loved delaying the pleasure of seeing what I shot with a film camera. It is not only the result but it's the journey itself that makes me happy.

What does Lomography mean to you?

The journey itself. When you buy a Lomography camera, you'll feel what I mean. The journey starts when you start to open the package. It is like Pandora's box. There are so many cool materials that inspire you to take photos. When I first got mine, I took my camera and rushed to the street to take a photo immediately!

Why do you choose to work with Lomography?

I personally believe and try to #keepfilmalive like Lomography. We share the same goal and purpose. Moreover, there is no other company in photography that gives such freedom to the customers or clients. Love you guys!

What is your favorite Lomography product and why?

Lomography Color Negative 800! Perfect color spectrum, perfect ISO, and it even has the perfect smell when you are loading the film.

Are you doing any creative projects right now in the shop or personally? Please tell us more about them.

We have again started workshops and Lomowalks. It is fun to be with a group again—with the people who share the same hobby as us. It is so cool and relaxing to explore the city with people while taking photos and chatting.

What does the future of analogue photography look like to you? How will this impact your store in the next ten years?

Only time will tell what will happen, however, I believe that the industry and the people will adapt. People will always shoot analogue. There might be ups and downs but in the end, film will remain alive! I have never made a decision thinking about money, I always tried to do what I can do best and taught my team to do the same. In the end, that idea always made a profit. In the future, we will do the same. I want to keep our store open, as long as my health is fine. I love being part of the industry.

What difficulties did your shop/lab have to face during the lockdowns and what kept you going through these hard times?

The funny thing is we grew big during the lockdowns since we already had a good online hub and a fast delivery system. Our customers ordered and received their items very quickly. I believe they bought films and cameras because they wanted to have material which will remind them that these days will someday be the past and they will enjoy the city again!

Quick Questions

What's the most annoying thing about running an analogue lab?

Cleaning the racks.

What's the weirdest thing you have received when developing films?

Our customers' privacy is very important for us, but I can say we have seen lots of weird things.

What would you do if you didn’t run a photo lab?

I am actually a computer scientist, so maybe I could have done that.

Vital Information

Official Name: Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık
Began Accepting Film for Developing: 1987
Address: Hobyar Mah. Arpacilar Cad. No:5 Eminonu/Istanbul 34112
Services offered: 35 mm, 120, C41, B&W, Hand developed
Film lab staff: 7

Want to see your favorite store featured in our magazine? Please send us an email at wholesaleinquiries@lomography.com and we will check them out!

written by cheeo on 2021-10-23 #people #places #partners #film-lab #stockists #lomography-partners