The year was 1987 when a young guy decided to open a store to sell everything related to the only photography available at the time: analog photography. His name is Rıfat Tunç. You probably have bumped into Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık while walking in Fatih, or if you are in Istanbul and love analog - a must see.
What started with a family business long before that year is now still within the family, but expanding in unimaginable ways. “My Grandfather Ömer Tunç started this business importing chemicals and photography equipment. I can proudly say we were one of the first companies that started to sell everything about analog photography” tells his grandson with the same name, Ömer Tunç, to The Dank Project.
However it was only his father, Rıfat Tunç, who created what still nowadays runs as one of the oldest analog photograph stores in Istanbul. “Although I am a computer scientist, I hated coding and wanted to do a business which includes free-market trade and interaction with people. That is why since 2014 I have been running our store”, confides Ömer.
Beyond developing films or assisting a purchase or knowledge growth into analog photography, Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık is the official Lomography and Fomapan distributors in Turkey. “Our goal is to have all the materials about analog photography to provide our customers. We are very happy to see that the demand is increasing for analog photography. The Younger generation is eager to shoot in analogue and experience the real photography experience!”, he says.
To the 3rd Tunç running the business, the inspiration never had a start - it was always there. He had the opportunity of growing up inside this historical store and learning very little how to manage photography, handle people and run a business altogether.
“When I was a kid, my toys were analog cameras. I spent most of my time in our store being amazed by being a store owner. I never wanted to work for someone else or any other company.”
Nevo Film & new horizons
Not only will you find a great brochure of options when it comes to film at Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık, but you will now also find their very own film: Nevo Film. ISO 400 and 24 exposures, the film is a product all designed by Ömer.
“Nevo Film is my masterpiece. It was my dream to manufacture in our facility however it is not easy. Currently we are collaborating with a factory in China. In the long term we will try to manufacture completely in Turkey. Our facility is being set up and two technicians are visiting Istanbul from France to give advice from time to time.”
Along with the film, they also developed a Nevo Camera, a simple device made in plastic, light and easy to carry - ideal for those who want to start to learn how to manage an analog camera.
Though running great accomplishments, Ömer doesn’t seem to be any close to stopping his creative mind for the moment. “I am a workaholic! Everything is inspiring me, it is like If I stop, I will start dying inside. If I need specific inspiration perspective points; I love to visit soviet buildings and german urban streets.”
You can visit Rıfat Tunç Fotoğrafçılık personally at Hobyar, Arpacılar Cd. No:5, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul. Check their profile on Instagram to keep up with analog gems or their Shopier online store for more. Check Nevo Film’s Instagram profile and get to know this local production as well. With Ömer's last words: “Keep analogue alive!”
Comments