Blending Vintage and Modern: Alfredo Altamirano AMC’s Experience with TLS Mamiya 645 Lenses

Alfredo Altamirano AMC, a Franco-Mexican cinematographer, has built an illustrious career spanning diverse regions and cultures. From the vibrant landscapes of Mexico to the scenic vistas of Argentina, France, the Balkans, Peru, and the Dominican Republic, his work has captivated audiences worldwide.

In Mexico, Alfredo contributed his expertise to critically acclaimed films such as Esto no es Berlín (This Is Not Berlin), directed by Hari Sama. This film earned him a nomination for Best Cinematography at the Ariel Awards, accolades at the Málaga Film Festival, and screenings at both Sundance and Tribeca. His other notable credits include serving as Director of Photography for Amalgama by Carlos Cuarón and Estanislao by Alejandro Guzmán.

Alfredo’s creative versatility extends to streaming platforms, with projects like Toda la Sangre (Lionsgate/Prime), Volver a Caer (Vix), and El Caso Cassez-Vallarta, produced for Netflix, Prime, and Disney. His most recent feature film, Zafari, directed by Mariana Rondón, premiered at the prestigious San Sebastián Film Festival.

His impressive portfolio includes works showcased at renowned festivals such as Cannes (Critics’ Week), Berlinale, Sundance, Tribeca, Mar del Plata, Guadalajara, and Palm Springs, among others.

Beyond cinema, Alfredo has collaborated with global brands like Louis Vuitton, Etam, Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, AT&T, Visa, HSBC, Citibank, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Nestlé. He has also directed music videos for internationally celebrated artists like Ice Cube, Danna Paola, and Asaf Avidan.

In addition to his on-screen accomplishments, Alfredo has shared his expertise as a cinematography instructor at Mexico’s Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica. Currently, he serves as the Co-President of the Mexican Society of Cinematographers (AMC).

Exploring Experiences with TLS Mamiya 645 Lenses

Q: You have worked on several projects using TLS Mamiya 645 lenses. Could you share some details about your experience with them?
A: I have had the privilege of shooting three feature films with TLS Mamiya 645 lenses: Zafari by Mariana Rondón, which premiered at the San Sebastián Film Festival, and two upcoming films currently in post-production: Mudmouth by Abarca and Mike Mihail, and Papamobile by Sylvain Estibal. I have also used these lenses for two series, Toda la Sangre (Lionsgate/Prime) and Volver a Caer (Vix), as well as numerous commercials and music videos.

Q: What inspired you to choose TLS Mamiya 645 lenses for your first project?
A: As a long-time fan of medium format photography, I was already familiar with Mamiya cameras through my personal work. When I learned these lenses had been adapted for cinema, I didn’t hesitate to try them.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with TLS Mamiya 645 lenses?
A: These lenses beautifully capture the three-dimensional quality of medium format photography while adapting seamlessly to full-frame cinema cameras. Their treatment of faces and skin tones is extraordinary.

One of the standout features is the speed booster. It preserves the full frame of the lens while adding almost a full stop of light by condensing it onto the sensor. The edges of the frame, with their subtle aberrations, create a unique depth that I love—almost akin to an anamorphic effect. This combination of separation between foreground and background gives a cinematic quality that’s hard to replicate.

"The TLS Mamiya 645 lenses strike a perfect balance between vintage aesthetics and modern resolution, offering exceptional versatility. They are equally suited to naturalistic and technically complex productions. I find it hard to match their elegance, softness, and ability to reveal the world through such a nuanced lens."

- Alfredo Altamirano AMC

Upcoming Projects with TLS Lenses

Alfredo Altamirano AMC’s latest film, Zafari, has embarked on its journey through international festivals. Set in a fictional country grappling with food scarcity, limited electricity, and fractured human connections, the film presents a naturalistic yet visually dynamic world. Shot across the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Mexico, it integrates intricate green screen, 3D, and VFX work.

Initially, the post-production team expressed concerns about using vintage lenses for such a technically demanding project. However, they were quickly impressed by the TLS Mamiya 645 lenses’ ability to deliver a vintage aesthetic paired with exceptional resolution, exceeding expectations.

Zafari exemplifies Alfredo’s ability to merge artistic vision with technical expertise, reaffirming his reputation as a master storyteller behind the lens.

Discover More

You can find out more about Alfredo Altamirano AMC on his website (www.alfredoaltamirano.com) or instagram page: @alfredoaltamirano

Learn how TLS can help you preserve and enhance your cinema lenses. Contact us on +44 (0) 1455 848 411 or Sales@truelens.co.uk