A 25-year-old photography enthusiast from Kottayam, Kerala, has turned a childhood gift of a single camera into an extraordinary collection of 311 vintage and professional cameras over the years. Sebin Francis's remarkable journey began when he was just 11 years old and received a Kodak Instamatic 50 camera as a gift from his paternal uncle, Fr. Dr. Varghese Thomas Puthenpurayil.
Initially, the young Sebin knew very little about photography and was more captivated by the excitement of using the camera's flash than actually taking pictures. However, what started as innocent childhood play gradually evolved into a profound passion for photography. His entire world, including his hobbies, studies, and work, began to revolve around cameras and the art of capturing images.
Even at 25, Sebin's enthusiasm for cameras remains as strong as ever. His fascination extends beyond just the artistic aspects of photography to include the intricate technology and mechanical workings of cameras themselves. He actively seeks out collectors who own rare pieces and frequently visits shops that specialize in selling vintage camera models, investing both significant time and money to steadily expand his impressive collection.
Sebin's most recent acquisition is a classic Rolleiflex 4x4 Baby Grey camera, adding to his diverse array of photographic equipment. After completing his Plus Two education, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts at St. Joseph's College of Communication in Changanassery. He is currently enrolled in his third semester of the Diploma in Elementary Education program at St. Thomas TTI in Thiruvalla.
Alongside his academic pursuits, Sebin has channeled his passion into creative filmmaking, directing several short films. One of his notable works, titled "Dinavrithantham," has received awards and recognition. Additionally, he has directed approximately 10 music videos, showcasing his versatility in visual storytelling. His ultimate aspiration is to transition into directing feature-length films.
Sebin harbors another equally ambitious dream: expanding his current collection from 311 cameras to an impressive 611 pieces. He views his collection not merely as objects but as vessels of human emotion and history. "The cameras I now own are ones that have captured the emotions of countless people I have never met," Sebin reflects thoughtfully. "They are cameras once cherished by photographers long before I was even born. In their reels lie countless stories of joy, sorrow, and dreams."
This unique perspective transforms his collection from a simple hobby into a meaningful preservation of photographic heritage, where each camera represents the untold stories and captured memories of previous generations of photographers.
