Essentials: Michel Jones AKA Mijonju

Some people know Michel Jones as the professional freelance photographer and retoucher from Tokyo, but most know him by his online handle Mijonju. Run a quick YouTube search for any camera or film dating before a digital sensor and you’re bound to run into one of his submissions. When he’s not working full-time at THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT SPACE in Nakameguro, Tokyo, Mijonju’s pumping out videos for all those camera-loving people out there. Recently he has slowed his pace with uploads which, as he claims, have resulted in upset wives and girlfriends, meaningless money spending, and increased prices of private sales for vintage collectables. As intimidating as his knowledge of the industry may be, the real Michel Jones is actually quite approachable and humble when he meets clients, newcomers, beginners and enthusiasts.

This installment of Essentials shows what this Canada-raised camera expert deems vital to his daily routine, and certain objects of precious value. Most photographers these days rely on one extra-large memory card for their oversized DSLR, while Michel simply resorts to numerous packs of film for his original Polaroid SX 70 Land Camera. The film, showcased and sold primarily at THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT SPACE store and gallery serve as physical samples to inspire the clientele who arrive. The Knuckle Buster ring by Vivienne Westwood serves as a reminder of his first salary at the age of 17 and has become his signature piece. Michel admits that the ring has been with him so long that it has permanently disfigured his pinky finger, but refuses to let it go due to its significance. Other key possessions include original artwork, rare import keychains, a Herschel Supply Co. backpack as luggage and, perhaps the most necessary tool for any true photographer, a distance scale permanently tattooed into his left arm. To learn more, visit his home page.