Andronikos I Komnenos
Manuel Kamytzes is first mentioned in 1185, during the reign of Andronikos I Komnenos (), Kamytzes' first cousin, once removed. According to a brief notice by Archbishop Eustathius of Thessalonica, Kamytzes participated as a commander in the campaign against the Italo-Normans who were besieging Thessalonica, but no details are given.