Complexes of Ca2+ and Ni2+ with deprotonated HisHis adopt different binding motifs. Infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy & theory deliver clear evidence. An iminolate binding motif is identified for the [Ni(HisHis-H)]+ complex. The [Ni(HisHis-H)]+ complex is a model for transition metal complexes of poly-histidyl-domains. A charge solvation binding motif is identified for the [Ca(HisHis-H)]+ complex.