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Josef Koudelka

Josef Koudelka, the esteemed Czech-French photographer, has utilized a diverse array of cameras throughout his illustrious career, aligning his equipment choices with the evolving nature of his photographic projects. 

Here's an overview of the key cameras he has employed:

Early Career: Wide-Angle SLR

  • Exakta Varex with 25mm f/4 Flektogon Lens: During his seminal "Gypsies" project in the 1960s, Koudelka used this setup to capture intimate, wide-angle black-and-white images of Romani communities. The combination allowed for immersive compositions that became a hallmark of his early style.

Josef Koudelka and his Exakta

Transition to Rangefinders: Leica M Series

  • Leica M4: Koudelka employed the Leica M4 during the 1968 Soviet invasion of Prague. Its compact and discreet design enabled him to document the events amidst the turmoil.

Leica M4

  • Leica M with 35mm and 50mm Lenses: Seeking to evolve his photographic vision and avoid repetition, he transitioned to using 35mm and 50mm lenses on Leica M rangefinders. This shift allowed for a different perspective and compositional approach.

Medium Format and Panoramic Photography

  • Rolleiflex: In his early theater and portrait work, Koudelka utilized the medium-format Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex camera, known for its high-quality imagery and detail.

Rolleiflex

  • Fuji GX617 Panoramic Camera: For his expansive landscape projects, such as the "Ruins" series, he employed the Fuji GX617, capturing wide-format images that conveyed the grandeur of the scenes.

Fuji GX617


Digital Transition: Custom Leica S2

  • Custom Leica S2 Panoramic: Facing challenges with film availability and processing for panoramic photography, Koudelka collaborated with Leica to create a bespoke digital panoramic version of the Leica S2 medium format camera. This innovation allowed him to continue his panoramic work with greater ease and reduced equipment weight.


Leica S2
see it on Amazon

Koudelka's deliberate selection of cameras reflects his commitment to adapting his tools to suit the thematic and technical demands of his projects, ensuring that his equipment enhances rather than dictates his artistic vision.

Books by Josef Koudelka




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