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
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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.
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| Josef Koudelka and his Exakta |
Transition to Rangefinders: Leica M Series
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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.
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| Leica M4 |
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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
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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.
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| Rolleiflex |
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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.
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| 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.
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| Leica S2 see it on Amazon |
Books by Josef Koudelka
