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Saul Leiter

 

Saul Leiter, renowned for his pioneering work in color street photography, utilized a diverse array of camera gear throughout his career, adapting his equipment choices to his evolving artistic vision. 

Here's an overview of the cameras and lenses he employed:

Film Cameras

  • Leica M4: During the 1970s and beyond, Leiter frequently used the Leica M4 for his commercial and fashion photography assignments.

Leica M4

  • Leica CL: For street photography, he often opted for the compact Leica CL, appreciating its portability and discreet profile.

Leica CL

Canon A-1 and AE-1: Leiter incorporated these Canon models into his street photography repertoire, valuing their versatility and the availability of quality FD lenses.
Canon A1
Canon AE-1

  • Minox 35 EL: Known for its ultra-compact design, the Minox 35 EL was another camera Leiter used, aligning with his preference for unobtrusive equipment.

Minix 35 EL

  • Rolleiflex 6x6: In his early career, particularly during the 1950s, Leiter utilized the medium-format Rolleiflex for both personal and professional work.

Rolleiflex

Lenses and Film

  • Telephoto Lenses: Leiter had a distinct affinity for telephoto lenses, often employing focal lengths of 90mm, 150mm, and even up to 300mm. These lenses enabled him to compress scenes, creating layered compositions with a painterly quality.

  • Kodachrome Slide Film: A hallmark of Leiter's color work was his use of Kodachrome film. He frequently shot with expired film stock, embracing the unpredictable color shifts and muted tones that became characteristic of his images.

Digital Cameras

  • Olympus E-1: In 2003, Leiter received an Olympus E-1 digital camera as part of a grant, marking his initial foray into digital photography. 

Olympus E1

  • Panasonic Lumix G1 and LX5: Later, he adopted the Panasonic Lumix G1 and the compact LX5, appreciating their lightweight design and image quality.

Panasonic Lumix G1

Panasonic Lumix LX5

  • Leica V-Lux 2: In his final years, Leiter was seen using the Leica V-Lux 2, a versatile bridge camera that complemented his spontaneous shooting style.

Leica V-Lux 2

Leiter's eclectic choice of equipment reflects his experimental approach to photography. He often selected cameras and lenses based on their ability to facilitate his exploration of color, abstraction, and the nuances of urban life. 

His willingness to embrace both traditional and modern technologies underscores his commitment to capturing the ephemeral beauty of everyday moments.

Books by Saul Leiter

The Centennial Retrospective : see it on Amazon



All about : see it on Amazon




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