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Sebastiao Salgado

 

Sebastião Salgado, the renowned Brazilian photographer who passed away in May 2025 at the age of 81, was celebrated for his powerful black-and-white images documenting human suffering, labor, migration, and the natural world. 

Throughout his extensive career, Salgado utilized a variety of camera gear, adapting his equipment to suit the demands of each project.

Early Career: 35mm Film Cameras

  • Leica M Rangefinders: In his early work, Salgado employed Leica M series cameras, appreciating their compactness and reliability. He typically used a minimal setup with two cameras and three lenses: 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths. 

Salgado with Leica M

  • Leica R6 SLR: For projects requiring more versatility, such as his coverage of the 1991 Kuwaiti oil fires, Salgado used the fully mechanical Leica R6 SLR. Its durability and independence from batteries made it ideal for harsh environments.

Leica R6

Transition to Medium Format

  • Pentax 645: Seeking larger negatives for higher-quality prints, Salgado transitioned to the medium format Pentax 645 camera. This move was particularly significant during his "Genesis" project, where he aimed to produce large-scale images of pristine environments.

Pentax 645

  • Pentax 645D: Later, Salgado adopted the digital version, the Pentax 645D, combining the benefits of medium format with digital convenience. Despite the digital capture, he maintained a film-like workflow by producing contact sheets for image selection.

Pentax 645D

Digital Era: Canon DSLRs

  • Canon EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D X: To address challenges with film transportation and processing, especially post-9/11, Salgado transitioned to digital photography using Canon's professional DSLRs. He praised the EOS-1D X for its robustness and image quality, particularly during his extensive work in the Amazon.

Canon EOS-1D X

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark III: For projects requiring a lighter setup, Salgado also utilized the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, benefiting from its full-frame sensor and portability.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Film and Aesthetic Preferences

  • Kodak Tri-X and T-Max P3200: Salgado predominantly used these black-and-white films, favoring their tonal range and grain structure. Even after transitioning to digital, he processed his images to emulate the look of these classic films.

  • Traditional Printing Techniques: Maintaining his commitment to the tactile nature of photography, Salgado often converted digital files into negatives for traditional darkroom printing, preserving the depth and texture characteristic of his earlier work.

Salgado's deliberate choice of equipment—ranging from mechanical film cameras to advanced digital systems—reflected his dedication to capturing the human condition and the environment with authenticity and depth. His adaptability ensured that his tools served the narrative, allowing him to produce compelling imagery that resonates across generations.
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