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Steve McCurry

 

Steve McCurry, renowned for his evocative portraits like the iconic "Afghan Girl," has utilized a variety of camera gear throughout his illustrious career, adapting to technological advancements while maintaining his distinctive photographic style.

Current Camera Gear

  • Leica SL2 and SL3 Mirrorless Cameras: In recent years, McCurry has embraced Leica's SL-series mirrorless cameras. He frequently pairs these bodies with the versatile Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90mm f/2.8–4 lens, which he uses for the majority of his work. Additionally, he employs the 15–35mm f/3.5–4.5 and 90–280mm f/2.8–4 lenses for specific shooting scenarios.

Leica SL2
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Leica SL3
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  • Smartphone Photography: Demonstrating adaptability, McCurry has also explored smartphone photography. Notably, he used the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro to capture a series of portraits for the #MyUnsungHeroes project, showcasing the potential of mobile devices in professional photography. He also used the Xiaomi 13 Series (Xiaomi 13 Pro).

Steve McCurry using Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro

Xiaomi 13 Pro Leica Lens

Previous Camera Gear

  • Nikon DSLRs: Before transitioning to Leica, McCurry was a long-time Nikon user. His digital arsenal included models such as the Nikon D810, D4, D3, D700, and D2X. He often paired these bodies with the Nikon 24–70mm f/2.8 lens, which he relied upon for approximately 98% of his work.

Nikon D4

Nikon D2X

  • Film Cameras: During the film era, McCurry utilized various Nikon models, including the FM2, N90S, F5, F4, and F100. He also employed the Olympus OM-2N. His early work, including the famed "Afghan Girl" portrait, was captured on Kodachrome film using Nikon SLRs.

Nikon FM2

Throughout his career, McCurry has emphasized that while equipment is essential, it's the photographer's vision and adaptability that truly matter. His gear choices reflect a commitment to capturing authentic moments, whether through the depth of field offered by a Leica lens or the spontaneity enabled by a smartphone camera.

Books by Steve McCurry

Devotion : see it on Amazon


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