Bill Cunningham, the legendary New York Times street style photographer, was known for using very simple and modest camera gear, especially considering his fame and influence.
Here's what he typically used:
35mm Film Cameras (early years)
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In his early street photography days, Cunningham used 35mm film cameras, often Nikon SLRs, such as the Nikon FM2 or similar models.
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| Nikon FM2 |
Nikon DSLR (later years)
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As technology progressed, he transitioned to digital cameras, specifically Nikon DSLRs.
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He was most frequently seen with a Nikon D40 or D3000 series — consumer-level DSLRs, not high-end professional models.
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| Nikon D40 |
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| Nikon D3000 |
Lens
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He often used a single zoom lens, like an 18-55mm kit lens, which gave him enough versatility for street portraits and candid fashion shots.
Notable About His Approach:
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No flashy gear: He believed in unobtrusiveness, blending in and letting his subjects shine. That’s why he dressed simply, rode a bicycle, and used modest cameras.
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Function over form: His priority was capturing the moment, not having the best gear.
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Shooting from the street: He never asked for studio setups or posed shots — his gear and method reflected that spontaneous approach.