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Ernst Haas

 

Ernst Haas, a pioneer of color photography and a key figure in photojournalism, used a range of camera gear throughout his career. 

His equipment evolved over time, but here are the main tools he was known to use:

Early Career (Black and White Work):

  • Leica Rangefinder Cameras:
    In the 1940s and 1950s, Haas primarily used Leica cameras, notably the Leica III series and later the Leica M3, with screw-mount or M-mount lenses.

    • These cameras were small, quiet, and ideal for his early black-and-white reportage.

    • Common lenses included the 50mm Summicron and 35mm wide-angles.

Leica M3

Color Photography Era (1950s onward):

  • Leica M3 and M4:
    He continued using Leica rangefinders as he transitioned to color photography.

    • His Leica M3 was especially important in his early color work for Life magazine and later personal projects.

Leica M4

  • SLRs – Nikon and Canon (Later Years):
    By the 1960s and 70s, Haas also used SLRs (especially for zoom and telephoto flexibility):

    • Nikon F series

    • Possibly Canon F-1 in his later work

    • These gave him access to longer lenses and macro options.


Film Stock:

  • Haas was renowned for his use of Kodachrome film, particularly Kodachrome 25 and 64.

    • This slide film gave his work its signature saturated colors, fine grain, and luminous quality.

    • Kodachrome was integral to his artistic vision.

Lenses:

Haas used a variety of lenses, but his style favored:

  • Wide-angle and normal primes (e.g., 35mm, 50mm) for street and dynamic compositions.

  • Telephoto lenses (e.g., 85mm, 135mm) for isolating subjects and compressing space.

Summary:

  • Main cameras: Leica M3, M4, possibly Nikon F series

  • Main film: Kodachrome 25 & 64

  • Lenses: 35mm, 50mm, and some telephotos

  • Approach: Minimal gear, intuitive shooting, deeply poetic use of color and light

Let me know if you'd like a suggested setup to emulate Haas's style with modern digital gear.

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