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Suresh Naganathan

 

Suresh Naganathan, a renowned street photographer based in Mumbai, keeps his gear refreshingly minimal to stay focused on capturing candid moments:

Primary Camera & Lens

  • Fujifilm X100 series (initially the X100S, later replacing it with the X100F when the first broke down)

    • He’s used this fixed-lens compact camera decked with a 23 mm f/2 equivalent (~35 mm full-frame perspective).

    • “Having a fixed lens and a single camera makes the technical part automatic. I only need to focus on the composition and the moment.”

fujifilm X100S


Fujifilm X100F

Why He Chooses This Setup

  • Simplicity & stealth: A single camera/lens reduces distractions and lets him operate quickly on the streets.

  • Compositional focus: Fixed focal length improves visual consistency and hones his instinct for framing.

  • Portability: Small and discreet, ideal for candid street conditions.

Other Tools & Technique

  • Minimal additional gear—typically just the camera and maybe a light bag; he promotes spontaneity over equipment.

  • Flash experiments: Occasionally incorporates flash or diptychs, notably during his home-based “Pandemonium” lockdown project.

TL;DR

Suresh Naganathan favors a simple, reliable set-up:

  • Fujifilm X100 series (X100S → X100F)

  • Fixed 23 mm f/2 lens (~35 mm FF), no kit changes during shooting

  • Optional flash/tech tweaks depending on creative intent

This enables him to stay focused on the moment—not fiddling with gear.

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