Here’s what reliable sources report about Jake Ricker’s camera gear:
Primary Film Camera & Film
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Leica M7 with a 35 mm Summicron ASPH lens, typically shot on Kodak UltraMax 400 color film. He specifically aims to use: “One location, one camera, one film” — though recent film supply issues have reduced his shooting volume.
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| Leica M7 |
He’s documented the Golden Gate Bridge almost daily since 2018, shooting thousands of rolls with this M7‑35 mm setup.
Alternate Film Cameras
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Occasionally uses Nikon N80 and Leica M4‑P, again with Kodak 35 mm film, to support other documentary work beyond the bridge project.
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| Nikon N80 see it on Amazon |
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| Leica M4-P |
Older Background Gear
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Early in his life, Ricker received a Pentax K1000, which sparked his love of film photography during high school classes—though that camera is no longer part of his current working kit.
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| Pentax K1000 |
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He also carried a Contax T3 strapped to his messenger bag in his bike messenger days, used along with the M7 where the Contax offered quick snapshots on the move.
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| Contax T3 |
Gear Philosophy & Practice
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Ricker’s process is fueled by consistency and simplicity: he sticks to a single dependable setup to maintain visual rhythm across thousands of frames.
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His work is grounded in both stamina and immersion, having walked over 9,000 bridge miles and shot hundreds of rolls as part of his long-term dedication to the project.
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Film became harder to source and more expensive, prompting him to reduce roll usage—but he continues on film intentionally.
Interested in Emulating Ricker’s Style?
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Seek out a Leica M7 (or M6 / M4‑P), ideally paired with a 35 mm Summicron or similar high-quality 35 mm lens.
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Use film stocks like Kodak UltraMax 400 or Kodak Tri‑X for documentary color or tonal depth.
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Embrace a project mindset: choose a single subject, camera, and film to tell a long-term story with consistency.