Tommi Viitala

Viitala began his photography journey in the 1990s using film cameras, laying a foundation that now enriches his street photography with analog-inspired awareness.

Core Digital Setup – Fujifilm X-Series

Fujifilm X100F
Viitala’s primary digital tool—a compact, fixed-lens camera (23 mm equivalent)—used since approximately 2018. He's praised its discretion, versatility, and image quality, ideal for capturing strong light-and-shadow moments in urban environments.

Fujifilm X100F
see it on Amazon

Support Kit: Minimal & Purposeful

Although he’s shoot casually, anecdotal evidence indicates he occasionally uses a Canon G9X for alternative framing or experimentation.

Canon G9X
see it on Amazon

Why This Setup Works for Him

Discreet: Small, unassuming gear blends into the scene—key for genuine street capture.
Fixed lens discipline: Encourages intentional composition rather than zoom reliance.
Mobility & spontaneity: Light setup lets him chase contrasts and geometry without being weighed down.

Saul Leiter

Saul Leiter: The Poet of Color and Reflection Saul Leiter (1923–2013) was one of the quiet geniuses of 20th-century photography, a painter-turned-photographer whose work transformed the way we see color in the urban landscape. Long before color photography was widely accepted as art, Leiter embraced its painterly qualities, using reflections, rain, fog, and fragments of the city to create lyrical images of New York. His photographs blur the line between documentation and abstraction, infusing everyday street scenes with mystery and poetry. Here's an overview of the cameras and lenses he employed: Film Cameras Leica M4 : During the 1970s and beyond, Leiter frequently used the Leica M4 for his commercial and fashion photography assignments. Leica M4 Leica CL : For street photography, he often opted for the compact Leica CL, appreciating its portability and discreet profile. Leica CL Canon A-1 and AE-1 : Leiter incorporated these Canon models into his street photography repe...

Matt Black

Matt Black, a renowned Magnum photographer, is celebrated for his stark black-and-white imagery that delves into themes of poverty, migration, and environmental issues, particularly in California's Central Valley. His approach to photography is characterized by a minimalist setup, allowing him to focus on storytelling without the distraction of extensive gear. Camera Equipment Olympus Digital Camera : During his extensive travels for the American Geography project, Black utilized an Olympus digital camera (Olympus OM-D-E-M5 II). This choice provided him with a lightweight and reliable tool suitable for long journeys and varied shooting conditions. Olympus OM-D-E-M5 II Find it on Amazon Sony RX100 II : for some of his work including his "Geography of Poverty" series and for images posted on Instagram, Black used a Sony RX100 II. Sony RX100 II Find it on Amazon Hasselblad XPan (Panoramic Film Camera) : Complementing his digital work, Black employed a Hasselblad ...

Alex Webb

Alex Webb, renowned for his vibrant and intricately layered street photography, has consistently favored compact, unobtrusive gear that allows him to blend seamlessly into his environment and capture spontaneous moments. Primary Camera Gear Leica M Rangefinder Cameras : Webb has predominantly used Leica M-series rangefinder cameras throughout his career. Notably, he employed the Leica M6 during his film photography days and transitioned to the digital Leica M (Typ 240) following the discontinuation of Kodachrome film. Leica M6 see it on Amazon Leica M240 35mm Lens : His lens of choice is typically a 35mm, which he considers the ideal balance between wide-angle and standard perspectives. This focal length complements his style of capturing complex, multi-layered scenes. Kodachrome Film : For over three decades, Webb exclusively used Kodachrome color slide film, celebrated for its rich color rendition and fine grain. The film's discontinuation in 2009 prompted his shift to di...

What Camera Gear do they use?

Search This Blog