What Camera Gear do they use?

  Don McCullin's gear evolved dramatically over his decades-long career—from early film bodies to modern digital systems—shaped by his philosophy of proximity, discipline, and truth. Early Film Years (late 1950s–1960s) Rolleicord twin-lens reflex (120 film) McCullin’s first camera, bought during his National Service in Nairobi . Rolleicord Nikon F 35mm SLR Became his signature camera during war coverage. Famously, one even stopped a sniper’s bullet in Cambodia . Nikon F He used two Nikon Fs with 28 mm and 35 mm lenses and a lightweight kit of 30 rolls of Tri-X plus backup light meters—prioritizing speed and connection over gear bulk. Transition: Olympus SLRs & Medium Format Olympus OM-1 & OM-2 Adopted in the 1970s for their compact form and reliability . Olympus OM2 see it on Amazon Rolleiflex medium format, Mamiya Universal Press Used later for portraits and landscapes, offering versatility and larger formats. Digital Era (since ~2012) Canon EOS 5D Ma...

Sam Abell, renowned for his poetic storytelling in National Geographic, embraces a minimalist yet potent approach to photography gear: Minimalist Philosophy Abell prefers “ less gear ,” typically carrying just one or two camera bodies with different prime lenses to stay fully “in the moment” Classic Minimalism: Leica & Olympus (Film Years) He carried two Leica rangefinder bodies (M-series primarily, with some use of R-series SLRs) . His go‑to “walk-around” lenses were a 28 mm wide-angle and a 90 mm for more focused shots. Occasionally used Olympus bodies (notably models with spot-metering, like the OM‑4T) with the same lens pair . Abell avoided flash and heavy gear, preferring available light and micro composition to create “short‑story” images Sam Abell with Leica R4 Transition to Digital: Canon Setup Currently, when he collaborates with Canon, his gear includes: A Canon EOS 5D Mark III body with battery pack and charger youtube.com usa.canon.com . ...

  Harry Gruyaert, the Belgian Magnum photographer renowned for his pioneering use of color, has employed a variety of camera gear throughout his career, adapting to technological advancements while maintaining his distinctive visual style. Film Era: Leica M & Kodachrome Leica M Rangefinders : Gruyaert predominantly used Leica M series cameras, notably the Leica M6, paired with a 50mm lens. This combination allowed for discreet shooting and precise framing, essential for his candid street photography. Leica M6 Kodachrome Film : His signature aesthetic was largely achieved using Kodachrome slide film, celebrated for its rich, saturated colors and fine grain. This film stock played a pivotal role in capturing the vibrant scenes in his works, such as those in Morocco. Transition to Digital: Canon DSLRs & Leica M9 Canon EOS DSLRs : Following the theft of his Leica gear in 2003, Gruyaert incorporated Canon EOS digital SLRs into his workflow. He uses the Canon EOS 5D Mar...

  Sebastião Salgado, the renowned Brazilian photographer who passed away in May 2025 at the age of 81, was celebrated for his powerful black-and-white images documenting human suffering, labor, migration, and the natural world.   Throughout his extensive career, Salgado utilized a variety of camera gear, adapting his equipment to suit the demands of each project. Early Career: 35mm Film Cameras Leica M Rangefinders : In his early work, Salgado employed Leica M series cameras, appreciating their compactness and reliability. He typically used a minimal setup with two cameras and three lenses: 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths.   Salgado with Leica M Leica R6 SLR : For projects requiring more versatility, such as his coverage of the 1991 Kuwaiti oil fires, Salgado used the fully mechanical Leica R6 SLR. Its durability and independence from batteries made it ideal for harsh environments. Leica R6 Transition to Medium Format Pentax 645 : Seeking larger negatives for ...