What Camera Gear do they use?

  Jonas Bendiksen: The Storyteller of the Ordinary Jonas Bendiksen (born September 28, 1977, in Tønsberg, Norway) is a documentary photographer known for his intimate, cinematic portrayal of human life in overlooked corners of the world. A member of Magnum Photos since 2008, Bendiksen’s work often blends journalism and narrative, exploring the edges of society with empathy and curiosity. Camera Gear During his early career with Magnum Photos , Bendiksen primarily used medium-format film cameras , notably the Mamiya 7 and Hasselblad systems, to achieve high image quality and tonal depth. Mamiya 7 He later transitioned to digital cameras , most notably Canon EOS DSLRs , including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 5D Mark III , for projects requiring mobility and versatility. Canon Eos 5D Mark III For The Book of Veles (2021), he used Sony mirrorless cameras , likely the Sony A7R series , combining high resolution with discreet operation — essential to the project’s mix of rea...

  Chris Steele-Perkins: Humanity in Everyday Britain Chris Steele-Perkins (b. 1947, Burma/UK) is a British photographer and long-time member of Magnum Photos, known for his powerful documentation of British life, identity, and social change. From his seminal work The Teds — chronicling British youth culture in the 1970s — to his later projects across Africa and Japan, Steele-Perkins’s images combine compassion, structure, and a sharp sense of storytelling. Camera Gear Chris Steele-Perkins has used a range of cameras throughout his career — from classic 35mm film systems to digital full-frame setups — always prioritizing realism, immediacy, and intimacy. Film Era Leica M4  –  He stated he liked his Leica camera because it was "tough, simple and small" and mentioned using a Leica M4 for his work from The Teds project to his work in Afghanistan and Japan. Leica M4 Canon F-1 was another camera he was known for using Canon F-1 Kodak Tri-X 400 Film – A constant c...

  Annie Leibovitz: The Art of Portraiture and Precision Annie Leibovitz (b. 1949, USA) is one of the most influential portrait photographers of the modern era. Her work has defined visual culture across five decades — from Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair covers to intimate portraits of artists, politicians, and cultural icons. Leibovitz’s photographs are theatrical, meticulously staged, and instantly recognizable for their cinematic lighting and storytelling power. Camera Gear Throughout her long career, Annie Leibovitz has adapted her tools to match the evolving demands of her work — from film-based reportage to high-end studio portraiture. Film Era Nikon F and Nikon FM2 – Her early cameras during the Rolling Stone years, when she photographed musicians like Mick Jagger and John Lennon. Nikon FM2 Kodak Tri-X and Ektachrome – Classic film stocks used for their reliability and tonal depth. Medium Format Cameras (Mamiya RZ67 Pro) – Became her tool of choice for editorial...

  Wolfgang Tillmans: Redefining Contemporary Photography Wolfgang Tillmans is a German photographer celebrated for his experimental approach and groundbreaking work in contemporary art. Blurring the lines between fine art, documentary, and abstraction, Tillmans explores themes of identity, politics, intimacy, and perception. His photographs range from highly personal portraits to abstract color experiments, installations, and everyday scenes elevated to art. Winner of the Turner Prize, Tillmans is considered one of the most influential photographers of his generation. Camera Gear Wolfgang Tillmans has used a variety of gear throughout his career, reflecting his openness to experimentation rather than loyalty to a single system: Canon EOS 5D (and later 5D Mark II/III) – Widely documented as one of his go-to digital cameras, valued for flexibility and image quality. Canon Eos 5D Mark III Contax G2 – 35mm rangefinder film camera, used for portraits and intimate work in the 1...

  Chrystofer Davis is a documentary and fine art photographer based in Newark, New Jersey. His work is rooted in community, identity, and everyday life , and he's known for creating deeply human, often poetic images of urban America — especially within the vibrant and evolving neighborhoods of Newark. Davis is not just a photographer; he’s an educator, mentor, and advocate for making photography accessible to youth and underrepresented communities. His images reflect the life, energy, and resilience of people and places often overlooked, and his camera is as much a storytelling tool as it is a creative one. Camera Gear Chrystofer Davis uses both film and digital cameras , and his practice reflects a deep respect for analog photography — something he incorporates into both his art and teaching. Film Cameras Davis is especially passionate about 35mm and medium format film , using cameras such as: Nikon F3 – a classic 35mm SLR known for its reliability and clean design. Nikon F...

  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 ...