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Showing posts with the label Leica M

Danny Lyon

  Danny Lyon Danny Lyon, whose career spans the civil rights movement, outlaw biker subculture, and prison reportage, has favored a diverse range of gear across decades—suitable for documentary immersion and cinematic storytelling. Early Equipment Exa 35 mm SLR Bought in Munich during his Europe travels before joining the University of Chicago; his first photographic tool around 1959–1960 . Exa 35mm Leica M-series Used early alongside his Exa; small, quiet, ideal for the high-stakes environments of 1960s civil rights protests . Nikon Reflex (early Nikon F) Became his “real workhorse” during his Bikeriders years—loaded with Tri‑X and mounted with a 105 mm lens for dynamic street shots . Danny Lyon and his Nikon F Rolleiflex Carried during Bikeriders era, often paired with his Nikon and motorcycle kit. Large-Format & Field Cameras Calumet view camera Purchased in Manhattan post-1967 for architectural and demolition photography—cheap but effective for lower ...

Andrea Torrei

  Andrea Torrei, an acclaimed Italian street and documentary photographer, primarily relies on the Leica Q (Typ 116) for her work.  Here's a breakdown of her preferred gear based on interviews and her award-winning photos: Primary Camera Leica Q (Typ 116) A compact, full-frame rangefinder-style camera with a fixed 28 mm Summilux f/1.7 lens Lightweight, quiet, and excellent in low‑light—ideal for street and church interiors Appears consistently in her photo contest submissions (2022–2023) Leica Q (Typ 116) Other Cameras Olympus OM‑D E‑M5 Mark II Used in some 2023 travel (Catania) series. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Leica M, Leica SL, Leica S, Leica CL/TL and analog Mentioned on her profile at Leica Fotografie International, suggesting she’s experimented with various Leica systems. Why These Choices Matter Leica Q offers: Fixed 28 mm lens : sharp, wide enough for context-rich street shots Quiet operation & compact size : discreet & unob...

Joel Meyerowitz

  Joel Meyerowitz, a pioneering figure in street and color photography, has utilized a diverse range of camera gear throughout his career, adapting his equipment to suit his evolving artistic vision. Early Career: 35mm Street Photography Leica M Series : Meyerowitz began his photographic journey with Leica M rangefinders, often carrying two simultaneously—one loaded with black-and-white film, the other with color. He favored wide-angle lenses, particularly 35mm and 28mm, for their ability to capture the immediacy of street life. Joel Meyerowtiz and his Leica Pentax with 50mm Lens : Initially, he used a Pentax camera with a 50mm lens but soon found it limiting. He transitioned to a Zeiss Flektogon 35mm lens, which he described as transformative for his work. Transition to Large Format 8×10 Deardorff View Camera : In the 1970s, seeking greater detail and tonal range, Meyerowitz adopted a vintage 8×10 Deardorff camera equipped with 10" or 12" Commercial Ektar lenses. Th...

William Eggleston

  William Eggleston, a seminal figure in color photography, is renowned for his vivid portrayals of everyday life. His choice of camera gear has been integral to his distinctive aesthetic, characterized by rich colors and unconventional compositions. Primary Cameras Leica M Series : Eggleston extensively used Leica M rangefinder cameras, including models like the M3, M4, M5, and M6. These cameras, known for their precision and compactness, complemented his spontaneous shooting style. William Eggleston's Leica collection Leica M5 Leica M6 Canon Rangefinders : His first camera was a Canon 35mm rangefinder, acquired during his college years. This initial foray into photography laid the foundation for his future explorations.   Contax G2 : Eggleston also employed the Contax G2, a 35mm autofocus rangefinder, for its sharp optics and portability.   Contax G2 Medium Format Cameras : For larger negatives and enhanced detail, he utilized medium format cameras such ...