What Camera Gear do they use?

  Reuben Radding: The Relentless Observer of Urban Life Introduction Reuben Radding (born 1959) is one of the most uncompromising voices in contemporary street photography. Based in New York City, Radding has spent decades documenting urban life with intensity, persistence, and emotional honesty. His photographs confront the viewer with the raw realities of city streets — poverty, loneliness, aggression, tenderness, and fleeting moments of human connection. Unlike photographers who romanticize the street, Radding engages with it directly. His work is confrontational without being exploitative, empathetic without being sentimental. Influenced by the lineage of Walker Evans, Robert Frank, and Garry Winogrand, Radding’s photography reflects a deep belief that the street is a place of truth — uncomfortable, complex, and deeply human. Radding is also known as a dedicated educator, mentoring generations of photographers through workshops and long-term teaching, emphasizing discipline, co...

  Walker Evans: The Architect of American Documentary Photography Introduction Walker Evans (1903–1975) stands as one of the most influential documentary photographers in American history. His work defined the visual language of the Great Depression and shaped the principles of modern photographic storytelling. Working for the Farm Security Administration (FSA) in the 1930s, Evans produced some of the most iconic images of rural America ever made — portraits of tenant farmers, weathered buildings, and the stark realities of poverty. These photographs became visual cornerstones of American cultural memory. Beyond his Depression-era work, Evans explored signage, architecture, city streets, and everyday objects, creating photographs that were straightforward yet profound. His commitment to clarity, honesty, and form influenced generations of photographers, from Robert Frank to Stephen Shore and countless contemporary artists. Camera Gear Used by Walker Evans Evans was intent...

  Ihei Kimura: The Leica Poet Who Defined Modern Japanese Photography Introduction Ihei Kimura (木村伊兵衛, 1901–1974) was one of Japan’s most revered photographers — a visual storyteller who shaped the nation’s photographic identity before and after World War II. Known for his candid portraits and street photography, Kimura brought a distinctly humanist sensibility to his work, turning everyday life into elegant visual poetry. As a founding member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society and a mentor to generations of image-makers, Kimura was instrumental in popularizing 35mm photography in Japan at a time when large-format cameras dominated. His preferred tool — the Leica rangefinder — allowed him to work quickly, quietly, and with an intimacy that transformed how Japan saw itself. Camera Gear Kimura’s philosophy was simple: the smaller and quieter the camera, the closer one could get to the truth. He was among the first Japanese photographers to embrace Leica rangef...

  Letizia Battaglia: Bearing Witness Through the Lens Letizia Battaglia (1935–2022, Italy) was one of the most courageous and influential photojournalists of the 20th century. Based in Palermo, she dedicated her life to documenting the brutal reality of Mafia violence, poverty, and the resilience of Sicilian life. Her black-and-white images are raw, poetic, and profoundly human — revealing both the horror and dignity of her city. Camera Gear Letizia Battaglia’s equipment was practical and direct — tools for truth rather than glamour. Her gear evolved over time but always reflected her commitment to immediacy and authenticity. Film Era Leica M2 & M4 – Her primary cameras during the 1970s–1990s, chosen for their reliability and discretion on the streets of Palermo. Leica M2 Leica M4 Nikon F2 & FM2 – Used for assignments requiring faster operation and interchangeable lenses. Nikon FM2 Nikon F2 Pentax K1000 - one of the cameras she was known for using Pentax K1000 Ko...

  Fred Herzog, a pioneer of color street photography in mid-20th‑century Vancouver, worked with a surprisingly modest yet powerful analog camera setup rooted in portability, intuition, and technical precision. Cameras he used Kodak Retina I His very first camera , inherited from his uncle—a folding plate format he later traded for a more manageable model . Leica Rangefinders (M3, later M2/M4) In 1957 he bought a Leica M3 , and later used the M2 and M4 models for street photography . Valued for discreteness, sharp lenses, and quick focusing—ideal for street scenes. Leica M4 Nikon F SLR Added a Nikon F to his kit later, used for flexibility and different lens choices . Nikon F Yashica 635 TLR Photographed using a Yashica 635 twin-lens reflex later in life—an example captured by a fan at CBC Vancouver . Yashica 635 Canon WP-1 Also experimented with the rugged Canon WP‑1 waterproof 35 mm camera. Canon WP-1 Film & Lenses Kodachrome color slide ...

  Pierre Belhassen, a French street photographer based in Marseille, is renowned for his vibrant use of color and poetic compositions that capture the nuances of everyday life.   His photographic journey began in 2005, and over the years, he has developed a distinctive style that emphasizes emotion and spontaneity. Camera Gear Leica M7 : Belhassen started his photographic endeavors with this 35mm film camera, often paired with Kodak Portra 160 and 400 films. Leica M7 Leica M240 : Transitioning to digital, he adopted the M240, appreciating its discreet design and exceptional image quality. Leica M240 Leica M2 : An heirloom from his uncle, this classic film camera holds sentimental value and remains part of his collection. Leica M2 Lens : Consistently, Belhassen utilizes a Leica 35mm f/2.0 ASPH lens , which aligns with his preference for capturing candid street scenes. Photographic Approach Belhassen's work is deeply influenced by photographers like Alex Webb, Saul...