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 ...
"The camera is an instrument that teaches people to see without a camera" - Dorothea Lange