What Camera Gear do they use?

  Ako Salemi is an Iranian-born photojournalist and street photographer, now based in the U.S. His poetic images of daily life in Tehran have won international attention, showing city streets under cinematic light and human stories unfolding amid architectural geometry. A Visual Voice Formed by Light and Silence Born in Bukan, Kurdistan, in 1981, Salemi initially studied drama before discovering that photography—especially street photography—matched his introspective nature better. He worked for years as a photojournalist in Iran before turning to a more expressive, poetic style rooted in his love of classic cinema and visual tension . Since about 2014, he has become known on Instagram as @f64s125 , posting visual stories of Tehran shaped by striking light and shadow, formal alignment, and everyday poetry. Gear: The Mobile Camera That Lets Him Blend In Ako Salemi shoots almost exclusively with a smartphone , embracing its speed and stealth for street photography: He began by...

  Here’s a detailed overview of Brendan Ó Sé’s camera gear and shooting style, based on credible sources: Primary Gear iPhone (started with iPhone 4 in 2012, currently using newer models, he used iPhone 7) Brendan shoots almost exclusively with his phone, valuing its discretion , portability , and the ability to work stealthily in street settings—especially in Asia and Europe. Hybrid Setup (Past & Current) Fujifilm X100T / X100V He began using the X100T for street work to benefit from its compact size and learn quicker shooting, though he still finds the iPhone more spontaneous and less intrusive . Fuji X100V see it on Amazon Nikon D7000 DSLR Used intermittently, especially before fully adopting mobile photography, offering technical backup when needed . Editing & Style Edits directly on the iPhone using apps like Snapseed , Hipstamatic , and BlurFX . Embraces creative limitations—motion blur, soft focus, and painterly effects from native phone constrai...

Here’s a clear summary of the camera gear Jeff Mermelstein has used throughout his career: Film Era – Leica M-P & 35 mm Summilux Leica M‑P (rangefinder) paired with a 35 mm f/1.4 Summilux lens Loaded early work with Fujicolor Superia for vibrant color street shots . Mermelstein has said: “I have a long history with Leica beginning with my first M6 when I was in my twenties,” and continued using Leica rangefinders well into his film-based practice. Leica MP Digital Transition – iPhone iPhone camera became his exclusive tool in recent years, especially noted in his series capturing strangers’ text messages for #nyc. He describes the iPhone as "revolutionary," citing its power to reinvent street photography and allow spontaneous, unseen moments. Occasional Canon Use Mention has been made that he “has also shot with a Canon,” though details are vague—likely early or supplementary in his career. Approach & Philosophy Color-first : Mermelstein prefe...

Eric Mencher is known for using a very streamlined, pocket-sized setup—he’s left behind professional DSLRs to shoot almost exclusively with his iPhone , embracing mobility, spontaneity, and simplicity. Primary Gear: iPhone + Apps iPhone 12 Pro Max is his current main camera. He uses the native camera app, sometimes Hipstamatic, but primarily sticks with Apple's built-in interface for speed and control . iPhone 12 Pro Max see it on Amazon He refers to the iPhone as “the Leica of the poor,” comparing its intuitive handling and portability to his emotional connection with his old Leica M6 and Tri‑X setup. He sold all his cameras. Leica M6 Post-Processing: iPhone + Snapseed He edits primarily with Snapseed , calling it “fun and tactile,” akin to darkroom work, letting him apply mood, contrast, and tonality on the go. Philosophy & Practice Mencher used to shoot with professional gear (Leica M6, Tri‑X film) during his photojournalism era. In 2012, he fully transitio...

  Daniel Arnold is best known for his stealthy, cinematic street photography , and his gear reflects that: Smartphones & Film: The Unexpected Duo iPhone 5 / 5S Early in his career, Arnold shot extensively with these phones—using the volume button as a hidden shutter—though he now critiques their inconsistent image quality . iPhone 5S Yashica T4 A compact 35 mm point-and-shoot that gave him occasional film backup, valued for its simplicity and portability. Yashica T4 Contax G2 + Flash (His Signature Setup) Contax G2 rangefinder The camera most closely associated with Arnold’s iconic gritty digitial film style. 28 mm Carl Zeiss Biogon lens Known for sharpness and contrast—ideal for run-and-gun shooting . Hot shoe-mounted external flash Used off-camera, handheld, to create dramatic lighting and freeze spontaneous moments—Arnold often shoots without looking through the viewfinder. Contax G2 Film Stocks Kodak Portra 400 and 800 His preferred color film stocks...

  Billy Dinh There’s not a lot of publicly available info on Billy Dinh’s exact camera model lineup, but based on interviews and features, here’s what we know about his approach and gear evolution: Early: Mobile & Point-and-Shoot Mobile phone cameras and compact digital point‑and‑shoots He began photographing with disposable and early digital compacts on travels before moving to more serious gear He also started with pictures taken from his mobile phone Current Setup: Sony A7R V for Cinematic Street Work Billy mentions outgrowing mobile gear as he leaned into creative street and travel photography, although he hasn't listed specific camera models publicly . To ge the most tonal control, dynamic range, and low-light handling in his work shared on platforms like My Modern Met, Street Dreams, and DesignYouTrust, h e uses a Sony A7R V with a Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8 : Sony A7R V see it on Amazon His Gear Philosophy Focus on light and shadow (he calls himself a “chaser...

  Richard Koci Hernandez Richard Koci Hernandez is a pioneering mobile-first street photographer whose kit prioritizes portability, immediacy, and diversity: iPhones (Pocket Essentials) Carries three iPhones simultaneously—models include an iPhone 3G , iPhone 5 , and iPhone 5S. iPhone 5S He treats them like pro camera bodies: instant availability, different characteristics, and always-ready backup Ricoh GR Digital His only “traditional” compact camera—used for sharper, low-light shots where iPhones fall short Valued for its sharp lens , minimal shutter lag , and pocket-friendly size. Ricoh GRIII Google Glass Wears Google Glass as a wearable camera: surprising image quality and stealthy capture (triggered by a wink). Google Glass Other Cameras (Experimental Additions) Advocates using a “full jar of brushes”: Polaroids, toy cameras, disposable cameras, plastic cameras—exploring different visual textures. Recently mentioned using a Sony HX99 (ti...

  While Sophie Calle is primarily celebrated as a conceptual and performance artist, photography plays a central role in her work. She has used a variety of camera tools—sometimes with her own hands, sometimes commissioning professionals—to suit the conceptual needs of each project.  Here’s a breakdown: 35 mm Film Cameras (Personal Use & Surveillance) For work like Suite Vénitienne (1979), she followed a subject secretly through Venice using a 35 mm setup with a mirror attachment , allowing her to shoot discreetly around corners as a kind of “private eye”. Her camera was a Leica and the device a Squintar. Squintar Early on, her personal camera was unspecified, often tucked into bags or pockets—one she reportedly received from her father—and she used it intuitively without formal technique or gear preference. She also mentions taking photographs with her phone. Polaroid & Hired Fashion Cameramen For projects without interpersonal interaction—like photographing...

  Joe Greer is a renowned photographer celebrated for his emotive storytelling and mastery of both analog and digital mediums. His gear choices reflect a deep appreciation for the tactile and intentional aspects of photography. Camera Bodies Leica M6 : Greer’s primary camera for film photography is the Leica M6. He often describes it as his "trusty" companion, rarely leaving home without it. The M6's manual controls and compact form factor align with his desire for intentionality in capturing moments. Leica M6 Mamiya 7 : For medium format work, Greer has been known to use the Mamiya 7. This rangefinder camera offers exceptional image quality, making it suitable for his landscape and portrait projects. Mamiya 7 Canon 5D Mark II : In his transition from mobile to digital photography, Greer utilized the Canon 5D Mark II paired with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. This setup helped him bridge the gap between casual shooting and more professional work . Canon EOS 5D Mark II iPhon...

  Jonathan Jasberg, an award-winning street and documentary photographer, is renowned for his minimalist and nomadic lifestyle, which is reflected in his choice of camera gear.   His equipment is carefully selected to support his extensive travels and dynamic shooting style. Primary Camera System Leica Rangefinder Cameras : Jasberg exclusively shoots with Leica cameras, favoring their compactness and reliability for street photography. While specific models are not detailed in available sources, Leica's rangefinder systems are known for their precision and durability, aligning with Jasberg's needs as a traveling photographer. He uses the Leica M6 or Leica Q2 . Leica M6 Leica Q2 Preferred Lenses 28mm and 35mm Prime Lenses : Jasberg primarily uses 28mm and 35mm focal lengths, which are ideal for capturing candid street scenes. He recommends these focal lengths for their versatility and suitability in various shooting scenarios. Mobile Photography Xiaomi Smartphones Co...

  Steve McCurry, renowned for his evocative portraits like the iconic "Afghan Girl," has utilized a variety of camera gear throughout his illustrious career, adapting to technological advancements while maintaining his distinctive photographic style. Current Camera Gear Leica SL2 and SL3 Mirrorless Cameras : In recent years, McCurry has embraced Leica's SL-series mirrorless cameras. He frequently pairs these bodies with the versatile Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90mm f/2.8–4 lens, which he uses for the majority of his work. Additionally, he employs the 15–35mm f/3.5–4.5 and 90–280mm f/2.8–4 lenses for specific shooting scenarios. Leica SL2 see it on Amazon Leica SL3 see it on Amazon Smartphone Photography :  Demonstrating adaptability, McCurry has also explored smartphone photography. Notably, he used the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro to capture a series of portraits for the #MyUnsungHeroes project, showcasing the potential of mobile devices in professional photography. He also used ...