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Showing posts with the label Nikon FM2

Letizia Battaglia

  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...

Annie Leibovitz

  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...

Bill Cunningham

  Bill Cunningham, the legendary New York Times street style photographer, was known for using very simple and modest camera gear , especially considering his fame and influence.  Here's what he typically used: 35mm Film Cameras (early years) In his early street photography days, Cunningham used 35mm film cameras , often Nikon SLRs , such as the Nikon FM2 or similar models. Nikon FM2 Nikon DSLR (later years) As technology progressed, he transitioned to digital cameras , specifically Nikon DSLRs . He was most frequently seen with a Nikon D40 or D3000 series — consumer-level DSLRs, not high-end professional models. Nikon D40 Nikon D3000 Lens He often used a single zoom lens , like an 18-55mm kit lens , which gave him enough versatility for street portraits and candid fashion shots. Notable About His Approach: No flashy gear : He believed in unobtrusiveness , blending in and letting his subjects shine. That’s why he dressed simply, rode a bicycle, and used mode...

Abbas

  Abbas Attar, known professionally as Abbas, was a renowned Iranian photojournalist celebrated for his profound documentation of political and religious conflicts across the globe.   Throughout his extensive career, Abbas employed a variety of camera gear that complemented his commitment to capturing the essence of human experiences. Camera Equipment Used by Abbas Leica M3 and M4 Rangefinders In the earlier stages of his career, Abbas frequently utilized Leica M3 and M4 rangefinder cameras. These cameras were esteemed for their durability and the exceptional quality of Leica lenses. Their compact size and quiet shutter mechanisms made them ideal for the spontaneous and unobtrusive shooting style that Abbas favored in high-stress environments. Leica M3 Leica M4 Nikon FM2 Abbas also employed the Nikon FM2, a fully mechanical 35mm SLR known for its robustness and reliability. Its all-metal construction and dependable performance rendered it suitable for the demanding conditio...