What Camera Gear do they use?

  Jonas Bendiksen: The Storyteller of the Ordinary Jonas Bendiksen (born September 28, 1977, in Tønsberg, Norway) is a documentary photographer known for his intimate, cinematic portrayal of human life in overlooked corners of the world. A member of Magnum Photos since 2008, Bendiksen’s work often blends journalism and narrative, exploring the edges of society with empathy and curiosity. Camera Gear During his early career with Magnum Photos , Bendiksen primarily used medium-format film cameras , notably the Mamiya 7 and Hasselblad systems, to achieve high image quality and tonal depth. Mamiya 7 He later transitioned to digital cameras , most notably Canon EOS DSLRs , including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 5D Mark III , for projects requiring mobility and versatility. Canon Eos 5D Mark III For The Book of Veles (2021), he used Sony mirrorless cameras , likely the Sony A7R series , combining high resolution with discreet operation — essential to the project’s mix of rea...

  Chris Steele-Perkins: Humanity in Everyday Britain Chris Steele-Perkins (b. 1947, Burma/UK) is a British photographer and long-time member of Magnum Photos, known for his powerful documentation of British life, identity, and social change. From his seminal work The Teds — chronicling British youth culture in the 1970s — to his later projects across Africa and Japan, Steele-Perkins’s images combine compassion, structure, and a sharp sense of storytelling. Camera Gear Chris Steele-Perkins has used a range of cameras throughout his career — from classic 35mm film systems to digital full-frame setups — always prioritizing realism, immediacy, and intimacy. Film Era Leica M4  –  He stated he liked his Leica camera because it was "tough, simple and small" and mentioned using a Leica M4 for his work from The Teds project to his work in Afghanistan and Japan. Leica M4 Canon F-1 was another camera he was known for using Canon F-1 Kodak Tri-X 400 Film – A constant c...

  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...

  Christopher Anderson: Emotion in Color and Intimacy Christopher Anderson (b. 1970, Canada/USA) is a Magnum photographer renowned for his deeply emotional, cinematic approach to both documentary and portrait photography. Whether capturing the chaos of war or the quiet tenderness of family life, Anderson’s work is defined by its intimacy, rich color palette, and human connection. His transition from photojournalism to personal, introspective projects marks one of the most compelling evolutions in modern photography. Camera Gear Christopher Anderson’s gear reflects his evolving vision — from fast, rugged reportage tools to compact, mirrorless cameras that allow for spontaneity and emotional closeness. Film & Early Digital Era Leica M6 & M7 – His main cameras during his early career, notably for Capitolio and Nonfiction . Leica M6 Kodak Tri-X & Kodak Portra 400 – Film stocks that balanced contrast and warmth, key to his visual tone. Canon EOS 5D Series – U...

  Antoine d’Agata: Darkness, Desire, and the Camera Antoine d’Agata (b. 1961) is a French photographer and filmmaker whose work explores themes of addiction, sexuality, violence, and marginality. A member of Magnum Photos since 2004, d’Agata’s imagery is raw, visceral, and unapologetically confrontational. His photographs blur the line between document and confession, placing himself and his experiences at the heart of his art. Camera Gear Antoine d’Agata has used a range of gear over the years, often chosen for its ability to work in low light and produce gritty, atmospheric images: Leica M film cameras – For street and intimate documentary work, paired with classic lenses like 35mm and 50mm. Nikon SLRs (film) – Used during his early projects, reliable for reportage in harsh conditions. Digital Leica M (M9, M10) – Continuing his Leica tradition in the digital era. Leica M10 Compact cameras & point-and-shoots – D’Agata sometimes employs smaller cameras for dis...

  Marie-Laure de Decker: A Life Behind the Lens Marie-Laure de Decker (1947–2023) was a French photographer renowned for her portraits of artists, writers, and major cultural figures, as well as for her work as a war correspondent. Her images combined sensitivity and strength, revealing both the intimacy of her subjects and the harsh realities of conflict. A member of the Agence Gamma , she carved a place in the history of French photography with a singular voice, moving seamlessly between portraiture and photojournalism. Camera Gear Marie-Laure de Decker worked with professional gear suited for both portraiture and reportage: Leica M series (film) – Favored for its compact size, discreet operation, and sharp lenses, making it ideal for intimate portraits and candid work. Nikon 35mm SLRs – Reliable and versatile, essential for her assignments in conflict zones. Prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, 90mm) – Classic focal lengths that allowed her to capture both environmental conte...

  Françoise Huguier – A Traveling Eye and Cinematic Gaze Françoise Huguier (b. 1942) is a French photographer whose career spans fashion, documentary reportage, and deeply personal travel narratives. Growing up in Indochina and later documenting life in Africa, Siberia, and Russia, she weaves cinematic storytelling with empathetic intimacy.  Huguier’s celebrated books—such as Sur les traces de l’Afrique fantôme and Kommounalki — showcase her profound ability to blend cultural observation with emotional resonance. Camera Gear Françoise Huguier’s gear choices are less documented than her imagery, yet clear from her approach—favoring tools that move quietly with her and allow for deep immersion: No fixed signature camera —she adapts her equipment to the context of each assignment, from intimate portraits to expansive landscapes. Zenit : in her early years, she used an old Zenit camera.  Zenit Nikon : Françoise Huguier has indicated in a video for Nikon that she alway...

  Robert Capa – The Fearless Eye of War Robert Capa (1913–1954), born Endre Friedmann in Hungary, was one of the greatest war photographers of the 20th century. Renowned for his motto “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough,” Capa documented five major wars, from the Spanish Civil War to the First Indochina War where he tragically lost his life. His raw, immersive images captured not just the chaos of battle but the human spirit enduring within it. He remains a towering figure in the history of photojournalism and a co-founder of the Magnum Photos agency. Camera Gear Capa was known for using lightweight, reliable gear that allowed him to stay agile in dangerous war zones: Leica III rangefinder cameras – his primary tool during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, loaded with 35mm film for fast shooting. Leica III Contax II rangefinder – another favorite, valued for its Zeiss lenses and rugged build. Nikon rangefinders (later years) – for grea...

  Peter Turnley – Witness to the Human Condition Peter Turnley (b. 1955) is an American photojournalist and documentary photographer whose work has taken him across more than 90 countries. Known for his deeply humanistic approach, Turnley has covered many of the most significant world events of the past four decades, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to conflicts in the Middle East. His photography, often in striking black and white, balances historical documentation with a poetic sensitivity to everyday life. Camera Gear Turnley has long favored cameras that allow for intimacy, discretion, and immediacy — essential tools for a photojournalist capturing unfolding history: Leica M Rangefinders – his signature choice, particularly the Leica M6 and Leica M9 , for their unobtrusiveness and precision. Leica 35mm and 50mm lenses – classic focal lengths that let him work close to his subjects while keeping compositions natural. Nikon DSLRs – used in some of his later color w...