The Cameras and Lenses I Use: A Peek into My Kit

As a photographer deeply passionate about storytelling and capturing authentic moments, my choice of cameras and lenses reflects not just a technical preference but also a philosophy. Over the years, I’ve worked with various formats and systems, each contributing to my photography growth. Here’s a closer look at the gear I rely on today and why each piece plays a crucial role in my creative process.

Digital Workhorses

Leica M10

This is my main camera, and it perfectly embodies the rangefinder experience that I love. Compact, discreet, and utterly reliable, the M10 allows me to focus entirely on composition and storytelling. Paired with a trio of exceptional lenses, it forms the core of my documentary and street photography work:

• 28mm Elmarit f/2: Ideal for wide, dynamic shots that capture the context of a scene without distortion. This lens is my go-to for street scenes and environmental portraits.

• 35mm Summilux f/1.4: A versatile lens that bridges wide and standard perspectives. It’s perfect for moments where I need to balance intimacy and context, making it a true workhorse.

• 50mm Summilux f/1.4: For portraits or when I want to isolate a subject with beautiful bokeh, this lens never disappoints. It adds a touch of elegance and depth to every shot.

Leica Q2

For times when I want to travel light, the Leica Q2 steps in. With its fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens, it’s perfect for spontaneous street photography and documentary work. The weather-sealed body makes it reliable in all conditions, and its simplicity allows me to focus entirely on the moment.

Leica V-Lux

This bridge camera is my go-to for versatility. Its 24-400mm zoom lens offers incredible range, making it ideal for wildlife, landscapes, or any situation where I need extra reach. The digital magnification up to 1600mm provides added flexibility, although it’s not my primary choice for precision work.

Sony Alpha 7III

For situations requiring autofocus or video, the Sony Alpha 7III is an invaluable addition to my kit. I primarily use it with two lenses:

• 24mm f/1.4: A wide-angle lens that excels in low light and provides sharp, vivid results.

• 24-70mm f/2.8: A versatile zoom lens that’s perfect for events or when I need a range of focal lengths without changing lenses.

The Film Lineup

Shooting film is a deeply personal and meditative process for me. It slows me down and forces me to consider every frame carefully. Here’s a look at my film cameras:

Leica M3 and M6

These are the epitome of mechanical perfection. The M3, with its stunning viewfinder, is a joy to use, while the M6 combines that classic experience with a built-in light meter. They remind me of the artistry involved in every shot.

Rolleiflex

A medium-format legend, the Rolleiflex delivers stunningly detailed images with a unique square format. It’s my go-to for portraits and nostalgic landscapes.

Mamiya

Another medium-format powerhouse, the Mamiya offers a different shooting rhythm. Its large negatives and precise optics make it ideal for creating timeless images.

Why This Gear?

Every piece of equipment in my kit serves a purpose:

• Leica cameras and lenses embody craftsmanship and a focus on the essentials. Their minimalist design lets me immerse myself in the moment without distractions.

• Sony Alpha 7III complements the Leica system by offering modern conveniences like fast autofocus and versatility.

• Film cameras connect me to the roots of photography, offering a tactile and deliberate approach that digital can’t replicate.

This gear reflects my approach to photography—thoughtful, intentional, and focused on storytelling. If you’re curious about any of the equipment or have questions about how I use it, feel free to leave a comment. Let’s talk gear!

The Prime Choices: Exploring 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm Lenses

As many of you know, I've had a long-standing affair with prime lenses, particularly the 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm varieties. Each of these lenses has its unique charm and set of capabilities, making them go-to choices for photographers around the globe.

1. The Wide-Angle Wonder: 28mm Lens

Currently, the 28mm lens is my favorite, but it wasn't always this way. This wide-angle lens is a marvel for capturing expansive landscapes, intricate architectural details, and dynamic street scenes. Its wider field of view offers a sense of immersion, bringing viewers right into the scene.

Pros:

• Excellent for capturing vast scenes without much distortion.

• Great for storytelling, as it allows for more elements in the frame.

• Ideal for street and travel photography.

Cons:

• Can cause subjects to appear distant, which may not be ideal for portraits.

• Requires getting close to the subject, which might not always be feasible.

2. The Street Photography Sweetheart: 35mm Lens

The 35mm lens, often regarded as the 'classic' street photography lens, strikes a balance between the wide-angle 28mm and the more standard 50mm. It's versatile enough to capture a variety of scenes without distorting the perspective too much.

Pros:

• Perfect for capturing environmental portraits and street scenes.

• Versatile for both landscapes and more intimate shots.

• It offers a field of view that closely resembles human vision.

Cons:

• It might not be wide enough for expansive landscapes.

• It's not ideal for tight indoor spaces.

3. The Nifty Fifty: 50mm Lens

Ah, the 50mm lens - the first love for many photographers, including myself at one point. This lens is known for its versatility and the 'natural' perspective it offers, closely mirroring the human eye's field of view.

Pros:

• Excellent for portraits with a natural look.

• Great low-light performance due to wider apertures.

• Produces beautiful background blur (bokeh), enhancing subject focus.

Cons:

• Less suitable for capturing wide scenes.

• Can feel too 'tight' in confined spaces.

Personal Journey and Conclusion

While my current favourite is the 28mm lens for its immersive wide-angle view, my preferences have shifted over time. Each lens has its place and purpose, and as photographers, we often find ourselves moving between these prime choices depending on the project at hand. Whether it's the expansive 28mm, versatile 35mm, or the classic 50mm, each lens offers a unique way to capture the world around us.

I'd love to hear about your experiences and preferences. Which of these prime lenses resonates most with your style? Please share your thoughts, and let's discuss the endless possibilities these lenses offer!

Stay creative!

Check my photography workshops here

Embracing Skill and Vision Over Gear in Photography

The True Essence of Photography: Skill and Vision

In the pursuit of photographic excellence, a prevalent misconception exists the belief that the latest and most expensive gear is synonymous with capturing superior pictures. However, this materialistic approach is far from the truth. The heart of photography beats not through the camera's lens but within the photographer's skill, vision, and creativity. These are the elements that transform a simple picture into a memorable image.

Icons of Photography: Mastery Over Machinery

History's iconic photographers – Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange – have consistently demonstrated that extraordinary photography is less about advanced equipment and more about an unparalleled understanding of the craft. Consider Cartier-Bresson's "Decisive Moment," captured with a basic Leica; it wasn't the camera's sophistication but his ability to foresee and frame the moment that made it iconic.

Understanding the Basics: The Core of Great Photography

At its core, photography is an art form rooted in the fundamentals – composition, lighting, subject matter, and the photographer's unique perspective. These are the true building blocks of remarkable photography. A simple exercise for any photographer is to focus on one basic element, like lighting, and experiment with it in various settings to deepen their understanding and creativity.

Debunking "The Best Camera" Myth

The 'best camera' is a subjective concept that varies with the photographer's style, subject matter, and project needs. For example, a camera perfect for landscape photography may not be ideal for capturing the nuances of street life. Remembering that the camera is a tool; the real magic happens in the artist's vision.

Creativity Flourishes Within Constraints

Limitations often act as a catalyst for creativity. Restricted by their equipment, photographers are compelled to think innovatively, finding new ways to convey their vision. This creative challenge can lead to a more profound understanding of the art and significant development of one’s style.

Technological Advances in Entry-Level Cameras

Today's entry-level cameras boast features that were once exclusive to high-end models. Image stabilization and improved low-light performance are now common, making quality photography more accessible and emphasizing that skill and creativity are paramount.

Personal Stories of Skill Triumphing Over Gear: "The Sunset Shot"

A photography challenge: capture the best sunset photo. Among the participants were Sarah, armed with the latest camera, and Alex, with his trusted old DSLR. Sarah focused on optimizing her camera's features, while Alex scouted for the perfect location by a lake.

Sarah's photo, though technically flawless, lacked originality. Alex's photo, with its natural mirror effect in the lake and silhouettes of trees, told a captivating story despite its technical limitations. His understanding of light, composition, and timing showcased depth and emotion that transcended the capabilities of his camera.

Wisdom from the Masters

Often, well-known photographers have advocated that vision and creativity are more important than having the latest gear. Ansel Adams once said, "The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it." This encapsulates the essence of photography – it's not about the camera but the vision and skill of the photographer.

Chase Jarvis's quote, "The best camera is the one that's with you," emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment with whatever camera you have.

Edward Steichen's insight, "A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it," reminds us that the essence of a great photograph lies in the connection between the subject and the photographer.

Conclusion: The Power of Vision and Creativity

While modern equipment offers certain advantages, it's not the cornerstone of great photography. The essence of capturing compelling images lies in the photographer's ability to uniquely perceive the world and translate that vision through their skills and understanding of the medium.

Remember, the most powerful tool in photography is not the camera but the creativity and vision behind each shot.

Peak Design System

I’d almost given up on finding a good camera strap solution for the way that I work but luckily I found Peak Designs .  The problem for me is that I often don’t want to have a strap on the camera at all, sometime I just like to use a cuff or a clutch and why notalight strap.   Most strap solutions gravitate towards using big bulky padding of some sort and that makes them both expensive and cumbersome to carry around for the small number of times I find myself looking for a new one. .  I’ve got several straps in my gear closet but all of them gather dust.  They are just too big and overly complex with these slider mechanisms that people seem so fixated with.  I guess if you walk around 12 hours a day with a camera on your shoulder then it might seem more useful but for the way I work it’s just not necessary.  Thing is though,  there’s always some point where I wish I had a shoulder strap with me.  Up until this point though I hadn’t seen a solution that gave me what I wanted.

The Micro Anchor system is the key to making the Leash easy to use and versatile.  Each Anchor is rated to hold 100lbs so you can easily carry your camera kit or even a supertelephoto lens.  The Leash and the Cuff both come with 4 Anchors.  Once you slide them into clip on the Leash and give it a tug you’ll hear it click into place.  To detach the Leash you have to push down on the Anchor and slide it back out of the clip.  It’s a secure system that I loved and trusted straight away.

There’s also an anchor point on the adjustment buckle for the Leash.  This means that you can create a loop for tethering your camera to either yourself or a static object like a railing if you are shooting from a building.  If you are carrying a backpack you could also tether the camera to your bag to save it if you ever dropped it.  Speaking as someone who has often found myself peering over the tops of buildings, lookouts, bridges and cliffs, this is an awesome little feature that I’ll be using a lot.

http://peakdesign.com

This post has received discount on Media samples. For more information, check out my full disclaimer policy.