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Gear for street photography.


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24 replies to this topic

#1
Merco_61

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What are your favourite cameras and lenses for street photography?

 

I have three favourite bodies for street.

  1. Nikon SP, essentially a Leica M3, but with an even better rangefinder and shutter. A true classic street camera.
  2. Nikon FE2, doesn’t need any presentation. I personally prefer match-needle meters over LEDs and have no problems carrying an extra battery or two.
  3. Nikon D700, yes, it is large and yes, the white logo gets attention. However, the UI makes it easy to carry over one shoulder and still keep it ready to shoot. The logo can be covered up with gaffer’s tape. For me, this camera is a fumble-free zone after using it for so long. 

If Nikon made a compact 24 and a compact 35 in Z-mount, the Z fc would be a perfect street camera for me. As it is, the 28 falls between what I want. The 16-50 is a nice and sharp lens, but the apertures available wide open makes it impossible to get the subject isolation I usually want for street.

My favourite rangefinder lenses were the 3.5 cm f/2.5 and the 5 cm f/1.4.

 

Favourites on the FE2 are the O 35/2 Ai’d and the Ai 50/1.2.

 

On the D700, I usually use either the same lenses as on the FE2 or an AF-S 35/1.8 and an AF 50/1.8D

 

I don’t have the SP and S-mount lenses anymore as I had to sell them some years ago, but I still miss them.


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#2
krag96

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Same camera, D700 for the same reason.  I've been using one for a long time and it's natural now, everything important is just a finger or thumb away.  For street I like to get surroundings in, clear and sharp, Nikkor 20-35mm f2.8 IF D works well, but I can carry a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 non-D with little notice in a pocket.

 

I can do with a D750, I just have to remind myself where things are.  My D5500 can come in handy for daylight, (shoved in a coat pocket) with it's excellent 18-55mm kit lens.  I only use the D5500 on auto since I hate trying to fumble with it in manual, (it does take great pictures though).



#3
Ron

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I haven't done it in quite awhile, but I have occasionally removed the grip from my D7000, mounted an AF-S 35mm f/1.8G (FX) lens and ventured out. The D7000 is fairly large, but with the grip removed it's not too noticeable. My all time favorite street shooter was my black anodized 35mm Minolta XD-11 sporting a 50mm Rokkor-X lens. Even with the auto winder it was very unobtrusive.

 

I have recently been considering the purchase of a Fujifilm X100V camera for carry around street opportunities. However, so far at least, I'm unable to get past the price (!!) and the fact that it has a non-interchangable lens. Most of the reviews are glowing tho. 

 

So far, I'm unimpressed with the Nikon Z30. Not sure what I was expecting but, unfortunately, what they offer isn't it.

 

--Ron

 

Speaking of street photography... and excellent photography in general, it's with great sadness that I report the passing of my good friend, Greg Allikas. In addition to being a superb orchid photographer (which is how I came to meet him), Greg had a side passion for street photography. He excelled in both. And, even though I hadn't seen him since he relocated from south Florida, I still miss my friend.



#4
Merco_61

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Ron, the Z30 has the vloggers and filmmakers as the target market. It is by far the best tool Nikon have ever made for that market, even if some Panasonic and Olympus models are even better suited.

 

If you want a versatile bring-everywhere compact with a good lens, don't dismiss the D-Lux 7/DC-LX100 II pair from Leica/Panasonic. The only fault I have found is the fact that it doesn't remember the set focal length on power-up and defaults to the 24 mm equivalent. The Leica processes monochromes SOOC better than the Panny and the Panny is slightly better for filming. I have had my Leica since Black Friday two years ago and am impressed by the constant quality it produces. Lately, I have carried the Z fc everywhere so the Leica has stayed home but I seldom miss having an ILC with me as long as the reach of the lens is enough. The Panasonic version only costs 2/3 of the price for a X100V, The Leica is in the same ballpark as the Fuji.


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#5
fallout666

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Z30 is blogger camera. so unless will not have evf. so limited. to me its Z6 so far since best camera i ever owned for video and my 28-75mm is lens. could use my 12-24mm but its dx lens so will be longer then should be for ultra wide angle and do not want to make Z6 11 megapixel camera. 


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#6
lightcapture

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I only have one camera, so my street combo is D750 w/ 35/1.8ED G.

But I'll bet the Zfc w/ 28/2.8 is a killer package for street, as well as a take-everywhere camera.

 

Here's a recent street photo while on vacation w/ my D750/35mm combo. I find the combo is almost perfect though a tad large.

spread-legs.jpg



#7
Ron

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Ron, the Z30 has the vloggers and filmmakers as the target market. It is by far the best tool Nikon have ever made for that market, even if some Panasonic and Olympus models are even better suited.

 

If you want a versatile bring-everywhere compact with a good lens, don't dismiss the D-Lux 7/DC-LX100 II pair from Leica/Panasonic. The only fault I have found is the fact that it doesn't remember the set focal length on power-up and defaults to the 24 mm equivalent. The Leica processes monochromes SOOC better than the Panny and the Panny is slightly better for filming. I have had my Leica since Black Friday two years ago and am impressed by the constant quality it produces. Lately, I have carried the Z fc everywhere so the Leica has stayed home but I seldom miss having an ILC with me as long as the reach of the lens is enough. The Panasonic version only costs 2/3 of the price for a X100V, The Leica is in the same ballpark as the Fuji.

Thanks, for the info and recommendation. The D-Lux 7 does look like it might be a better deal than the Fuji at the same price point. And, it has the advantage of a zoom lens rather than the 28mm single focal length of the Fuji. I'll consider it.

 

I also checked on the Z-30 and, yep, you guys are right on the money. It's a V-logger camera. Duh! How stupid of me. I guess I was hoping for a rangefinder version of the Z-fc. You, know... with an actual rangefinder. In fact, one of the things that first drew me to the Fuji was it's hi-bred optical/electronic rangefinder. To paraphrase, Mick, I guess you (really) can't always get what you want.

 

--Ron



#8
Merco_61

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This is a monochrome SOOC from the D-Lux 7. No post-processing at all, except resizing for web publication and sharpened for the resolution with the algorithm in Photo Mechanic. 

 

Volvo Amazon 121 - Cars and Machinery - NikonForums.com


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#9
Ron

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This is a monochrome SOOC from the D-Lux 7. No post-processing at all, except resizing for web publication and sharpened for the resolution with the algorithm in Photo Mechanic. 

 

Volvo Amazon 121 - Cars and Machinery - NikonForums.com

Even though I'm viewing this on my old Windows 10 laptop (720p) it still looks gorgeous. The subtle graduations in tone are amazing. I'd love to see a landscape B&W photo made with this camera. I'll have dig around later when I'm on either my PC work station or my Mac, both of which have much better graphics. Thanks,

 

--Ron



#10
calandrio

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Hola, me presento, mi nombre es Arístides.

Llevo poco tiempo en la fotografía callejera pero me está gustando. Empecé con una Olympus E-P5 , pero el enfoque de seguimiento es un poco lento y errático en tomas de acción, así que he cambiado a la Panasonic GX-8, una cámara de 2015 pero creo que muy vigente todavía. Tiene un excelente AF, muy rápido cuando hay buena luz, y muchas funciones personalizables.

Creo que será mi cámara para calle durante mucho tiempo.

Si la acompañas de unos cuantos objetivos como el Lumix G 25 f-1.7 y el 20 f-1.7 creo que es un equipo preparado para cualquier situación.


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#11
La Bikina

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Hola, me presento, mi nombre es Arístides.

Llevo poco tiempo en la fotografía callejera pero me está gustando. Empecé con una Olympus E-P5 , pero el enfoque de seguimiento es un poco lento y errático en tomas de acción, así que he cambiado a la Panasonic GX-8, una cámara de 2015 pero creo que muy vigente todavía. Tiene un excelente AF, muy rápido cuando hay buena luz, y muchas funciones personalizables.

Creo que será mi cámara para calle durante mucho tiempo.

Si la acompañas de unos cuantos objetivos como el Lumix G 25 f-1.7 y el 20 f-1.7 creo que es un equipo preparado para cualquier situación.

Translated to English for everybody  ;)  :

 

Hello, I introduce myself, my name is Aristides.

I haven't been into street photography for a long time but I'm liking it. I started with an Olympus E-P5, but the follow focus is a bit slow and erratic in action shots, so I've switched to the Panasonic GX-8, a 2015 camera but I think still very current. It has excellent AF, very fast in good light, and plenty of customizable features.

I think it will be my street camera for a long time.


If you accompany it with a few lenses like the Lumix G 25 f-1.7 and the 20 f-1.7 I think it is a team prepared for any situation.

 

 

My opinion :lol: :

 

Yes, I indeed, the camera micro 4/3 are perfect size to do street social photography in countries that you need to stealth your camera because of photography of people it's not very welcome.

In Spain, only touristic shooting permitted and be careful because if someone is offended or require you must delete it or may you be in trouble. CEE laws and Spain laws are not like US.

 

Shame Nikon never interested in this 4/3 format.

Panasonic and Olympus cameras are great and small and cute. :wub:

 

For the moment, I feel that don't have the correct cameras to do street photography.

 

Lupe



#12
Merco_61

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About the different laws in different countries…

Here is a good source to use as a starting point for research on what the rules are in different locations. 
Commons:Country specific consent requirements - Wikimedia Commons

As it is a wiki, don’t take it as the gospel truth, check with other sources before you start doing street photography.

 

 

Lupe, a D3 or D4 can be an excellent street camera just like a gripped D700 as long as it is an extension of you and a fumble-free zone. It is easier to be a fly on the wall using old manual focus lenses than most screw-drive lenses as the AF transmission noise can dras attention… the AF-S lenses with their larger front elements can draw attention all on their own, without making any noise.


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#13
La Bikina

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Yes, you can do photos of buildings and touristic places without any problems with a D4 or D3x, but you lose all the stealth factor because of the camera dimensions hard to easy hide.

Noise is not a problem at all because the cities like Barcelona are full of noise.

 

I use often small 52mm manual lenses but are slow to focus, in addition the big camera not easy, the victim must be flat-footed to work.

The stealth is a very important part of the street photography that I feel almost impossible to obtain with this tank cameras.

Of course, I try, but not easy as 4/3 camera.

The people often think you are journalist when see the monster camera that cause more unease. :lol:



#14
Ron

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RE: Street Photography with full frame or DX DSLRs.

 

Wide angle lenses, provided they are compact enough.... I'm thinking of manual focus primes for the most part... can allow you to do some unobtrusive street photography because you don't need to point your camera right at a person to include them in the frame. Yes, this is a bit dishonest, as you are photographing someone without their explicit permission, but sometimes it's the only way to get the shot. If you're in a public place (excepting some places like Spain, etc.) you should have no expectation of privacy in any case. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this concept... including some law enforcement officers.

 

Most wide angle zooms are way too big to be unobtrusive. However, UWA's and MWA's with (and this is important) internal focus and focal length adjustments can sometimes work nearly as well as smallish primes. Leave the lens hood off though. Sometimes those big tulips or dog dishes scare people more than the actual camera and lens. 

 

As always, practice makes perfect. If you spend too much time fumbling with your controls, then street photography is not your bag. Take up macro or landscape...  something less demanding.

 

Having said all that, I still believe a small rangefinder is, and always will be, the best street photography camera. Measure the light, zone focus, shoot ... then act naturally. (with apologies to Ringo Starr).

 

--Ron


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#15
La Bikina

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Ron, I imagine myself with my Nikon D4 and one 16 mm fisheye lens causing the panic of the good citizens of Barcelona :lol:

 

My strategy if someone catch me is to pretend to be one confused tourist :P

You know, sometimes the big lure is carrying the big camera full equipped and say "I photograph the touristic buildings and monuments." lies and more lies ^_^

Effect Trojan horse..... :ph34r:

 

Maybe it is time to take a ride with my Zenitar fisheye lens...... :rolleyes:

 

https://radojuva.com...ish-eye-review/


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#16
Ron

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I've always wanted a 16mm fisheye lens. Unfortunately, that's one itch I've never been able to scratch. When they were still in production, they were just too expensive to justify... and now that I'm shooting so much less, they're ... well, just too expensive to justify. :o

 

But please do post some pictures shot with your fisheye lenses. Perhaps I can live my dream vicariously through you.

 

--Ron



#17
La Bikina

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Nikkor 16mm fisheye still about $350 to $500 depend on model and condition, in second hand market of course.

In store, you know could be more expensive.

 

In Spain, I bought my Russian  Zenitar 16mm 2.8 about $150 not expensive at all, that I decided to buy it.

Quality is not too low, so it's great.

https://radojuva.com...ish-eye-review/

 

Ron, maybe in US, the Sigma one is enough cheap for you and you can conclude your dream. I am sure you didn't check if you can find a cheap one for very long time.

By the way, I will try to take my city ride tour soon and post any photo with it. ;)


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#18
Spirit Vision Photogra

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What are your favourite cameras and lenses for street photography?

 

I have three favourite bodies for street.

  1. Nikon SP, essentially a Leica M3, but with an even better rangefinder and shutter. A true classic street camera.
  2. Nikon FE2, doesn’t need any presentation. I personally prefer match-needle meters over LEDs and have no problems carrying an extra battery or two.
  3. Nikon D700, yes, it is large and yes, the white logo gets attention. However, the UI makes it easy to carry over one shoulder and still keep it ready to shoot. The logo can be covered up with gaffer’s tape. For me, this camera is a fumble-free zone after using it for so long. 

If Nikon made a compact 24 and a compact 35 in Z-mount, the Z fc would be a perfect street camera for me. As it is, the 28 falls between what I want. The 16-50 is a nice and sharp lens, but the apertures available wide open makes it impossible to get the subject isolation I usually want for street.

My favourite rangefinder lenses were the 3.5 cm f/2.5 and the 5 cm f/1.4.

 

Favourites on the FE2 are the O 35/2 Ai’d and the Ai 50/1.2.

 

On the D700, I usually use either the same lenses as on the FE2 or an AF-S 35/1.8 and an AF 50/1.8D

 

I don’t have the SP and S-mount lenses anymore as I had to sell them some years ago, but I still miss them.

 

    I love street shooting with my F3 and Nikon "O" 35 f/2 glass. A perfect combination.

 

Missing You | War Memorial Wall Nikon 35 f/2 glass T-Max 400… | Russ Butner | Flickr


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#19
g4aaw pete

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    I love street shooting with my F3 and Nikon "O" 35 f/2 glass. A perfect combination.

 

Missing You | War Memorial Wall Nikon 35 f/2 glass T-Max 400… | Russ Butner | Flickr

 

That's a great shot Russ.



#20
Aspendog

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Z30 is blogger camera. so unless will not have evf. so limited. to me its Z6 so far since best camera i ever owned for video and my 28-75mm is lens. could use my 12-24mm but its dx lens so will be longer then should be for ultra wide angle and do not want to make Z6 11 megapixel camera. 

X2