My Street Photography Gear 2022

[@bugsybunny398]

My setup has changed over time. I currently alternate between 4 cameras and only take one with me. An old Fujifilm X-E1 with a 16mm f/1.4. I love this combination, although it is not for everybody. The autofocus is unreliable, and I prefer to manually focus because the lens has a manual focus clutch. Later I decided eye-detection autofocus and a touch screen would make me a better photographer, so I bought a Fujifilm X-t30 with 55-200mm zoom. It didn't. I turned the touch screen off, gave up on the eye-detect, and only used single-point focusing. I like the zoom when I am being particularly sneaky. I started using my old Yashica-mat 124g twin lens medium format camera and fell in love with medium format all over again, and it provides a great conversation opener. But film has limitations, so I bought a Medium Format digital camera - a GFX 50r with a GF 45mm 2.8. I love this camera and lens. Not stealthy at all, but I love its big rangefinder-style and the files I get out of it. So that's it.

[@DrScottMcDonald007]

Hi Justin...we have very similar tastes and ideas of what comprises a good kit to wander the streets with here in Vietnam. I'm a lecturer at RMIT in Saigon and have lived here for 11 years now. I have a regular M10 and an M9 that I love shooting with and my favorite lens is also yours, the 35FLE. Instead of the Ricoh, I have a Lumix LX100II as a back up. I've been really working my M9 for the past 6 months as my M10 sensor board rebelled and no longer worked costing me about $1600 and a long haul to Singapore and now Germany. Like your M10D, the M9 really gets you accustomed to the rangefinder experience with no live-view and the back screen really sucks anyways, so not worth looking at expect for perhaps composition and exposure. Still, it's a joy to use and wish you the same up North! Perhaps we can share some stories over a coffee sometime. RMIT has a campus in Hanoi too. So, I do make it up that way every once in a while. Cheers, Scott

[@AskMOTT]

Nice to meet you Scott. Small world, you just know Christian Berg, he’s a very close friend of mine and teaches at RMIT. Give me a shout next time you’re up here.

[@rodhill6091]

Absolutely love my Leica Q2. The size and weight are fantastic and it looks like a budget point-and-shoot camera. No one really notices me at all. My backup camera is a brick - Canon 1DXm2 with 24-70. Everyone notices it. I alternate depending on the subject. The style of the camera can help with access.

[@AskMOTT]

I’ve owned a 1DX as well Rod, they are bricks for sure.

[@RossHa1e]

I love the idea of shooting black and white. I do the same with my camera when I am shooting just for me, it gives such a great effect and if I take an image that I love I have the raw version to edit how I want. I'm glad to find out I'm not the only one that does this

[@mwales2112]

For me it's a M240 with Voigtlander 35/1.4 MC II or my second M240 with Zeiss 50/2 Planar and also a GRIII with either... Nice video....

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks and nice set up you have there.

[@MJAdams-js7np]

My street kit is a Q2 and an M10 with a 50mm lens.

[@Leicashootr]

Thanks Justin, great content as usual ‼️👍🏻

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you Ruud:).

[@erwinfriedrich7569]

To all those guys who are saving for a Leica: give the Fujy X 100 a try. It costs much less than a Leica, and appears to be on par with this brand in terms of quality (mechanical, optical, ergonomy, reliabilty). I am totally happy with my Fuji. My expensive, excellent Canon gear sits on the shelf for two years by now, and I hear it moaning to be used again.

[@AskMOTT]

You’re not alone Erwin, some of my most consistent comments in my Leica videos are about praising the Fuji.

[@lrb05131963]

Quality built of Leica is unbeatable vs Fuji plus the photo quality of Leica is much better too ,I shoot Fuji X Series and own the x 100v plus many of Fuji’s best lenes but my Leica Q2M is awesome all around built and picture quality which I never compare it to Leica,it’s not necessary .most people who say get Fuji instead of Leica just can’t afford Leica so they tend to speak against Leicas prices

[@brandonalexander4769]

Have owned Fuji x100, Leica M246 , Leica M10Monochrom and in my experience Fuji is entirely not on par mechanically optically ergonomically etc. Fuji makes good cameras for sure , and for a better price but trying to equate the two is a mistake

[@erwinfriedrich7569]

@@lrb05131963 I agree. I would also like to own a Leica. The Summicrons, Summilux and so on are still legendary. 55 years ago, when I started photography with a Kodak Retina III c, I also had the chance to try different Leicas, and was slightly disappointed. The Retinas Schneider 2.0/50mm and focusing it with the viewfinder was excellent, and the ease of loading film was much easier. The Retina was top notch quality overall and would deserve a lot more attention. Today, my Fuji X100V meets all of my needs (and I am picky!). I really do appreciate german crafstmanship and also would give it a high priority (and also kind of pride als a german), but I also don't want to be restricted by my budget to make good photos. So to me the Fuji is the best compromise.

[@erwinfriedrich7569]

@@lrb05131963 Totally agree! i can't afford Leica, and have some other life piorities.

[@e.r.4077]

Nice! I have to smile about the great coffee advice, the book, for immersion in your place, the notebook!

[@TyeMorrisVlog]

I can't say enough about my GRiii, I love it! And primarily for many of the same reasons you do. I'm still saving for a Leica tho, but that's still a little ways off. I can't quite justify it as a business expense at this point 😂 Some day. As Samuel Streetlife used to say, "It must be nice" 😂

[@AskMOTT]

That Ricoh is so perfect for street photography, so underrated.

[@timblass4811]

Love the GR3 too. Get in the moment shots I simply couldn't get with a larger body camera. It's my go to for candid Street shooting.

[@oncleschultz]

Clear and sensitive. Very consistent ...

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Always enjoy these stories and explanation of how you do your job, but I had to laugh when you said Leica and minimalist. Anyways you are a good story teller and am glad I found you a few months ago.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks, well my M10D is minimal :).

[@oncleschultz]

You don't look back... Huge way of understanding, generally speaking.

[@lunatalino1502]

Solid setup Justin! I too like to keep it pretty simple. My main is the Leica M10 and Voigtlander 35mm Ultron f2 and the Leica M4 for some film shots. The bag situation I need to figure out still. I have an Ona Bowery which is great for 1 camera but I need something for 2 bodies.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Lu, nice set up as well for you /). People seem pretty happy w those Voigtlanders, I should try it out one day.

[@lunatalino1502]

@@AskMOTT Thanks! Yeah, they're solid lenses for sure. Eventually I would love to try them against some Leica glass but in the mean time they do the job.

[@AskMOTT]

@@lunatalino1502 I was always a snob with my glass but my former assistant kind of sold me on trying out 3rd party glass. For example, we use Sony cameras for our commercial work and I tried Sigma lens and i can't really tell the difference in quality.

[@antoniorussell9893]

Justin would you say the 35 summilux is worth it over the regular 35 summicron, I see most of your images are not shot wide open at 1.4?

[@AskMOTT]

I shoot a ton at 1.4 since I bought that lens so for me it’s worth it Antonio. At the same time I can justify it as the lens will pay for itself through work. I’d say for most people tie Summicron would be perfect.

[@antoniorussell9893]

@@AskMOTT Thanks!

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

@@antoniorussell9893 A big advantage of the Summicron is it protrudes much less into the viewfinder. The Summilux takes a big chunk out of the lower right side at nearer distances.

[@antoniorussell9893]

@@Tom_KZbin_stole_my_handle Yes. Good point. I guess I am wondering if the F1.4 lens handles colour, flare, contrast, etc. better than the F2.

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

I don't see any difference between my 50mm Summicron and my 35mm Summilux in terms of colour. Theoretically an f2 lens would be less prone to flare than an f1.4. It's only by accident that I own the Summilux, the Summicron would have been fine. I'd say unless you absolutely know you need 1.4 then save your money and get the Summicron.

[@jklphoto]

Still surprised Leica never got a Leica CL into your hands with the 18mm f/2.8 Elmar-TL. Granted it's not as small as the Ricoh, but it's the perfect travel/street camera. Great backup for the SL system or an M10. 24MP, Leica color science and a EVF viewfinder. There's HC100 B&W profile too!

[@markyork5839]

Thanks Justin. Interesting and informative, as always. One question for you: It seems you have fingers in so many pies.. How do you keep your focus (excuse the pun), or prioritise your workload..??!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for your question Mark, it's a lifelong struggle, see my latest video on being burned out :(. I try my best to balance shoots for me and shoots for $$$.

[@clawdawg7248]

Big fan of the screen less experience - I love my M-D. For street I go with either the M-D or Mono 246, with the 28 Elmarit or 50 Elmar-M. I have the Lux’s at both focal lengths, but I prefer smaller / lighter for street shooting. Less intrusive as well.

[@markturner7910]

Great setup Justin Mine's similar M10-D but with the 35 summicron, and depending on where I am I use either the Wotancraft Trooper ,Ryker or an old bashed up version of the Scout. No Ricoh gr3 as yet 😂 but the grii was my backup camera but it died after much abuse

[@AskMOTT]

We are twins Mark :).

[@technoalah]

Beautiful setup. Love it.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks :). What’s your setup?

[@richarddenise3886]

Excellent job! Thanks!!!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Richard :).

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Leica Q2 and the M11 with 35 or 50 if I feel like working harder.....My iPhone is always my pocket point and shoot if don't have either of those as the photos are just so incredible given that you are using a friggin' phone.

[@AskMOTT]

Awesome set up Gerry, thank for sharing :).

[@shawnhinton68]

Funny, I have a similar set up. Xpro3 with a Voigtlander 28mm (40mm equivalent) and my Ricoh GRiii. My bag is a Domke .

[@AskMOTT]

Domke was my first proper camera bag, I took it in on so many assignments with me around SE Asia.

[@LeeAbner]

Leica Q2. I have been looking at the Ricoh GR IIIx to have a different focal length. But I dream of getting a Leica M camera.

[@AskMOTT]

Great set up Lee, that seems perfect as well.

[@analogandnot]

When I go out to do street photography I take one camera one lens mostly a 28mm with no goal other then trying to take pictures of things happening in the city around me

[@AskMOTT]

Excellent setup Alexander , I suppose the Q series would work well for you then.

[@analogandnot]

@@AskMOTT yeah true. I use a m11 and a m6 both with 28mm most of the time but yes a Q would definitely be a good choice

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

That's a great video! I really enjoyed it. I've been assuming that Vietnam probably has the best coffee in the world, and to hear that you use the Mr. Coffee machine (w/ pods) in your hotel room, that's disappointing.

[@AskMOTT]

That’s only one of like 5 coffees I drink :)

[@mmeligrigoris]

Great video and content. My kit is my Canon RP plus the 35 1.8. Was in Cuba this summer and used it for 99.9% of my photos. It’s compact, the lens is sharp and is stabilized. Been eyeing the GR but not sure if I go for the X version. Anyhow question for you Justin, what are your thoughts on using ND filters? It was a life saver for me in the summer Sun of Cuba…

[@AskMOTT]

Great set up Mike.

[@AskMOTT]

What’s your favorite street photography gear?

[@The_Essential_Light]

Fuji X100V and Ricoh GRiii

[@AskMOTT]

Great set up , thanks for sharing.

[@LensEthics]

Hi Justin -- I learned about the Wotancraft bags from you. So hard to find good bags -- your bag is too big for me (I'm a woman) - BUT I think the "mini rider" would be perfect as my daily slimmed down carry. I don't think I would've ever come across this bag if it wasn't for your channel. Don't see your affiliate link - can you provide?

[@AskMOTT]

Very kind of you to ask me for the affiliate link, most people don’t take the time to ask and I appreciate that. www.wotancraft.tw/?rfsn=6100942.c9c28ce

[@AskMOTT]

You’ll love the mini rider :)

[@abrooklyngirllinda]

This is such an inspiring video and the perfect gear situation! Your photos are so beautiful -- And Vietnam, what a special + interesting place to photograph. This video is on my "replay often" list. Thanks as always, Justin.

[@AskMOTT]

You need to come visit m, you’ll love it here :).

[@abrooklyngirllinda]

@@AskMOTT one day for certain. i know i’d be totally enthralled by it all!! thank you. :))

[@likeris2]

My back up camera is my iPhone :) is that simple.

[@AskMOTT]

Makes sense , iPhone 15 has been especially impressive.

[@lrb05131963]

Skinny Jean bro…REALLY !? 🙈

[@AskMOTT]

Stretchy skinny Leigh, I can't do proper skinny :).