Hey STREETTOGS, this is my recommended equipment for street photography:

DON’T LISTEN TO ERIC KIM

Disclaimer: Everything in this article is of the personal opinion of ERIC KIM. My suggestion with camera equipment; try out different gear for yourself, and figure out what works best for you. What works best for me (ERIC KIM) won’t work for you.

But this is all advice I would have given myself if I started street photography again.

Also note, all HAPTIC INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS are produced by my partner Cindy and our partner Lan (which includes the Henri/ERIC KIM STRAPS advertised in this post). I use all HAPTIC products on all my cameras, and put my heart and soul into them.

Portrait of Lan, the artisan who hand-makes (all) Henri Straps and leather HAPTIC INDUSTRIES Products

Now we got that out of the way; let’s jump into the equipment recommendation for street photography:

Digital Street Photography

Let’s start with digital.

The best everyday camera for street photography is the RICOH GR II. Around $600 USD, fits in your front pocket and has an uber-sharp 28mm f2.8 lens, no anti aliasing filter (sharpness optimized), a DSLR sized APSC sensor, and has an integrated flash. Get it with the ERIC KIM NECK STRAP (fits the RICOH GR II) and you’re set. Or you can get the ERIC KIM WRIST STRAP (normal straps don’t fit the nylon loop for the RICOH GR II mount).

For the best “all around” value camera for street photography, buy the Fujifilm X100F. Insanely fast auto focus, phenomenal image quality, the best digital colors, and a fantastic 35mm lens. You won’t go wrong with it. I recommend getting it with HENRI Neck Strap.

If you have a lot of disposable income I would recommend the Leica M10, if you prefer super minimalist aesthetics, the best quality object, and if you prefer manual focus. I recommend the Leica 35mm f2 Summicron ASPH lens, and also the Henri Neck Strap or the new Henri Shoulder Strap (in Crema Brown or Phantom Black). If you prefer a wrist strap, get the Henri Wrist Strap.

Learn more about LEICA and Rangefinders with LEICA MANUAL by ERIC KIM

Bags

For bags in street photography, I would generally recommend the Thinktank Retrospective 5: not too big or small, and extremely durable and functional. Thinktank makes the best camera bags. If you prefer a backpack, I recommend the Thinktank Perception 15, or their Perception Pro if you have a bigger DSLR camera.

If you want something sleek and stylish, I recommend the limited edition Saigon Satchel by HAPTIC INDUSTRIES.

Luxurious red interior for Saigon Satchel — SAIGON SATCHEL

Phone Street Photography

Tokyo man flip phone. Tokyo, 2017. Shot on RICOH GR II with flash, with ERIC KIM Color Preset

For phones, generally I would recommend the newest iPhone for street photography (the iPhone X). For a more budget option, there is the iPhone SE, which has the same camera as the iPhone 6S (more than good for street photography). Make sure to download the “Procamera” app, so you can shoot street photography with no shutter lag.

If you prefer Android, I recommend the Google Pixel (newest model), or the newest model of the OnePlus phone (slightly cheaper). Both are good. Process your photos in the VSCO app (I recommend the A6 aesthetic preset for color photos).

Learn more: FREE Photography Visualization PDF Resources >

Film Street Photography

If you’re new to film street photography, pick up a copy of FILM NOTES and start hitting the streets.

The best “bang for the buck” film camera for street photography (that won’t break on you) is the compact Contax T2. If you have more money lying around, I recommend the Contax T3.

The Ricoh GR-film series cameras are great too (for black and white film), but the cameras aren’t very reliable and break often. But if you can get a good deal on it, I recommend it too.

The best bang for the buck film rangefinder is the film Leica M6, and the best budget lens is the Voightlander 35mm f/2.5 Color Skopar lens.

The best film (35mm) camera for street photography is the film Leica MP (has a built in meter). And the best lens also for the film Leica MP is the Leica 35mm f2 Summicron ASPH lens.

Film Photography 101:

Take it back to the old-school: FILM NOTES by HAPTICPRESS x ERIC KIM.

FILM PHOTOGRAPHY by ERIC KIM

Contax T3 x FILM

If you’re interested in learning how to shoot film, start with this guide:

Videos: How to Shoot Film

Street Photography 101

Black and white dark skies over Tokyo eric kim street photography

If you’re new to street photography, start here:

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography

Become the best street photographer possible by picking up a copy of Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography. This book is full of all my distilled knowledge and wisdom on street photography over the last 10 years, crafted specifically to empower you in street photography.

For more free resources, presets, and PDF visualizations on street photography, join my free ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER to stay inspired and empowered.

Also join ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE if you want to take your street photography to the next level and conquer your fears and meet new peers.

To join a positive and passionate community, share your photos in ERIC KIM FORUM. Look forward to having you friend :)