Behind the Scenes

For over three decades, Stephen Dupont has been travelling to different crisis regions around the world. His reportages have covered Afghanistan, Angola, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, India, Iraq, Israel, Rwanda, Somalia and Zaire. A variety of Leica cameras are among his faithful companions. The photographer offered us some insight into how he makes use of his wide range of equipment. 

LFI: You own a broad selection of Leica cameras, Leica M3, M4, M6, M11, MP and M Monochrom. How do you decide which one to use?
Stephen Dupont: It really comes down to whether I’m shooting film or digital and the project I’m doing. If I’m shooting film or digital I’ll generally work with 2 camera bodies with a 35 and a 50 lens, sometimes a 28. I like not having to change lenses while I’m out shooting in the field. For film, my go-to Leica now is the MP and then I’ll switch around on different shoot between the M6 and the M4. I no longer have my M3. As for digital I have an M11 and a M11 Monochrom and I’m shooting digital mostly these days, because of costs and reliability and the speed it gives you. Because I only have these 2 cameras I’ll use one for colour always if it’s colour I am shooting, but if it’s a black and white shoot, I’ll shoot both, knowing I can connect my colour files to later.

How do you decide on the lenses, choosing from the Summicron-M 28 f/2 Asph, Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 Asph, Apo-Summicron-M 35 f/2 and 50 f/2Asph, Summicron-M 50 f/2?
I shoot mainly on my Summilux 35 f/1.4 Asph. This is my favourite lens and focal length. It feels to me like what the human eye perspective sees; not to close and not too wide. With the Summicron 50 f/2 I have, I love the challenges it gives me shooting on the street and pretty much anything. Because I’m shooting on two camera bodies always, I’ll have both lenses ready to shoot with. If I swap to the 28, I’ll usually ditch the 50 and run with this and the 35. I would say 80 percent of what I shoot is on the 35.

On what occasions do you use your Monochrom?
As often as possible. Certainly for most of my personal work and, of course, dedicated black and white projects. It is my go-to camera for everyday shooting. The colour M11 I use for assignments in colour and editorial and commercial work. 

How do you carry your equipment around; do you have one or two bags, an assistant ? How do you handle the weight?
The great thing about using two Leica M11 cameras is that they hardly weigh anything. I carry a satchel-type bag with the cameras and lenses and extras, batteries, cards, etc. along with my laptop and other stuff, book, headphones. It’s the perfect carry on bag. When I arrive at my destination to shoot, I don’t carry a bag around: I have one camera slung across my chest, and the other hanging around my neck. I hate carrying bags around in the field.