My essential gear for Street Photography 2026
- 28mmStreet
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 15
January 2026 - Blog# 23
Street photography is my creative playground — the streets my training ground and mental escape all at once. After ten years shooting Copenhagen, I’ve learned one simple truth: the best street photography tools aren’t the newest cameras or fastest lenses. They’re the essential tools I actually use — the ones that disappear in my hands and let me focus on capturing moments that matter.
These are my essential street photography tools: the cameras, prime lenses, and accessories I rely on every day — from my trusted 28mm and 50mm lenses to the light meter and film that keep my craft sharp.
The camera I trust on the streets
I’ve had a few cameras that have been essential to my street photography over the past ten years. For now, I’ll focus on my current everyday camera: the Leica M6 2022 reissue. I’ve written more about why. Read more here.
Since committing to film street photography back in 2025, I’ve deliberately kept my street kit minimal. The camera, lenses, and accessories I carry all have a purpose — nothing extra, nothing distracting.
The goal is simple: a camera that feels like an extension of my hand, so I can react instinctively and without friction. It was a hard adjustment period to shoot exclusively on 35mm film, especially after selling my main digital camera, the Fuji X100V.
I love using the Leica M6 because it’s reliable, quiet, and built to disappear in my hands. Every shutter click is predictable, the rangefinder makes focusing instinctive, and the compact body lets me move through the streets without drawing attention.
Unlike my digital cameras, it doesn’t overcomplicate things — no menus, no distractions — just a precise tool that lets me focus entirely on the streets.
Next, let’s talk about the lenses I pair with it — the focal lengths that define how I see the street.
Prime lenses only - here's why
When it comes to street photography, I only use prime lenses. For me, primes aren’t just about image quality — they shape how I shoot. My everyday setup is a 28mm and 50mm pair, and each has a clear purpose. I explain why I think primes are best for street photography, Read it here.
The 28mm focal length is my go-to for most city streets. It gives me a slightly wider perspective that captures context and environment without feeling like a documentary lens.
It forces me to get closer to my subject, which improves interaction and intuition.
The 50mm, on the other hand, is perfect for more intimate shots. It isolates the subject and compresses the scene just enough to tell a story within the frame.
I switch to it when I want a tighter composition, or when the streets are quieter and I can frame moments without distractions.
I spent three years shooting primarily with 35mm focal length, and that early experience taught me something crucial: prime lenses force decisions about distance, framing, and perspective. That discipline translated directly into stronger skills, sharper instincts, and more confident street photography over time (in my humble opinion of course).
That’s why I love this 28/50mm pair for street photography — each focal length has a clear purpose the way I do street photography, and together they cover everything I need on the streets.
Now lets talk about a few essential accessories I use for street photography.
Accessories that actually matter
Street photography isn’t just about the camera and lenses — the right accessories make shooting smoother without adding clutter. I only carry what truly supports my workflow.
Light Meter – The Leica M6 has an in built light-meter which works perfectly most of the time. But for those especially annoying low ISO film on a dull overcast day I rely on a handheld light meter to get consistent exposures with my film. It’s quick, precise and takes less than 5 seconds to take a reading.
Film – I love me some Tri-x 400 and Kodak Gold. But generally I pivot toward black and white photography and always carry a b/w 400 iso film with me. Don't want to miss a moment right.
Straps and bags – A simple, reliable camera strap keeps the camera close to my hand without drawing attention. I avoid heavy camera bags; everything else I need fits in my pockets: extra film, a notebook.
Each accessory I carry is carefully chosen, and sometimes I don’t even bring it if I don’t feel it’s necessary.
The goal isn’t to be fully equipped — it’s to have only what supports my shooting without slowing me down.
Essentials only that serves my vision
Building a street photography kit with only the essentials isn’t about owning the newest camera or the fastest lenses. It’s about choosing tools you trust, keeping your kit minimal, and letting every piece serve a purpose.
My Leica M6, the 28mm and 50mm primes, and carefully selected accessories support my street photography workflow, so I can focus entirely on making photographs and remembering the moments connected to them.
With the right tools and a minimalist mindset, I don’t just carry gear — I carry creative freedom, confidence, and the ability to react instinctively on the streets.