To capture his acclaimed hip-hop photos, Gunner Stahl uses many cameras. He uses the Contax T2 and the Yashica T4 Super D for 35mm photography, but also uses multiple medium format cameras such as the Mamiya RZ67 and Pentax 67.
I’m Caleb, and I have more than four years of experience as a photographer. That time has taught me a lot about what to look for in a camera, and in this article, I’ll use that knowledge to break down Gunner Stahl’s camera setup.
If you’re interested in learning what cameras and film Gunner Stahl uses to achieve his signature look, keep reading to find out all the details.
Contents
What 35mm Film Cameras Does Gunner Stahl Use?
Gunner Stahl doesn’t just use one 35mm camera. He has multiple options in this area, and his choices include some that celebrities often use these days.
Contax T2
One of the most recognizable names in his collection is the Contax T2, a camera that has become something of a celebrity collector’s item.
Taking pictures on film has become a nostalgic trend recently, especially for celebrities. Many of those celebrities choose the T2 as their preferred camera for this kind of photography.
The camera has a built-in 38mm f/2.8 lens from Zeiss, making it easy to pick up and use without worrying about lenses. The titanium body also comes in a variety of colors, but some of them will cost you more than others.
Because the T2 isn’t in active production, its price has increased significantly since it originally came out. That trend is probably going to continue in the near future due to its renewed popularity.
This camera does have an autofocus feature, but if you’re a newer photographer looking at getting this one, you should be aware that you’ll have to do everything else manually.
Yashica T4 Super D
The Yashica T4 Super D is another notable name on the film photography scene and is also another camera in Gunner Stahl’s collection.
The T4 Super D is a bit more automated than the formerly mentioned Contax T2. While the T2 only has autofocus, the T4 Super D has both automatic exposure and focus control.
It has a built in Carl Zeiss 35mm f/3.5 lens, which means you won’t get quite as much depth of field as you would using the T2.
However, it does have one notable advantage. The T4 Super D is waterproof, which could make it a better option than other 35mm cameras if you’re looking to take some vintage photos out in the elements.
Contax G2
The Contax G2 looks similar enough to the T2, but it brings a higher quality to the table as an electronic 35mm film camera.
The G2 is a lot pricier compared to other film cameras, but that cost is largely because it’s considered one of the best rangefinder film cameras of all time.
Unlike the T2, this one is an interchangeable lens camera, and you can use a variety of lenses with it to get good results at varying ranges.
Like its cheaper counterpart, it also has an autofocus feature, which has been praised for its quality.
What Medium Format Cameras Does Gunner Stahl Use?
Gunner Stahl isn’t just into 35mm photography. When it comes to medium format cameras, he has even more options in his collection.
Mamiya RZ67
If you want to stand out as a photographer, the Mamiya RZ67 might suit your needs. It’s pretty unique and distinct looking, but those aren’t its only qualities.
The RZ67 actually brings high level performance to the table, with its interchangeable lenses being praised for their quality especially.
With that being said, it’s not for everyone. It’s more of a camera for film photography enthusiasts than casual photographers. Some reviewers have noted it as a heavy camera, and the process of reloading it is a bit clunky compared to other cameras.
Still, if you’re all in on taking high quality pictures that have that vintage look, and you’re willing to work with some quirks, the RZ67 might be a good investment.
Pentax 67
The Pentax 67 is another medium format camera that, like the Mamiya RZ67, has a reputation for being large and heavy. The camera is said to come in at around 5 lbs, something that could be a downside depending on your personal preferences.
But, the camera holds up relatively well for a model that was first released in 1969. It was produced in one form or another until production ended in 2009, so you’ll have to find this one second-hand.
The name comes from how the 67 exposes photos on an area of 6 by 7 centimeters. It can support a number of interchangeable lenses with a variety of values for length and aperture, which adds a level of versatility.
If you’re in the market for this camera, you should make sure to do your research on the version you’re getting. The newer variants have some improvements, which you might find to be a major help in areas like reliability.
Fuji GA645wi
The Fuji GA645wi is a more obscure film camera than many of the others on this list, but it’s also part of Gunner Stahl’s arsenal.
The ‘wi’ in the name is short for ‘wide,’ as the GA645Wi is designed for wide angle shooting. It has a specific niche because of that design, but can fill that niche well.
If you’re looking for a film camera to take on your traveling adventures, this might be one to consider. The wide angle, after all, gives it an advantage in some types of environment shots.
Despite its relatively large size, the GA645wi is a point and shoot camera. That simplicity will surely be appreciated by some photographers that don’t want to deal with extra complications.
What Film Does Gunner Stahl Use?
In film photography, finding the right camera is only half the battle. The film matters too, and Gunner Stahl makes use of multiple brands of film to get the best effects.
Kodak Portra 400 & 160
Portra 400 is one of the more popular films out there for good reason. It can get good results shooting both indoors and outdoors, and even in conditions with less light. It also provides the film grain look without having enough grain to overwhelm the image.
Portra 160, by comparison, is better for shooting during the day and has the finest grain of Kodak’s Portra series. Both can do the job very effectively, and are part of Kodak’s higher end line of film.
Fujifilm Pro400H
Gunner Stahl also makes use of Fujifilm’s Pro400H film, which is an alternative to Portra 400 that tends to represent cooler colors like blues and greens well. It has a fine grain, and also handles overexposure well without the photo becoming overexposed.
Rollei Infrared 400
A less common choice in Gunner Stahl’s setup is Rollei Infrared 400, which advertises itself as being suited to creative and experimental applications.
The name comes from the fact that it’s suited for ‘infrared photography,’ a surreal style that uses filters to achieve a dreamlike color spectrum.
If you’re interested in that kind of photography, Rollei’s Infrared 400 is a film that was specifically designed around your needs.
FAQs
Are you still curious about something? Here are some other questions photographers have asked about Gunner Stahl.
How Old Is Gunner Stahl?
Gunner Stahl was born in Atlanta in 1992, making him 30 years old.
Who Has Gunner Stahl Taken Pictures For?
Gunner Stahl has mainly focused on the hip-hop scene throughout his photography career, taking photos for popular musicians like the Weeknd, Drake, 21 Savage, Playboi Carti, and others.
How Did Gunner Stahl Get His Start?
Stahl started out taking pictures of his day-to-day life at 18 years old, before eventually deciding to photograph up and coming music acts (source).
Conclusion
Gunner Stahl uses some widely known cameras like the Contax T2 and the Yahsica T4 Super D. However, we can also see from his other choices that his collection covers a wide range of niches.
Do you have experience with any of these cameras or films? Is one of them your favorite? Be sure to tell us in the comments.
