Gear Up Like An Artist: Five Cameras Handpicked By Photographers At PhMuseum Days 2026

For the second issue of our Annual publication, we asked exhibiting artists and judges from our International Photography Festival's 5th edition to select their favorite gear from MPB's catalogue.

The reasons why we end up choosing a camera are wide-ranging. We might seek something small that makes us feel invisible. We might need the quickest tool possible or, on the contrary, a device allowing for slowness and friction. Behind each choice lies a working method, and a way of relating to the subject that is unique to each artist. The reasons why we end up loving a camera vary as well—they are often personal and rooted in our experience, just as any relationship with an object can be.

It is in this spirit that we explored the individual reasons and special bonds artists have built with their gear. Together with MPB, we asked the professionals shaping the fifth edition of PhMuseum’s International Photography Festival – either as exhibiting photographers or as open call judges – to tell us which camera they use (or wish to use) and why. From medium format to pocket compacts, here are 5 choices that help tell the story of their work—and the work to come.

FUJIFILM X30: A favourite of Allegra Baggio Corradi

Publisher and artist Allegra Baggio Corradi selects the FUJIFILM X30 – known for its classic color profiles and retro styling. This camera delivers surprisingly impressive low-light performance in a retro pocket body, combining efficiency, high image quality, and a sharp design.

Allegra Baggio Corradi says: “I love the film‑inspired colour range and low light sensitivity!”

FUJIFILM GFX 50S: A favourite of Federico Clavarino

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S represents the company's entry into the medium format digital market. It delivers high-end image quality at a budget-friendly price, without overwhelming system files or processing power.

“This is the only digital camera I use. It's cheap for MF, same sensor as the newer ones for 1K less, and who cares about a stabiliser and AF when you are used to analogue, or 100MP when your laptop would crash opening those monstrous files,” explains artist Federico Clavarino.

MAMIYA LEAF 645 DF+: A favourite of Rita Puig Serra

Somewhere between technical rigour and tactile depth, the MAMIYA LEAF 645 DF+ rewards those who prefer to take their time framing an image. It brings professional medium-format dynamic range and leaf-shutter flash sync speeds to a modular design. Capable of accepting either a film back or a digital back, the Mamiya Leaf can move with the photographer from one image-making method to the next. It also opens the door to the vast Mamiya 645 lens family, including leaf-shutter optics with flash sync at high speeds.

FUJIFILM X100VI: A favourite of Francisco Cantón

The FUJIFILM X100VI offers an effortless shooting experience with its compact form, fixed lens, and customizable controls.

“It's the only digital camera I ever really felt good with. I fiddled around with the controls to put it only in black and white, square frame, and a function that wouldn't let you see the photo through the viewfinder. It was like using a kind of pocket-sized 6×6 camera with black and white film loaded. It gave me so much freedom. I sold it and now I regret it!”, says the Argentinian photographer.

LEICA Q: In Robin Alysha Clemens' wishlist

The LEICA Q-P is loved for pairing a pin-sharp full-frame lens with a stealthy, understated body for seamless travel and street shooting. “I've only shot Canon my whole life, but I'd love to try out a new type of camera”, says Robin Alysha Clemens, “maybe a crazy good small format compact camera or small mirrorless that I can use while traveling – like a Leica Q.”

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About this advertorial

The content above is drawn from a spread featured on the second issue of our new printed Annual magazine, which debuts at Photobook Mania 2026 on 3–4 October. Titled Giardino, it features the work of 36 artists and photographers, a photographic guide to Athens, and more. While the 500 copies are currently being bound close to Treviso in North-east Italy, sign up to our newsletter to be updated on its upcoming release.