¶ Photography Equipment Overview – Cameras, Lenses and Accessories
This page is the central entry point to the equipment section of the Photographer’s Wiki. It organises cameras, lenses, analogue film and accessories by system, purpose and compatibility. The aim is not to recommend the highest specification, but to identify equipment that fits the subject, working method, weight limit and complete photographic workflow.
Image notice: This title image is a temporary, brand-neutral AI-generated illustration. It is neither an authentic product photograph nor a buying recommendation and will be replaced with an original documentary photograph when available.
In brief: Start with the subject and the intended way of working. Only then select the camera, focal lengths, focusing method, support equipment, power supply, storage and transport solution. Always verify the complete combination before an important assignment or trip.
¶ Document information
| Document information | Definition |
|---|---|
| Document ID | FW-AUS-01-01 |
| Title | Photography Equipment Overview |
| Area | Equipment |
| Document type | Section overview and practical guide |
| Responsible | Wiki owner |
| Version | 1.1 EN |
| Translation basis | German version 1.48 |
| Last reviewed | 4 August 2026 |
| Document status | Public section overview – editorially reviewed |
| Classification | Public |
| Focus keyword | photography equipment |
| Data basis | Locally maintained camera, lens, film, accessory, manual and evidence pages |
| Next review | After ten new or substantially revised Wiki pages, no later than 4 November 2026 |
| Wiki.js path | /Fotografen-Wiki/Ausruestung/FW-AUS-01-01_Uebersicht_Ausruestung |
¶ Review traffic light
| Review area | Status | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Translation basis | 🟢 Green | Content reconciled with German version 1.48. |
| Structure and navigation | 🟢 Green | Main areas, registers, manuals and evidence pages are linked. |
| English page links | 🟢 Green | Existing English pages use the /en/ locale and were checked structurally. |
| German fallback links | 🟠 Orange | Topics not yet translated deliberately lead to the marked German source page. |
| Title image | 🟢 Green | Local 1672 × 941 pixel JPEG, 391 KB, descriptive alt text and enlargement link verified. |
| Product data and availability | 🟠 Orange | Firmware, prices, availability, compatibility and service status can change and must be checked on the specialist page. |
| Private inventory data | 🟢 Green | Serial numbers, invoices, insurance data and storage locations are explicitly excluded from the public page. |
Overall status: Orange. The page structure, image and local navigation have been reviewed. Dynamic product information and German fallback pages require periodic rechecking.
Status notice: “Page available” confirms the locally maintained Markdown content, but does not automatically confirm publication, current availability, current price or ongoing manufacturer support.
¶ SEO data
| SEO field | Content |
|---|---|
| SEO title | Photography equipment: cameras, lenses and accessories |
| Meta description | Photography equipment explained: cameras, lenses, film, accessories, compatibility, buying checks, packing lists, storage and care. |
| Primary keyword | photography equipment |
| Secondary search terms | camera equipment, photography lenses, camera accessories, Leica equipment, photography packing list |
| Search intent | Select, compare and organise a complete photographic equipment system |
| Recommended URL slug | photography-equipment-cameras-lenses-accessories |
¶ 1. Purpose
The equipment section supports:
- selecting and comparing photographic equipment,
- documenting existing cameras and lenses,
- checking mounts, adapters and accessories,
- planning assignments, photo walks and packing lists,
- linking manuals, data sheets and firmware information,
- recording tests and practical experience,
- maintaining, storing and transporting equipment safely.
Technical performance is only one criterion. Subject, working method, size, weight, reliability, controls, serviceability and compatibility across the complete system are equally important.
Practical rule: Evaluate camera, lens, storage, power supply, tripod, transport and data backup as one system. A high-performing individual product cannot compensate for an unsuitable or incompatible overall configuration.
¶ Quick access and registers
| Destination | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Camera overview | Camera types, manufacturers and system pages | Open German camera overview |
| Camera register | Filter the 277 camera models and digital backs currently recorded in the Wiki | Open German camera register |
| Lens overview | Lens types, mounts and selection principles | Open German lens overview |
| Lens register | Filter the 315 lenses currently recorded in the Wiki | Open German lens register |
| Storage, batteries and cleaning | Media, power and safe equipment care | Open German accessory guide |
| Photo-data backup | Backup, archiving and recovery | Open German data-workflow guide |
¶ 2. Main equipment areas
| Area | Content | Status | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameras | Camera types, manufacturers, systems and individual models | Central camera, manufacturer, Leica, analogue and medium-format pages available | Open cameras |
| Analogue cameras | 35 mm, half-frame, roll film, large format and instant cameras | Overview plus Leica M6 and Rolleiflex pages available | Open analogue cameras |
| Lenses | Prime, zoom and specialist lenses, mounts and adapters | Overview and manufacturer pages available | Open lenses |
| Analogue film | Colour negative, black-and-white, slide and effect films | Overview, hybrid workflow, TRI-X and laboratory pages available | Open analogue film |
| Accessories | Tripods, filters, light, bags, storage, batteries and cleaning | Several specialist and manufacturer pages available | Open accessories |
| Manuals | Manuals, data sheets, firmware and software | Leica manual register available; general overview planned | Open Leica manuals |
| Evidence and tests | Equipment tests and practical experience | Equipment-test register available | Open equipment tests |
¶ 3. Existing equipment pages
The tables below provide the current navigation structure. An English link is used where an English page already exists. Other links lead deliberately to the German source page.
¶ Cameras and camera systems
| Document ID | Page | Main content | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| FW-KAM-01-01 | Camera overview | Camera types, formats, systems and selection templates | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-ANA-01 | Analogue cameras | 35 mm, half-frame, roll film, large format and instant cameras | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-01-03 | Camera manufacturers | Current, analogue and historical brands, systems and mounts | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-01-04 | Dedicated monochrome cameras | Leica Monochrom, Pentax Monochrome and Phase One Achromatic | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-01-05 | Historical and specialist monochrome cameras | Photography, cinema, astronomy, research and industrial systems | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-FUJ-01 | Fujifilm GFX medium format | 44 × 33 mm sensor, G Mount, models, prices and buying advice | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-FUJ-02 | Fujifilm GFX100RF review | Image quality, fixed lens, autofocus, ND filter and RAW | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-FUJ-03 | Fujifilm X APS-C cameras | Models, sensors, IBIS, X Mount, prices and buying advice | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-FUJ-04 | APS-C and full frame | Sensor size, image quality, noise, depth of field and lenses | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-RIC-01 | Ricoh cameras | GR compact cameras, Pentax system, prices and applications | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-PAN-01 | Panasonic Lumix | Micro Four Thirds, L-Mount full frame, photography and video | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-KB-01 | Ricoh or Panasonic Lumix | Test-based buying matrix for mobility, format, video and budget | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-MF-01 | Rolleiflex 6008 and Hy6 | Modular 6×6, film backs, digital backs and system checks | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-MF-02 | Rolleiflex 6002 and 6006 | Electronic 6×6 cameras, differences, lenses and used buying | Open German page |
¶ Leica cameras
| Document ID | Page | Main content | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| FW-KAM-LEI-01 | Leica overview | Leica camera systems and classification | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-02 | Leica M | Rangefinder system, digital and analogue M cameras | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M6-01 | Leica M6 | Generations, exposure, focus and personal TRI-X use | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-MAMP-01 | Leica M-A and Leica MP | Mechanical film M cameras, metering, tests and buying advice | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M240-01 | Leica M (Typ 240) | 24 MP digital M, rangefinder, Live View, video and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M246-01 | Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) | 24 MP monochrome M, Live View, filters and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-MONO-01 | Leica Monochrom comparison | M246, M10 Monochrom and M11 Monochrom | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M11M-01 | Leica M11 Monochrom | Monochrome sensor, ISO, filters and practical use | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-Q3M-02 | Leica Q3 Monochrom | Review, image quality and comparison with M11 Monochrom | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-GEB-01 | Used Leica cameras | Leica Classic, condition grades, warranty and buying checks | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-19 | Leica used-buying guide | Weak points, spare parts, serviceability and inspection workflow | Open English page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-03 | Leica Q | Q3, Q3 43, Q3 Monochrom and earlier generations | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-04 | Leica SL system | SL3, SL3-S, SL3-P, L Mount, adapters, photography and video | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-SL3-01 | Leica SL3 | 60 MP, Triple Resolution, hybrid AF, video and practical use | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-05 | Leica CL and TL | APS-C, TL lenses, L Mount, adapters and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-06 | Leica S | Digital medium format, S lenses, practice and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-07 | Leica compact cameras | D-Lux, V-Lux, X, C, Mini, Minilux and CM models | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M9-01 | Leica M9 | Kodak CCD, base ISO, sensor corrosion, service and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M10R-01 | Leica M10-R | Camera, ISO, controls and practical use | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M10PR-01 | Leica M10-P and M10-R | Image quality, shutter, long exposure and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-M11D-01 | Leica M11-D | Screenless 60 MP rangefinder, FOTOS, exposure and workflow | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-R9DMR-01 | Leica R9 with Digital-Modul-R | Film/digital system, CCD image quality and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-12 | Leica Content Credentials | C2PA provenance, activation, verification and limits | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-15 | Leica Looks | Core, Essential and Artist Looks, FOTOS, JPEG and DNG | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-16 | Leica practical matrix | Model choice by subject, focus, focal length and workflow | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-17 | Leica menus compared | Equivalent functions on M10, M11, Q3 and SL3 | Open German page |
| FW-KAM-LEI-18 | Leica exposure strategies | Base ISO, highlight headroom, iDR and monochrome practice | Open German page |
¶ Lenses and mounts
| Document ID | Page | Main content | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| FW-OBJ-01-01 | Lens overview | Lens types, focal lengths, compatibility and testing | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-01-02 | Mounts and adapters | Flange distance, compatibility and functional limitations | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-01-03 | Prime lenses | Focal length, aperture, Leica M and Voigtländer VM | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-01-04 | Zoom lenses | Zoom ranges, constant/variable aperture and applications | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-01-05 | Specialist lenses | Macro, tilt-shift, fisheye, mirror, probe and repro lenses | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-M-01 | Third-party M-mount lenses | Voigtländer, ZEISS, Thypoch, TTArtisan, 7Artisans and others | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-VOI-01 | Voigtländer VM lenses | VM lenses for Leica M and adapted use | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-VOI-03 | Voigtländer Nokton 40 mm F1.2 II VM | Rendering, rangefinder use, reviews and buying advice | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-ZEI-01 | ZEISS ZM lenses | Models, specifications, rendering and rangefinder use | Open English page |
| FW-OBJ-ZEI-02 | ZEISS ZM lens tests | Strengths, weaknesses, camera suitability and test plan | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-LEI-R-01 | Leica R lenses | Models, R cams, Leica R6.2 selection and used buying | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-LEI-R-02 | Leica R lens tests | International test findings, recommendations and test plan | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-LEI-MAK-01 | Leica macro lenses | 60 mm R, 100 mm R and 100 mm SL compared | Open English page |
| FW-OBJ-LEI-M-01 | Leica M lens coding | 6-bit coding, manual selection, DNG Opcodes and wrong profiles | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-LEI-M-WATE-01 | Tri-Elmar-M 16–18–21 mm | Specifications, viewfinder use and reviews | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-LEI-ELC-01 | ELCAN lenses | Leitz Canada military optics, identification and collector market | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-SIG-L-01 | Sigma L-Mount lenses | Art, Contemporary, Sports, DG/DC and Leica SL compatibility | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-SIG-L-02 | Sigma 300–600 mm F4 Sports | Tests, Leica SL compatibility and tripod practice | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-LM-01 | L-Mount Alliance | Members, cameras, lenses, compatibility and limitations | Open English page |
| FW-OBJ-FUJ-01 | Fujinon lenses | X Mount, G Mount, focal lengths, labels and prices | Open German page |
| FW-OBJ-PAN-01 | Panasonic Lumix lenses | Micro Four Thirds, L Mount, Leica DG and Lumix S | Open German page |
¶ Film and analogue workflow
| Document ID | Page | Main content | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| FW-FILM-01-01 | Analogue film overview | Film types, ISO, formats, prices and selection | Open German page |
| FW-FILM-01-02 | Analogue film from personal practice | Personal film characteristics, exposure-index experience and selection guidance | Open German page |
| FW-FILM-01-03 | Analogue hybrid workflow | Development, scanning, master file and archive | Open German page |
| FW-FILM-01-04 | Kodak TRI-X 400 | Film character, exposure index, Leica R6.2 and development | Open German page |
| FW-FILM-01-05 | Photo laboratories in Germany | Providers, processes, selection questions and test order | Open German page |
| FW-FILM-01-06 | Fujifilm Pro 400H vs Kodak Portra 400 | ISO 400 colour films, exposure, long exposures and scanning | Open German page |
¶ Accessories and light meters
| Document ID | Page | Main content | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| FW-ZUB-01-02 | Tripods and tripod heads | Berlebach wood versus NOVOFLEX carbon and aluminium | Open English page |
| FW-ZUB-NOV-01 | NOVOFLEX accessories | Tripods, ball heads, Q-System, panorama and macro | Open German page |
| FW-ZUB-01-03 | Photographic filters | Protection, polarising, ND, graduated, colour and infrared | Open German page |
| FW-ZUB-01-05 | Bags and backpacks | König Photobags, transport, access and weather protection | Open German page |
| FW-ZUB-01-06 | Storage, batteries and cleaning | Data security, energy, care and checklists | Open German page |
| FW-ZUB-01-08 | Leica Visoflex 2 | Compatibility, magnification, tilt and dioptre adjustment | Open English page |
| FW-ZUB-01-09 | Angelbird storage media | SD, CFexpress, SSD, card readers and Leica compatibility | Open German page |
| FW-ZUB-GOS-01 | GOSSEN light meters | Incident, reflected, spot, contrast and flash metering | Open English page |
| FW-ZUB-GOS-02 | GOSSEN STARLITE 2 | 1°/5° spot, Zone System, flash, cine and photometry | Open German page |
| FW-ZUB-GOS-03 | Long exposure with ND filters | ND conversion, meter comparison and reciprocity | Open English page |
| FW-ZUB-GOS-04 | Leica M11/Q3 long exposure | STARLITE 2 metering, ND conversion and low-vibration release | Open German page |
The status above describes the local Markdown source. Whether a page has already been published in Wiki.js must be checked separately.
¶ 4. Selecting equipment
A useful selection begins with the subject, not the product name.
¶ Decision sequence
- Define the main subjects and photographic goals.
- Determine the required focal lengths and maximum apertures.
- Define the requirements for autofocus, manual focus and burst shooting.
- Choose the sensor format and required resolution.
- Evaluate weight and packed size for actual use.
- Check camera, lens and accessory compatibility.
- Plan storage, power and data backup.
- Consider weather, terrain and transport protection.
- Calculate total cost including accessories, maintenance and spare parts.
- Whenever possible, test the equipment before purchase.
¶ Key questions
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What will be photographed most often? | Determines focal length, autofocus, lens speed and accessories |
| How far must the equipment be carried? | Weight and packed size become quality criteria |
| Will it be used in low light? | Lens speed, stabilisation and ISO performance become more important |
| Do the subjects move quickly? | Autofocus, burst rate and viewfinder delay become critical |
| Will a tripod be used? | Weight may matter less while stability matters more |
| Is video required? | Check ports, codecs, audio, heat and power |
| Is colour essential? | Deliberately exclude dedicated monochrome cameras if necessary |
| Is there an existing lens system? | Consider the mount and previous investment |
¶ 5. Fundamental camera types
| Camera type | Typical strength | Typical limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-lens compact | Small complete unit; no lens changes | Focal length cannot genuinely be changed |
| Mirrorless system camera | Interchangeable lenses, EVF, stills and video | System size and power demand |
| Rangefinder camera | Direct manual operation and compact lenses | No autofocus; limited close-up and telephoto suitability |
| DSLR | Optical viewfinder and extensive legacy systems | Larger and heavier; fewer current developments |
| Medium-format camera | High detail and tonal reserves | Cost, size, data volume and often lower speed |
| Film camera | Film character and a deliberate shooting process | Recurring film and processing costs |
| Dedicated monochrome camera | Direct black-and-white capture | No colour information |
¶ 6. Leica camera systems
| System | Lens concept | Focus | Typical use | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leica M | Interchangeable M-mount lenses | Manual rangefinder or Live View | Street, documentary, travel and deliberate photography | Leica M |
| Leica Q | Fixed 28 mm or 43 mm lens | Autofocus and manual | Street, travel, everyday, landscape and portrait | Leica Q |
| Leica compact | Fixed zoom or prime, depending on model | Autofocus and sometimes manual | Travel, everyday, street, nature and film projects | Leica compact cameras |
| Leica SL | Interchangeable L-Mount lenses | Autofocus and manual | Versatile professional photography and video | Leica SL |
| Leica CL/TL | APS-C system with L Mount | Autofocus and manual | Compact legacy APS-C equipment | Leica CL/TL |
| Leica S | Digital medium format | Autofocus and manual | Studio, portrait, landscape and detailed professional work | Leica S |
See the English Leica overview for the complete system classification.
¶ 7. Lens types
| Lens type | Strength | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Prime lens | Often compact and fast, with a clearly defined rendering | Focal length, maximum aperture and minimum focus |
| Zoom lens | Flexible angle of view without changing lenses | Zoom range, aperture, size and weight |
| Macro lens | High reproduction ratio and short focusing distance | Working distance, reproduction ratio and focusing |
| Tilt-shift lens | Perspective and plane-of-focus control | Movement range, image circle and handling |
| Super-telephoto lens | Distant wildlife, sport and details | Autofocus, weight, stabilisation and support |
| Ultra-wide-angle lens | Architecture, landscape and interiors | Edge performance, distortion and filter compatibility |
¶ 8. Focal-length guide
Image rendering depends on focal length, sensor format, camera distance and subject.
| Full-frame focal length | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 10–20 mm | Extreme perspective, architecture, interiors and landscape |
| 21–28 mm | Landscape, architecture, travel and dynamic documentary work |
| 35 mm | Street, documentary, everyday and travel |
| 40–50 mm | Natural perspective, documentation and environmental portrait |
| 75–105 mm | Portrait, details and compressed landscape |
| 135–300 mm | Wildlife, sport, landscape details and distant subjects |
| Above 300 mm | Wildlife, birds, sport and very distant subjects |
For APS-C, Micro Four Thirds and medium format, interpret the angle of view relative to full frame rather than comparing focal-length numbers alone.
¶ 9. Mounts and adapters
Check at least the following points before combining equipment:
- mechanical mount,
- sensor format and image circle,
- flange focal distance,
- electronic communication,
- autofocus support,
- aperture control,
- image stabilisation,
- EXIF transmission,
- correction profiles,
- infinity focus,
- physical clearance inside the camera body,
- manufacturer approval.
A lens may be mechanically mountable without supporting every function. Never force an adapter or lens into place.
| Combination | Classification |
|---|---|
| Leica M lens on Leica M | Direct use; still verify model and lens compatibility |
| Voigtländer VM on Leica M | M-compatible mount, usually without Leica 6-bit coding |
| Leica M lens on L Mount | Requires a suitable M-Adapter L |
| Leica R lens on a mirrorless camera | Manual operation through a suitable adapter |
| Full-frame lens on APS-C | The smaller sensor uses a cropped portion of the image circle |
See Mounts and adapters.
¶ 10. Accessories by function
| Function | Typical accessories |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | Tripod, monopod, tripod head, quick-release plate and remote release |
| Light control | Polarising, neutral-density and graduated filters, lens hood |
| Lighting | Flash, radio trigger, continuous light, reflector and diffuser |
| Power | Spare battery, charger, power bank and suitable cables |
| Storage | Suitable memory cards, card case and mobile backup |
| Transport | Bag, backpack, insert, rain cover and strap |
| Cleaning | Blower, soft brush, microfibre cloth and suitable sensor-cleaning tools |
| Safety | Head torch, high-visibility vest, weather protection, first aid and communications |
¶ 11. Equipment by photographic use
| Use | Camera and lens | Useful accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Street | Compact camera, 28–50 mm | Spare battery, small bag and wrist strap |
| Landscape | High detail reserve, 16–50 mm | Tripod, polarising/ND filters, weather protection and remote release |
| Architecture | Wide-angle or shift lens | Tripod, level and precise head |
| Portrait | 50–105 mm with suitable maximum aperture | Reflector, flash or continuous light |
| Wildlife and birds | Fast autofocus and long focal length | Monopod/tripod, camouflage, weather protection and spare batteries |
| Macro | Macro lens or close-up accessories | Tripod, focusing rail, diffuser and small light |
| Cave | Fast or wide-angle equipment | Several lights, tripod, protection and redundant safety equipment |
| Night and astro | Good manual control and suitable wide-angle lens | Tripod, remote release, head torch and dew heater |
| Travel | Compact, robust combination | Charging options, data backup and unobtrusive bag |
Safety equipment is part of assignment planning at demanding locations and must not be omitted in favour of additional photographic equipment.
¶ 12. Example configurations
¶ Compact travel kit
- one camera,
- one versatile prime lens or standard zoom,
- one spare battery,
- two suitable memory cards,
- a small charger,
- cleaning cloth and blower,
- a compact weather-protected bag.
¶ Landscape kit
- camera with DNG/RAW capture,
- wide-angle and normal focal length,
- stable tripod and suitable head,
- polarising filter and, where required, ND filters,
- remote release or self-timer,
- spare battery and memory cards,
- rain protection and a secure carrying system.
¶ Leica M kit
- Leica M camera,
- one to three deliberately selected M or VM lenses,
- spare battery or film,
- memory card for digital cameras,
- suitable optical finder or Visoflex where required,
- lens and sensor protection,
- compact, unobtrusive bag.
¶ 13. Compatibility check
| Checkpoint | Camera | Lens | Accessory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exact model identified | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connection/mount compatible | — | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware current and suitable | Yes | If applicable | If applicable |
| Power supply compatible | Yes | If applicable | Yes |
| Weight and load capacity | Total system weight | Individual weight | Rated limit |
| Weather protection | Body rating | Sealing | Cover |
| Operating functions | Menus and interfaces | Focus and aperture | Control |
| Manual available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Practical test completed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compatibility warning: Manufacturer information and current operating manuals take precedence over general compatibility assumptions. Test the exact combination of camera, lens, adapter, firmware and accessory before an important assignment.
¶ 14. Buying checklist
¶ New equipment
- exact model and product number,
- supplied items,
- manufacturer and dealer warranty,
- return and inspection conditions,
- accessory compatibility,
- current firmware,
- availability of spare batteries and spare parts,
- total cost of the operational system.
¶ Used equipment
- serial number and proof of ownership,
- impact, moisture and wear marks,
- sensor, shutter and viewfinder condition,
- focus and aperture operation,
- ports, card slot and battery compartment,
- battery wear,
- DNG/RAW test files,
- lens decentring and focusing accuracy,
- known repairs and maintenance,
- remaining service and spare-parts options.
Used-buying warning: For expensive equipment, an expert inspection before final purchase is advisable. Do not treat a marketplace description or a successful power-on test as proof of complete functionality.
¶ 15. Equipment inventory
Keep the personal inventory separate from publicly visible Wiki content.
| Category | Manufacturer/model | Serial number | Purchase date | Condition | Accessories | Location | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | |||||||
| Lens | |||||||
| Accessory |
Do not publish: Serial numbers, purchase prices, invoices, insurance documents and exact storage locations belong only in an appropriately protected private register.
¶ 16. Assignment and packing check
¶ Before the assignment
- charge batteries and test their operation,
- back up, format and check memory-card capacity,
- check date, time and time zone,
- inspect lenses and sensor for contamination,
- do not install firmware immediately before an important assignment,
- secure tripod plates and straps,
- check weather, access and protection rules,
- add emergency and safety equipment.
¶ After the assignment
- copy files to at least two separate storage locations,
- open a sample of each backup,
- dry and clean the camera and lenses,
- handle batteries according to manufacturer guidance,
- document damage and irregularities,
- label depleted or defective parts,
- record useful experience in the evidence section.
¶ 17. Care and storage
- Store equipment in a dry, ventilated place.
- Do not leave damp cameras or lenses in closed bags.
- Clean front and rear lens elements with suitable tools.
- Clean sensors only with a suitable method and sufficient experience.
- Avoid deep discharge and store batteries according to manufacturer instructions.
- Never treat memory cards as the sole archive.
- Clean tripods after contact with sand, mud or salt water.
- Never force filter threads or lens mounts.
- If systematic focus errors occur, have the camera and lens checked together.
¶ 18. Manuals, tests and evidence
| Content | Link |
|---|---|
| Manual overview | Open FW-ANL-01-01 |
| Camera manuals | Open FW-ANL-KAM-01 |
| Leica manuals | Open FW-ANL-LEI-01 |
| Lens manuals | Open FW-ANL-OBJ-01 |
| Accessory manuals | Open FW-ANL-ZUB-01 |
| Data sheets, brochures and catalogues | Open FW-ANL-01-02 |
| Equipment-test register | Open FW-NW-AT-01 |
| How to read camera and lens tests | Open FW-NW-AT-03 |
| Backing up and archiving photo data | Open FW-WIS-DW-01 |
| Practical-experience register | Open FW-NW-PE-01 |
¶ 19. Related Wiki pages
| Topic | Link |
|---|---|
| Photographer’s Wiki home | Open English home |
| Leica overview | Open English page |
| Dedicated monochrome cameras | Open English page |
| L-Mount Alliance | Open English page |
| ZEISS ZM lenses | Open English page |
| Leica macro lenses | Open English page |
| Tripods and tripod heads | Open English page |
| Leica Visoflex 2 | Open English page |
| Photographer’s Wiki image register | Open English page |
| Photography locations | Open English page |
¶ 20. Data status and maintenance
This overview primarily contains systematic and practical guidance. Product specifications, firmware, prices, availability and compatibility are maintained on the relevant specialist and model pages with a source and review date.
Check the following during each update:
- new or discontinued camera systems,
- new lens and accessory pages,
- publication status of linked pages,
- changed Wiki.js paths,
- new manuals and firmware versions,
- archived or superseded content,
- image paths, captions, licence status and file size.
¶ 21. Change history
| Version | Date | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 EN | 4 August 2026 | Reconciled with German version 1.48; added the vertical review traffic light, reviewed status and maintenance interval, quick access to camera and lens registers, enlarged image view, precise image disclosure and highlighted compatibility, used-buying and private-data warnings. |
| 1.0 EN | 30 July 2026 | Complete English equipment overview created from German version 1.46; navigation organised by cameras, Leica systems, lenses, film and accessories; English pages linked where available and German sources linked explicitly with /de/; optimised English image included with alt text, caption and AI disclosure. |