Welcome back to Bag Raid, our clapback to photographers who gatekeep. If that's you, don't let the door hit your on the way out. Otherwise, make yourself at home, beers in the fridge etc. etc. This month we go stateside, connecting with film purist Nicholas Dettorre, rifling through his Hi-Fi Camera Sling.
Photos: @nick_kts.
Always strapped, Nicholas' practice is rooted in discipline and everyday observation. In fact, he never leaves the house without a camera, quoting ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take". Equipped with his Leica M6, Contax G2, Yashica T4, and gut instinct, Nicholas is yet to miss. Decorated with bold colours and striking compositions, his own highlight reel frames sold out arenas, city streets, and plain old good company. Take a look for yourself.
Bag Raid w/ Nicholas Dettorre
Contax G2 - My all-time favourite, even if it breaks like twice a year. Running the 21mm, 28mm, 45mm and a TLA200 flash. If I could only shoot one camera for the rest of my life, it'd be this.
Leica M6 - Carry it with me daily. I love doing everything manual on it.
Yashica T4 - With me daily, too.
Kodak Ektar 100 - My favourite stock. Fine grain, big bold colours, ultra sharp.
Miscellaneous rolls - Kodak and Ilford, whatever I've got at the time.
Random - Polaroid of my dog and a Pittsburgh keychain.
Describe your photography style in five words or less.
Elevated disposable.
Where are you currently based?
Austin, TX, but born/raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh forever!
What first made you pick up a camera?
I’ve ridden BMX my whole life and that’s basically given me everything I have/know. I had a darkroom and film class when I was in 7th grade and absolutely fell in love and have basically been shooting ever since. BMX was my excuse to go out and always photograph. It was before phones, so you needed people to capture what you were doing or it was lost forever.
What was your first camera?
A crappy point-and-shoots and an old Nikon FE.
You shoot exclusively on film, what’s the reason behind that choice?
Honestly, since I was extremely young, I always loved film. The shooting, developing and printing. I loved the darkroom and always loved the harsh flash/disposable look. As an adult, it just feels more intentional and thoughtful to shoot film. You can’t just spray and pray. Digital has always felt like cheating to me and I love the waiting and not the instant gratification. I’ve always been drawn to older things and that also pertains to my photo process and whatnot. I just genuinely love film.
Roughly how many rolls are you burning through in a week or month?
Like most, it depends. I do try to shoot at least a roll a week, even if it’s just my wife and the everyday drive to work. I always have a camera with me and am always trying to shoot.
You shoot a wide range of subjects, people, travel, street art, and everyday moments. Is there anything in particular you’re most drawn to shooting?
I honestly just end up capturing everyday life, friends, wife, and surroundings. I basically try and use everyday life as a mood board and reference for big shoots that I don’t necessarily do or get hired to do hahaha. I’d love to apply my ideas to companies and other outlets but I don’t really market myself.
Do you carry a camera with you most days, or only when you head out with intent?
I generally never leave the house without a camera. It’s just second nature to me at this point. I normally don’t have intent but always want to be ready because you never know. Some Wayne Gretzky "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take" type shit.
What do you look for in a scene or frame before lifting the camera to your eye?
Bold colours, interesting subject matter or people, aesthetically pleasing frames and light/shadows. Just anything that captures my eye or attention.
Who are a few photographers that have influenced your style the most?
Martin Parr always, Jim Marshall is the shit, and honestly my favourites ever are Glen Friedman and Walter Iooss Jr. Glen and Walter’s work is just so iconic and so amazing!
You’ve travelled and shot in places like Mexico, Italy, and Amsterdam, do you have a favourite destination to photograph so far?
Naples, Italy was a paradise. I was only there for like 24 hrs and still blew through film. I would love to go back for longer and have some intent while shooting.
What’s your current go-to camera setup?
I absolutely love my Contax G2 but it breaks like twice a year. I’ve currently been bringing my Leica M6 and Yashica T4 with me daily.
What’s in your Hung Supply Hi-Fi Camera Sling right now?
Contax G2 with 21mm, 28mm, 45mm, and TLA200 flash. Yashica T4 and miscellaneous rolls of Kodak and Ilford film. I carry my M6 with me daily also.
What’s your favourite film stock, and why?
Def Kodak Ektar 100. I love the fine grain and big bold colours. I only shoot film but love a clean digital look, meaning I love the fine grain, colours, and ultra sharpness of Ektar.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done to get a shot? Or, your wildest frame?
I had someone pull a gun on me at this little project building because there’s always people selling drugs out front, but this insane tag there also. I forget what the tag said but something like… “Kill or Be Killed”. I stopped to take a photo and dude pulled a gun on me and said nah. Didn’t get the shot lol.
If you could only shoot one camera for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Has to be my Contax G2 because I just love it. But I love doing everything manual on my Leica M6. But yeah, I’d have to choose the Contax G2.
What’s one thing you’re trying to get better at, behind the camera or in life in general?
I want to put myself out there more. I want to shoot more campaigns and do more client work. I love shooting and think I have good ideas. I’d love to be able to market myself and actually have some good shoots in the works. Also shoot more and think less. I think myself to death and it’s tiresome. Just shoot and worry later lol. Film and processing is expensive but I love it so who cares!
What’s one random item in your bag that has nothing to do with photography?
A Polaroid of my dog and a Pittsburgh keychain.
Do you have a favourite frame or roll you’ve ever shot, and why does it stick with you?
Favourite frame, honestly really hard to choose, but I took a photo of Sidney Crosby and he pretty much saved the Pittsburgh Penguins. They were bankrupt and about to move to Kansas City and the Penguins won the draft lottery and picked Sidney first overall and the rest is history. I was able to be on the glass and shoot a photo with my M6 on Portra 800. Basically zone-focused real fast when he stopped and shot. Was hoping for the best and it came out great. That’ll be the one I show for the rest of my life and am super proud I took.
Carry like Nick with the Hi-Fi Camera Sling.
