Marcin Plonka
Photojournalism | Last Updated: February 23, 2021
Hi there! I’m a Polish photographer focusing on visual storytelling with a strong interest in using unconventional imaging techniques.
I’ve got a background in Fine Arts and I’m working primarily as an Art Director, therefore I tend to care about the unique look of my prints as much as on the story itself. I developed my interest in photography during countless travels all around the world.
The camera was always a great tool and excuse to go to places unavailable for a casual traveler. After playing around with the typical ‘decisive moment’ reportage style, I discovered photography to be a great form of expression and never ending path of experiments.
Hence the majority of my work happens on location. I value the smallest size to quality factor when it comes to cameras. Small 16mpx sensors paired with top-notch lenses proved to be good enough to make gallery-quality 100x70cm prints so I never really looked on technicalities.
I’ve tested practically all the brands and setups on the market looking for ‘the camera’ that suits my specific needs and I ended up with the Fujifilm brand. My decision was mainly based on the fantastic colours this camera produces and flawless ergonomics drawing to the good old and proven layouts that just work.
Cameras
Fujifilm X100V – Since purchasing an original Fujifilm X100, I haven’t looked back and have fully immersed myself in the Fujifilm universe. It’s fun and it’s small, definitely the one that makes you experiment with conventions despite traditional looks.
Fujifilm X-T3 – I stumbled upon an original Fujifilm X-T1 during a photoshoot in Japan and I decided to give it a go. Ever since the flagship, Fuji cameras have always been my favourite tool. Taking my specific workflow requiring constant flipping between modes and settings (especially for multi-exposure work) this series of cameras and its ergonomics makes them irreplaceable.
Mamiya 7 – Good old medium format film camera which I use when I have really big prints in mind.
Lenses
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 – I’ve never been a fan of the zoom lenses, but this basic lens changed my view on zooms. Tiny, fast, with great stabilisation and most importantly optically flawless made me question the sense of prime lenses.
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R – My recent purchase based on fantastic experience with the standard zoom. Bought towards broadening new visions in photography.
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2.0 – This I use purely for portraits, as expected for Fujifilm lenses this is as good as medium format Mamiya lenses. Nice addition to the super versatile standard zoom lens.
Mamiya 50mm f/4.5 – Wide angle for medium format, probably one of the best wide angle lenses ever created.
Mamiya 80mm f/4 – Standard lens for my Mamiya, crazy quality in relation to its size. Both of those Mamiya lenses shine when you look at the big prints (way above 100cm width).
Flashguns
Fujifilm EF-X20 – Love the size and ease of use (instant manual correction) but its painfully slow recharge after full or even half beam devaluate this unit.
Nikon SB-28 – I love using old manual Nikon flashguns on my cameras. These in my opinion are the best flashguns ever made. Powerful, versatile and with great built quality, they are like nothing else today. Sure it’s manual with today’s cameras but for more considered shots it doesn’t matter that much.
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