When political tensions rise, it’s easy to hit pause and turn to consumerism. This was my reaction after seeing a striking photo by John Abernathy, which captured a tense moment during protests in Minneapolis.
In the photo, Abernathy, armed with a Leica camera, faced off against ICE agents while trying to document the situation at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building. He claimed he was tackled by ICE agents and tossed his camera to another photographer to keep it safe.
On Bluesky, Abernathy shared that his Leica survived the chaos with hardly a scratch, despite facing tear gas and pepper spray. Images from the scene, including those shared by ABC News, showed the intensity of the moment, with Abernathy on the ground and a visible injury.
Many photography enthusiasts quickly jumped into discussions about the camera. It appeared that Abernathy used the all-black version of the Leica M10, which typically retails for around $4,595. Leica cameras are known for their high-quality build and durability, often scoring high in stress tests.
According to the Leica website, the M10 is built from solid brass and features a strong, magnesium alloy chassis. This construction likely contributed to its resilience during the protest. A photo can capture more than just a moment; it reflects the experiences of those behind the lens.
Despite the chaos, ICE claimed on social media that protesters threw objects and endangered public safety, but they didn’t mention cameras among those items. Four individuals were arrested for their actions at the event.
Leica cameras often come with hefty price tags, which attract serious photographers seeking quality tools and a unique community. Interestingly, the newer M11 model costs about $9,500 and includes digital features to combat misinformation—a sign of how technology and photography are evolving together.
The Leica subculture also fosters insightful discussions among its users. One commenter mentioned they wouldn’t want to bring their Leica to such a volatile setting, preferring a more versatile camera for ease of use. This highlights the blend of passion and practicality in photography.
Ultimately, Abernathy’s experience serves as a reminder of the power of photography in documenting social issues, even at great personal risk.
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