The famous “Napalm Girl” photo by Nick Ut could have been taken with a Pentax camera
“Napalm Girl”: AP Photo/Nick Ut
Following a year-long investigation, the AP has concluded that Nick Ut did indeed take the famous “Napalm Girl” photo, but probably with a Pentax camera, not a Leica as previously reported:
“However, the investigation suggests that Ut took Napalm Girl on a Pentax camera, not a Leica, as Ut has always claimed. ‘It was also likely, though not certain, the image was taken with a Pentax, though some Nikon cameras had similar characteristics to some Pentax cameras of the same era,’ the report says. Like most Vietnam War photographers, Ut would take a range of cameras with him to cover a story, including Leica and Nikon gear. In addition, he used a Pentax camera belonging to his brother, also an Associated Press photographer killed on assignment in Vietnam.”
Here is the recap:
- Initial Belief: For many years, it was widely accepted that Ut used his Leica M2 camera with a 35mm lens and Kodak Tri-X film to capture the image.
- AP Investigation: The Associated Press (AP) conducted an investigation into the matter and found that it’s unlikely the photo was taken with the Leica M2 that was traditionally credited.
- Pentax Camera: The AP’s investigation suggests the photo was likely taken with a Pentax camera, although some Nikon cameras from the same era shared similar characteristics.
- Ut’s Cameras: Ut himself stated that he carried multiple cameras on assignments, including Leicas and Nikons, and also used a Pentax belonging to his brother, who was also a photographer killed in Vietnam.
- Ut’s Stance: While the investigation points to a Pentax, Ut has consistently maintained that he believed the photo was taken with his Leica M2, possibly based on information he received at the time.