Tag Archives: #digital photography

Being There; Don’t Hate Me for My Luck!

July 2, 2014 brian solomon 1 Comment

Palmer, Massachusetts, June 22, 2014.

A wise photographer once wrote, ‘The secret to making photographs is f8 and be there.’

Back in the 1990s, my friend and fellow photographer Mike Gardner said, ‘All good trips begin and end in Palmer.’

Sunday, June 22, 2014 confirmed Mike’s wisdom. I’d headed to Palmer to meet my frient Tim Doherty. Before leaving the house, I searched in vain for my scanner, but departed without it. I was coasting on intuition.

Moments after stepping out of the car at CP83 in Palmer (where CSX crosses New England Central) to say ‘hello’ to Tim, I heard, above the dull roar of road traffic, the distinct sounds of eastbound train’s dynamic brakes.

I said to Tim, ‘There’s an eastbound train, and it’s very close.’ I flicked on the Lumix LX7 that was hanging around my neck and stepped promptly toward my preferred trackside location at CP83. As I did, I heard the lead axles of a six-motor GE rattling across the New England Central diamond a few hundred feet to my west.

I had just enough time to set the exposure and frame up a nice view of CSX Q012 passing CP83’s signals with the old Palmer Union Station (now the Steaming Tender Restaurant) to the left of the old Boston & Albany mainline.

Eastbound in the morning sun. CSX's Q012 has a clear signal at CP83 in Palmer, Massachusetts. Total elapsed time from my arrival in Palmer to the passage of this freight? Less than 2 minutes. — Eastbound in the morning sun. CSX’s Q012 has a clear signal at CP83 in Palmer, Massachusetts. Total elapsed time from my arrival in Palmer to the passage of this freight? Less than 2 minutes.

The Lumix L7 cycles relatively quickly, so I was able to make a second grab shot, just a few moments after the first. — The Lumix Lx-7 cycles relatively quickly, so I was able to make a second grab shot, just a few moments after the first.

There’s a 30 mph speed restriction on the diamond for freight. As the train rolled through, I said, ‘we can catch this again.’ And, off we went on the first of a long-day’s railway photography adventures.

Nearly 12 hours later, we returned to Palmer and, as it turned out, repeated the exercise in fortuity. Immediately upon our arrival, the signals lit at CP83 and these soon cleared to green on the main track. ‘We’ve got a westbound, and it can’t be far off.’

I knew this because CSX’s signals at CP83 are approach-lit, and only light when something has actuated the track circuits between CP83 and CP79 (located at the east-end of the controlled siding). Also, when a signal has been cleared, a train must close.

Again, we had just enough time to get in position for photography.

Walking toward the diamond, some diners leaving the Steaming Tender asked me, ‘Is a train coming?’

Not having time to waste more than a moment in conversation, I replied, ‘Yes, a westbound is very close. Less than four minutes away.’ A headlight appeared to the east as I made the comment.

“How did you know that?” The diners asked, as if I possessed some blind precognition. “The signal shows ‘clear’ for the main track,” was my honest reply, but I may as well answered in ancient Greek.

What's this? A westward piggyback train in the afternoon? On a Sunday? I'm not one to argue, but i was surprised to see it. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens. — What’s this? A westward piggyback train in the afternoon? On a Sunday? I’m not one to argue, but I was surprised to see it. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.

Customers at the Steaming Tender wave to the passing freight. Lumix LX-7 photo.

A tight view of CSX Evolution-series diesels rolling toward the Palmer diamond. Lumix LX-7 photo. — A tight view of CSX Evolution-series diesels rolling toward the Palmer diamond on the evening of Sunday June 22, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Trailing view at the Palmer diamond in the glinty evening light. A CSX westward intermodal train makes for a graphic subject. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.

My luck?—Being in the right place at the precisely the right times. However, I made my own luck. By keeping my ears open and my eyes on the signals, I knew to act quickly. Stop, look and listen, right? There’s no mystery there.

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On the Main Line near Cresson, Pennsylvania.

June 30, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

June 30, 2010.

This is one of my favorite classic locations. The abutments for the old Route 53 overpass across the former Pennsylvania Railroad between Gallitzin and Cresson offered a great vista for westward train in the afternoon.

I exposed this view four years ago today using my Lumix LX3. I’d set the camera’s aspect ratio to 16:9 which gives a slightly more panoramic view when held horizontal. One of the advantages of the Panasonic Lumix LX series cameras is the ability to adjust the aspect ratio.

I’ve found this a great compositional tool because it allows me to frame photographs differently with the touch of a switch. This is almost like having a whole new camera system without all the complications.

You might ask, ‘why not just use the camera full-frame and then crop the image later?’ My answer is simple: When I compose an image, I’m taking into consideration the relative placement of all the elements and lighting. I find this is most effective when done on site, and not after the fact.

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Stockholm Local Train in the Evening Sun.

June 29, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

May 6, 2010.

I visited Stockholm for several days in May 2010. The public transport system is among the best I’ve experienced anywhere. Multimodal connections and unified ticketing made it easy to transfer between suburban rail, metro, light rail and other modes.

I spent several days re-exploring the city. On the evening of May 6, at 7:04 pm (you can tell by the clock), I exposed this view of an inbound SL suburban train Årstaberg station. Located immediately south of the central Stockholm, this station afforded connections to a light rail line,on a lower level.

My Lumix LX-3 was a great tool for photographing Stockholm. Where-ever possible, I tried to include location finders such as station signs, so that I’d be able to caption photos later on. I’ve learned from past experience, that even when I’ve taken detailed notes, it can be difficult to accurately identify photos exposed unfamiliar cities!

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SEPTA at Sunset, Neshaminy Falls—Tracking the Light Daily Post.

June 28, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

February 27, 2012.

SEPTA’s stainless steel electric multiple units are well-suited for low-light glint photographs.

Pat Yough and I were exploring former Reading Company trackage north of Philadelphia and ended the day at Neshaminy Falls, Pennsylvania. Here SEPTA’s electrified route from center city to West Trenton, joins CSX’s freight route. I exposed this image using my Canon EOS 7D.

Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D with 28-135 zoom lens set at 28mm; f5.6 at 1/500th of a second; 400 ISO. Natural light; in-camera JPG without any changes to color, contrast or exposure in post processing.

Key to a successful ‘glint’ photo is pre-selecting the ideal exposure. From years of experience, I’ve learned that to make this type of photo work, it is necessary to set exposure for the highlights, while allowing the shadow areas to go slightly dark.

This requires a bit of balance, since over compensating for bright highlights will cause shadow regions to become opaque, while failure to account for the glint effect will result in an overexposed image that loses the rich low-light atmosphere.

This photo makes for an excellent example since I got that balance right on-site and without the need for any post process compensation: What you see here is my in-camera JPG without manipulation (except for scale adjustment for web presentation). The original RAW file has more detail.

Also, since photo includes the sun, it provides a lesson in the necessary angle to produce the ‘glint’ effect. An alternative method is to crop the sun from the photo, either by blocking it with some natural source in the photo (tree, building, cliffside), or by using a shading device to prevent its rays from directly touching the front lens element (I often use my handheld note book).

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Heuston Station Lit For St Patrick’s Day – Part2 – Tracking the Light Daily Post

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Summer Solstice with the Vermonter

June 26, 2014 brian solomon 2 Comments

Train 54 at Millers Falls.

June 21^st was the longest day of the year. Amtrak’s Vermonter (Train 54) departed Amherst, Massachusetts at 4:32 pm, twelve minutes after the advertised.

Sometimes late trains are a benefit. I was aiming toward Millers Falls, hoping to make a photo on the famous high bridge over the Millers River. I arrived nine minutes before the train crossed this span. If the train had been on schedule, I’d have missed it.

Since 1986, I’ve photographed this bridge on many occasions. It was nearly 25 years ago that my dad and I made images of Amtrak’s re-inaugural Montrealer.

Since then, Amtrak service has worked the old Central Vermont north of Palmer to East Northfield (however, where the Montrealer joined the CV route at New London, since 1995, Montrealer’s successor, the daytime Vermonter, works the New Haven-Springfield line, then over the Boston & Albany route to Palmer).

Not for much longer though. The parallel former Boston & Maine Connecticut River Line between Springfield and East Northfield is being upgraded and will soon be again hosting Amtrak. So, as mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been making opportunities to photograph the Vermonter on the Palmer-East Northfield New England Central line-segment while I still can.

Amtrak train 54 crosses the Millers Falls high bridge on June 21, 2014. This location presents several photographic challenges. The first is a deceptive angle. I made this view from the Route 63 bridge immediately to the west. While the two bridges are adjacent, they are not parallel, and the slight skewed crossing of the railroad bridge makes it difficult to make a level image. What appears level to the eye, isn't really level. Rather than gauge the bridge, it helps to watch the level of the Millers River. Of course, if you miss the level, you can always 'fix it in photoshop.' — Amtrak train 54 crosses the Millers Falls high bridge on June 21, 2014. This location presents several photographic challenges. The first is a deceptive angle. I made this view from the Route 63 bridge immediately to the west. While the two bridges are adjacent, they are not parallel, and the slight skewed crossing of the railroad bridge makes it difficult to make a level image. What appears level to the eye, isn’t really level. Rather than gauge the bridge, it helps to watch the level of the Millers River. Of course, if you miss the level, you can always ‘fix it in photoshop.’

A second difficulty is calculating exposure. Photographing a highly reflective train against a background of dark green trees can fool camera meters. This is acerbated when the sun relatively low on the horizon, since the light tends reflect back toward the camera. Experience with the location helps; anticipating the bright train, I pre-adjusted my exposure by two-thirds of a stop to compensate for the sudden brightness on the bridge. Vermonter's trailing cab car glints in the afternoon sun. — A second difficulty is calculating exposure. Photographing a highly reflective train against a background of dark green trees can fool camera meters. This is acerbated when the sun relatively low on the horizon, since the light tends reflect back toward the camera. Experience with the location helps; anticipating the bright train, I pre-adjusted my exposure by two-thirds of a stop to compensate for the sudden brightness on the bridge. Vermonter’s trailing cab car glints in the afternoon sun.

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TRACKING THE LIGHT: Canadian Pacific Local on the Milwaukee Road.

June 24, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Freshly Painted GP38-2s on Jointed Rail at DeForest, Wisconsin

June 23, 2010—four years ago today—John Gruber and I followed CP Rail’s local freight from Madison toward Portage on a secondary line of the old Milwaukee Road.

Locomotive 4509, an Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 built in 1974, had endured the various changes in ownership and re-branding of the railroad, from Milwaukee, to Soo Line, and finally to CP Rail. Now, in 2014, this locomotive is 40 years old. Is it still working the former Milwaukee?

Canadian Pacific 4509 limps along on rough jointed track near DeForest, Wisconsin on June 23, 2010. I was using a long telephoto (200mm) lens and I opted for a low angle to accentuate the effect of the jointed track. Train speed was about 10 mph. My exposure was f10 at 1/250th of a second at ISO 200. — Canadian Pacific 4509 limps along on rough jointed track near DeForest, Wisconsin on June 23, 2010. Using a long telephoto (200mm) lens, I opted for a low angle to accentuate the effect of the jointed track. Train speed was about 10 mph. My exposure was f10 at 1/250th of a second at ISO 200.

At the time of this photograph, I had just purchased my Canon 7D two weeks earlier and I was learning how to make the most of its technology. It took me about six-months to find ways to make optimum exposures using the built in histogram.

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Tomorrow: In the Shadow of Dracula!

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TRACKING THE LIGHT’s DAILY POST: CSX at Brookfield, Massachusetts

June 23, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Opportunity on a Summer Evening, June 19, 2014.

The other evening, on my way over to visit Dennis LeBeau in East Brookfield, I checked CP64, where there’s a set of controlled signals on CSX’s Boston Line. There I found a pair of GE Evolution-Series diesel waiting with a westward empty autorack train. While the engines were shadowed, I thought if this train got the signal to go west, there would be some nice angles.

I met Dennis, and we had a few errands to run. Afterwards he suggested, ‘Ring Julie, and see how the Lake Shore is doing.’

I phoned Amtrak’s automated agent, and learned that train 448 was expected about four hours late into Springfield. Since that is about an hour to the west, it meant the train wouldn’t pass until well after dark. Besides, Dennis was playing a gig, and that was the main reason I’d come out this way.

‘No joy,’ I said. But as we returned to East Brookfield, we saw that the westward autoracks were on the move. ‘We can catch that, no problem!’ And we reversed, and sped along Route 67 out to an open location near milepost 66 in Brookfield. (I’d photographed a CSX empty ethanol train here last October. (Click to see: CSX Empty Ethanol Train Catches the Light at Brookfield.)

CSX's 922 leads a westward emtpy autorack train near milepost 66 in Brookfield. The train stopped for a few minutes to wait for its conductor. I exposed several views using a Lumix LX-7. — CSX’s 922 leads a westward emtpy autorack train near milepost 66 in Brookfield. The train stopped for a few minutes to wait for its conductor. I exposed several views using a Lumix LX-7. For this angle, I included the Country Bank billboard.

Tight view of CSX Evolution-Series locomotive 922. The lighting was just about perfect.

After a short wait, the train pulled up and then stopped. We learned that it was waiting for it conductor. This was most likely CSX’s Q283, an empty autorack train that runs from the unloading facility in East Brookfield west toward Selkirk, New York and beyond.

Once the conductor was on board, Dennis and moved west about a mile to the Route 148 Bridge near the old station location at Brookfield. I’d made several photos here last autumn, and was keen to try this spot in June, when the sun swings around. Afternoons in October are more shadowed and didn’t offer a clean view. (See: Boston & Albany Milepost 67, Brookfield, Massachusetts.)

CSX 922 west as view from the Route 148 bridge in Brookfield, Massachusetts. More than 35 years ago, my dad, my brother and I had watched the westward Lake Shore Limited pass this spot with a pair of old E8As in the lead. There used to be a large wooden mill building to the right of the tracks, but this was destroyed by fire a decade or so ago. Lumix LX-7 photo. — CSX 922 west as view from the Route 148 bridge in Brookfield, Massachusetts. More than 35 years ago, my dad, my brother and I had watched the westward Lake Shore Limited pass this spot with a pair of old E8As in the lead. There used to be a large wooden mill building to the left of the tracks, but this was destroyed by fire a decade or so ago. Lumix LX-7 photo.

We didn’t have to wait long, and the pair of GE’s came chugging along with about two miles of autoracks in tow. There was great evening light and it was a nice setting. Not bad for a few minutes effort. It is situations like this one that justifies always carrying a camera!

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Paddington Station, May 11, 2010.

June 22, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

HST under the Victorian Shed.

Exposed on May 11, 2010 using my Panasonic Lumix LX-3.

Here we have a contrast. Beneath the Victorian-era shed dating from the time of I.K. Brunel’s famous seven-foot gauge Great Western Railway (purists will note with precision, that the correct measurement of the track was 7 feet and ¼ inch) idles a 1970s-era HST.

That’s one of the great things about railways, is the fantastic longevity of technology and infrastructure. No place offers greater contrasts than Britain. Paddington is neither the oldest, and the nearly 40-year old HST’s are hardly Britain’s newest, but the point is made. Perhaps someone else will offer a more perfect juxtaposition!

Moments after I exposed this image, I boarded the First Great Western HST and soon after was gliding west on Brunel’s old GWR route. Today, this is one of the busiest non-electrified mainlines in the world. Not for long though, as I understand the wires are coming!

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John Gruber at the Illinois Railway Museum

June 19, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Four Years Ago Today.

It was on June 19, 2010, that John Gruber, Henry A. Koshollek, and I drove from Madison, Wisconsin to Union, Illinois to photograph at the Illinois Railway Museum.

Among the attractions that day were a freshly restored former North Shore interurban car and the former North Shore Electroliner.

Back in the day, John was among the lucky ones who rode and photographed the North Shore in service. He was on hand for North Shore’s final runs in January 1963.

Later, John photographed Denver & Rio Grande Western’s narrow gauge steam in its final years. In August 1967, John had the rare opportunity to ride and photograph one of D&RGW’s very last revenue freights over Cumbres Pass, courtesy of David P. Morgan at TRAINS.

As a child, I recalled looking through an old dog-eared copy of that issue of TRAINS with John’s cover feature. Back then, I never could have imagined that I’d become friends with John, let alone work with him editing magazines.

Four years ago today: John Gruber with his vintage Nikon F on a restored North Shore car at the Illinois Railway Museum. Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D.

Recently, John and I have collaborated on several book projects. He was an important contributor to The Twilight of Steam, which features some of his outstanding D&RGW photographs. John also helped make important connections, and introduced me to several of the participating photographers. It should be no surprise to readers when they read my dedication.

John and I have also authored book on American streetcars, expected this summer.

The Twilight of Steam was published by Voyageur Press.

http://www.voyageurpress.com/

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Amtrak’s Vermonter on New England Central

June 18, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Federal Street in Belchertown, May 25, 2014.

Amtrak train 57, the southward Vermonter rolls across Federal Street in Belchertown, Massachusetts on May 25, 2014. Exposed with a Lumix LX-7.

Since 1995, Amtrak’s Vermonter has operated via Palmer and Amherst, Massachusetts. This requires a 13-mile jog over CSX’s former Boston & Albany from Springfield to Palmer, where the train reverses direction and heads north on New England Central’s former Central Vermont main line.

Presently, Pan Am Southern’s former Boston & Maine Connecticut River Line is being upgraded between Springfield and the Massachusetts-Vermont Stateline at East Northfield. This will allow a restoration of passenger service to the traditional route north of Springfield.

The Vermonter is expected to switch to the former B&M routing via Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield by the end of this year. As a result, I’ve been making photographs of Amtrak’s train at various places between Palmer and East Northfield, while the service still operates that way.

Several years ago, my late friend Bob Buck and I, were following a northward New England Central freight. Bob had been making photos on the Central Vermont since steam days.

We were just a few minutes ahead of the freight as we passed Belchertown.

We turned on Route 9 toward Amherst. After a couple of minutes Bob pointed, ‘take a left, there on Federal Street.’ We found the tracks and I made a photo of Bob rolling the freight by the crossing.

It was here I chose to capture the Vermonter, while I still can.

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Streetcar Photos and a Canoe on a Suburu.

June 16, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Odd but True!

A couple of weeks ago I was visiting my brother in Philadelphia. He suggested that we take his canoe and explore the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge near the Philadelphia Airport. So we strapped the craft to the top of the car and drove via city streets across the city.

SEPTA's number 15 Streetcar takes the corner at 63rd Street. Vintage PCCs are a feature of this route. Canon EOS 7D photo. — SEPTA’s number 15 Streetcar takes the corner at 63rd Street. Vintage PCCs are a feature of this route. Canon EOS 7D photo.

Silhouette from the Subaru with PCC 2326 in the background.

SEPTA's Market-Frankfurt elevated at 63rd Street. — SEPTA’s Market-Frankfurt elevated at 63rd Street.

SEPTA's number 34 streetcar works west. — SEPTA’s number 34 streetcar works west.

View from the canoe at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

SEPTA's Airport Train. — SEPTA’s Airport Train.

SEPTA number 36 streetcar outbound at Eastwick.

Our route conveniently intersected many of SEPTA’s surviving streetcar lines. And while at the wildlife refuge, I was able to make views of SEPTA’s heavy rail Airport Line. I made all of these images with my Canon EOS 7D during the course of the trip.

My brother’s blog called the Sanguine Root features stories about Urban Environmental Restoration: http://www.thesanguineroot.com/

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Piedmont and the Pennsy.

June 12, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Passenger Trains at Salisbury, North Carolina.

May 30, 2014, Salisbury’s Innes Street Overpass was a popular gathering point for photographers seeking mainline attraction during North Carolina Transportation Museum’s Streamliners at Spencer event.

At lunchtime, I was poised to photograph Amtrak number 75, one of North Carolina sponsored Piedmont services that runs with F59PHI diesels and heritage style equipment. This is one of the most distinctive long distance trains on the East Coast.

Amtrak number 75 makes its station stop at Salisbury, North Carolina. Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.

Lumix LX-7 view of Amtrak 75 Piedmont at Salisbury, North Carolina. This is one of the only F59PHI's in Amtrak service east of the Sierra. — Lumix LX-7 view of Amtrak 75 Piedmont at Salisbury, North Carolina. This is one of the only F59PHI’s in Amtrak service east of the Sierra.

I returned in the evening, to catch Juniata Terminal’s Pennsylvania E8A 5809 and three matching streamlined cars on its return run from Spencer to Charlotte. The sun made a surprise appearance just in the nick of time.

Lumix LX-7 photo at Innes Street, Salisbury, North Carolina.

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Nickel Plate Road Alco PA.

June 10, 2014 brian solomon 1 Comment

An Impostor, but still nice to see.

Ok, so this Alco PA was delivered new to the Santa Fe, and in later years worked for Delaware & Hudson, and then for Mexican railways. But now it wears a fresh coat of Nickel Plate Road paint.

Until Streamliners at Spencer, I’d never had the opportunity to photograph an Alco PA, a locomotive often cited as one of the most loved and most attractive (if not the most reliable) of the steam to diesel transition era.

The Nickel Plate Road merged into Norfolk & Western two years before I was born, so while I’ve photographed trains on the old Nickel Plate route, I never knew the railway either.

So there you go. It’s like meeting a ghost. Or, perhaps, seeing a James Joyce impersonator. Or, going to listen to a Led Zeppelin tribute-band.

When it comes to a Nickel Plate Road PA, I never experienced the real thing, and I never will. I never saw an Erie Triplex either.

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DAILY POST: Wisconsin & Southern at Avalon.

June 9, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

August 20, 2011.

Avalon is at the heart of Arthurian myth. And, as it happens, it’s also on Wisconsin & Southern’s former Milwaukee Road Line between Janesville and Chicago!

No knights in armor here, nor Merlin, nor Lady of the Lake; just a matched set of SD40-2s in clean paint leading a long freight and tall late season grasses blowing gently in the wind.

A few hours earlier I’d met up John Gruber at the Janesville Roundhouse and we spent a pleasant afternoon photographing this freight. We had a fair wait at Avalon before the train came into view.

Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens. ISO 200.

This photo is among my favorite from the day. I used a long lens to compress the locomotives while setting the grass in the foreground out of focus. I also made a closer view on Fujichrome film.

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Tracking the Light Corners Pan Am Railways Number 1

June 7, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

No Escape this Time!

To compensate for bad luck, and a series of bad timings, I made it a point to photograph Pan Am Railways executive F-unit at Spencer.

What?

Just about every time Pan Am Railway’s has run their glossy metallic blue F-units, I’ve either been in the air, out of the country, and/or at least a thousand miles away and traveling in the wrong direction.

Not this time. Not at Spencer. No, I knew I’d get a photo! Two or three, maybe, and in color!

I realize that PAR-1 may not have been the chief attraction of the Streamliners at Spencer event, but I was very happy to finally see this New England resident up close and in person!

PAR 1 and Southern Railway 6133 bask in the morning light at Spencer, North Carolina. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Cab detail of F9A PAR-1 exposed with my Canon EOS 7D with 100mm lens.

The logo that once graced globe-encircling Boeing 747s decorates PAR 1.

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Streamliners at Spencer: Looking Beyond the Main Event—Part2

June 6, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Exhibits and Antiques in Addition to the Streamliners.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Step right up! Lots to see! Something for everyone!

Psst, hey buddy, wanna see an Edsel?

Hey! If Amtrak number 42 was working train 448, I’d be all over that! And yet, here’s 42 basking in bright sun for all to see.

And more!

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Streamliners at Spencer: Looking Beyond the Main Event—Part1

June 6, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Great Railway Exhibits and Antiques in Addition to the Streamlined Superstars.

In an environment characterized by streamlined sensory overload, it takes a trained eye (pardon pun) to see past Norfolk & Western’s 611, Burlington’s stainless steel E5A, Union Pacific’s radiant executive E-unit and the rest of the colorful Es and Fs paraded on display around the Spencer roundhouse.

Yet, in addition to the vintage streamliners, there were other noteworthy exhibits and interesting equipment. Amtrak’s 40^th Anniversary Display Train with locomotive 42 (painted to commemorate America’s Veterans) was featured prominently, as was one of North Carolina’s train sets used for Piedmont services.

Various heritage locomotives attached to the Spencer shops added period interest. Back in the day (1980s), I was quite pleased to find a Southern high-hood GP30 working at Alexandria, Virginia. And lo and behold, here at Spencer was preserved locomotive just like the one I saw those many years ago!

For those interested in automobiles, Spencer has quite a collection of vintage cars on display. Lots to see and do! I’m glad I invested almost four days in the event.

Stay tuned for more photos soon!

Also: click here to see my Streamliners at Spencer page.

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Photograph Featured in Today’s Palmer Journal Register

June 5, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

June 5, 2014, Page 2.

One of my photographs is featured today in the Palmer, Massachusetts Journal Register.

Page 2, Palmer Journal Register, June 5, 2014. Photo exposed with a Lumix LX-7.

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Tracking the Light Looks at the N&W J

June 5, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

611 at Spencer, May 2014.

Exposed with a Lumix LX-7. The diffused light made for wonderful reflections.

Among the stars of the Streamliner’s at Spencer event was Norfolk & Western 611, one of only a handful of preserved American streamlined steam locomotives. Here’s a sampling of the many images I made, and an excerpt of the text from my book Super Steam published by MBI (out of print), where I detailed the J class. Today the locomotive catches attention for its streamlined shrouds, but there’s a lot more to the N&W J than just good looks:

“Among the most impressive products of N&W’s Roanoke Shops were its 14 Class J 4-8-4s. These spectacular machines defied convention while settting record for performance and reliability. The first five J’s were built during 1941 and 1942, with N&W’s distinctive streamlined shrouds, and featured 27×32 inch cylinders, 70-inch drivers, 107.7 square foot firebox grate, and a huge boiler set for 275 lb. psi operation. As built these locomotives delivered 73,300 lbs. tractive effort. (N&W later increased the boiler pressure to 300 psi, and as result tractive effort was increased to 80,000 lbs.) The J class exhibited all of the trappings of modern locomotive, featuring roller bearings on all axles and reciprocating parts, one-piece cast steel frame, mechanical lubrication and light weight alloy-steel rods . . .”

611 in stereo. Lumix LX-7 photo. There's nothing like a good puddle to make a great photo! — 611 in stereo. Lumix LX-7 photo. There’s nothing like a good puddle to make a great photo!

Nose view of one of America's most famous locomotives. Exposed with a Lumix LX-7. — Nose view of one of America’s most famous locomotives. Exposed with a Lumix LX-7.

For more Streamliners photos, click on Tracking the Light’s Streamliners at Spencer page.

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Tracking the Light update: Six new photos added to the Streamliners at Spencer page.

June 4, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

TRACKING the LIGHT posts new material every day.

I’ve been reviewing the hundreds of digital color photos I exposed at Spencer and I’ve added six of my favorites to my special page dedicated to the event.

See my: Streamliners at Spencer photos to view the latest!

To view more please Click on the link: http://wp.me/P2BVuC-1O8

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Streamliner Noir

June 4, 2014 brian solomon 1 Comment

On the Darker Side of Spencer!

Part of the attraction of North Carolina Transportation Museum’s Streamliners at Spencer event was the pre-arranged night photograph sessions. Large industrial scale flood lamps were arranged to provide roughly even lighting on locomotives that had been arranged and spotted specifically for photography.

A look at the darker side of night photography! A view of Spencer shops exposed with a Lumix LX-7.

I’ve often worked on the darker side of photography, and this was no exception. While I took advantage of the ‘arranged’ lighting to make standard views of the equipment. I made a special effort to go beyond the obvious.

Here I worked in the shadows, using the lights in a more interpretive way. I sought out scenes of the shops and facilities that were part of the background.

Crime scene or photoline? The local constabulary provided security at the event. Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D.

This view of Norfolk & Western 611 caught my eye. At the time there must have been 75 people with tripods set up for the 3/4 angle. Exposed with a Lumix LX-7.

Rain made for a nice shiny gloss but made the difficult process of making photos in the dark even more complicated. Keeping water off lenses in the dark isn't easy. At least with digital photography, instantaneous feed back allowed me to know when droplets had spoiled a clean view (or added an extra effect). Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D. — Rain made for a nice shiny gloss but made the difficult process of making photos in the dark even more complicated. Keeping water off lenses in the dark isn’t easy. At least with digital photography, instantaneous feed back allowed me to know when droplets had spoiled a clean view (or added an extra effect). Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D.

Silhouettes with Lackawanna painted F3s. Lumix LX-7 photo.

The challenge was trying to stay out of the way of the photo lines to avoid the ire of those with a front-lit view.

On one of the evenings there was a thunderstorm, which made matters extra challenging!

After I made this image, I relaxed on the bench. Fortunately there weren't many people set up on my side of the light. Lumix LX-7 photo. — After I made this image, I relaxed on the bench. Fortunately there weren’t many people set up on my side of the light. Lumix LX-7 photo.

This angle reminded me of a Jim Shaughnessy photo exposed in the 1950s. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Here I was mostly working with the ordinary sodium vapor lights, with the lights for the night photo event only providing secondary illumination by coloring the sky. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Hard glint on the Norfolk Southern business train. Keeping the lights out of the frame is part of my technique. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Spencer, North Carolina—the village across the street from the old Southern Railway shops.

See my Streamliners at Spencer page for more photos of the event.

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Streamliners at Spencer; Fans, Photographers and the People Behind the Scenes—TRACKING THE LIGHT Special Post.

June 3, 2014 brian solomon 2 Comments

It’s not just about the equipment.

The locomotives were largely static and thus relatively easy to photograph. However, people move about constantly, and getting your friends to hold still long enough for a portrait in an environment characterized by sensory-overload, can be tough.

On the plus side, most everyone was smiling.

I used both a Canon EOS 7D and Lumix LX-7 to make digital portraits, while a few photos were captured on slide film using my EOS 3.

Below is a selection of my results.

For more Streamliners photos, click on Tracking the Light’s Streamliners at Spencer page.

For more Streamliners photos, click on Tracking the Light’s Streamliners at Spencer page.

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Streamliners at Spencer; Friends and Faces—TRACKING THE LIGHT Special Post.

June 2, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Finding Familiar Faces Among the Masses.

Chicago & North Western 411 and friends. Canon EOS 7D photo.

For me, the Streamliners at Spencer event was a great opportunity to meet friends, old and new. In addition photographing the equipment, I photographed the photographers.

Below is a small selection. I’ll post more tomorrow!

For more Streamliners photos, click on Tracking the Light’s Streamliners at Spencer page.

Photographers at night. Lumix LX-7 photo.

In glow of Saturday evening. Lumix LX-7 photo (before my second battery went flat).

Media man in Salisbury. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Norfolk Southern's Wick Moorman addresses Spencer. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens. — Norfolk Southern’s Wick Moorman addresses Spencer. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.

Master of three-D photography. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Waiting on the Piedmont at Salisbury. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Waiting for the turntable to spin. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Check out more of my Streamliners photos, click on my Streamliners at Spencer page.

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Boston Green Line Subway—Tracking the Light Daily Post.

June 2, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Two Years ago Today—June 2, 2012.

I’d been making photos on Boston’s Green Line for 40 years. Albeit I was a bit shorter for my first efforts using my Dad’s M3 in the early 1970s.

Subway photos on Kodachrome were a real challenge. I never knew if I’d gotten anything at all until the film came back weeks later. But that didn’t stop me from trying.

Boston's Green Line Subway at North Station on June 2, 2012. Exposed with a Canon 7D with 28-135mm lens. — Boston’s Green Line Subway at North Station on June 2, 2012. Exposed with a Canon 7D with 28-135mm lens.

Digital photography technique is a real boon for subway images. For these photos I’d racked up the ISO setting to 2000 and worked with a telelphoto zoom. That was inconceivable in my film days.

Boston's Green Line Subway at North Station on June 2, 2012. Exposed with a Canon 7D with 28-135mm image stabilization zoom lens. — Boston’s Green Line Subway at North Station on June 2, 2012. Exposed with a Canon 7D with 28-135mm image stabilization zoom lens.

Boston’s subways have changed quite a bit since my early photos; modern cameras for modern images.

Happy 2^nd Anniversary Tim & Leslie!

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Station Stop Raleigh—TRACKING THE LIGHT SPECIAL POST.

June 1, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

10:20 am June 1, 2014.

At crew changes and other convenient points, Amtrak schedule’s ‘smoke breaks’ where passengers can get off the train, stretch their legs, enjoy the fresh air, and, in my case, make photos of the train.

I had about ten minutes at Raleigh, North Carolina this morning to make photos train 80, Carolinian during this momentary pause. By that time, I’d been on the train for more than 3 hours, with nearly another nine hours to go.

Rather than tow the whole camera kit, I just carried the Panasonic Lumix LX 7, which is light, easy to use, and is capable of making extremely sharp images.

Playing with the external Lumix Live View Finder, I adjusted this vertically, which allowed me to place the camera very close to the ground without the need for lying belly first on platform.

Exposed with a Lumix LX-7 using the Live View external finder. Camera set in 'A' (Aperture Priority) mode with a minus 1/3 exposure over ridge to compensate for the bright platform, bleached station sign and bright sky. This forces the camera to make a slight darker image. — Exposed with a Lumix LX-7 using the Live View external finder. Camera set in ‘A’ (Aperture Priority) mode with a minus 1/3 exposure over ride to compensate for the bright platform, bleached station sign and bright sky. This forces the camera to make a slight darker image

The low angle with a slightly telephoto view provides a clean dramatic perspective that minimizes unnecessary and visually distracting foreground.

Number 80's conductor. Amtrak's crew was very friendly. — Number 80’s conductor. Amtrak’s crew was very friendly.

Check my Streamliners at Spencer page for photos of North Carolina Transportation Museum’s special event.

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Carolinian Morning Glint—TRACKING THE LIGHT SPECIAL POST

June 1, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Transmitted from the Train June 1, 2014.

Following three and half successful days of photography at Spencer, North Carolina, Pat Yough and I boarded Amtrak 80, Carolinian at Charlotte this morning before 7am.

Charlotte, North Carolina at 6:35am June 1, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo.

We departed on time at 7am. In the lead is Amtrak P42 number 168. It was a strange sensation pausing a Salisbury and passing the Spencer Shops having just spent so much time there. The view from the train always offers a different perspective than being on the ground, or seeing a place from the road.

Salisbury Station, North Carolina. June 1, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Salisbury, North Carolina. June 1, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo.

As I write this we are heading toward Raleigh. I’m destined for Philadelphia. Presently, I’m reviewing, analyzing, and scaling hundreds of images I made at the event, plus side trips. I’ll be posting more images and commentary over the next few days.

Check my Streamliners at Spencer page for photos of the event.

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General Motors FT 103, The Diesel that Changed Railroading—Tracking the Light Special Post

May 31, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Streamliners at Spencer: The Real Star of the Show?

Although streamlined steam locomotive 611 was getting most of the attention, historically the most important exhibit was General Motors FT demonstrator 103.

Last night FT 103 was lit up for all to see.

General Motors model FT lit up at Spencer Shops on May 30, 2014. Exposed with a Canon EOS 7D with 100mm lens on a Gitzo carbon-fiber tripod.

I’ve written about this locomotive in many of my books. It is the most influential American locomotive of the twentieth century because it demonstrated to the railroad industry that diesels offered a cost effective replacement for steam.

In my book Electro-Motive E and F Units (published by Voyageur Press) I offered this context for the FT:

Revolutionary FT

Electro-Motive’s most significant innovation was its development of the first commercially viable road freight diesel. From a technical perspective this was an advancement of the E-unit — the application of this long anticipated new road diesel proved revolutionary for American railroads. Once on a roll, it not only turned locomotive building on its ear, but forever changed the way railroads bought locomotives and operated trains EMD’s F-unit was the most important player in the rapid dieselization American lines.

NS CEO, Wick Moorman pointed out in yesterday’s address at Spencer, that FT 103 was ‘even older than 611,’ while sincerely thanking the St. Louis Museum of Transportation for sending the locomotive for display.

Read more about General Motors streamlined diesels, check out my book Electro-Motive E and F Unit.

Click here for more photos of the Steamliners at Spencer event.

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Southern 6900 at Spencer, North Carolina, May 30, 2014—Tracking the Light Special Post.

May 30, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

A Classic E8A at Speed.

Using the LX-7, I made a pan of Southern E8A 6900 working an excursion at North Carolina Transportation Museum’s Streamliners at Spencer event.

This beautifully restored locomotive is a vision from an earlier era. Passenger trains just don’t look like this anymore.

Exposed on May 30, 2014 using a Panasonic Lumix LX-7. Exposure f8 at 1/40th of a second. Except for scaling for internet presentation, this file is unmodified. There were no corrections to exposure, color or contrast.

I made a spot decision to pan in order to visually separate the green on the locomotive from the densely foliated background.

Since I had only a few seconds to adjust my exposure, I left the camera in ‘A’ mode (aperture priority), added +1/3 of a stop (to lighten the scene), and turned the external aperture ring to f8, the smallest setting. This forced the camera to select a slower shutter speed, which is what I needed for a successful pan.

I moved the camera with the front of the locomotive as it passed.

One other trick: this engine was trailing, not leading.

For more Steamliners at Spencer photos click HERE.

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Around the Table at Spencer—Diesels Dressed in Colors.

May 29, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Afternoon at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, May 29, 2014.

I was keeping the Lumix busy this afternoon. The sun was elusive at times. But the selection of locomotives proved colorful.

Lumix LX-7 view of diesels at Spencer, North Carolina.

Nickel Plate Road painted Alco PA at Spencer. Lumix LX-7 photo.

A virtual sea of photographers at Spencer, all waiting for that perfect moment.

A magnificent collection of fallen flags (and NS).

The Burlington E5A goes for a spin. Lumix LX-7 photo.

The New Haven FL9's spin on the table went virtually undocumented, as all eyes were on Union Pacific's E9A. — The New Haven FL9’s spin on the table went virtually undocumented, as all eyes were on Union Pacific’s E9A.

General Motor's grand daddy of Fs with its kin. — General Motor’s grand daddy of Fs with its kin.

Tracking the Light posts new material everyday!

More on Spencer over the next few days!

Interested in learning more about American diesels? Check out my books at Voyageur Press (Click here for link).

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Streamliner Details, Spencer—TRACKING THE LIGHT SPECIAL POST

May 29, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Morning Views, May 28, 2014—North Carolina Transportation Museum.

With more than two dozen classic locomotives to photograph, and lots of other relics of interest, I exposed more than 300 image with the Lumix LX-7 in just three hours. In addition, I was also working with my Canons, one for film, one for pixels.

Here are just some of detailed views I exposed with the Lumix. These are macro images, as opposed to wide shots that take in the whole scene. (And, yes, I made plenty of those too.)

General Motors classic FT—'the diesel that did it'. — General Motors classic FT—’the diesel that did it’.

Atlantic Coast Line E3A. Exposed with a Lumix LX-7

Alco PA builder's plate. Is this the real thing or a replica? — Alco PA builder’s plate. Is this the real thing or a replica?

It's not all about the locomotives, this fine old passenger car caught my eye. — It’s not all about the locomotives, this fine old passenger car caught my eye.

A bit of work on a Reading FP7A. My dad caught these on the 'Crusader' back in the day. — A bit of work on a Reading FP7A. My dad caught these on the ‘Crusader’ back in the day.

Southern Railway: visions of yesterday and today. Spencer Shops was a Southern facility.

The light was mixed. Nice soft early sun soon gave way to a hazy flat bright light. I’m glad I brought my old Minolta IV light meter, this proved very useful.

The ease of use of the Lumix LX-7 made it an especially valuable too. Today I was working with the electronic view finder, instead of the rear screen display. I wonder if this altered my compositions?

Wabash 1009. What's in a number? (When 1009 =10,000.) — Wabash 1009. What’s in a number? (When 1,009 =10,000.)

Drumhead on the Sandy Creek round-end observation car.

Nose view of General Motors FT 103. I'd argue that this was probably the most significant locomotive in the 20th Century. Read about it in my American Diesel Locomotive and EMD Locomotives. Books on the history of American diesels. — Nose view of General Motors FT 103. I’d argue that this was probably the most significant locomotive in the 20th Century. Read about it in my American Diesel Locomotive and EMD Locomotives. Books on the history of American diesels.

I was very impressed by the paint on the Lackawanna F3’s, even if they were built for the Bangor & Aroostook, What are your favorite locomotives on display at Spencer?

One of three DL&W painted F-units on display.

Washing Pennsylvania Railroad E8A 5711 at Spencer. Perhaps someone else should fling some mud and grime to make things seem more authentic?

More Spencer Streamliner photos to come over the next few days!

Tracking the Light posts new material every day, with special ‘Extra’ posts on the Streamliners at Spencer event this week!

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I remember Norfolk & Western 611—TRACKING THE LIGHT SPECIAL POST

May 29, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Streamlined Steam at Spencer.

It’s been almost 20 years since John Gruber and I intercepted Norfolk & Western 611 working west on the former Nickel Plate Road near Valpalraiso, Indiana. That was back in August 1994!

I also visited 611 once in Roanoke about 10 years ago.

Here she is last night at Spencer Shops, North Carolina, whereI opted for a moody backlit view.

May 28, 2014; Norfolk & Western 611. Exposed with a Lumix LX-7.

More to come!

Tracking the Light posts new material everyday.

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Streamliners at Spencer—Sneak Preview—TRACKING THE LIGHT SPECIAL

May 28, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

In the Evening Glow—May 28, 2014.

Amtrak 79 Carolinian at Salisbury, North Carolina on the former Southern Railway. Lumix LX3 photo. — Amtrak 79 Carolinian at Salisbury, North Carolina on the former Southern Railway. Lumix LX-7 photo.

We arrived on Amtrak 79 at Salisbury, North Carolina only 63 minutes behind the advertised.

Within a few minutes of our arrival we were afforded a glimpse of the streamliners event. I had my first ever view of an Alco PA. I’m happy.

Former Santa Fe Alco PA diesel-electric dressed in the classic Nickel Plate Road livery. Spencer Shops, North Carolina. May 28, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo. — Former Santa Fe Alco PA diesel-electric dressed in the classic Nickel Plate Road livery. North Carolina Transportation Museum’s Spencer Shops, North Carolina. May 28, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo.

More to come tomorrow!

Tracking the Light post new material every day!

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Amtrak’s Carolinian at Richmond—On the way to Spencer—Part 5

May 28, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

Heat Curtailment, Crew Change, and a Trash Train.

Hmm, sounds like the chorus to a song. It was cool and damp when Amtrak’s Carolinian departed Trenton a little after 8am this morning (May 28, 2014). Now, its 94 degrees Fahrenheit outside!

We’ve been traveling at a reduced speed because of the heat. An customer (passenger?) announcement was made in this regard, shortly after we crossed the diamonds at Doswell (historically where the Chesapeake & Ohio crossed the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac).

There’s lots of CSX freight on the line, if not moving particularly fast.

Amtrak's streamliner-era Budd-baggage car on train 79 at RIchmond, Virginia at 1:31 pm May 28, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo. — Amtrak’s streamliner-era Budd-baggage car on train 79 at Richmond, Virginia at 1:31 pm May 28, 2014. Lumix LX-7 photo.

At Richmond, Staple Mills Station, we stopped for a crew change and a ‘smoke brake’. (If burning through the pixels with the LX-7 counts as ‘smoke,’ I’m in.)

A northward CSX trash train with an AC6000CW was parked near the head-end of Amtrak 79, Carolinian. It was a bit of shock to step out of the air-conditioned Amfleet car and into the heat.

Amtrak 79's crew change at Richmond. Lumix LX-7 photo. — Amtrak 79’s crew change at Richmond. Lumix LX-7 photo.

CSX AC6000CW leads an empty trash train bound for The Bronx at Staples Mills Station, Richmond, Virginia. Lumix LX-7 photo.

The AC6000CW features a pronounce radiator overhang that helps identify this locomotive. For a number of years these machines were common on the Boston & Albany route. Today, I saw no less than three in Richmond. Exposed on May 28, 2014 with a Lumix LX-7.

Among the features of the Panasonic Lumix LX-7 is a ‘digital zoom’ which allows for the effect of a much longer lens than offered optically. While this is really simply cropping in on the sensor, it does make photos like this one possible on site. I used the digital zoom as a composition tool, but I made another image the limits of the optical zoom as well. What I like about this long-telephoto angle is the signals to the right and the picket-fence effect of the canopy supports on the left. LX-7 photo.

Our baggage car belongs to the streamlined era. Appropriate, since we are going to the North Carolina Transportation Museum’s Streamliners at Spencer event. Later this year I’ll be writing a book on American railroad’s streamlined era to be published by Voyageur Press!

More to come!

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All Change—New Haven, Connecticut—On the way to Spencer—Part 2.

May 28, 2014 brian solomon 1 Comment

May 27, 2014.

Today’s post is a follow up to both of yesterday’s posts, which covered my experiments with the Lumix LX-7 and the beginning of my adventure to Spencer.

As covered in yesterday’s Tracking the Light Special Post, I was traveling on Amtrak’s two-car shuttle, scheduled as train 475, which runs from Springfield, Massachusetts to New Haven, Connecticut to connect with Boston-Washington train 175. I sent my post from the train.

Amtrak 475 arrived early in New Haven, giving me about 15 minutes to wander around making photographs. I’m continuing to test my father’s Panasonic Lumix LX-7, and there was some nice low sun to work with.

Exposed with my father's Panasonic Lumix LX-7. After exposing several angles digitally, I also made a few slides. — Exposed with my father’s Panasonic Lumix LX-7. After exposing several angles digitally, I also made a few slides.

I was keen to photograph the Shore Line East train which features a ‘GP40-2H’ locomotive in the classic New Haven Railroad McGinnis livery.

This colorful machine ties in well with my Spencer-theme, since the Railroad Museum of New England is sending their freshly repainted New Haven FL9 2019 to the North Carolina Transportation Museum’s Streamliner at Spencer event.

New Haven at New Haven. Lumix LX-7 photo.

I also fished out my Canon EOS3, that was buried in the depths of my camera bag, and exposed a few frames of Fuji Velvia 100 of the New Haven painted commuter engine. My hand held Minolta IV light meter aided my exposure; f5.6 1/500^th.

It will be a few weeks yet before I see the slides, so for now we can settle for the Lumix instant digital images (that’s what they are for, right?)

A Metro-North local bound for Grand Central Terminal. Lumix LX-7 photo.

New Haven in the early evening is a busy place. In addition to Metro-North trains coming and going, an Acela bound for Boston was arriving on Track 4, just as Amtrak 175 approached Track 1.

I exposed a series of images of train 175, hauled by venerable Amtrak AEM7 number 943. How many millions of miles has this old electric have to its credit? Low sun and the angle of the curve made for a nice grab shot from the Boston-end of the passenger platform.

Amtrak 175 approaches New Haven. Lumix LX-7 photo. I found that the LX-7 reacts faster and cycles quicker than the older LX-3. This is especially useful in a situation like this one.

Amtrak logo on the side of an Amfleet car. Lumix LX-7 photo.

Certainly, I found that the Lumix LX-7 has its moments, although the differences in the controls (as compared with my old LX-3) befuddled me a couple of times. Traveling on 175 was comfortable, but the WiFi on the train wasn’t working. I arrived in Trenton at the last glow of daylight.

I’m just getting warmed up, so stay tuned! (or what ever the Internet equivalent is to that old radio term).

Tracking the Light posts new material daily!

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Lumix LX-7 Test at Palmer, Massachusetts.

May 27, 2014 brian solomon 4 Comments

May 24, 2014.

Last month (April 2104), my Panasonic Lumix LX-3 began performing erratically while I was photographing Irish Rail at Monasterevin.

Although annoying, this was only a minor setback of the day, because I had my Canon EOS 7D with me. I often travel with at least two cameras, just in case one develops problems.

The LX-3 suddenly suffered an electrical fault; specifically the rear display stopped working reliably. Sometimes it would flicker on, other times it was dark. I tried all the usual cures; I turned the camera off and then on, I removed the battery, I even tried the factory reset. No joy.

In the short term I found that if I pressed on the side of the camera body, the display would come on long enough to make adjustments. I continued to use the LX-3 for secondary services, while relying on the Canon EOS 7D and film cameras for more critical work.

I’ve had my LX-3 for almost five years and in that time I’ve carried it with me everywhere. It’s visited about a dozen countries, and more than a dozen US states. In addition to pictorial service, I’ve used it intensively to copy documents while in libraries. Using the in-camera file counter, I determined that I released the shutter more than 64,000 times.

Last November the camera took a very hard knock, which didn’t immediately affect its performance, but certainly didn’t do it any good. In April, the camera was subject to unusual dampness (it got wet) while I was making night shots in Porto, Portugal.

LX-7 view of Amtrak 54, the Vermonter, at Palmer on May 24, 2014. The camera was set to simultaneously expose Jpg and RAW. It does an excellent job retaining highlight detail. — LX-7 view of Amtrak 54, the Vermonter, at Palmer on May 24, 2014. The camera was set to simultaneously expose Jpg and RAW files. It does an excellent job retaining highlight detail.

On May 24, 2014, my father lent me his Panasonic LX-7 to see if this newer Lumix model would offer a suitable replacement. This camera comes highly recommended to me by several people. Since it’s essentially the latest model kin to my LX-3, it may represent an ideal choice for my new ‘everywhere camera’.

I brought it to Palmer, Massachusetts where I exposed about 100 images in various conditions, both to get a feel for the cameras controls (which have several notable differences from the LX-3), and examine the quality of the images.

LX-7 Manual focus controls are similar to those on the LX-3 but take a bit of getting used to. — Checking the Amtrak timetable. The LX-7 manual focus controls are similar to those on the LX-3 but take a bit of getting used to.

Among the advantages of digital photography are much improved photos exposed in overcast-lighting. Using the LX-7's manual over-ride, I intentionally over exposed by 1/3 stop to better expose for the ground and trees. I hadn't yet mastered the LX-7s various metering modes, and its possible there was a more effective means for adjust the exposure. — Among the advantages of digital photography are much improved photos exposed in overcast-lighting. Using the LX-7’s manual over-ride while in ‘A’—aperture priority, I intentionally over exposed by 1/3 stop to allow for better detail and contrast in ground-areas and trees. I hadn’t yet mastered the LX-7’s various metering modes, and it’s possible there was a more effective means for adjust the exposure.

CSX Q423 (or L423) was working Palmer yard. In this view it pulls passed CP83 to double its train out of the yard. I exposed several telephoto views with the LX-7. By keeping the camera relatively low to the ground, I've minimized foreground distractions while allowing for a more dramatic perspective on the locomotives. — CSX Q423 (or L423) was working Palmer yard. In this view it pulls passed CP83 to double its train out of the yard. I exposed several telephoto views with the LX-7. By keeping the camera relatively low to the ground, I’ve minimized foreground distractions while allowing for a more dramatic perspective on the locomotives.

I found that the LX-7 had several positive points. In general it reacted quicker and cycled faster than the LX3. Its zoom lens has a wider range, and offers longer telephoto photo settings. The rear display seemed sharper and brighter.

On the downside, I was unfamiliar with the controls, so setting the camera proved challenging. Also, the camera is slightly larger.

In general I was happy with my results, and plan to experiment a bit more with the camera before I commit to buying one. There are a variety of excellent small cameras on the market these days, so I may wish to sample some of these too. More to come!

A modern GE Evolution-Series diesel faces a mid-1980s era SD50. The locomotives stopped, giving me ample time to make detailed views. LX-7 photo.

Low-angle on CSX 875 leading symbol freight Q423 (or L423) at Palmer. LX7 at its widest view.

Finally on its way west, this CSX freight crossing the Palmer diamond. Another CSX westbound was close behind. LX-7 view. All photos are un-modified except for scaling necessary for internet presentation. The LX-7 handles high contrast situations very well. I was in the ‘standard’ color setting.

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CN Tower viewed from Bathurst Street, Toronto

May 26, 2014 brian solomon Leave a comment

A Bitterly Cold Evening, February 7, 2010.

Pat Yough, Chris Guss and I spent a few cold minutes making night photos in downtown Toronto. I exposed this image using my Lumix LX3 mounted on a Gitzo tripod. A GO Transit train was gliding away from Union Station. Twenty five years earlier on a glorious May morning, I’d been up in that tower! Different times, but basically the same place. Seems like a different world altogether.

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