New Holland, Pennsylvania has classic character. It is one of those towns where the railroad still serves local industry and remains an active part of the landscape. It is at the east end of Norfolk Southern’s former PRR railroad New Holland Branch.
On another recent visit, I made these photos along South Railroad Avenue in the evening light.
Kris spotted the TTX ‘Railbox’ Plate F boxcar on the siding located east of the grade crossing.
Photos exposed using Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve made a great many photos of steam locomotives at work in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. This selection hints at what lies beyond. Subtle rather than obvious.
In my arsenal of glass, I have a few secret weapons—lenses that when used properly can execute superior images.
Although I rarely use it, I have a Nikkor f2.0 135mm Defocus lens. This has an extra setting that allows for added control to adjust the out-of-focus effect of the background.
This is also an extremely sharp and very fast lens.
The other day it was cloudy and the light was flat. Kris and I drove over to Strasburg to catch the morning excursion on its run back from Leaman Place. This is a train I can (and have) photographed ‘any day of the week’.
To make something of the dull morning, I made this series of photos with my 135mm Defocus lens. Only with the photo of the observation car did I used the Defocus ring to alter the foreground focus. The effect is subtle but makes for a stronger image.
Exposed with a Nikon Z6 with f2.0 135mm Defocus lens attrached using a FTZ adaptor. ISO 100, 1/800th sec, f4.0. No defocus effect.Enlarged portion of the above photo to demonstrate the exceptional sharpness of the 135mm f2.0 lens.Exposed with a Nikon Z6 with f2.0 135mm Defocus lens attrached using a FTZ adaptor. ISO 100, 1/800th sec, f4.0. No defocus effect.Exposed with a Nikon Z6 with f2.0 135mm Defocus lens attrached using a FTZ adaptor. ISO 100, 1/800th sec, f2.8. Defocus effect set for foreground. Exposed with a Nikon Z6 with f2.0 135mm Defocus lens attrached using a FTZ adaptor. ISO 100, 1/800th sec, f4.0. No defocus effect.
