Steam Locomotives and Steam Cameras

Posted this to see if there is anyone else out there like myself who likes to combine their interest in steam traction with an interest in cameras of the steam era. I was very much influenced by the photos that I saw in my older brother's Railway Magazine and before that Trains Illustrated as a child in the early 60's and like to go out now and try to take photos with a similar feel to those that I saw from messers Treacy, Pirt, Anderson, Riley and all. Usually one chance to get it right, no instant gratification from the view screen on the camera back - but at least there aren't any batteries to go flat..

I have built up quite a collection of film cameras, but most regularly use one of either a Rolleiflex 120 roll film square format twin lens reflex or a 1951 35mm Leica 3f that I got a couple of years ago. Lest you think I'm some form of Luddite, I do own a digital and also have photoshop - but really enjoy most being stood there at the lineside with that one chance to get my shot right, my camera set to my lightmeter readings and that satisfying mechanical clonk of the shutter when I press the button! Lacking space for a darkroom, I am dependant on Ilford's online service (prints + disc) and restrict any photoshopping to adjusting light/dark and cropping.

 

Those images could be taken in the late 50s, I really like the A4 shot which even has the lineside telegraph wires. I'm still reluctant to sell my film gear (Olympus OM1 & OM2n). With digital the skill has now moved from taking the picture to the editing afterwards. I partly agree with what you say, there is a satisfaction of knowing you only get one go at it, no 'machine gunning' to make sure you've got one shot with the rods down.

 

Thanks for that. It was actually taken near Blackrod on the old L&Y Bolton-Euxton jcn line which is now in the process of electrification, so is most likeley unrepeatable. It was 8:05 in the morning, I remember following up the photo with a trip to a cafe in Horwich for a full English with coffee.........

One of my friends was with me at Whalley a few years ago photographing 48151 and he had his Nikon digital set to "auto" and "burst" - and managed to take 8 photos, none of which had the entire loco in it. He did, however, capture the driver picking his nose. I'll try, but I don't think I be able to talk him into posting it.