Lens Choices in the Subways of NYC

Prefer using ultra to very wide lenses like 17mm, 21mm and 24mm for 35mm format on subway. The wider lenses convey more of the atmosphere and sometimes harried craziness of the subway environment. Also allows one to take photos more discreetly of interesting but questionable characters up close -- just point camera at waist level in general direction of subject and fire with only bare estimate of focusing distance due to great depth of field.
 
I don't shoot in the subways of New York but I expect that the London "Underground" system is similar in many ways. I try to keep it very simple - Leica M6TTL, 28mm or 50mm lens and Fuji Neopan 1600 (I still have a few rolls left). Once the last of the Fuji is gone, I'll be using Delta 3200 or up-rating XP2.
 
About 7 months ago i used to live in Brooklyn Heights..

Long story short , I used to take the 2/3 train that came from Atlantic ave to my political science classes.

So as usual I wait for the subway and on time , 40 mins before class starts..

I wait and wait and no one has any idea what's going on.

So at the end one of my class mates who comes from Atlantic Ave said, "There was a lady who gave left over food in plastic containers to the hobo, the hobo took the food and threw it to her face , and tried to push her into the rails."

After when the hobo was interviewed he said , "She thought she was so much better than me , that she had to give me food"

Rule 1: Never stand too close to the rails without knowing whos on your back

Rule 2:Best to act like the homoless do not exist , they have nothing to loose and may take it wrongly if you try to do them good or if you try to do bad , delusional state they have.

Interesting stuff.

Oh almost forgot this topic , fish eye lens lol
 
aperture64 said:
I moved from NYC a few years ago, so I am out of the loop, but I thought you couldn't shoot in the stations or trains without a permit.
Click to expand...

Nope. 100% incorrect my friend. No permit required to take photos on the subway.

"Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used. Members of the press holding valid identification issued by the New York City Police Department are hereby authorized to use necessary ancillary equipment. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part."

NYC Subway Rules Here

And I am amazed that some people don't take photos in the subway... it's the best place!

One of my more recent posts has some more from the depths...

HERE
 
denizg7 said:
Rule 1: Never stand too close to the rails without knowing whos on your back

Rule 2:Best to act like the homoless do not exist , they have nothing to loose and may take it wrongly if you try to do them good or if you try to do bad , delusional state they have.

Interesting stuff.

Oh almost forgot this topic , fish eye lens lol
Click to expand...

I agree about the delusional state of the homeless... they can be unpredictable so you must be really careful.

Also, I used to shoot with a 15mm CV 4.5 but found it too wide. The 21mm works well!
 
Last two times I wandered the subways of NYC with a camera I used:

- 2010 :: Olympus E-1 fitted with Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 Macro

​

- 2011 :: Ricoh GXR fitted with A12 28mm camera unit

​

What you use affects the kinds of photos you make, but you can choose any number of different kinds of equipment. Over the years, I've used SLRs, RFs, medium format cameras, wides, longs, normals ... etc.
 
I think my Super Angulon (recently sold unfortunately) has the most NYC photos through it of any lens I've ever owned. If I couldn't sh oot it with the SA and some pushed Tri-X, I probably needed a tripod.

Phil Forrest
 
kbg32 said:
I shoot on the subway often. One can argue what's best. There are no rules. Use what is best for you. Just be careful. Subway cars are not a good place to get caught up in an argument.

http://www.pbase.com/keithbg/the_subway_series&page=all
Click to expand...

You can get caught in an argument everywhere. People have gotten angry at me for taking their photo and if they want to argue, sometimes I will oblige. If I don't have the time or inclination then I will walk away.

But let me ask, what camera are you shooting with here Keith? Is this instagram I see?
 
jmanivelle said:
Beautiful shots Helen, as you wrote: To Light And Love .

I was there just for one day recently !
Click to expand...

Oh Hey Jmanivele, Hello & Thanks ever so much for your comment...
Mighty Kind 😀

I wish You had let me know that You /& the Mrs were in NYC
Could have grabbed a Quick spot of Tea, Coffee or Beer and a few snaps
Oh well....next Time
Hope You Enjoyed your Day in the City !
 
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