Overexposed...possible causes?

VirginiaSouthern · 11-15-2005, 02:05 AM

I can see how this photo was rejected, so I'm looking for some help from the some of you for next time. Could it be that using 200 ISO film but having the camera set on automatic caused it to overexpose? Would it be better next time around to manually set the camera to 200?

Any help would be much appreciated.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewreject.php?id=185363

MOJAX · 11-15-2005, 02:14 AM

That's an interesting "slug". EMD trucks, Alco nose and, what looks like an EMD SW 1500 cab.

Thanks for sharing the photo!

VirginiaSouthern · 11-15-2005, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOJAX

That's an interesting "slug". EMD trucks, Alco nose and, what looks like an EMD SW 1500 cab.

Thanks for sharing the photo!

From the Buckingham Branch Yahoo group...

"To answer the multiple questions, WW 120 is an ex CR MT-4. It is ex
CR 1020, and was indeed built from an RS-11. The EMD running gear
was added by CR long ago, I believe they re-trucked their slugs some
time in the 80's.

120 has been in service on the WW Virginia Division for several
years, and the cab was very recently added. Close on the MP15, but
it came from IHB SW1500 9210, which was scrapped several years ago.
The cab was added to allow WW to use only one powered unit on "the
Sandman," their regular job between the sand mine at Gore and
Winchester. Previously, the slug spliced two powered units. To
save fuel, and in response to lower traffic, only one unit and the
slug were needed. Instead of having the brakeman stand on the porch
of the slug and ride all the way to Gore clearing crossings, it was
decided to make 120 a fully functioning road slug. It has been in
service for about 2 weeks now. To see it cabless, and working on
the scenic route of the Sandman, check my northeast page at:

http://www.shortlinesusa.com

Why has traffic decreased, you ask? The high quality sand at the
Unimin mine in Gore is used in such applications as glass making,
and cathode ray tube makers are (were) a big consumer. With all of
the new flat screen TVs and monitors, this is a declining market,
and it has hurt both the Virginia and New Jersey Divisions from my
understanding.

Finally, anyone wanting to get shots of 120 should know that
Unimin's major customer (who that is, I do not know) is trucking
their sand through November, so the Sandman is running about once a
week right now. Action shots will be tough to come by for the next
month or so.

Yep, off topic, but I just can't turn down an opportunity to talk
shortlines! Hope this helps answer some Qs..."

brunswickrailfan · 11-15-2005, 02:34 AM

That slug is a real kitbash...alco + emd + W&W welding...

VirginiaSouthern · 11-15-2005, 02:39 AM

Either of you two have any advice on the shot? Am I right about the camera speed or am I way off?

cmherndon · 11-15-2005, 03:18 AM

Well, first of all, the best thing is to go fully manual. ISO 200 isn't too bad, and you actually need less light to expose it. When you're shooting, a smaller aperture (higher number) or faster shutter speed will allow less light to enter the lens, and in turn help prevent overexposure.

busyEMT · 11-15-2005, 03:19 AM

If you have the capabilities, you may want to tone down the blue tint and touch down the contrast. This still may leave it light enough. Then you may have to contend with cropping.

Try that, then post it here to get some more opinions.

StL-rail · 11-15-2005, 03:22 AM

I started out in digital photography, but am taking Photo I in school now, so I can tell you this:you might have rather chosen the next higher shutter speed, or stopped down the aperture about 2 stops. I had already been using the same basics in digital, but somehow B&W film is still totally different in results.

VirginiaSouthern · 11-15-2005, 03:48 AM

What might be a good shutterspeed and apeture setting. I know it varies depending on the shot, but say for the pic I have linked here...any recommendations?

Ru1056 · 11-15-2005, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginaSouthern

Last edited by VirginiaSouthern : Yesterday at 11:10 PM. Reason: Causing I'm having problems with the English language tonight.

Then just use the new national language.

Spanish.

Ween · 11-15-2005, 09:06 AM

The Wade Massie standard:

1/500s @ f/5.6 at ISO 100

It's a good base, and you can adjust up or down from there...

VirginiaSouthern · 11-15-2005, 10:56 AM

Groovy. Thanks dude!

busyEMT · 11-15-2005, 01:15 PM

I used to be a 1/125th @ f/11 or 13 but in a third of the time, I would get blur on the edge of the frame. Now I am a 1/250th @ 6.7 to 9 depending on the stregnth of the sun. (I also do less lightening in the PS).

ddavies · 11-15-2005, 01:21 PM

The only reason to not let the camera read the film speed, would be if the function did not work, which you can figure out by comparing the exposure reading it gives when loaded with the slowest film you have, and then the highest film speed you have. If you get the same light readings, the function is broken, and you will have to set the speed manually. It may also be possible that the speed can not be read correctly by the camera if the camera contacts are dirty, or the film speed foil on the film cassette that the camera reads is dirty.

VirginiaSouthern · 11-15-2005, 01:35 PM

Awesome. Thanks guys.

I think once I get some spare time and a little extra money (saving for a wedding), a photography class is in order for me as well.

willie6622 · 11-15-2005, 11:44 PM

If the train you are shooting is going over 25mph I wouldn't go any slower than 1/320th, & at 40 to 60mph you probably want to go with 1/500th. If your subject is on a 10mph branch line(or stopped) you can get away with the slower shuter speeds & high f#'s to increase sharpness.

This is what works for me.
Willie

VirginiaSouthern · 11-16-2005, 12:09 AM

Thanks Willie! I'm gonna try that stuff out too.

LAHDPOP · 11-16-2005, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaSouthern

(saving for a wedding)

A gift for another, or YOUR wedding? If it's your wedding, you better go ahead and buy whatever camera rig you want right NOW while you control your own finances.

If I was kidding, I'd cheerfully say, "JK! lol..lol..lol.." But I'm not. Go to the BX tomorrow, and get the Canon Digital Rebel XT.

P.S. Don't let the little laughing emoticon fool you. I'm not kidding. Go to the BX before she has your AAFES card!!!!!

VirginiaSouthern · 11-16-2005, 12:25 AM

The beautiful thing is I do not have to worry about that for a number of reasons.

1. She works and is the edumacated one in the relationship.

2. She has her hobbies to spend her money on and I have mine and neither has a problem with this. Plus, both of us are pretty frugal spenders. She can spend her money on Ren Faire/Medevil time stuff and I've got my train obsession and CW reenacting.

3. Except for rent and bills, finances will be kept seperate, at least for the first couple of years while we both pay off the small amount of debt we have respectively.

4. My goal is definitely to pick up a Canon Digital Rebel next year. I should have it by the middle to end of next Summer ready for a break in during the fall.

Ween · 11-16-2005, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Go to the BX tomorrow, and get the Canon Digital Rebel XT.

Believe it or not, the XT is sold at the BX here...

SD70MAC · 11-16-2005, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ween

The Wade Massie standard:

1/500s @ f/5.6 at ISO 100

It's a good base, and you can adjust up or down from there...

HA, I also use the Wade Massie Standard. When I first got my digital camera Wade told me those settings for when shooting on a sunny day and I have always obtained a properly exposed photo.

MOJAX · 11-16-2005, 03:27 AM

T-Bone

Thanks for the info on the slug. I have an interest in loco's that are "kit-bashed", especially pre-80s stuff.

Best of luck with the wedding!

LAHDPOP · 11-17-2005, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ween

Believe it or not, the XT is sold at the BX here...

Well, it's almost Christmas. You bringing one back for me? I'll even drive up to ND and pick it up. Thanks, Ween, appreciate it! Maybe I'll cancel the Grissom tanker we've got coming in for Employer Rides, and get you guys down here instead. Lotta trains here.......

busyEMT · 11-17-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAHDPOP

Well, it's almost Christmas. You bringing one back for me? I'll even drive up to ND and pick it up. Thanks, Ween, appreciate it! Maybe I'll cancel the Grissom tanker we've got coming in for Employer Rides, and get you guys down here instead. Lotta trains here.......

Why not take the Grissom then Ween could get some photos for JetPhotos. Or I will give you a CF card for your flight.

Ween · 11-17-2005, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Maybe I'll cancel the Grissom tanker we've got coming in for Employer Rides, and get you guys down here instead.

No way. I've done enough damn flying these past 2 months that the last thing I want to do when I get home is fly more. Unfortunately, I still have some end of the year beans to knock out, like formation. Looks like I'll have to fly in the cold now. Dang.

As for the XT, get it from B&H; the deals aren't that good over here!