Wednesday is almost over, and yet no "Midweek Photos" thread? Where is our host--Tim? Hopefully he is fine. My theory is he did remember Daylight Savings Time started this week, but he set his calendar ahead by one day instead of setting just his clock ahead. Or, maybe like so many he was so tired after coming home from work he has simply fallen asleep? OK, I guess it's up to me to pick up the ball and run it down the field this week. I'm going to call my offerings this time "I Love-a My Leica." No doubt you've all seen shots from those guys who use a modern digital camera and then turn it to gray scale and say, "Look! I made it b&w just like an old time photo!" Sometimes they do a pretty decent job, but most of the time it just looks hokey. I got another roll of Ilford HP5 back a few days ago, and there were some decent shots on it. That always surprises me, considering. Since I'm taking up the slack this week I'll post more than just my usual three. All shots made using the vintage 1943 Leica IIIc and 40s vintage Leica lenses 35/50/90mm. There were a number of famous early RR photographers who used a Leica--David Plowden and Eric Treacy to name just a couple. Relatively few cameras then had a shutter speed as fast as 1/1000s.
1. A UP engine sits in the siding while a BNSF grain train rolls past. UP power on BNSF tracks is very rare in my area. Ruthton, MN. I just loved the bright yellow engine and the blazing orange engine side by side like that! I know I shot it in b&w, but use your imagination here.
2. A s/b BNSF train enters the glacial valley a couple of miles south of Ruthton, MN. This is one of my favorite locations, any time of year!
3.The butt end of a BNSF grain shuttle waiting in the hole during a snow storm, Ruthton MN. (Hey, this is turning into an all Ruthton edition!)
4. Around midnight, the snow storm gets worse. Ethanol tankers on a siding near Lamar, IA. This is one of my favorite shots so far this year--it really captures the feel of winter nights on the Northern Plains.
5. BNSF grain shuttle approaching Randolph NE on the O'Neil Sub (formerly the NENE shortline.)
6. Usually I'm out there all by myself. Not many people live out here. One day I did turn around and saw that I had attracted a crowd. Holstein dairy calves. Hmm. Should I photo them in b&w or in color? For this shot I chose color. 
OK, that's probably enough. I know when I'm losing my audience. 
I will say that while I enjoy my modern Nikon gear, the vintage gear is every bit as fun and I love the classic look I get from it!
Kent in SD
