Auto-show experience ....

[leica ron]

Does anyone have experience with shooting at an Auto-show as a

visitor (as opposed to a professional gig) ?

 

I want to take the M6 but not a whole stack of lenses.

 

For those that have taken their rangefinders to an auto-show, which

lenses proved most useful and which didn't ?

 

I have a choice of 35mm, 50mm and 90mm all 'crons.

I plan to shoot Portra B&W or T400CN.

I don't have the intention of shooting great pictures of the cars

because it's tricky with so many people wandering about. So stick to

the 35mm and leave the 90mm at home ???

 

Any thought's would be appreciated ....

[dan_brown4]

I'd suggest a 24 or 21, the wider the better, and get close. I'd

shoot color, but B&W could be cool. Heck, in 2001 I shot a

NASCAR race in B&W, and that worked out OK.

[george_shihanian]

I've shot at a few as a spectator, and what Dan said is true. 35mm is not wide enough. You'll need to shoot from very close to the cars, because if you step back, 10 people will be in your shot hiding the car. It will get aggravating. With super wides, if you're not experienced, you may not have enough time to concentrate on your framing and you'll get distortion when you don't want it, altho a few distorted shots may be cool. Go with the widest lens that you can shoot straight, pun intended. Usually for most people taking grab shots, that'll be a 24mm. A 21 is not out of the question though.

[greg_smith4]

I did alot of vintage auto racing and cars. I just used Ilford black and white films with my 35mm lens and M7.<div></div>

[greg_smith4]

One more.<div></div>

[david k.]

Nice Healey!!!!

 

I shudder to think what that would be worth today.

[just eric]

Just shot a handful of pictures at the Chicago Auto show last week. I used my voigtlander r2 with tri-xand a 15mm heliar for most of my shots. My 35mm summicron was not wide enough. I also carried a 90 for shots of the "hosts". I'll try to post as soon as I finish changing computers over. Use as wide as you can because if you step back, someone is always in front of you.

 

Eric

[kevin m.]

Nice shots, Grady!

[greg_smith4]

I used a 35mm, but I think a 50mm would make things a little easier. I think the hardest part is making sure their is no reflection of you or other people in the cars.

[Spearhead]

You guys are going to the wrong car shows. <a href="http://www.carandmodel.com/featuredmodel/7.php">This</a> is the kind of car show to take your camera to.

[allen_quinn1]

Wonderful shots Grady. I prefer shooting with a 35 or my DR 50 for details. Never cared much for the wide angle view when dealing with stationary cars. Also, one has to be aware of reflections.

[stephen hazelton]

Depends on the show as to how much of a crowd. I've been to some outdoor classic car shows where you could reasonably take a picture of the cars with a longer lens. The problem on the classic cars is they invariably have the hoods up on the cars to show off the chrome underneath.

[erik_asgeirsson]

At least at the Detroit auto show, the only time I found use for anything longer than 50 was to take pictures of cars set far back from the crowds (say, the Ferarris, Aston Martins or more expensive cars). Otherwise, you can usually get close enough to touch the cars.

[jorn ake]

You call that a car? This is a car.<div></div>

[2yellowdogs]

You'll want to go as wide as you can, so given your choices, mount the 35mm and throw the 50mm in your bag.<div></div>

[2yellowdogs]

January Auto Show<div></div>

[2yellowdogs]

One more auto show shot<div></div>

[leica ron]

Thanks for the responses guys, it looks like I'll take all three lenses. Mount the 35mm with the 50mm in the bag.

 

I was tempted to leave the 90mm at home, but then Eric mentioned using it to shoot the 'hostesses' :-)

 

Thanks again,

Ron

 

p.s. lovely shots of the Austin Healey.