Clipped wings

[}{B]

Now Boarding.jpg

Spitfire.jpg

Leica M3 & 50mm Elmar, Ilford XP2 Super EI 800

The light levels in the museum were such that I had to use the lens fully open and then I only got about 1/50 sec. I was suprised how much depth of field I got at that aperture and once again XP2 really comes into its own with its outstanding exposure latitude.

[elansprint72]

I think that the bag o'bits PR Spit is just a bag o'bits; nobody in the museum can say why the radiation warning notice hangs on the cockpit, other than they had it in their collection and could not think where to stick it. However, the fuselage, MT847, does not seem to have clocked many air-miles, it was a proto with thicker skin than most,a was lying about at Cosford in the early 50's, who knows where since then. The wings? Hey!
Trying to take a decent photo in this former market is a bit of a challenge, dull days with a tripod maybe?

[stuny]

Howard -

Very nice framing, light, contrast, detail and tonal richness. Are the "people" mannequines and a dummy?

[elansprint72]

They are dummies, Stuart (unless they are trained to stand very still for a long time!).
The lighting in this hall comes through high level windows, and getting the exposure correct is difficult, due to the shafts of sunlight and large dark places, Howard has managed a good job here. It is a shame it is so difficult because there are so many good exhibits in a very tight space of course that, in itself, raises other issues.

The Dragon Rapide which the "ladies" are getting into is in very good condition, in fact, it looks serviceable.

[}{B]

Thanks for all your comments. I agree the lighting isn't easy as it can be too dark on cloudy days or as elansprint pointed out when the sun is shining there can be areas that are brightly lit next to areas that are much darker. I once asked one of the museum volunteer staff about the cockpit notice on a previous visit and was told that it was for 'Health & Safety' reasons as the gauges in the cockpit had radioactive luminous paint on them.

My main complaint is that the museum appear to use the aircraft hall as a dumping ground for all the other minor exhibits that they cannot find room for elsewhere. On this visit I found vintage cars and bicycles sharing space with the planes. At least they seem to have stopped jambing them under the wings of the aircraft as they had been doing.

[elansprint72]

Originally Posted by }{B

Thanks for all your comments. I agree the lighting isn't easy as it can be too dark on cloudy days or as elansprint pointed out when the sun is shining there can be areas that are brightly lit next to areas that are much darker. I once asked one of the museum volunteer staff about the cockpit notice on a previous visit and was told that it was for 'Health & Safety' reasons as the gauges in the cockpit had radioactive luminous paint on them.

My main complaint is that the museum appear to use the aircraft hall as a dumping ground for all the other minor exhibits that they cannot find room for elsewhere. On this visit I found vintage cars and bicycles sharing space with the planes. At least they seem to have stopped jambing them under the wings of the aircraft as they had been doing.

The cars and bikes have come over the road from the "steam hall" or whatever it is called now; all have a Manchester connection but I agree they are now in the wrong place. I asked one of the staff if he knew the value of the very early Rolls Royce, "probably about 50 grand" he replied, he was rather surprised when I put him right, a similar vintage one having sold for rather a lot not too long ago.