This is the second memo to prepare for revisiting the Tadami Line. I apologize in advance that it may not be helpful at all since it is a personal memo.
Equipment that was useful
-Lens
The HD DA16-50mm that I brought with me was not very useful, and I was really glad to have the smc DA*50-135mm, because I often wanted to use the focal length of 50-100mm (35mm equivalent: 75-150mm) with the K-3III. Also, for the bird’s eye view of the Aizu Basin from Futatanuma Forest Park, a telephoto lens of at least 300mm (35mm equivalent) is a must (I didn’t have a “cannon” so I used the HD DA55-300 PLM).
![リコー｜RICOH カメラレンズ HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE APS-C用 ブラック [ペンタックスK /ズームレンズ][HDDA55300RE]](https://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/biccamera/cabinet/product/2143/00000003355899_a01.jpg?_ex=128x128)
-PL Filter
Believing the teachings of a magazine article that PL filters not only deepen the blue of the sky, but are also useful under cloudy skies, I brought a filter matched each lens. Indeed, they were not flashy, but they did their job well. The PL filter helped to reduce the reflections on the surface of the Tadami River and calmed the subtle green tones of the mountain trees as they began to change color.
-Tripod
There are many situations in which you will be shooting early in the morning or under rainy/cloudy weather with limited light, so you will want to use a tripod as much as possible. Of course, there are some locations where it is not possible to set up a tripod.
-Sub camera
I experienced for the first time that once you start shooting landscapes with a tripod, it becomes difficult to take pictures around the area with the main camera. The GF10 came in handy as a sub-camera.
-Car Rental
Even though I don’t like to drive, I need a car to take pictures of the Tadami Line, which has three to six round trips a day. I rented a car at Aizu-Wakamatsu station because I did not want to drive from Tokyo. (One of the senior members who joined us on the way told us that he had replaced his minivan with a Jimny for the photo tour.)
-Rain gear
The main body of the human being was wearing a rainwear top and bottom almost all day long in order not to lose mobility in outdoor activities in stormy weather, assuming that the shooting equipment was splash-proof. The Mizuno StormSaver IV was a good buy considering the price/performance ratio.
What I wish I had
-Chair
I wish there was a chair to spend the long wait until the train arrives. I was envious of those who had prepared them:-) I would like to find an outdoor chair that is not bulky, lightweight, and easy to use.
-App.
I am a beginner not also as a photographer but as a railroad photographer, so I am going out to take pictures without really knowing anything about it. I am constantly asking senior photographers to teach me things. I learned about two must-have smartphone apps this time. I would like to use them to the best of my ability from this time on.
The first is “Dokotore,” which allows you to check real-time train operation information. With this app, even in the middle of nowhere, I can see if the next train is coming without delay and where it is running. The link below is for PC, but of course the smartphone version of the app is perfect too.
The other is “SCW”, a highly accurate weather forecasting app for landscape photographers.
It provides weather forecasts and cloud cover information for every 2 km square and every 30 minutes. For example, when the planned shooting location is whiteout in the clouds, it may help you decide whether to stick around or move to a new location.
-Umbrella for tripod
When shooting in the rain, even though the camera and lens are splash-proof, I am worried about being exposed to the rain while waiting, so I thought an umbrella and umbrella holder attached to the tripod would give me peace of mind. Actually I decided to wear rainwear and taped the umbrella to the tripod, but the tripod moved and I had to re-compose the shot.
That’s all for now. I’m not really sure if it’s a good idea to have a lot of things in my baggage. Because it’s a double-edged knife for me, a photographer who prefer to travel by train rather than by car.
